Frequently Asked Questions
Are SWTI classes for beginner, or for experienced trackers?
Both! No matter where you are in your tracking journey, we know how to structure our field time to meet you where you are, and build your skills. If you're totally new to tracking, we'll start with the basics, and make sure you understand them before we move on. And If you're a seasoned veteran looking to refine your understanding of gaits, foot morphology, or animal behavior, we can do that too. Each tracking story we encounter on the landscape presents an opportunity to work on our foundational skills, dig deep into the advanced details, and everything in between. Our instructors are experienced in working with groups of different skill levels, and we can tailor how we frame our field time to make sure you get what you came for.
What is tracking?
Tracking is an ancient skillset. All human cultures have trackers in their past, and tracking may well have been a primary evolutionary force in shaping our higher thinking skills. At SWTI, we teach tracking according to the CyberTracker lineage. This system was developed in Southern Africa, and we think it's the best way to learn this uniquely human way of looking at the world. In the CyberTracker system, tracking is divided into two overlapping, but distinct, skills—Track & Sign ID, and Trailing. Track & Sign ID is about identification and interpretation of animal tracks, feeding sign, scent communication, beds, etc—any marks, scat, or disturbances that an animal leaves behind. Trailing is about following and finding—locating a set of fresh tracks, and following the trail until you find the animal. SWTI courses primarily focus on Track & Sign ID, but we may do some Trailing if field conditions are right.
CyberTracker? Does that take place online?
Definitely not—CyberTracker is 100% in the field. The name "CyberTracker" has a wonderful origin story—born from a unique partnership between indigenous South African trackers and scientists. The indigenous tracking community needed a mechanism to determine who were the best trackers to secure better employment as tracking guides in order to preserve their ancient culture of tracking. Researchers and scientists were looking for a standardized process to gather accurate data about large animals in the Kalahari desert. They collaborated on a hand-held GPS program tethered to Palm Pilots that allowed illiterate trackers to log data in the field. That program was initially called CyberTracker - and the name stuck.
In 2024, the Smithsonian Magazine published a feature article about CyberTracker and the certification process. It's a good read and a great overview of the history and process.
What is a CyberTracker certification?
As indigenous South African trackers began to work for big game researchers and game preserves guiding hunters and safari tourists, it became necessary to assess tracking skills to know how accurate an individual's data was - so an assessment program was designed and implemented. Since word CyberTracker referred to the portable GPS/Palm Pilot program, the certification/assessment became known as the CyberTracker certification.
Since then, Cybertracker has spread across the globe, and along the way, we have realized that the assessment format is a powerful teaching tool. CyberTracker certifications are offered in North America by the hosting organization Tracker Certification North America (TCNA). In North America, the certifications are used to train researchers, conservation professionals, field biologists and the general public. SWTI does not offer official CyberTracker certifications, but we train trackers in that style, and can help you navigate your first certification, or improve your score if you've already taken one.
How do your weekend logistics work?
Each of our programs, whether it's a single stand-alone weekend program, or one of 5-month Tracking Intensives, is field-based. We go where the best tracking is. We're always within an hour of a town with amenities—hotels, grocery stores, AirBnBs, gas stations, etc—but you may want to camp closer to our field location. There will likely be pay campsites with bathrooms as well as primitive BLM free camping close to our field locations. The locations for our weekends are posted on the course description pages. Upon registration, you'll receive an information packet with more details about precise locations, camping options, etc. We are often centered around a campsite where a number of participants stay, and this serves as our hub—but it's fine if you choose to stay in a hotel or AirBnB.
What happens if it's hot/cold/rainy/windy out?
We'll be in the field all day, in (almost) any weather conditions. You'll want to check the weather forecast before you come, and bring the proper gear. The only time we'll alter field time is for truly dangerous weather conditions, in which case we'll either find a new location with better weather, or switch to an indoor, classroom-based format for the day. Unfortunately, due to the difficulty of coordinating many different schedules, it's not possible to schedule rain dates.
What about food and lodging?
You will book your own lodging with accommodations that best suit your lifestyle. Likewise, you'll want to bring enough snacks, water and food for an entire day in the field. We have suggestions for each of our field locations on our Accommodations page.
Other questions?
Please reach out with any other questions—you can contact us here