Botswana Projects
Wildlife Volunteer Program in Botswana
Are you considering volunteering in Botswana? Are you someone passionate about wildlife, looking for opportunities to connect with nature? Do you want to merge your love for wildlife with impactful experiences overseas?
Botswana, situated in Southern Africa, captivates with its stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity. Renowned for its abundant wildlife, including majestic elephants and lions, iconic destinations like the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park offer unforgettable encounters with nature.
Beyond wildlife, Botswana's diverse terrain invites exploration, from the expansive deserts to encounters with vibrant local communities.
Experience the wild beauty of Botswana’s Central Tuli Block through a unique wildlife volunteer program. Set in a protected sanctuary home to elephants, leopards, and other African animals, this program offers an exciting way to connect with nature while supporting conservation efforts.
Volunteers help contribute to a long-term goal of creating a larger protected area by working together with nearby parks and reserves. This effort is focused on improving biodiversity in Southern Africa by removing fences and connecting wildlife habitats.
Once used for farming, the Central Tuli Block has been restored into a wildlife haven thanks to private conservation efforts. The program offers young people a chance to explore untouched nature, learn about conservation, and make a real difference for African wildlife.
If you're passionate about wildlife and want to make a difference, consider joining our efforts in Botswana. Contact IFRE to learn more about volunteering opportunities.
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Volunteers’ Responsibilities & Impact
As a volunteer, you'll spend about six hours each day helping out—usually in the early morning and late afternoon to avoid the midday heat. During the hottest part of the day, you’ll have free time to relax, read, play games, or take a nap. If you prefer staying busy, there are always extra tasks around camp, like checking camera trap photos, identifying animal tracks, or photographing birds and insects.
In the late afternoon, you’ll often enjoy stunning sunsets from rocky viewpoints, and in the evening, you can relax by the campfire under the stars if the weather allows.
What You’ll Do:
1. Data Collection
- Survey birds and mammals
- Help create giraffe ID profiles for ongoing research
- Check camera traps and record night-time animal activity
- Support conservation planning with useful data
2. Conservation Projects
- Take part in important hands-on tasks like fixing fences, building waterholes, and controlling soil erosion
- Help maintain and protect the reserve
3. Wildlife Observation
- Watch animals like elephants, zebras, and giraffes in the wild
- Try to track big predators like lions, leopards, and hyenas
- Enjoy the natural sounds and sights of the African bush
4. Sleep-Outs
- Sleep under the stars out in the wild
- See stunning sunsets and enjoy peaceful nights listening to wildlife
5. Learn and Explore
- Identify different plants and animals
- Practice tracking and make casts of animal footprints
- Join conservation talks and bird-spotting sessions
- Soak in the silence and 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.
You can arrive anytime on Sunday.
Arrival Airports:
The recommended arrival airport is O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB). An alternative option is Lanseria Airport (HLA). You’ll Stay on Sunrock Guesthouse (Private Room & Dinner Included) – A cozy and comfortable stay to relax before your journey to Botswana. Airport Pickup Included – Our driver will meet you at the airport and take you to the guesthouse.
Travel to Botswana (Monday Morning)
On Monday morning, after breakfast, you’ll start your journey to the Botswana project site. You will be introduced 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.
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.
Volunteer in Botswana Wildlife: Program Dates and Fees
Start Dates: Our Botswana volunteer programs usually start every Monday, although we allow for flexibility due to travel constraints and if you require another start-date, we can usually accommodate your needs.
Please check the program page for the available dates
Our Fees
Since 2006, IFRE has been the most trusted and respected volunteer abroad organization in the world, and also the most affordable. We’re dedicated to providing the highest quality volunteer programs at the lowest fees, which make it possible for everyone, especially students, to volunteer internationally and make a positive impact in the lives of others.
We believe in 100% transparency. Rest assured, we never use middlemen. Your one-time registration fee of $299 covers our administrative costs. The low weekly fee is paid in the host country directly to your host family and project (via country coordinator), and includes housing, food, and minor expenses. IFRE is a non-profit organization, so your program fees are tax deductible.
