Koru Camp offers Eco Children learners rare lion sighting
Eco Children learners witnessed a rare close-up lion sighting during an early morning bush drive at Koru Camp in the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve.
HOEDSPRUIT – An early morning bush drive became a memorable learning experience for ten primary school learners from Eco Children after witnessing a rare close-up lion sighting during their stay at Koru Camp.
Eco Children, an NPO initiated by the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, focusses on hands-on environmental education and whole school development, while Koru Camp connects local communities with their natural heritage and fosters a love for the environment.
Guided tracking through the bush
After receiving reports that two lionesses were moving along a nearby river, the guide relied on animal behaviour and sound to track them through dense vegetation with limited visibility.
The group moved slowly, guided by distant calls and subtle bush sounds, until a faint lion contact call confirmed the lions were close.
Lion pride passes close to vehicle
Moments later, the first lioness emerged near the vehicle, followed by several others moving calmly in single file along a game path.
The learners watched silently as the lions passed just metres away, their initial nerves giving way to awe.
Rare moment with lion cub
The highlight came when a small cub hesitantly crossed the road, encouraged by its mother, drawing smiles and quiet excitement from the group before the pride disappeared into the bush.
Education brough to life in the bush
The sighting concluded two nights of immersive environmental education for the Eco Children learners.
Koru Camp’s Emily Whiting said such experiences bridge the gap between classroom learning and emotional connection to nature, turning lessons into lasting memories.
Video footage of the sighting, including the learners’ reactions, can be viewed on Koru Camp’s Instagram page.
