COMMUNITY CHILDREN JOIN CONSERVATION WEEKENDS AT UKUWELA!
This month, excitement filled the air as we welcomed two groups of local Zulu children to the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve for unforgettable days of wildlife discovery and conservation! Read more about their visits in our latest blog below.
A SPECIAL FIRST VISIT FOR THE CHILDREN OF OUR GREEN MAMBAS
This month we were thrilled to welcome the first group of Green Mambas’ children — 19 kids aged 11 to 13 — to the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve. For many, it was their first time exploring the wild spaces where their parents work daily. What was once just a story about “their parents’ workplace” in nature, suddenly came alive with vibrant colors, fascinating creatures, and the endless wonders of nature.
Climbing onto our two safari vehicles, the kids’ excitement was so great some had even forgotten to eat breakfast! Thankfully, our Community Conservation Manager, Aphiwe, had prepared snacks, and soon the group was ready to begin…with full tummies and now able to concentrate on spotting wildlife! Giggling with excitement, the kids were guided in Zulu by of Paul (our Research Program Coordinator) and Siya (our Head Ranger and Assistant Reserve Manager). Jenny, our new Community Education Intern, jumped on board too, to help field the many curious questions from the excited kids.
Ready to go and spot wildlife!
Wildlife can be hard to spot, but the day was perfect. The kids were thrilled to be able to spot all the favorites that call Ukuwela home: our resident giraffe, zebras, impalas and wildebeest. Binoculars added a fun twist, with the kids zooming in to spot hippos and crocodiles hidden in the river. For most, this was the first time seeing these animals in real life, despite the reserve being just across the river from the Mduku community.
Before the drive, Siya asked if the children knew what a giraffe is, and many said they’d never seen this funny animal that is taller than a tree! The kids loved how big giraffe are with their long necks, and also the zebra and their beautiful stripes and patterns.
“The kids were so excited to learn about and see our wildlife,” said Siya. He shared stories about giraffes, zebras, and the cooperation between species in the wild. Siya is not only a great teacher but a fantastic role model for these children, some who might want to grow up to be a ranger one day too.
This experience highlights a key aim of our nature education program: equitable access to nature. In rural South Africa, many children grow up without opportunities to visit reserves or fully appreciate the country’s wildlife. Our mission is to bring nature into children’s hearts by opening our gates, inspiring lasting connections through visits, classroom programs, and summer camps.
Paul putting his isiZulu skills to the test…guiding in 100% Zulu!
A WOMEN’S DAY CELEBRATION WITH THE ZULU MAIDENS
On Women’s Day, we warmly welcomed a second group of children, Izintombi zakwaMakhasa - the Zulu Maidens. This group of 17 girls aged 5 to 14, play a significant role in preserving and promoting Zulu traditions and cultural values. They participate in events like the Umkhosi Womhlanga (Reed Dance Festival), which celebrates their purity, heritage, and unity.
Their day out in nature included a visit to our unique and endangered sand forest, specific to our region, and learnt about the role of the our strong all-woman Green Mambas ecosystem restoration team, who are working to bring the forest back to health. The girls loved the bee hives, commenting on how nice the honey must be, and were very interested to learn about the hippo and crocodiles they could see from the riverbank.
TRACKING WAS THE FAVORITE ACTIVITY!
Across both visits, the highlight for the children was tracking wildlife. They loved identifying the tracks of animals—from small servals to a leopard that had passed the night before! It was an exciting way to connect with nature and learn about wildlife.
The visits offered a powerful lesson: conservation isn’t just about animals—it’s about protecting ecosystems, restoring habitats, and safeguarding biodiversity for future generations. The kids witnessed the dedication of rangers and Green Mambas, many of whom are their parents, aunts and uncles, working tirelessly to care for Ukuwela’s wildlife and wild spaces.
What track is that?
The biggest of our wild cats - the leopard!
A DEEPER CONNECTION TO NATURE
Through these experiences, children learned how ecosystems are interconnected: wetlands provide breeding grounds for fish, frogs, and birds; transformed pineapple fields now host giraffes; and invasive plants are removed to restore natural habitats.
Thobekile, the confident and bubbly leader of our Green Mambas, introduces her 12-year-old son Okuhle and his friends to their work planting trees in the endangered sand forest.
By welcoming local children to our reserve for educational activities in nature, we hope to inspire the next generation of conservationists and create lifelong connections with South Africa’s extraordinary wildlife. Thobekile on our Green Mambas team told us that her 11-year old daughter had been waiting patiently to be allowed to visit Wild Tomorrow. “She had the biggest smile the entire time” said Aphiwe. “Her mom was also very happy, and she encourages her daughter to study hard and hopefully be the first one to complete matric (graduate from high school)”.
LOOKING FORWARD
These visits were highlights of our year, leaving lasting impressions and nurturing the future stewards of our planet’s biodiversity. In rural South Africa, many children have never seen an elephant, rhino, or giraffe. Together, we can change that. By supporting Wild Tomorrow’s Education Fund, you help us provide these life-changing experiences, building stepping stones for the conservationists of tomorrow.
Jenny aboard the spotter’s chair!