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Excellent 4.89rating (60)

Big 5 Conservation for Teens

location
2 - 2 weeks  ·  Age 15 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • You will live on a beautiful reserve close to the Limpopo river, surrounded by wildlife, and learn from conservation experts
  • Through your volunteer work, you will be part of our efforts to help preserve and protect elephants, leopards, lions, giraffes and more as well as local ecosystems
  • At the camp, you will live with other teenagers your age, and be supervised by our staff

Highlights

  • You will live on a beautiful reserve close to the Limpopo river, surrounded by wildlife, and learn from conservation experts
  • Through your volunteer work, you will be part of our efforts to help preserve and protect elephants, leopards, lions, giraffes and more as well as local ecosystems
  • At the camp, you will live with other teenagers your age, and be supervised by our staff
  • On the weekend you'll go on a walking safari and learn about local handicrafts
  • Volunteer Service Hours: 50 to 100

  • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 15+
    Singles
    Couples

    About the program

    Work on a reserve in the heart of Africa and help conserve wildlife and bush ecosystems

    If you’re looking to pursue a career in conservation, or just want to do more to help the environment, this project is perfect for you. You don’t need any previous experience. We’ll teach you everything you need to know. All you need is a passion for wildlife and the great outdoors.

    Aims and ...

    About the program

    If you’re looking to pursue a career in conservation, or just want to do more to help the environment, this project is perfect for you. You don’t need any previous experience. We’ll teach you everything you need to know. All you need is a passion for wildlife and the great outdoors.

    Aims and impact

    The aim of this project is to preserve the ecological well being of the area and ensure the survival of precious wildlife species.

    Tuli has seen a recent decrease in wildlife populations, largely due to growing human activity in the region. Increases in illegal hunting and poaching, as well as land degradation, have also contributed. By doing wildlife research, soil erosion control, construction, and anti-poaching drives, we are helping preserve what is left.

    The ultimate goal of the project is to create a conservation area protected by law. We are working on this with other game reserves and national parks in the area.

    What you'll be doing

    At Tuli, you’ll work with conservationists who are passionate about the environment and have dedicated their lives to African wildlife. They’ll be there to guide and support you, and make sure you’re safe.

    Our Teen Program is specifically designed for teenagers, and we have a set itinerary in place to make the most out of your time.

    This project strikes a great balance between research and hands-on work. You’ll learn from conservation experts and do plenty of practical work. You can use it on your CV, in applications, and talk about it in interviews. 

    Where you'll be based

    Located on the banks of the Limpopo River, you will find yourself in the very heart of the bush. With large populations of elephants, crocodiles, hyenas, and other species, Tuli is a truly wild place.

    You’ll spend your evenings next to the campfire with other volunteers and staff members. All of the rooms of the camp are divided by age and gender, so you’ll have roommates the same age and gender as you.

    We encourage you to fully immerse yourself in the experience. However, while the project is thoroughly risk assessed and supervised, please remember there are wild animals around. Therefore, our policy is that you must never leave the camp without a staff member with you.



    Typical day

    As a volunteer, you provide extra manpower to preserve wildlife and ecosystems in the reserve. Here are some of the tasks you can expect to do during your placement:

    Build dams and waterholes for wildlife

    Water is a scarcity in Southern Africa. As a Conservation volunteer, you will help construct and ...

    Typical day

    As a volunteer, you provide extra manpower to preserve wildlife and ecosystems in the reserve. Here are some of the tasks you can expect to do during your placement:

    Build dams and waterholes for wildlife

    Water is a scarcity in Southern Africa. As a Conservation volunteer, you will help construct and repair waterholes, boreholes, and rainwater tanks. This will ensure that water is stored during the wet season and that there is lots of  water during the dry season. This is vital for wildlife to survive during times of drought.

    Track animals during surveys and help gather research data

    The Tuli region is home to large and diverse wildlife populations, which is one of the most exciting things about the area. It is important for us to keep track of population growth and movement. You'll help us do this by taking part in surveys. You'll also conduct research and collect data to help track animal movements and family units of the local wildlife.

    Remove wires and snares and participate on anti-poaching patrols

    Illegal poaching of bush meat is a major challenge to conservation in Botswana. As a volunteer, you will help reduce poaching efforts in the Tuli area. You will mainly do this by joining local staff members in removing snares around the reserve. By removing hundreds of these snares, we are able to save the lives of hundreds of animals.

