May 2026 at Kukama Wildlife College: Growth, Learning & Conservation

May 2026 Edition | 19 Months Into This Chapter

KUKAMA NEWSLETTER

Where learning meets the rhythm of the bush.

A Quick Hello from Kukama

There’s been plenty happening out here lately, and as always, the reserve continues to grow, shift, and surprise us in the best ways. Between students, projects, wildlife, and daily life on the reserve, things have been wonderfully busy — exactly the way we like it.

Sustainability Taking Shape

Sustainability has always been part of life at Kukama and Olienhout Game Reserve, but lately it’s been incredibly rewarding to see some of these projects really start taking shape.

Our worm farm is thriving, the veggie garden has been producing beautifully, and we’ve already harvested plenty of winter vegetables — especially carrots.

We’ve also recently started a bokashi bin system. Bokashi is a composting method that uses food waste and natural fermentation to create nutrient-rich compost for the soil. It’s a small but meaningful step in reducing waste and giving back to the land around us.

These projects may seem simple, but they form part of the bigger picture — creating a more sustainable future for both the reserve and the people learning within it.

The “Lekotokos”

Our March intake, better known as the Lekotokos — named after the Tswana word linked to a Meerkat — truly left their mark on Kukama.

Like Meerkats, they brought energy, curiosity, teamwork, and plenty of personality to the reserve. Watching their journey unfold was something special, and honestly… we’re already missing them around camp.

We also recently welcomed back a few of our January students for reassessments, and it was great seeing familiar faces again. One of the best parts of Kukama is knowing that once students become part of the journey, they always remain part of the family.

Looking Ahead

Our June intake begins on 1 June 2026, and we’re excited to meet a whole new group of students and see what they bring to the reserve.

Every student who enrols at Kukama contributes directly to the bigger purpose of Olienhout Game Reserve — the continued growth, restoration, and rewilding of this landscape. For that, we remain incredibly grateful.

Our final intake for the year begins on 14 August 2026, with limited spaces available.

Research & Monitoring Course — November 2026

Following a successful Research & Monitoring Course last year, we’re excited to once again offer the course in November 2026.

This course is ideal for anyone wanting to deepen their understanding of wildlife, conservation, and the practical side of field data collection.

For students entering the industry, it provides valuable hands-on exposure to tracking wildlife movements, monitoring animal behaviour, collecting field data, and understanding the role research plays in conservation management.

For qualified guides already working in the industry, it offers an opportunity to strengthen existing knowledge and develop additional skills that add value within lodges, reserves, and conservation environments.

As the industry continues to evolve, understanding research and monitoring is becoming increasingly important — and we’re proud to offer a course that helps bridge that gap between guiding, conservation, and real-world field experience.

Until Next Time

As always, thank you for following the Kukama journey and supporting what we do out here.

Whether you’ve studied with us, partnered with us, followed along online, or simply encouraged the vision from afar — you are part of this story too.

From all of us at Kukama Wildlife College and Olienhout Game Reserve, thank you for walking this journey with us.

Upcoming Kukama Wildlife College Intakes

On more intake for 2026, then we move on to 2027:

Spaces are limited, and demand continues to grow.

If you’ve been thinking about joining Kukama Wildlife College, now is the time to take that first step.

Stay Connected

Follow our stories, student journeys, and wildlife updates:

With Gratitude

We are ready for the year ahead and all the opportunities it will bring. Thank you for being part of our journey and for supporting Kukama Wildlife College as we continue to grow.

Wild regards,
The Kukama Team