In 2026, DAKTARI Bush School & Wildlife Orphanage celebrates an incredible milestone: 20 years of inspiring children to protect wildlife and their environment.
For us at Kamoka Camp, this anniversary is particularly meaningful. Our camp has built a close relationship with DAKTARI over the years, and the celebration was not only a recognition of the organisation’s achievements but also a testament to its lasting impact on the local community.
Located near Kruger National Park, DAKTARI has spent the past two decades welcoming children from surrounding rural villages to learn about wildlife conservation, environmental protection, and the importance of living alongside nature.
The Mission of DAKTARI: Inspiring the Next Generation of Conservationists
Founded in 2006 by Ian Merrifield and Michèle Merrifield, DAKTARI was created with a clear mission: to educate and inspire local children to value wildlife and protect their natural environment.
The organisation runs a unique environmental education programme where children from nearby villages spend a week at the bush school. During their stay, they participate in conservation lessons, bush activities, and hands-on learning experiences that help them understand the importance of protecting wildlife.
A special aspect of the programme is the presence of animals at the wildlife orphanage. Many of these animals cannot return to the wild and instead play an important role as ambassadors for conservation, helping children connect emotionally with wildlife and better understand the challenges animals face.
Over the past 20 years, thousands of children have participated in the programme, gaining knowledge that they bring back to their families and communities.
A Powerful Anniversary Celebration
The 20th anniversary celebration highlighted just how far DAKTARI has come.
One of the most powerful moments was seeing former students return nearly two decades later. Some of the children who attended the bush school many years ago came back as adults to celebrate the organisation that shaped their understanding of conservation.
Seeing these former students return was a powerful reminder that education creates lasting change. The knowledge and values shared at DAKTARI continue to influence young people long after they leave the programme.
The celebration was not just about reflecting on the past but also about recognizing the incredible impact DAKTARI has had on communities in the Hoedspruit region.
How Kamoka Camp Guests Can Support DAKTARI
Visitors staying at Kamoka Camp can easily become part of DAKTARI’s mission and help support its work.
Volunteer at DAKTARI
DAKTARI welcomes volunteers from around the world who assist with environmental education and help care for the animals at the wildlife orphanage. Volunteers play a key role in supporting the children’s learning experience.
Donate to Support Conservation Education
DAKTARI relies on donations to continue welcoming children to the bush school and caring for the animals. Contributions help fund education programmes, animal care, and community outreach projects.
Stay with Purpose at Kamoka Camp
Choosing to stay at Kamoka Camp means supporting a lodge that actively partners with conservation and community initiatives in the region.
Guests have the opportunity to learn about DAKTARI’s work, visit the project, and experience a form of responsible travel that directly supports local conservation education.
Looking Ahead to the Next 20 Years
Celebrating 20 years of DAKTARI Bush School & Wildlife Orphanage is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through dedication, education, and community engagement.
As wildlife and communities face growing challenges, organisations like DAKTARI continue to play a vital role in shaping the next generation of conservation leaders.
At Kamoka Camp, we are proud to be part of this journey and to share this inspiring story with our guests.
Because protecting Africa’s wildlife doesn’t only happen in national parks — it begins with education and the children who will shape the future of conservation.