Volunteer Program Fee (US$)
| Duration | Wildlife Projects |
|---|---|
| 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) »
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
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Accommodation and Meal
IFRE provides a unique experience with accommodation offered in a fully equipped tented camp, serving as a comfortable home away from home. The camp includes 2–6-person walk-in safari tents furnished with bunk beds, sheets, and pillows, alongside shared ablutions featuring hot and cold showers, as well as flush toilets. Additionally, volunteers can enjoy communal areas for dining, relaxation, and reading, including a charming boma for memorable fireside evenings. The kitchen is well-equipped with gas appliances, offering delicious home-cooked meals, including special pizza nights featuring homemade pizza from the camp's own oven.
Volunteers will be provided with three meals a day during their stay. Breakfast includes simple options like oats, breads, spreads, and cereals, which are self-service. Lunches and dinners consist of substantial, home-cooked meals. Tea and coffee will be available throughout the day. While periodic visits to a local village with a small shop for simple snacks are planned, volunteers are encouraged to bring extra snacks from home or Johannesburg. Additionally, a refrigerator is available for volunteers to store their personal food and drinks.
For supervision and coordination, volunteers will have the support of various staff members overseeing different aspects of the work. A designated team leader will ensure the smooth operation of volunteers' stay, providing guidance and assistance as needed. This structure guarantees volunteers have the necessary support and resources to maximize their experience while contributing meaningfully to conservation efforts in Botswana.
Free Time and Weekends:
In your daily routine, you'll engage in approximately six hours of volunteer work, split between early morning and late afternoon tasks to avoid the midday heat. During lunch and the early afternoon, you'll have free time for reading, relaxing, playing games, or even taking a nap! For those seeking more active pursuits, there are ongoing activities around the camp, such as downloading camera trap data, identifying tracks, and photographing birds and insects for identikits.
As the late afternoon approaches, you'll have the opportunity to witness breathtaking sunsets from a rocky outcrop, followed by evenings spent stargazing around a campfire, weather permitting. On weekends, you'll have the chance to explore nearby attractions and destinations.
Safety and In Country Support
At IFRE, your safety is our top priority. With over 22,000 individuals having already experienced affordable and secure volunteer opportunities across more than 20 countries since 2006, you can trust that our projects are carefully vetted and regularly assessed to ensure they meet our standards. Additionally, IFRE offers a Comprehensive Insurance Plan to provide you with peace of mind during your volunteer journey.
Throughout your volunteer experience, you will be supported by in-country personnel who are dedicated to ensuring your well-being and a meaningful volunteer experience. They are available to address any queries you may have, offer immediate assistance in case of safety concerns, and ensure you have the necessary support to thrive. In-country staff will periodically check in on you, arrange your airport pick-up, introduce you to local team members, provide project orientation, and offer safety tips to enhance your experience.
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Volunteer with Wildlife in Botswana: FAQs
Arrival And Departure
When considering volunteering in Botswana, it's advisable to 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.
Visas
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, please visit this link.
Vaccinations
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.
For further readings:
Safety tips for your volunteer abroad trip
Why Volunteer in a Wildlife Project in Botswana?
Unique Wildlife Diversity : Botswana boasts a rich variety of wildlife, including iconic species like elephants, lions, and rhinos, offering volunteers a chance to contribute to the conservation of these magnificent animals.
Stunning Natural Landscapes: Volunteers will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in Botswana's breathtaking natural beauty, from the sprawling plains of the Okavango Delta to the rugged terrain of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve.
Commitment to Conservation: Botswana is renowned for its dedication to sustainable tourism and conservation, ensuring that volunteers can participate in meaningful and ethical wildlife conservation efforts.
Cultural Exchange: Volunteers will work alongside local communities and conservationists, fostering cross-cultural understanding and collaboration while gaining insights into local customs and challenges.
Personal Growth: Volunteering in Botswana offers more than just the chance to make a difference—it's also an opportunity for personal growth, providing volunteers with unforgettable experiences and valuable skills that can be applied beyond their time in the field.
- Sea Turtle and Wildlife Research
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