Conservation, community and the art of photography
Koru Camp was delighted to host Wild Shots Outreach for their 5-day photography course in December 2023. Alongside 8 eager students, the team conducted daily lessons in the mechanics and modes of a camera as well as the use of light, framing, depth of field and shutter speed to create the perfect picture. Each morning and afternoon, they ventured out on game drives with guide Joel to put their skills into practice and, thanks to Wild Shots leaders Rifumo and Bright, the students could analyse their best shots and learn a little about what it takes to become a professional photographer.
Dineo’s Calling: Preserving Nature’s Beauty!
Born from a love of conservation and a desire to empower local communities into helping to protect our collective wildlife and natural heritage, Koru Camp’s values are embedded in passion and people. And, if there is one person that embodies everything we are about, it has to be our incredible Camp Manager, Dineo. Everyone that has visited Koru Camp can’t help but love her ever-smiling and positive attitude as well as her ability to ensure the camp is always in tip top condition. For those of you that haven’t had the pleasure of joining us yet, let’s dig a little deeper into what makes Dineo tick…
Plant powered cooking at Koru
Run by our modest and kind-hearted chef, Tinyiko, the Koru Camp kitchen is not only a source of delicious, home-cooked meals but it is also doing its part for conservation with its meat-conscious ethos. By reducing the amount of meat consumed during our camps, we are able to lower our carbon footprint and reduce our impact towards climate change. Not only that, eating less meat has also been shown to save water, reduce deforestation and protect biodiversity.
Global Conservation Corps’ Inaugural Trip to Koru Camp
In August 2023, GCC held an all-female leadership camp at Koru Camp for 16 aspiring conservationists. Their journey—from confronting fears to forging dreams—was transformative. This camp changed not just their perception of nature, but also their role in its future.
Changing Lives One Safari at a Time
Rhino Revolution introduce a 100 local children to nature at Koru Camp each year. Their joy witnessing elephants and lions for the first time is transformative. This is more than a trip; it’s the start of a lifetime bond with the environment.
From Passion to Purpose: How Koru Guide Joel is Paying it Forward
Joel Sithole discovered his passion for nature at a young age during an ecocamp with Ngala Safari Lodge. Recognising his potential, he was chosen for various conservation programmes and his journey took him through several roles before joining Koru Camp. Motivated by gratitude and a desire to inspire the next generation, Joel aims to introduce children to the wildlife and this vision will come to life on 4 September, with support from Brew HQ and Koru Camp founder Peter Eastwood. His ultimate goal is to ingnite a love for nature in many more children, with the hope of finding “another Joel”.
Grannies in the bush – when the wise meet the wise.
The Ndlopfu Gogos’ first-ever visit to the Kruger National Park was marked by a moment of pure connection as their enchanting song appeared to summon a herd of elephants. In partnership with Elephants Alive, these matriarchs are on a Koru Camp programme that aims to immerse them in nature so they become ambassadors who are empowered to influence perceptions and ensure the coexistence of community and wildlife conservation. The three-way collaboration epitomises the power of unity in conservation efforts and highlights the importance of shared experiences and mutual understanding.
United for Biodiversity – German students visit Koru Camp with Southern Cross Schools
Koru Camp hosted Southern Cross and German students for a cross-cultural biodiversity study, yielding memorable experiences and inspiring environmental stewardship.
In the Footsteps of Giants: A Journey into the World of San Master Trackers
Koru Camp San master trackers from the Ju/’hoansi community share their ancient bush knowledge with young learners. They taech them to read the subtlest of clues in nature – from a slightly displaced rock to a barely noticeable scuff in the soil – leading them on the trail of a giraffe. This immersive experience fosters a deep respect for nature and the San community, as the learners listen to stories fo a life in harmony with the wilderness and learn survivial techniques and the art of tracking