    Set up camera traps

    As animals are very active by night, camera traps help us study their natural habitats, behaviours and movements. You will be involved in setting up these cameras around the reserve.

    Camera traps have produced a couple of first sightings for us. A baby brown hyena, a honey badger, a leopard and an aardvark were seen for the first time on our cameras. This is incredibly exciting, as it tells us that our efforts are creating an environment where animals thrive and breed.

    There's no need to bring any special equipment with you, everything you need will be provided on the program. We will provide you with a kit list once you've been accepted which will outline suitable clothing and footwear to pack. 


    Free-time activities

    Experiencing Botswana and its culture

    During this program, you will spend time with fellow volunteers. Each evening, you will get free time to relax, play games, watch documentaries about conservation and enjoy the local cuisine. 

    The weekend activities are usually as follows. 

    Saturday
    • Morning: Learn ...

    Free-time activities

    Experiencing Botswana and its culture

    During this program, you will spend time with fellow volunteers. Each evening, you will get free time to relax, play games, watch documentaries about conservation and enjoy the local cuisine. 

    The weekend activities are usually as follows. 

    Saturday
    • Morning: Learn to weave with LALA palm and grass. Engage in a crafting session to learn traditional weaving techniques using local materials. Visit a nearby village to experience local culture and community life. 
    • Afternoon: Take a scenic walk to the nearby hills and enjoy a beautiful sunset. 
    • Evening: Enjoy an African BBQ to end the day.
    Sunday 
    • Morning: Relax! Take some time to read your book, play games or socialise with fellow volunteers
    • Afternoon: Enjoy a fun lunch activity by making your own pizza. Spend the afternoon on a leisurely game drive or walk, soaking in the natural beauty.


    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 15 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 15 years old on the program start date.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (basic level)

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    • Accommodation

    • Food (three meals a day)

    • Airport pick-up and drop-off

    • Full induction and orientation by an experienced staff member on arrival

    • Transport to and from your work placement

    • In-country support and 24-hour back-up from our team of full-time local staff

    • Emergency assistance from our international emergency response team

    • Project equipment and materials, including access to our database with thousands of resources

    • Training and workshops from our experienced local staff

    • Regular social events and community activities with other volunteers and interns

    • Certification of project completion

    • A cultural awareness course

    • Organised weekend tourism trips

    • Dedicated full-time staff members with you 24 hours a day

    Airport Pickup at Polokwane Airport

    If you're volunteering at our Conservation Project in Botswana, your arrival airport will be Polokwane Airport (PTG) in the rural heartland of the Limpopo River basin.

    Once you arrive, you'll be met by a Projects Abroad representative. They’ll be holding a Projects Abroad sign, so they’re easily visible.  

    From the airport, you’ll take a stunning three-hour drive to our base camp at the nature reserve.

    Accommodation

    You'll stay at our base camp in the Tuli Block and share a tent with other Projects Abroad volunteers of the same gender. This is a great way to get to know your fellow volunteers and share the experience of living in the heart of the bushveld together. There are shared bathrooms with hot, running water. There is no electricity, but we have charging stations running on solar power so we have light at night.

    Your tent will be modest, but comfortable, clean, and safe.

    Food & Beverages

    Your programme fees include three meals a day.

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site
    You don't have to pay anything yet

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Polokwane Airport (PTG) in Polokwane. We assist you to find cheap flights to Botswana. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Botswana provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Botswana you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Botswana. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    • 19 July 2026 to 01 August 2026 - 2 Weeks
    • 02 August 2026 to 15 August 2026 - 2 Weeks
    • 16 August 2026 to 29 August 2026 - 2 Weeks
    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program Fees

    $1,651 per week 2 - 2 weeks Age 15 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    2 - 2 weeks

    Deposit

    Reserve your spot with just a few clicks and a small, secure deposit. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, or other convenient methods.


    Final Payment

    You’ll agree on the final payment method with your local organization during the application process. This final payment is only due closer to the start of your trip.

    You don't have to pay anything yet
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    Meet your project coordinator

    Bethany
    60
    reviews
    4.89
    Excellent
    1992
    Founded

    Verified

      Good response rate
    Spoken languages: English
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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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