Leaving the classroom and heading into the great outdoors is not only fun and exciting for schoolchildren, it’s an important opportunity for creative learning and developing life skills. Babanango Outdoor Education (BOE), adjacent to the beautiful Babanango Game Reserve in KwaZulu-Natal, offers schools the ultimate ‘outdoor classroom’ experience for school camps. From educational programmes to team-building activities and community engagement, the BOE school camp gives school children of all ages a well-rounded and life-changing adventure.
Why Choose BOE For School Camps?
Apart from the wild beauty, expertly coordinated outdoor activities, and incredible fun at BOE, many schools are making this an annual school camp destination because of the unique experiences offered.
Essential life skills
It’s important that children learn more than just facts, they need to come away with essential life skills that can carry over. The school trip to BOE provides students with skills they can’t always develop in a traditional classroom setting. The interactive nature of outdoor education pushes them to think critically, work collaboratively, and appreciate the environment in a way that textbooks simply can’t replicate. This is achieved through:
- Team-building challenges that hone leadership and communications skills.
- Outdoor obstacle courses that encourage problem-solving and teamwork.
- A group hiking expedition that develops resilience, patience and responsibility.
- Interacting with nature to develop environmental awareness and conservation.
Community development
Beyond outdoor activities, BOE also places a strong emphasis on community involvement. One of the most profound and meaningful experiences offered is a visit to the communities bordering the reserve. For the students, meeting children who face daily hardship is a deeply humbling and eye-opening experience. For the local children, these visits are truly memorable as the youngsters engage in games, chats, and fun activities.
Students also get to visit local schools, engaging in cultural exchanges that broaden their understanding of different communities. These experiences encourage empathy, social responsibility, and a deeper appreciation for the privileges often taken for granted.
Support for sustainable conservation
By booking a school outing at BOE, schools are directly contributing to vital conservation efforts run by African Habitat Conservancy, the NGO that pioneered the reserve. This community-driven NPO focuses on the conservation of the region’s wildlife, as well as including local communities from Esibongweni, KwaNgono and Emcakwini in all conservation efforts. Supporting BOE helps protect this fragile ecosystem while also creating opportunities for the local communities.
Great Educational Activities
BOE has created a unique educational programme that encompasses self-discovery, environmental awareness, leadership, and teamwork. These complement the South African schools’ curriculum, enhancing learning with practical outdoor experiences.
- History (8-hour course): Children explore the rich heritage of Zululand on this historical tour, including significant battles and insights into the reign of the King Shaka Zulu.
- Geography (1-2 hour course): This includes interactive lessons exploring the area’s rich geological landscape, including visits to an old copper mine and Mangeni Falls.
- Ecology / Life Sciences (2-hour course): Children enjoy hands-on ecological studies, including scavenger hunts to learn about local biodiversity, instilling a drive for conservation.
- Social Awareness (2-3 hour course): Children get to engage with local communities and learn about life in a modern Zulu village.
- Leadership & Team Building (2-hour course): Children develop leadership qualities and learn teamwork skills through structured exercises and outdoor challenges.
- Evening Activities (1-2 hour course): Children love exploring the bush after dark, and through fun night-time activities they learn a deeper appreciation for the nocturnal world.
- General Interest (3-4 hour course): Children go on guided hikes of Matatane Camp’s 130-hectare trails to explore the flora, fauna, and geological features of the reserve.
- Community Development (1-2 hour course): Children visit the local orphanage and nearby schools, promoting engagement and cultural exchange.
Safe Accommodation in the Wilderness
Matatane Camp is a 130-hectare fenced area adjacent to the 22,000-hectare Babanango Game Reserve, a Big Five reserve in the heart of Zululand. From this new location, BOE runs its hands-on school wilderness camp, with children and teachers enjoying safe, comfortable, and well-equipped accommodation. All BOE camp activities, run by the reserve’s team of friendly and engaging facilitators, also take place within this beautiful and secure camp. There are two accommodation types, with tents serviced daily in both:
Ukusa Camp
Maximum: 120 people
- 2 x Teacher Tents with 2 single beds and a coffee station.
- 12 x Student Tents (Max 10 per tent) with roll-up mattresses.
- En-suite bathrooms with two showers and two toilets.
- Kitchen, undercover dining area, boma with braai/fire pit, ablution block, and private pool.
Nhlebela Camp
Maximum: 60 people
- 2 x Teacher Tents with 2 single beds and a coffee station.
- 6 x Student Tents (Max 10 per tent) with roll-up mattresses.
- En-suite bathrooms with two showers and two toilets.
- Kitchen, undercover dining area, boma with braai/fire pit, ablution block, and private pool.
Catering to Tertiary Students
Beyond school camps, BOE also hosts university groups, research teams and conservation NGOs, and has built its name by offering a range of interactive outdoor activities and courses. The Geology Programme is popular with universities, providing students with an in-depth exploration of the ancient landscapes of Babanango, dating back approximately 3 billion years. The programme includes:
- Diverse Rock Formation Analysis: The Matatane peninsula, surrounded by the White Umfolozi River, offers an exceptional setting for studying various rock types and their formations.
- Educational Activities: Includes guided geological explorations where students observe, analyse, and discuss different rock sequences to understand Earth’s geological history.
Whether it’s hiking through the stunning landscapes in the area, learning about Zulu history, or spending quality time with children at the orphanage, students leave BOE with newfound knowledge, personal growth, and lifelong memories.
If you’re looking for the perfect outdoor education experience for your school, Babanango Outdoor Education should be at the top of your list! For bookings or more information, visit babanangooutdooreducation.co.za or contact BOE at reservations@babanango.com | +27 (0) 31 1000 362.
