Walking Wild 4 Girls 2025
July 21, 2025
The 4th edition of Walking Wild 4 Girls took place from the 6th to the 10th of July 2025, in the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, and yet again it was another adventure filled with plenty of walking, learning and laughing.
What made this year special, was the people with whom I shared the journey with: Gary Freeman, who hosted us at his camp and lead the trails, Percy, for whom I raise funds for, Mark, my brother and my Dad, Derek, Tas Savage and Nats Howes from Kateka Safari & Wellness, who have supported this initiative right from the very beginning, and my aunt, Debby, came out from the UK to join us for our time in the bush.
This year was slightly different. We walked in the mornings, then would return to camp for an incredibly satisfying lunch, prepared by Gary himself, and then after a little nap we headed out into the bush at around 4 o’clock in the afternoon for another walk and sundowners.
In the afternoon of our first day, we had a sighting of a breeding herd of nearly 50 elephant in the Klaserie river, which we watched for almost half-an-hour. It was magical being so close to a member of the iconic ‘Big 5’, on foot, without feeling like we were in danger.
Day three brought with it a sighting of a white rhino in the river. We had spent the morning tracking it before Percy spotted it below us. We followed it and watched this threatened species slowly come towards us with intrigue, for a minute or two, before shooting off. Our fourth day was a highlight for me, spent walking along the Klaserie river on my family’s farm, Matamani, seeing that familiar stretch of river from a different angle instead of the game vehicle.
All in all, we kept this year simple, however, this enabled us to truly appreciate the wild and free pristine wilderness and take some time out from the busy world around us. It is always a privilege to walk in the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve and to have Gary lead us, keep us safe, feed us, entertain us and share his extensive knowledge.
And so, it is safe to report that Walking Wild 4 Girls 2025 was indeed a success thanks to the support of family, friends, and even strangers and I cannot wait to start brainstorming ideas for our 2026 edition of Walking Wild 4 Girls.
If you’d like to help us reach our fundraising goal, simply visit the link: https://www.givengain.com/campaign/walking-wild-4-girls
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When the school term ends and learners head home for the holidays, Eco Children steps in to keep the energy, curiosity, and joy alive — through our much-loved Holiday Workshops. These workshops offer more than just a way to keep children occupied during the break — they are a space for growth, discovery, and connection with nature. Our dedicated environmental educators play a key role in bringing these workshops to life. With passion and creativity, they design engaging, nature-based activities that spark curiosity and inspire young minds. Whether it’s digging in the soil, learning how plants grow, or identifying insects and animal tracks, each activity is carefully planned to nurture a love for the environment. Children get the chance to experience first-hand what it means to care for the earth — all while having fun, getting messy, and staying active! In between games and gardening, learners enjoy energetic soccer matches, educational challenges, and creative expression — all under the guidance of Eco Children’s caring team. These moments aren’t just about play; they’re about building confidence, teamwork, and a sense of purpose.
At Eco Children, we believe in the power of passionate individuals to plant seeds of change — in our environment, in our classrooms, and in our communities. That’s why we are proud to shine a spotlight on someone who embodies all those values and more: Patrick Ndlovu, our Employee of the Month for June. Patrick serves as an Environmental Educator at Mahlathi Primary School, where he plays an instrumental role in educating and inspiring the next generation of eco-conscious leaders. With a calm, humble presence and a deep-rooted commitment to environmental awareness, Patrick is more than just a teacher — he is a mentor, a role model, and a steward of positive change.
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