Eco-tourism in South Africa is expected to see a boost after a new programme has trained up a group of guides to help tourists enjoy the country's wildlife.

A team of 17 students have now graduated from the BirdLife South Africa entrepreneurial programme where they learn about birds native to the country.

This knowledge is then used to escort travellers interested in birds and other wildlife as they holiday in South Africa.

The group is the first to have taken part in the birdwatching course, which will help visitors spot and identify a number of species.

Speaking to SouthAfrica.info, Priya Vallabh of BirdLife South Africa said: "Avi-tourism is becoming the second fastest-growing outdoor activity in the world."

David Letsoalo, one of the new guides, said: "I am passionate about being a bird guide, my dream is to study further and expand my birding expertise to be able to take tours to different parts of the country."

As well as 900 different species of bird, South Africa is also home to a host of other wild animals, many of which can be found in the famous Kruger National Park.

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