HOEDSPRUIT – The fourth Walking Wild 4 Girls (WW4G) in the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve offered participants another unforgettable adventure immersed in nature.

The initiative, hosted from July 6-10, blended guided wilderness walks with a fundraising mission aimed at supporting the Eco Children Bursary Programme.

According to Mandie Gericke, organiser of the event, this year’s walk brought together a diverse and meaningful group.

“Gary Freeman, a seasoned trail guide and host, once again led the group safely through the bush while also preparing meals back at camp. The walk also included Percy Mashaba, a respected tracker and the beneficiary of the fundraising efforts, as well as my father Derek, brother Mark, long-time supporters Tas Savage and Nats Howes from Kateka Safari & Wellness, and a special guest, my aunt Debby, who joined the group from the United Kingdom,” said Mandie Gericke.

Each day followed a relaxed and thoughtful rhythm, Gericke said.

“Mornings were spent walking through the reserve, while afternoons offered rest and hearty meals before heading out again for sunset walks and sightings. The slower pace allowed the group to truly engage with the wilderness and reflect on the experience. The group was fortunate to encounter several memorable wildlife moments. On the first afternoon, they observed a breeding herd of approximately 50 elephants along the Klaserie River, an awe-inspiring sight made even more powerful by the proximity and lack of vehicles,” she told the Herald.

Later in the week, after tracking efforts, the group sighted a white rhino, a threatened species, quietly moving through the riverbed. It approached the group cautiously before darting off, a reminder of the delicate balance between wildlife and human presence in the wild.

“Another highlight of the week was walking along the Klaserie River on the family’s farm, Matamani, a familiar landscape seen anew from foot, rather than a game vehicle. While the 2025 edition was kept relatively simple, this intentional minimalism helped participants reconnect with nature and escape the fast pace of daily life. As always, the experience served not only as a personal journey but also as an opportunity to raise funds and awareness for meaningful conservation and community causes,” she added.

The organisers are already looking ahead to 2026, with hopes of expanding the impact of Walking Wild 4 Girls. Those who wish to support the initiative and help it reach its fundraising goals are encouraged to contribute by scanning the provided QR code.