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Wildlife Volunteer Program in Botswana
Are you considering volunteering in Botswana? Are you passionate about wildlife conservation and seeking opportunities to get involved? Do you wish to combine your love for wildlife with impactful experiences abroad?
Nestled in Southern Africa, Botswana mesmerizes with its breathtaking scenery and diverse wildlife. Famous for its plentiful elephants and lions, must-visit spots like the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park promise unforgettable wildlife experiences.
Despite its natural riches, Botswana's wildlife faces numerous threats such as habitat loss, human-wildlife conflicts, poaching, and climate change. Our Botswana volunteer program is dedicated to addressing these challenges. Through collaboration with local conservationists, volunteers play a crucial role in safeguarding animals, restoring habitats, and advocating for sustainable practices.
Explore the unspoiled wilderness of Botswana's Central Tuli Block through our wildlife volunteer program, where adventure meets conservation efforts. Located within a sanctuary for iconic African wildlife, including majestic elephants and elusive leopards, this experience offers an authentic immersion into the natural world. While contributing to the conservation goals of the region, you'll find yourself surrounded by expansive landscapes and indigenous fauna, crafting enduring memories that resonate for years to come.
By volunteering in this wildlife conservation project in Botswana, you become an integral part of the solution needed for these animals and plants to thrive in their natural habitat. As a devoted wildlife enthusiast, your assistance is crucial in ensuring a more promising future for the endangered plants and animals in Botswana.
Volunteers’ Responsibilities & Impact
Join our wildlife volunteer program for an immersive adventure in Botswana, where your dedication to conservation meets hands-on experience in the wilderness. In Botswana's Central Tuli Block, engage in various activities such as downloading camera trap data, identifying animal tracks, and photographing birds and insects.
Contribute to essential research, conservation projects, and wildlife observation, all while enjoying the breathtaking landscapes and starry nights of the African bush.
- Participate in tasks like downloading camera trap data, identifying animal tracks, and photographing birds and insects for research.
- Delight in stunning sunsets atop rocky outcrops and evenings spent stargazing around a campfire.
- Contribute to valuable research by conducting surveys of mammals and birds, studying migration patterns, and monitoring camera traps.
- Assist in conservation efforts such as repairing fences, constructing waterholes, and controlling soil erosion, playing a vital role in preserving the wilderness.
- Witness wildlife in their natural habitat, encountering herds of elephants, zebras, and giraffes, with opportunities to track leopards, lions, and hyenas.
- Experience the magic of Africa's starry nights during sleep-outs, marveling at breathtaking sunsets and falling asleep under the vast African sky.
- Expand your knowledge of African wildlife by learning to identify species, engaging in track identification, and participating in conservation discussions and bird identification sessions.
Skills and Qualifications
You don't need any special skills or qualifications to join the wildlife conservation volunteer program in South Africa. All we ask is that you fill out the application form, have a basic understanding of English, provide a copy of your return flight itinerary, have a moderate level of fitness, and possess medical insurance.
Arrival Day – Saturday
Airport - O R Tambo International Airport
Orientation - Saturday and Sunday
The project starts on Monday, and volunteers will be transported from Johannesburg to the Polokwane station, approximately a 6-hour journey. At Polokwane station, a shuttle driver will be available to take volunteers to the Botswana border to meet the project leader, which is approximately a 3-hour drive. Alternatively, volunteers can choose to fly from Johannesburg to Polokwane at their own expense to skip the bus journey.
First Couple of Days: On your first couple of days, you explore Johannesburg and Soweto and will be escorted to your placement by a local coordinator. They will introduce you to placement staff and help orientate you in the project. You will receive a run down on the tasks that you will be required to help with, your initial schedule, and any housekeeping and safety advice you may need to know.
Weekdays Schedule: Volunteers engage in activities from Monday to Friday, starting their day at 07:30 am and concluding at 4:30 pm.
Daily Breakdown :
Early Morning Activities: Kickstart the day with various tasks related to the reserve's operations and conservation efforts.
Late Afternoon Activities : Conclude the day with additional tasks, ensuring active participation in diverse projects.
Botswana Wildlife Volunteer Program: Dates and Fees
Dates:
All volunteer programs in Botswana start every Monday of each month.
Fees:
Global Crossroad is committed to offering the most affordable and highest quality volunteering work in Botswana. We strive to keep our costs low. The humanitarian side of the business is our passion.
Global Crossroad's volunteer program in Botswana application and registration fee cost US $299. The application fee covers the cost of advertising, program promotion, and office expenses (rent, utilities, and staff salaries in USA office).
In addition to the application fee, you are required to pay a weekly program fee. You will pay your weekly fee directly to the country coordinator, who in turn will allocate it to your host family, project and other in-country support we offer to our volunteers. This way, the fees that you pay will benefit those who rightfully deserve them, and not for company profit.
| Duration | Wildlife Program: |
|---|---|
| 1 Week | $1150 |
| 2 Weeks | $1920 |
| 3 Weeks | $2690 |
| 4 Weeks | $3460 |
| 5 Weeks | $4230 |
| 6 Weeks | $5000 |
| 7 Weeks | $5770 |
| 8 Weeks | $6540 |
| 9 Weeks | $7310 |
| 10 Weeks | $8080 |
| 11 Weeks | $8850 |
| 12 Weeks | $9620 | -
Comprehensive Travel Insurance $3.49/day ( below 28 years) and $4.49/day ( above 28 years) »
How your fee is allocated?
