As custodians of a vast and thriving ecosystem within the Northern Tuli Game Reserve, we believe meaningful conservation begins with community. We are honoured to partner with Bana ba Bobirwa in nurturing young environmental leaders across the Bobirwa district. By opening our doors to programmes such as the Eco-Warrior Clubs, we aim to strengthen the vital connection between conservation and our neighbouring communities.
At Mashatu, we believe protecting Botswana’s natural heritage depends on empowering those who live alongside it. Together, we continue to invest in education, collaboration and opportunity — ensuring the Land of Giants remains a place of inspiration for generations to come.
Hosting initiatives like this forms part of our long-term commitment to education, community upliftment and sustainable tourism in the Bobirwa region. The following reflections were shared by Bana ba Bobirwa, offering insight into the impact of their recent Teacher Training Weekend hosted at Mashatu.
Eco-Guardians: Teacher Training Weekend at Tuli Safari Lodge Mashatu
From 20–22 February 2026, Bana ba Bobirwa proudly hosted our second annual Teacher Training Weekend at Tuli Safari Lodge, Mashatu — a truly inspiring and impactful gathering.
Our Eco-Guardians form the very foundation of the Bana ba Bobirwa programme. Their passion and commitment ensure the continued success of our Eco-Warrior Clubs, where young learners are introduced to the importance of wildlife conservation and environmental stewardship.
The Eco-Warrior Clubs are voluntary extra-curricular programmes running across six primary schools in the Bobirwa district. Through these clubs, children engage in hands-on conservation activities, develop leadership and teamwork skills, and gain a deeper understanding of the value of tourism and conservation within the Northern Tuli Game Reserve.
Our vision is clear: to nurture motivated young environmentalists who will help sustain and protect Botswana’s natural heritage for generations to come.
Training
This year, we were honoured to welcome Charlotte Gerrish, Bana ba Bobirwa’s curriculum developer, who not only compiled our comprehensive Eco-Warrior workbooks but also led the teacher training sessions. Charlotte worked closely with 18 dedicated teachers from the six schools we support, equipping them with the tools, confidence and knowledge needed to successfully deliver the Eco-Warrior curriculum.
We were also delighted to have Richard Modeme from Mashatu join the training. His presence brought valuable wildlife knowledge and added a dynamic, practical dimension to the sessions, enriching the teachers’ understanding of the natural environment they are helping to protect.
Inspiring the Next Generation
It is through this programme that we are able to motivate young environmentalists, teach vital life skills, inspire future leaders and empower the children of Bobirwa.
Seeing the enthusiasm, dedication and passion of our Eco-Guardians reminds us that meaningful conservation begins with education — and with people who care deeply about the future of their communities and their environment.
We are incredibly grateful to Tuli Safari Lodge for hosting us and Mashatu Game Reserve for their continued support of this important initiative and for helping us continue to grow the next generation of conservation champions.’