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Fantastic 4.56rating (54)

Botswana Wild Project

location
2 - 4 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Tasks vary by season and conservation needs, including fence fixes, waterhole work, erosion control, snare collection, road upkeep and other vital projects.
  • Experience Africa’s magic with a sleep-out: sunset views, starlit skies, fire-watch shifts and the sounds of wildlife surrounding you in this unforgettable adventure.
  • Sleeping bag required throughout the year.

Highlights

  • Tasks vary by season and conservation needs, including fence fixes, waterhole work, erosion control, snare collection, road upkeep and other vital projects.
  • Experience Africa’s magic with a sleep-out: sunset views, starlit skies, fire-watch shifts and the sounds of wildlife surrounding you in this unforgettable adventure.
  • Sleeping bag required throughout the year.
  • Large water bottle - Reusable water bottle (no plastic please).
  • Bring all required personal medication, plus a few extra days’ supply, as getting medicines or prescriptions in the remote camp can be difficult.

  • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Families
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Experience Botswana’s central Tuli Block—true wilderness with hippos, elephants, kudu and hyena—and join us for an adventure in the heart of wild Africa.

    With whom will volunteers be working?

    Volunteers work closely with our conservation team, including experienced field guides, wildlife monitors, and reserve managers who are passionate about protecting this untouched wilderness. You’ll also work alongside fellow volunteers who share an interest in ...

    About the program

    With whom will volunteers be working?

    Volunteers work closely with our conservation team, including experienced field guides, wildlife monitors, and reserve managers who are passionate about protecting this untouched wilderness. You’ll also work alongside fellow volunteers who share an interest in wildlife, conservation, and learning new skills.

    What do we expect from volunteers?

    We ask volunteers to be enthusiastic, willing to learn, and ready to assist with whatever conservation work is needed at the time. Tasks vary with the season and the reserve’s priorities, and may include:

    • Game counts and species lists

    • Patrolling for snares

    • Building and maintaining hides, waterholes, and roads

    • Identifying birds and trees

    • Erosion control & removing old fencing wire

    • Helping develop an indigenous tree nursery

    • Mapping GPS points, elephant ID kits, and other research activities

    You don’t need prior experience—just a positive attitude, teamwork, and a readiness to get involved.

    What can volunteers expect from us?

    We aim not only to involve you in meaningful conservation work but also to teach you. Volunteers receive:

    • Hands-on training in wildlife monitoring and bush skills

    • Lectures and practical sessions in our outdoor “bush classroom”

    • Two included courses: Bird Identification & Conservation Debate

    • Guided activities after work, such as walks, game drives, and time at viewing hides

    • Support and supervision from our conservation team
      You will leave with newfound knowledge, practical experience, and a deeper understanding of wildlife conservation.

    Working hours are generally 4–6 hours per day, after which you can relax, explore, and enjoy the wilderness.

    Do volunteers need to bring special equipment?

    No specialised equipment is required, but volunteers should bring:

    • Sturdy closed shoes

    • Comfortable outdoor clothing

    • Warm layers for winter (June–August)

    • A reusable water bottle

    • Personal medication and toiletries

    All tools and materials needed for fieldwork are provided.



    Typical day

    Your daily journey will involve approximately six hours of volunteer work, divided between early morning and late afternoon tasks to steer clear of the midday heat. During lunch and the early afternoon, you have free time to indulge in reading, relaxing, playing games, or even taking a siesta! For ...

    Typical day

    Your daily journey will involve approximately six hours of volunteer work, divided between early morning and late afternoon tasks to steer clear of the midday heat. During lunch and the early afternoon, you have free time to indulge in reading, relaxing, playing games, or even taking a siesta! For those more active individuals seeking less downtime, there are consistently available activities around the camp, such as downloading camera trap data, identifying spoor, and capturing images of birds and insects for identikits.

    The late afternoons typically culminate with a breathtaking sunset atop a rocky outcrop, and if the weather permits, evenings are spent enjoying the night sky around a campfire.

