A Season of Growth 🌱

This month feels incredibly special to us. Every day we watch Kukama grow stronger, and we cannot help but feel proud of how far we’ve come. With new students, exciting partnerships, and sustainability projects coming to life, it feels like everything is finally coming together.

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.

A Forever Home for Giraffe 🦒

One of the most moving moments this month was the arrival of giraffe who have found their forever home here at Kukama. Watching them settle into our land has been a reminder of why conservation matters – it’s not just about learning, but about creating safe, thriving spaces for wildlife.

Our New Student Kit 🎒

We are proud to share our brand-new student kit – practical, durable, and designed to equip our learners for every adventure, from research to reserve work. Seeing our students put it on for the first time was such a proud moment for us.

Field Research & Practical Success

Our recent field research project was a resounding success, and we’ve already set a new date for 2026. These projects not only grow our knowledge but also give students invaluable practical exposure to conservation in action.

Capturing Nature on Camera 📸

Our trap cameras never fail to surprise us! This month, we had some wonderful sightings that gave students firsthand lessons in observation and species behaviour. Every capture brings the wild a little closer and makes the learning experience even more real.

Growing Sustainability 🌿

Sustainability starts small – and this month our students built their very own veggie garden. From planting seeds to tending the soil, they are learning self-sufficiency, conservation, and the importance of caring for the land. We are also integrating eco-friendly practices, like using glass bottles and minimising waste, in everything we do.

Building Strong Partnerships

We are thrilled to announce our collaboration with Maloba Game Reserve. This FGASA-endorsed partnership is a huge step forward – our students will now spend 2 weeks of their 9-week course at Maloba, gaining exposure to diverse species and real-world conservation practices.

 And just down the road, the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park continues to inspire us. Its vast landscapes and iconic wildlife provide unforgettable learning opportunities that stay with our students long after their visit.

Spring at Kukama 🌸

With the warmer weather, our campus has burst into colour. The spring season has brought fresh energy, perfect for our new intakes, our sustainability projects, and the exciting wildlife moments we are experiencing every day.

In Closing 

As we share these updates, our hearts are full. Each intake, each project, and each success brings us closer to the dream we had for Kukama. It is an honour to witness these moments and to share them with all of you who believe in our journey.

Warm regards,
Christiaan & Nikki