Inspiring the Next Generation of Conservation Leaders in Botswana 

The Junior Ranger Program connects learners with the natural world through conservation education, hands-on learning, and environmental stewardship. Complemented by the Aflatoun Program, which develops social, financial, and life skills, it nurtures curiosity, leadership, and confidence, inspiring learners to care for the landscapes and communities they call home.

The African Bush Camps Foundation proudly supports the implementation of both the Junior Ranger and Aflatoun Programs at Khwai Primary School. Through weekly classroom sessions, learners explore conservation, leadership, and responsible environmental practices while developing the knowledge and skills to become future custodians of Botswana’s natural heritage.

In 2025, the programs engaged 55 learners through 30 sessions, achieving an outstanding 100% attendance rate.

Building on this strong educational foundation, the African Bush Camps Foundation developed the Junior Guides Training, an immersive extension of the classroom experience that takes learners into the bush to apply their knowledge alongside professional safari guides.

The Junior Ranger Program was introduced to Botswana by the Knyphausen Foundation in 2017 and brought to Khwai Primary School by Re Jala Peo in partnership with the African Bush Camps Foundation in 2024. Today, Re Jala Peo delivers both the Junior Ranger and Aflatoun Programs, while the African Bush Camps Foundation continues to fund and support their implementation, creating meaningful opportunities for learners to grow, lead, and connect with the natural world.

Long-term goals of the program include:

• Expanding the model to other communities where ABCF operates.

• Strengthening partnerships with conservation and education authorities to formalize a Junior Ranger curriculum.

• Encouraging pathways for participants to pursue future careers in conservation, guiding, or environmental management which will enhance our “Co-exist” pillar of ABCFs impact goals.

• Measuring behavioural and attitudinal change towards wildlife and environmental stewardship among learners over time.

Junior Guides Training 2025

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.”