Uganda 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.
However, Botswana's wildlife is under threat from habitat loss, conflicts with humans, poaching, and climate change. Our Botswana volunteer program aim to tackle these challenges. By teaming up with local conservationists, volunteers help protect animals, restore habitats, and promote sustainable practices.
Immerse yourself in the unspoiled wilderness of Botswana's Central Tuli Block through our wildlife volunteer program, blending adventure with conservation efforts. Located within a haven for iconic African wildlife, including majestic elephants and elusive leopards, this experience offers an authentic immersion into the wild. 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.
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
Join our wildlife volunteer program for an immersive experience in the heart of Africa, where your passion for conservation meets hands-on wilderness work. In Botswana's Central Tuli Block, engage in activities like downloading camera trap data, identifying spoor, and capturing images of birds and insects. Contribute to vital research, conservation projects, and wildlife observation, all while enjoying the breathtaking landscapes and starry nights of the African bush.
- Engage in tasks like downloading camera trap data, identifying spoor, and capturing images of birds and insects for identikits.
- Enjoy breathtaking sunsets atop rocky outcrops and evenings spent stargazing around a campfire.
- Contribute to vital research by conducting mammal and bird surveys, studying migration patterns, and monitoring camera traps.
- Assist in conservation projects such as fence repair, waterhole construction, and soil erosion control, playing a crucial role in protecting and maintaining the wilderness area.
- Observe wildlife in their natural habitat, encountering herds of elephant, zebra, and giraffe, with opportunities to track leopard, lion, and hyena.
- Experience the magic of Africa's starlit sky during sleep-outs, witnessing stunning sunsets and falling asleep under the vast African sky.
- Learn to identify species in the African bush, engage in spoor identification and cast-making, and participate in conservation debates and bird identification sessions.
Skills and Qualifications:
You do not need any specific skills or qualifications to be part of the wildlife conservation volunteer program in Botswana. All we ask is that you have Completed Application form, Basic level of competency in English, Copy of return flight itinerary, Medium level of fitness and 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 2 days of volunteering, 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.
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:
- Accommodation (host family)
- Food (only breakfast and dinnery)
- Airport Pick up/Transfer
- 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
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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 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.
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.
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