The People Behind the College
Zeriah & Craig Wessels
ZERIAH WESSELS — Founder & CEO
Africa’s first female Professional Hunter Director and
Instructor. Zeriah directs training across more than 200,000
acres of Limpopo conservation land — the same land where the
college breeds Sable, Kudu, Nyala and Buffalo — and wrote
curricula behind South African wildlife qualifications from
Professional Hunting and Tourist Guiding to Nature Guide Levels
2 and 4, Eco-Ranging and New Venture Creation. Her standard is
the college’s standard: “The bush doesn’t care about marketing
language. It cares whether you know your plants, your tracks,
your firearms, your legislation, and your responsibilities to
the animals and the land.”
CRAIG WESSELS — Co-founder & Director of Training
The hands-on engine of the college’s programmes. Craig is an
unrestricted Dangerous Game Professional Hunter, a SAQA-
registered Assessor and Moderator, and has guided and taught in
the field since 2008. He led the college through its CATHSSETA
and QCTO accreditations and built its field-based training
across 27 registered unit standards — bringing a qualified
millwright’s mind to the bushveld: if it can be measured,
maintained or made safer, he will. Students meet him where the
real learning happens: on foot, in the field.
Our Mission
At Limpopo Wildlife Eco College, our mission is to deliver high-quality education that fosters leadership in conservation, safety, and eco-tourism. We are dedicated to:
- Empowering Future Conservation Leaders: Training competent and responsible wildlife guides who are equipped to promote conservation and responsible tourism.
- Promoting Sustainable Practices: Instilling a deep commitment to sustainability and conservation in every learner.
- Ensuring Safety and Responsibility: Emphasizing safety, risk management, and ethical wildlife interaction as the foundation of all our programs.
Our Values
- Conservation and Sustainability: We are dedicated to protecting our natural resources and teaching practices that promote environmental sustainability.
- Excellence in Education: We provide top-notch, practical training delivered by industry experts.
- Respect for Nature and People: We emphasize the importance of ethical conduct, respect for wildlife, and cultural sensitivity in all guiding practices.
- Safety and Preparedness: We uphold the highest safety standards, ensuring all our learners are prepared to handle the complexities of guiding in the wild.
Our Credentials
- Accredited by Nature Conservation, CATHSSETA, and QCTO:
Our programs are fully accredited and meet the highest standards of quality and industry relevance. Graduates receive qualifications recognized and valued across the wildlife and tourism sectors. - Over 30 Years of Experience in the Guiding and Touring Industry:
With three decades of expertise, we have successfully trained hundreds of professionals who are thriving in tourism, wildlife guiding, and cultural heritage roles. - Acknowledged Across All 9 Provinces:
We are proud to be recognized across South Africa’s nine provinces, creating career opportunities for our graduates nationwide. Our reputation ensures that our alumni are respected and sought after across the country. - Accreditation Number with Department of Economic Development, Environment & Tourism:
CPM35616 – We are officially accredited by the relevant authorities, providing assurance that our qualifications are recognized, credible, and industry-relevant.
OUR CAMPUS AND TRAINING GROUNDS
Located in a diverse ecological region, Limpopo Wildlife Eco College offers exceptional training grounds that include:
Game Reserves and Wildlife Sanctuaries:
Field training in real-world environments where learners can observe and engage with wildlife under the guidance of experienced instructors.
Modern Classrooms:
Well-equipped classrooms that provide the ideal setting for theoretical learning and knowledge acquisition.
Conservation Projects:
Opportunities to participate in active conservation efforts, such as habitat restoration, wildlife monitoring, and community education.
OUR INSTRUCTORS AND STAFF
Our instructors are among the best in the industry, bringing years of field experience and a passion for conservation. Our team includes:
- Expert Wildlife Guides: Professionals with extensive expertise in guiding, risk management, and animal behavior.
- Conservation Scientists: Specialists dedicated to teaching sustainable practices and the importance of protecting biodiversity.
- Support Staff: A dedicated support team ready to assist you with academic, emotional, and logistical needs throughout your journey.
WHAT SETS US APART
- Hands-On Training: We emphasize field-based learning, giving you real-world experience in tracking, wildlife interaction, and safety protocols.
- Industry Recognition: Our graduates are known for their competence and professionalism, making them highly desirable in the eco-tourism and wildlife sectors.
- Commitment to Safety and Ethics: Safety and ethical conduct are at the core of everything we teach, preparing you to guide responsibly in high-risk environments.
- Community Engagement and Impact: We actively involve learners in conservation and education projects that benefit local communities and promote sustainable tourism.
JOIN OUR COMMUNITY
When you choose Limpopo Wildlife Eco College, you become part of a passionate community of conservationists and wildlife professionals. Our supportive and inspiring environment will help you grow, develop your skills, and make a meaningful contribution to wildlife conservation and eco-tourism.
We are excited to be part of your journey and look forward to helping you achieve your career aspirations as a certified Dangerous Game Guide. Welcome to Limpopo Wildlife Eco College!