    1. Data Collection:

      • Conduct mammal and bird surveys
      • Develop giraffe identikits & contribute to regional giraffe research
      • Monitor camera traps and document nocturnal activities
      • Contribute valuable data to the broader management planning of the area
    2. Conservation Projects:

      • Undertake activities based on conservation needs
      • Fence repair, waterhole construction, soil erosion control, and more
      • Play a vital role in protecting and maintaining the wilderness area
    3. Wildlife Observation:

      • Observe wildlife in their natural habitat
      • Encounter herds of elephant, zebra and giraffe, with opportunities to track leopard, lion and hyena.
      • Immerse yourself in the sounds and sights of the African bush
    4. Sleep-Outs:

      • Experience the magic of Africa's starlit sky
      • Witness breathtaking sunsets over the plains
      • Fall asleep under the vast African sky, listening to the sounds of nearby creatures
    5. Discover:

      • Learn to identify species in the African bush
      • Engage in spoor identification and cast-making
      • Participate in conservation debates and bird identification sessions
      • Absorb the silence and vastness of the surrounding landscapes


    Free-time activities

    Visit to local community 

    Remote area so not a lot to do.

    Reading and relaxing of weekends


    Free-time activities

    Visit to local community 

    Remote area so not a lot to do.

    Reading and relaxing of weekends



    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    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

    What’s Included

    Your volunteer rate covers everything you need for an immersive experience:

    • Airport pick up
    • Welcome dinner
    • 1 Night Polokwane - Country Blue guest house
    • Return Tranfer from Polokwane to project
    • Certificate of completion
    • All meals
    • Accommodation
    • 24 hour support and supervisor
    • Donation to the project
    • Braai once a week
    • Guided activities
    • Game drives
    • Sleep-outs under the stars
    • Sundays off for relaxation and local exploration
    • Laundry day

    • Please note that extra excursions, SIM cards, and personal snacks are not included in the rate.

    Airport Pickup at Polokwane Airport

    Arrival Day – Sunday

    • Arrival Time: Your flight can arrive at any time on Sunday.
    • Airport Option: Polokwane Airport.
    • Transfer: You will be collected upon arrival and taken to  guesthouse  for the night.

    Project Start – Monday

    • Morning Shuttle to Border: The shuttle will transfer you to the border (+/- 4 hours).
    • Meet Project Staff: At the border, your project staff will meet and accompany you to the project site.

    Departure Day – Following Monday

    • Return Transfer: A shuttle will take you from the project site to Polokwane Airport.

    Accommodation

     A fully equipped tented camp is home away from home. There are 2-6 person walk-in safari tents with bunk beds, sheets and pillows. Ablutions are shared, with hot and cold showers and flush toilets. There is a common area for eating, relaxing and reading and a beautiful boma for fireside evenings. The kitchen is equipped with gas appliances and all meals are provided. Pizza nights are a highlight with the home-made pizza oven Page 5 of 6 Laundry: Volunteers do their own laundry - hand wash, laundry soap will be provided. Washing lines around the camp Electricity: Please note the camp only runs on solar power. We do have a central charging station to charge phones, laptops and camera's. To be use during midday. We do have solar lights in the tents during the evening. 

     This is alcohol free camp.

    Food & Beverages

    Meals Volunteers will receive three meals a day. Breakfast is a simple oats, breads, spread, cereals - self service Lunches and Dinners are substantial home-cooked meals Tea and coffee will be available all day. There will be periodic visits to a local village where there is a small local shop to buy simple snacks, but we recommend you bring extra snacks from home or Johannesburg A refrigerator is available for you to use for your personal food and drinks 

     NOTE:  Please do let us know up-front if you have any special needs regarding food

    Internet Access

    Limited 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

    Project can only be booked for the these dates

    Arrival Polokwane/Johannesburg 22 February
    Project: 23 Feb - 2 March (1 week)

    Arrival Polokwane/Johannesburg 8 March
    Project: 9 - 23 March (2 weeks) - Grown-up Special (for older adults)  

    Arrival Polokwane/Johannesburg 3 May
    Project: 4 - 11 May (1 week)

    Arrival Polokwane/Johannesburg 6 September
    Project: 7 - 21 September (2 weeks)

    Arrival Polokwane/Johannesburg 1 November
     Project:  2 - 23 November (2 weeks)
    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program Fees

    $1,146 per week 2 - 4 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    2 - 4 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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    Location

    Africa > Southern Africa > Botswana > Tuli Block

    Meet your project coordinator

    Shona
    54
    reviews
    4.56
    Fantastic
    2007
    Founded

    Verified

      Good response rate
    Spoken languages: English
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    Contact Shona
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    English

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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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