A Month of Becoming – October at Kukama

October has been an incredibly meaningful and energetic month on campus, and it has been a privilege to watch this group grow — not only in skill, but in confidence, curiosity, and heart.

The month started with arrivals, uniforms, and kit allocations — that exciting moment when students stop preparing to begin and actually step into their new journey as future custodians of nature.

Our First FGASA Intake

The Kukama project began in 2024, and what a journey it has been since then. Now, one year later, on 7 October 2025, we celebrate another incredible milestone – the launch of our very first FGASA-endorsed course intake.

This achievement has only been possible thanks to our wonderful marketing team, our dedicated staff, and the round-the-clock commitment of everyone involved. Each person has played a vital role in bringing this vision to life, and we are so grateful for the passion and perseverance behind the scenes.

Looking ahead, our next FGASA student intakes are lined up for January and March 2026, and we cannot wait to welcome more young conservationists to Kukama.

Becoming Pangolin Guardians

A special highlight was introducing our students to the Pangolin.com course. This is the first step in becoming certified Pangolin Guardians, and it has already deepened their awareness of threatened species and their role in protecting them. Pangolins are one of Africa’s most endangered mammals — and sadly the most trafficked animal in the world. Because they are gentle and shy, they have no natural defence against poaching, making conservation through education and awareness essential.

Field Safety & Survival Skills

This month included essential training in:

• First Aid
• Basic Firefighting
• Snake Handling

These core components build a foundation of responsibility — for personal safety, guest safety, and ethical environmental care.

Living the Bush Experience

Some lessons can only happen out in nature itself.

This month students:

• slept out under the stars;
• made traditional stokbrood – dough cooked slowly over the coals on a stick, a true outdoor heritage food;
• practiced storytelling as a communication skill;
• completed maintenance training by building a bat box, supporting natural habitat on campus.

A Small but Special Bush Moment – the Hedgehog🦔

We also had a special visitor this month — a South African hedgehog that had been found in a built-up area and brought to us for rescue. After confirming with the Kalahari Wildlife Project rehabilitation centre that it was wild and healthy, we made a temporary enclosure for him here at Kukama so he could safely adjust to his new surroundings. After two days of acclimatisation, he was released back into the bush on our property.

It was a beautiful reminder that conservation isn’t always about big rescues — sometimes it’s the small lives, quietly protected, that teach the truest form of guardianship.

Learning Through Culture

A big part of guiding in Southern Africa is learning from the people who call this land home. Our students spent time with the local community, learning how things are done the traditional way — not from a book, but around the fire, through conversation and hands-on experience. It’s a reminder that sustainability includes people too — their history, their traditions, and their connection to the land.

FGASA on Campus

We were privileged to host The Field Guides Association of Southern Africa (FGASA) on campus this month. FGASA is the professional body that sets the benchmark for guiding standards in the region, and it is ultimately who our students will qualify through. This visit helped them see that what they are learning now is already aligned with the expectations of the industry they are stepping into — making their future careers feel tangible and within reach.

Hospitality in the Bush

Hospitality is an important part of guiding, because the guest experience starts long before the game drive. This month students practiced:

• preparing and hosting meals;
• learning bushveld guest etiquette;
• and a favourite among the group – folding an elephant towel as a warm welcome on guests’ beds.

A Month of Becoming

Watching this group take their first big steps has been incredibly rewarding. They are not only gaining knowledge — they are developing presence, discipline, humility and a deep respect for the privilege of guiding.

And this is still only the beginning.

Reflections from Christiaan & Nikki

What has stood out for us this month is how quickly this new group has begun to settle, not only into college life, but into the identity of becoming future custodians of nature. You can already see the shift from learning content to taking ownership — noticing more, asking deeper questions and showing a sincere care for the land. It is a privilege to walk alongside them at this early stage of their journey. This is why Kukama exists — not just to train guides, but to shape guardians.

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2026 Enrolments Are Open

If you know a young person who feels called to nature, conservation or guiding, applications for our 2026 intake are now open. Campus visits, course details and enrolment assistance are available online.

With Gratitude

Thank you for being part of this journey with us. Your support and belief in what we are building at Kukama makes a real difference — not only to the college, but to every young person stepping forward to become a custodian of nature. We are deeply grateful.

Warm regards,
Christiaan & Nikki