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Wildlife Conservation Volunteer Project in Botswana

Wildlife Conservation Volunteer Project in Botswana

Purpose
Protect & preserve endangered wildlife
Start dates
Programs start every Monday
Duration
Choose from 1-12 weeks
Volunteer hours
Up to 6 hours per day
Age
Volunteers aged 18+, and 16+ accompanied
Accommodation
Semi-permanent tents
Apply for free
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Who is going?
Group video calls

Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.

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This program is ideal for:

Outdoor-loving volunteers who want to get out of their comfort zone and contribute to conservation efforts protecting amazing wildlife and their habitats.

Project details

Explore the untamed and vast landscapes of Botswana while studying iconic African species in our Wildlife Conservation volunteer project. Become a key player in preserving habitats and welfare of indigenous wildlife as you study and observe wildlife from elephants, zebras, and giraffes to lions, leopards, and hyenas. In this volunteer project, you will gain experience working with conservationists focused on expanding protected areas for these animals, contributing to the enhancement of Southern African biodiversity.

What to expect and how you'll make an impact

Set within a sanctuary for Africa’s most iconic species, this experience offers an authentic immersion in the wilderness. You’ll be surrounded by expansive landscapes and native wildlife, all while playing a vital role in the area’s conservation efforts and creating lasting memories. As part of the Botswana program, volunteers will work on an unfenced private game reserve in the Tuli Block, actively participating in the land’s rewilding and the restoration of its diverse wildlife. This collaborative initiative seeks to achieve the ultimate goal of enhancing biodiversity in Southern Africa.

Your work day will be divided between early morning and late afternoon tasks, assisting with research, conservation projects and wildlife observation, with activities that can include:

  • Conducting mammal and bird surveys
  • Performing anti-poaching patrols
  • Identifying animal prints
  • Studying migration patterns throughout the year
  • Conservation efforts of autochthonous plant species
  • Develop elephant identikits
  • Monitoring camera traps and document nocturnal activities
  • Assist with waterhole construction, soil erosion control and road maintenance
  • Observing wildlife in their natural habitat

Volunteers will also have the chance to participate in sleep-outs, where you’ll experience the magic of Africa’s starlit skies, witness breathtaking sunsets and sunrises over the plains, and fall asleep beneath the vast expanse of the African sky, serenaded by the sounds of nearby wildlife.

Please note, these are wild animals. You should not expect to conduct hands-on research or interact directly with them.

Contributes to United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal #15: Life on Land

Contributes to United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal #15: Life on Land

Human activity has altered almost 75% of the earth’s surface and around 1 million animal and plant species are threatened with extinction. Nature is critical to our survival. We must promote kindness to animals and use regenerative techniques to combat deforestation, conserve biodiversity and protect wildlife.

Why do Wildlife Conservation volunteering in Botswana with IVHQ?

As a wildlife conservation volunteer in Botswana you’ll be adding value to conservation efforts, while also developing personally and professionally by:

  • Supporting efforts to enhance biodiversity in Southern Africa.
  • Helping protect endangered animal populations
  • Developing your communication skills
  • Gaining a wide range of conservation knowledge
  • Learning about wildlife and the challenges it faces

Volunteer requirements

  • To join this program independently volunteers must be at least 18 years old.
  • If you are under the age of 18, you must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over the age of 18 and have parental consent to join the program (minimum age of 16).
  • All volunteers over the age of 18 must have a clear criminal background check. For those aged 16 or 17, 2 character reference letters will suffice in lieu of a background check.
  • Medium level of fitness is required for this project
  • All volunteers are required to have adequate volunteer travel insurance
  • All volunteers must speak fluent English.
Are you eligible to volunteer?

Submit a free application so we can confirm your eligibility and check availability for your preferred dates.

Apply for free

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'Who is going' users image
Who is going?
Group video calls

Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.

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What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience

EM
Emma Morris
06 Nov 2024

I gained an insight into what it’s like to manage all the aspects of wildlife, and how much work is needed. I was so happy to do my part to help keep the animals safe, happy and healthy.

...

To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.

Academic course credit

Academic course credit through International Volunteer HQ and Intern Abroad HQ.

Academic course credit

Gain course credit from your college or university and meet your academic requirements when completing a volunteer abroad program with International Volunteer HQ!

Learn about course credit

Location

Volunteer Abroad in Botswana with IVHQ

Location

The IVHQ Botswana Wildlife Conservation project is located in Botswana’s Central Tuli Block which is a captivating region known for its diverse wildlife, scenic landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. Located in the eastern part of the country along the Limpopo River, this area is characterized by its rugged terrain, including rocky outcrops, riverine forests, and open savannas.

Arrival and orientation

The program begins every Monday, and volunteers must arrive in Johannesburg, South Africa, on the Saturday before their Sunday orientation. You can fly into either O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) or Lanseria International Airport (HLA) at any time on Saturday, and your airport pick-up—already included in the program fee—will be arranged.

You’ll spend your first two nights in Johannesburg before heading to Botswana. Upon arrival, you will be transported to Curiosity Backpackers, where a hostel staff member will meet you at the airport. Your accommodation, including the Saturday night prior to your start date, is covered by your program fee.

For those traveling within South Africa before the program, we can arrange pick-up from a nearby hotel or other accommodation on Saturday, as long as it’s within close proximity to the city center or airport.

Orientation is hosted by a staff member at the hostel and takes place across Saturday and Sunday. On Saturday, you’ll receive a welcome pack and an introduction to your volunteer program, including local rules, safety guidelines and project expectations. After breakfast on Sunday, you’ll embark on an exciting exploration of Johannesburg and Soweto, enjoy lunch, browse local arts and crafts, and immerse yourself in the vibrant history of Maboneng, one of the city’s most dynamic neighborhoods. Sunday is also an opportunity to buy anything you may need during your time in remote Botswana.

