Following the tracks: discovering a new passion in the African bush

This blog was written by Chante Broodryki, a Bushwise Professional Safari Guide student. Each student takes a turn as camp manager, and writing a blog is part of the experience.

I never expected animal tracking to capture my interest the way it did. What started as a casual curiosity quickly turned into a deep appreciation for the stories written in footprints, scratch marks, and feeding signs left behind in the wild.

Over two immersive weeks, we covered track and sign, trailing, and even human tracking as part of our Bushwise field guide training. At first, I didn’t think much of it – just footprints in the sand. But as we began to study and interpret these signs more closely, a whole new world opened up. I found myself fascinated by the details: which animal had passed by, how fast it was moving, what direction it was heading – and why.

During the first week, we spent hours analysing the tiny details within a single print. I quickly realised that tracking is about more than just footprints. Rubbing against trees, scratch marks on the ground, bite marks, and even the way the grass is bent – all of it contributes to a larger picture. It tells a story. Learning how to read that story gave me a new lens through which to see the bush. I became eager to learn more every day.

In the second week, we travelled to Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre for a practical trailing experience. This is where it all clicked. Walking through the bush for kilometres on foot, following the path of an animal, changed everything. Suddenly, I had to think like the animal and imagine what it would do next and why. The awareness it gave me of my surroundings was profound. Being on foot in the wilderness is completely different from viewing it from a vehicle. Every sound becomes significant. Every movement feels meaningful.

Trailing tracks was more challenging than I expected. It’s incredibly easy to lose the spoor, especially in thick terrain. But with more practice, it becomes a little easier to read the landscape. Even experienced trackers lose the trail sometimes, but finding it again gives you an incredible rush – an adrenaline spike that keeps you motivated and focused.

Alongside animal tracking, we also learnt about human tracking, which I found equally fascinating. Just by studying footprints, you can determine where a person was looking, if they were rushing or strolling, what shoes they wore, and even estimate their height. It was mind-blowing to see how much detail the human eye can interpret from a simple track when trained to do so.

One of the highlights of this experience was working alongside K9 tracking dogs. Watching them in action and seeing how their instincts and human handlers work together was an unforgettable experience. There’s something special about having a four-legged partner with you in the bush.

For me, this journey into the world of tracking wasn’t the end, but just the beginning. It’s changed how I experience the wild and even how I see the world around me in everyday life. I now notice the finer details, the things most people overlook. Being at Bushwise, I truly feel like I’m following the tracks to success, and I’m walking the right path.

Curious about life as a field guide and the skills that bring you closer to nature? Discover Bushwise wildlife courses and take your first steps into the wild.