African Bush Camps Foundation is cultivating future conservation leaders in Botswana’s remote Khwai region through its Junior Ranger Program, giving children practical, hands-on experience in caring for nature.
Connecting Classrooms with Conservation
Launched in July 2024, the Foundation’s Junior Ranger Program now includes 50 learners from Khwai Primary School who meet twice a week with African Bush Camps (ABC) staff and local teachers. Together, they explore topics such as wildlife conservation, soil erosion, waste management, and biodiversity, combining classroom learning with real-world activities.
Since the Junior Ranger Program began, more than 500 students have taken part in the Foundation’s environmental projects, including tree planting, recycling art workshops, and contributions to a youth environmental magazine. In June 2025, 69 Junior Rangers proudly represented Khwai at the Maun Environmental Education Conference, where they shared their own sustainability ideas.
Junior Rangers in Action at Khwai Leadwood
On 31 October 2025, 25 students joined African Bush Camps Foundation at Khwai Leadwood for a full day of hands-on conservation learning. The day began with a warm welcome from ABC Founder Beks Ndlovu, followed by talks from Head Guide Dutch and the safari team on what it means to be a ranger or guide and why their work matters for wildlife and communities. The students then received Junior Ranger kits, including hats, shirts, wildlife booklets, and Ngwana Club packs, before heading out on a game drive. Guided by ABC’s professional team, they practiced wildlife spotting, tracking, and basic field skills while exploring the bush. After returning to camp for lunch, each student received a certificate for participating. The top five essays – submitted beforehand on what being a ranger or guide means to their community – were awarded prizes. The overall winner received a pair of National Geographic binoculars, a symbol of a clear vision for the future of conservation.
The day concluded with the students driven safely home, inspired, and with a stronger connection to Botswana’s wildlife and the role they can play in conserving it. Botswana-based documentary photographer Kefilwe (Fifi) Monosi, known for her ability to tell authentic stories, was flown in by African Bush Camps to document the experience. Her work focuses on amplifying the voices of marginalized communities and celebrating the strength of women and children.
“The Junior Rangers Program is already changing how young people in Khwai see their environment,” said Selly Kegakamang, Botswana Country Lead, African Bush Camps Foundation. “They’re more confident, more curious, and more hopeful, and that’s exactly the kind of impact we want to create”.
Looking Ahead to Grow the Movement In the future, the Foundation plans to:
- Maintain the Junior Ranger Program in Khwai and broaden environmental education across ABCF schools, introducing Coaching Conservation to five primary schools in Chobe Enclave Conservation Trust (CECT) in 2026
- Work with local education and conservation partners to adopt and deliver established environmental education curriculum and programs
- Measure the program’s impact on environmental awareness and behavior in Khwai
- Build pathways for young people to pursue careers in guiding, conservation, and environmental management
“The children of Khwai are the future guardians of Botswana’s wildlife and landscapes,” said Ndlovu. “By giving them the tools, knowledge, and inspiration today, we are ensuring that tomorrow’s conservation efforts are led by the people who call this land home.”
