Tiny Trackers: 

How to Teach Kids to Read the Bush Like a Book

There’s something magical about the hush of the bush — the soft crunch of leaves underfoot, the smell of wild grass warmed by the sun, and the feeling that something wild just passed by. But what if you could teach your kids to see the stories the animals leave behind?

Welcome to the art of wildlife tracking — a fun, interactive way to turn any bush walk into a treasure hunt for curious young minds.

Why Tracking is the Ultimate Eco-Adventure for Kids

Children are natural explorers. They love clues, mysteries, and hidden stories — and that’s exactly what tracking is. Every footprint, feather, or broken twig is a chapter in a story written by nature.

Instead of just walking through the wild, tracking teaches kids to slow down, look closely, and connect more deeply with their surroundings. It’s the perfect mix of play and purpose.

Photo credit: The Little Bush Baby Co.

What to Look For: The Big Five of Tracking Clues

Here are five easy signs to help your little trackers get started:

1. Footprints (Spoor):
   The bush is full of footprints — from tiny mongoose paws to the wide, round prints of hippos or the heart-shaped hooves of antelope. After rain or early in the morning is the best time to find fresh tracks.

2. Scat (Poop!):
   Yes, poop! Kids love the gross-out factor, and scat tells us a lot — what an animal ate, how long ago it passed, and even its species. (Don’t worry, we look but don’t touch!)

3. Feeding Signs:
   Look for stripped bark, chewed leaves, or scattered shells and feathers. These are leftovers from an animal’s snack time.

4. Sounds:
   Animal calls, rustling in the bush, or even silence can be clues. Teaching kids to stop and listen is part of the magic.

5. Smells:
   Some animals leave a scent — think musky bushbuck or the unmistakable “popcorn” smell of a leopard territory marker!

Tips for Tiny Trackers

• Bring a Nature Journal: Let kids sketch what they find or write their own wild stories based on tracks.

• Make It a Game: Who can find the first print? The smallest? The weirdest?

• Use Your Imagination: “Who do you think walked here? Were they in a hurry? Looking for water? Hiding from something?”

• Leave No Trace: Teach children to respect wildlife by observing without disturbing.

  

  Photo credit: The Little Bush Baby Co. 

Our Favourite Track of the Week

🦌 Nyala Prints – Look for their neat, narrow hoof marks often found on sandy paths near the estuary edges or in the forest. They travel in small groups and move with quiet grace. If you spot these, you’re walking in royal company!

Why It Matters

Tracking isn’t just a fun activity — it’s a doorway into conservation. It teaches children empathy, patience, and the importance of protecting the wild spaces we love.

Because when kids learn to read the bush like a book, they become its storytellers — and its future protectors.

Photo credit: The Little Bush Baby Co. 

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📸 Have your little tracker found a cool print on safari? 

Share their discoveries with us by posting on @katewonsafari on Facebook!