Welcome to our Kids to Bush program
2014 started off with a bang here in Botswana.
We hosted our first 2014 “Kids to Bush” program in January with 18 children from Bana Ba Letsatsi, a refuge for vulnerable children, based in Maun.
Sponsored by Theda Knyphausen we embarked on a weekend adventure to Moremi Game Reserve with the support of the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP).
We hosted our first 2014 “Kids to Bush” program in January with 18 children from Bana Ba Letsatsi, a refuge for vulnerable children, based in Maun.
Sponsored by Theda Knyphausen we embarked on a weekend adventure to Moremi Game Reserve with the support of the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP).
Praying for the rain to stay away, we quickly set up camp before the afternoon game drive through Black Pools. Not expecting to see much due to the lush tall grasses of our very wet summer, Steve and Ofentse (the guides) were surprised to spot two male cheetahs stalking baby Wildebeest on the afternoon drive. One Cheetah carried a GPS collar as part of the Large Predator research program in the area and a perfect way to illustrate to the kids the importance of conservation.
Next morning after a hardy breakfast they again ventured out to see what treasures they could find. Learning about white backed vultures and Lilac breasted rollers, each child kept a detailed diary of the days events with their own species lists desperate to tick of a second predator as well as the various birds we saw along the way. Whilst having tea a watchful Hippo snorted and grunted at us and this gave the children an opportunity to see what we are trying to protect - their heritage as well as a global one. The breathing space so many of us crave from everyday life is just on their doorstep… and it’s theirs to protect.
Hoping their luck would change for the afternoon drive plus the added task of learning and drawing the various tracks from our tea break, we got a tip off of a very relaxed African Wild dog (Painted Wolf) resting by one of the many water holes filled by recent rains.
Hoping their luck would change for the afternoon drive plus the added task of learning and drawing the various tracks from our tea break, we got a tip off of a very relaxed African Wild dog (Painted Wolf) resting by one of the many water holes filled by recent rains.
One turned into two, then 5 and finally the count was 15! Adults and pups, squeaking with their distinctive greeting and regurgitating prompted many more questions.
Ofentse explained in Setswana the challenges wild dogs face as well the plans to protect this critically endangered species.
The dogs pushed into a belt of dense Mophane trees to rest before the evening hunt.
As time ticked away, the kids desperately wanted to wait and see if the dogs returned for a drink at the pan but as dusk slowly changed the cloudy white sky into its rich canvas of reds and oranges, we said goodbye to the chance of seeing the dogs again.
Ofentse explained in Setswana the challenges wild dogs face as well the plans to protect this critically endangered species.
The dogs pushed into a belt of dense Mophane trees to rest before the evening hunt.
As time ticked away, the kids desperately wanted to wait and see if the dogs returned for a drink at the pan but as dusk slowly changed the cloudy white sky into its rich canvas of reds and oranges, we said goodbye to the chance of seeing the dogs again.
“NO! We want to stay another day!”
The next morning with dragging feet everyone helped strike the camp ready to be packed away when suddenly after breakfast a couple of the children spotted "a dog" running through the adjacent campsite and up a cut line next to our cars!
Here is where photography is our most powerful tool in the bush. It can inspire and change with just a simple click of a button. To watch these children play so excitedly with these powerful machines was inspiring. Seeing the world through a lens and capturing that "ultimate" shot became the game and the kids were winning.
Here is where photography is our most powerful tool in the bush. It can inspire and change with just a simple click of a button. To watch these children play so excitedly with these powerful machines was inspiring. Seeing the world through a lens and capturing that "ultimate" shot became the game and the kids were winning.
Excited, all of us watch as the pack reformed and relaxed, just under 100m away from our cozy little site. Seeing those amazing agile creatures on foot and within such a remarkable distance was truly awesome. But it wasn’t over yet. A second pack came charging through causing chaos as the packs interacted briefly and dispersed in opposite directions. A rare sighting indeed!
We’ll never be able to capture the majesty of that moment and an unforgettable weekend!! Hopefully the displayed images will offer some insight into what we are trying to achieve here in Botswana.
All we can say is THANK YOU to all who made our first 2014 Kids to Bush Program such a success.
Theda Knyphausen (Sponsor), Ofentse Legase (CfC Educational Officer), DWNP Outreach program, Jonah Mbwe (Chef), Steven Stockhall (CfC Founder), Earth Ark Safaris (Equipment & Cars), Swampland Safaris (Trailer), Onks & Nfo (Chaperones), Robyn Currell (Co-ordinator) and of course our new friends from Bana Ba Letsatsi.
All we can say is THANK YOU to all who made our first 2014 Kids to Bush Program such a success.
Theda Knyphausen (Sponsor), Ofentse Legase (CfC Educational Officer), DWNP Outreach program, Jonah Mbwe (Chef), Steven Stockhall (CfC Founder), Earth Ark Safaris (Equipment & Cars), Swampland Safaris (Trailer), Onks & Nfo (Chaperones), Robyn Currell (Co-ordinator) and of course our new friends from Bana Ba Letsatsi.
To sponsor our next trip, to donate cameras or sponsor our annual competition contact us at [email protected] or [email protected] or look at our How you can help page