It’s never too late for new adventures! Five grandmothers from Finale near Hoedspruit stepped into the wild for an unforgettable weekend of discovery, connection, and up-close elephant encounters with Elephants Alive!
Hoedspruit, South Africa (20 August 2026) – You’re never too old to learn or discover something new, and that was the exact spirit behind Elephants Alive’s recent Gogo Camp.
Held from 23–25 July 2026, the organisation had the honour of hosting five wonderful grandmothers from Finale at Tsakane Safari Camp, many of whom had never experienced wildlife up close.
Although many older residents live adjacent to South Africa’s protected reserves, few get to see wild elephants in their natural habitat, often viewing them mainly as crop-destroying pests.
To bridge this divide, the camp offered a blend of fun and meaningful activities designed to introduce the elders to the beauty of wildlife in a safe, welcoming environment. The grannies even took part in wildlife-themed games that combined hands-on learning with light physical exercise.
By replacing fear with positive encounters and shared understanding, the initiative helped mitigate human-elephant conflict and promote long-term support for wildlife protection across generations.
The gogos also contributed to conservation by knitting blankets for themselves, connecting the squares donated to Blankets for Baby Rhino, and stuffing elephant soft toys generously donated by Charlotte Gabriel.
“Watching their excitement during game drives, hearing their laughter, and seeing the joy on their faces reminded us why these experiences matter so much,” Elephants Alive said.
Elephants Alive expressed its gratitude to its hosts, Tsakane Safari Camp, for providing a welcoming environment, as well as every person who contributed to the unforgettable experience:
“Special thanks to Gramme Cooke for leading the game drives with love, patience, and care, making every wildlife encounter a memorable one. We are equally grateful to Sonti Mokgalaka and Prudence Mabasa, whose kindness, dedication, and warm hospitality ensured that every participant felt respected, valued, and at home throughout the camp. A special thank you to Maja Pangolin for making this incredible experience possible.”
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