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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.
Botswana's wildlife faces serious threats from habitat destruction, human-wildlife conflict, poaching, and climate change. Our volunteer program in Botswana is designed to address these issues directly. By working alongside local conservation experts, volunteers play a vital role in protecting wildlife, restoring natural habitats, and encouraging sustainable living.
Join our wildlife volunteer program in the untouched Central Tuli Block and experience the raw beauty of Botswana. Set in a sanctuary for iconic African animals like elephants and leopards, this program offers a unique blend of adventure and meaningful conservation work. As you support important preservation efforts, you'll be surrounded by breathtaking scenery and native wildlife—creating unforgettable memories that will stay with you for a lifetime.
Volunteers’ Responsibilities & Impact
As a volunteer, you'll typically spend around six hours a day assisting with various tasks—mainly during the cooler early mornings and late afternoons. The hottest part of the day is yours to relax: read a book, play games, nap, or explore optional camp activities. For those who like to stay active, there’s always something to do—like reviewing camera trap images, identifying animal tracks, or photographing the local bird and insect life.
In the late afternoon, soak in breathtaking sunsets from rocky outcrops. Evenings often end around the campfire under a sky full of stars, weather permitting.
What You'll Do:
1. Data Collection
- Survey local birds and mammals
- Help build giraffe ID profiles for research projects
- Monitor camera traps to log nocturnal wildlife activity
- Provide valuable data to support conservation strategies
2. Conservation Projects
- Get involved in hands-on work like fence repairs, building waterholes, and controlling erosion
- Contribute to the ongoing maintenance and protection of the wildlife reserve
3. Wildlife Observation
- Observe elephants, zebras, giraffes, and more in their natural environment
- Track predators such as lions, leopards, and hyenas
- Experience the unique sights and sounds of the African bush
4. Sleep-Outs
- Spend a night under the stars in the wild
- Witness dramatic sunsets and drift off to the sounds of nocturnal animals
5. Learn and Explore
- Learn to identify local plants and animal species
- Practice wildlife tracking and make plaster casts of footprints
- Take part in conservation talks and birdwatching walks
- Absorb the quiet beauty of the African landscape
Skills and Qualifications
To join the program, volunteers are required to complete an application form and have a basic level of English to communicate effectively. A copy of the return flight itinerary must be provided, and volunteers should have a moderate level of physical fitness to carry out daily field activities. Additionally, all volunteers must have valid medical insurance that includes emergency evacuation coverage to ensure their safety during the program.
Arrival Information – Sunday
You’re welcome to arrive any time on Sunday.
Recommended Airports:
O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) – Recommended
Lanseria Airport (HLA) – also an option
Accommodation:
You'll spend your first night at Sunrock Guesthouse, where you’ll enjoy a private room and a delicious dinner. It’s the perfect place to unwind before heading to Botswana.
Airport Pickup Included:
Our friendly driver will meet you at the airport and transfer you to the guesthouse, so your arrival is smooth and stress-free.
Travel to Botswana – Monday Morning
After breakfast on Monday, you’ll begin your journey to the project site in Botswana. Once there, you’ll meet the placement team, receive a full orientation, and go over your upcoming tasks, daily schedule, safety guidelines, and housekeeping tips.
Weekday Schedule: Monday to Friday
Early Morning: Start your day with meaningful conservation tasks and reserve-related duties.
Late Afternoon: Continue with hands-on activities, playing a key role in various wildlife and habitat 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:
- Return Transfer from JHB to the project
- (Recommend to fly JHB to Polokwane @ Own expense)
- Certificate of completion
- All meals
- Accommodation
- 24 hour support and supervisor
- Donation to the project
- Braai once a week
- 2 Day Johannesburg Orientation
- Guided activities
- Game drives
- Sleep-outs under the stars
- Sundays off for relaxation and local exploration
- Laundry day
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 Sunday 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.