Program fees cover:
- Accommodation (volunteer house or host family)
- Food (local food 2 times a day)
- Airport pick up
- Program Orientation
- In-country support
- Personalized project
- Pre-departure information
- Certificate of completion
- Fundraising ideas and letters
- Discount for returning volunteers
Program fees exclude:
- Visas
- Airfare
- Personal expenses on soft drinks and foods
- Daily transportation
- Airport return transfer
The volunteering trips in South Africa program fees will cover expenses that will begin on the first day of the program (usually the first or third Monday of the month) to the last day of the program. If you arrive before the first day of the program or you decide you stay beyond your program’s last day, you will be responsible for the additional expenses, which would typically be around $30 a day for room and meals at a hostel.
Accommodation, Meal and Supervision
Global Crossroad offers a unique accommodation experience in a fully equipped tented camp, providing volunteers with a comfortable "home away from home." The camp features 2–6-person walk-in safari tents furnished with bunk beds, bedding, and shared ablution facilities offering hot and cold showers and flush toilets. Volunteers can also enjoy communal areas for dining, relaxation, and reading, including a cozy boma for memorable fireside evenings. The camp kitchen is well-equipped with gas appliances, providing delicious home-cooked meals, including special pizza nights featuring homemade pizza from the camp's oven.
During their stay, volunteers are provided with three daily meals. Breakfast options include oats, bread, spreads, and cereals for self-service, while lunches and dinners consist of hearty, home-cooked meals. Tea and coffee are available throughout the day. While volunteers can visit a local village with a small shop for snacks, they are encouraged to bring extra snacks from home or Johannesburg. Additionally, volunteers have access to a refrigerator for storing personal food and drinks.
For supervision and coordination, volunteers receive support from various staff members overseeing different aspects of their work. A designated team leader ensures the smooth operation of volunteers' stays, offering guidance and assistance as needed. This structured support system ensures volunteers have the necessary resources to enhance their experience while making meaningful contributions to conservation efforts in Botswana.
Free Time and Weekend Exploration
During your daily routine, you'll be involved in around six hours of volunteer work, divided between morning and late afternoon tasks to avoid the midday heat. During lunch and early afternoon breaks, you'll have free time for reading, relaxing, playing games, or even taking a nap. For those who prefer more active activities, there are ongoing tasks around the camp, such as downloading camera trap data, identifying tracks, and photographing birds and insects for identikits.
As the late afternoon approaches, you can enjoy breathtaking sunsets from a rocky outcrop, followed by evenings spent stargazing around a campfire, weather permitting. During weekends, you'll have the opportunity to explore nearby attractions and destinations.
Safety and In Country Support
Your safety is our priority, and here at GCR we ensure that you always feel safe and comfortable during your volunteer project. We will support you to take necessary vaccinations before travelling to Botswana and when in the project you will have an in-country coordinator assigned to assist you any time should any problem come up. We also offer a comprehensive insurance to ensure your safety at all time.
Volunteer with Wildlife in Botswana: FAQs
Arrival and Departure
You can fly into Tambo International Airport. Arrival on Saturday is recommended, allowing time to settle in before the project commences. We suggest contacting our Botswana country coordinator before departure to ensure a smooth experience and address any concerns.
In terms of airport logistics, we offer airport pick-up services upon your arrival. Just provide us with your flight details, and our staff will meet you at the airport to transfer you to your placement. However, please note that we do not provide airport drop-off services, so you'll need to budget for transportation to the airport at the end of your stay. Our local staff and in-country team will assist you in arranging transportation for your departure.
Visa
Securing a tourist visa is mandatory to participate in our volunteering programs in Botswana. This can be done by visiting the Botswana embassy in your home country before departure. Alternatively, depending on your country of origin, you may also obtain a tourist visa upon arrival at the International Airport.
While in Botswana, you have the option to extend your visa for an additional three months by visiting the Botswana immigration offices. For further information and details, you can visit this link.
Vaccination
The CDC and WHO recommend several vaccinations for Botswana to protect against various diseases. These include hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia, and influenza. It's essential for you to consult with your healthcare provider or a travel medicine specialist to determine which vaccinations are necessary based on your individual health status, travel itinerary, and potential exposure risks.
Why volunteer in Wildlife Project in Botswana?
Conservation Impact : By volunteering in a Wildlife Project in Botswana, you play a crucial role in protecting and preserving the country's diverse wildlife and ecosystems.
Immersive Experience: Volunteering in Botswana offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the African wilderness and connect with nature on a deeper level.
Personal Growth: Volunteering abroad in a Wildlife Project provides a valuable opportunity for personal growth and development. You'll gain hands-on experience in wildlife conservation.
Cultural Exchange: Botswana's rich cultural heritage and diverse communities offer volunteers the chance to engage in meaningful cultural exchange.
Adventure and Exploration: Volunteering in Botswana is not just about conservation work; it's also an adventure-filled experience. From exploring the vast African wilderness to embarking on safari adventures and witnessing stunning sunsets over the savannah, volunteering in Botswana promises unforgettable moments and lifelong memories.