On Monday, you’ll be transported to the bus station in Johannesburg to catch a bus to Polokwane (about a 6-hour journey). Upon arrival, a local shuttle driver will meet you and drive you to the Botswana border (about a 3-hour drive), where you’ll meet your project leader. From there, it’s approximately another hour to the project site.

If you prefer to skip the bus ride, you can fly from JNB to Polokwane Gateway Airport (PTG), with airport pick-up provided. Please note that while the bus ticket is included in your program fee, the cost of the flight would be at your own expense.

Volunteer schedule example

First Day You will be provided with your orientation and introduction to your placement by a local staff member.

Sunday in Johannesburg Enjoy a half-day tour through Johannesburg and Soweto and get prepared for your trip to remote Botswana

Weekdays and Weekends in Botswana Volunteers can expect to work approximately 6 hours per day, split between early morning and early afternoon (with a long lunch break to avoid the midday heat).

7:00 AM Breakfast at the volunteer accommodation.
7:30 AM Volunteers typically head out to begin work for the morning on the reserve.
11:00 AM Volunteers return to the accommodation to clean up before lunch.
11:30 - 12:00 PM Lunch is served.
3:00 - 5:30 PM Volunteers head out for work on the reserve or other afternoon activity, then return to the center to clean up before dinner.
6:30 PM Dinner at the volunteer accommodation.

During lunch and the early afternoon, you have free time to indulge in reading, relaxing, playing games, or even taking a nap! 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.

Accommodation and WiFi

For their first two nights in Johannesburg, volunteers stay at Curiocity Backpackers located in the vibrant neighborhood of Maboneng. The area offers a variety of restaurants, cafes, shops and art galleries to enjoy during your free time. Dorm rooms are typically separated by gender (up to 8 guests per room) and there’s a large mixed gender room as well with capacity for 13 guests. The hostel provides bedding and complimentary WiFi. Private room upgrades can be arranged for an extra cost directly with the local team, subjected to availability.

In Botswana, volunteers are accommodated in a fully equipped semi-permanent tented camp. Volunteers can expect to be sharing a tent with 1-5 other volunteers usually of the same gender, but couples can be accommodated together in twin share tents.

The tents are walk-in safari tents with single and bunk beds, sheets and pillows provided. Volunteers need to bring their own sleeping bags, highly needed during the winter months (May through September) as temperatures can drop significantly at night and early morning. Bathrooms 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 camp is run on solar power and there is a communal charging station for devices.

The kitchen is equipped with gas appliances and all meals are provided. Pizza nights are a highlight with the home-made wood fired pizza oven.

WiFi is not available at the volunteer accommodation. Volunteers are highly recommended to purchase an e-SIM before arrival or alternatively, a South Africa SIM card during their stay in Johannesburg to stay connected with home, but please keep in mind that reception is very spotty.

Meals

Most meals during your stay in Johannesburg are provided by the hostel: dinner on Saturday, three meals on Sunday, and breakfast on Monday before departing for Botswana.

In Botswana, volunteers are provided with three meals per day at their volunteer accommodation. Breakfast is self-service and includes porridge, fruit salad, bread, spreads, cereals with tea and coffee. Lunch and dinner are substantial home-cooked meals prepared by a local cook. You can expect meals like chicken and vegetables, curries, burgers, lasagna with salad or even homemade made pizzas in the evenings.

The local team is happy to accommodate special dietary requests. Please note your diet requirement in your application so we can ensure the local team is prepared for you. Please keep in mind that due to the program location volunteers should not expect to eat as they would at home and special meals might need to be brought from home or bought at own cost. Volunteers need to be flexible, and those that are taking part for a longer duration can expect meals to be repeated.

Pricing

  • USD

Spots are limited. For a Registration Fee of just US$299 (approximately CA$441) you secure your spot and unlock all our preparation and training tools.

You don't need to worry about paying your Program Fee until you get closer to your start date.

Duration
Program Fee
Due 30 days before you start, or within 48 hours if you register inside of 30 days. Covers the cost of hosting you.
  • USD
1 week $1,199 Equivalent to $171/day
2 weeks $1,878 Equivalent to $134/day
3 weeks $2,557 Equivalent to $122/day
4 weeks $3,235 Equivalent to $116/day
5 weeks $3,914 Equivalent to $112/day
6 weeks $4,593 Equivalent to $109/day
8 weeks $5,951 Equivalent to $106/day
10 weeks $7,308 Equivalent to $104/day
12 weeks $8,666 Equivalent to $103/day
  • All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$299 (approximately CA$441) in addition to the Program Fee. This covers all pre-departure support services.
  • A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.
  • Airport pick-up and drop-off
  • Return bus and shuttle transport to/from Johannesburg to Botswana
  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Accommodation
  • 24/7 in-country support
  • In-country program orientation
  • Pre-departure support from your Program Manager
  • Personalized preparation tools, guides and check lists
  • Access to IVHQ’s preferred insurance and flights partners
  • Certificate of International Volunteer Service

Learn more about what's included in your IVHQ Registration Fee and Program Fee.

  • Flights
  • Visa (if required), travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check.
  • Personal spending money for snacks, laundry, public transportation, drinks and leisure activities during your free time.

Check what's required to visit Botswana

Safety and support

Safety and support with IVHQ

Safety and support

IVHQ follows best practice and industry-leading health and safety procedures, which are regularly reviewed and optimized as part of the B Corporation recertification.

  • All volunteers encouraged to complete our interactive pre-departure training.
  • All local teams trained on best practice volunteer management & First Aid.
  • All IVHQ programs are required to adhere to IVHQ's Risk Management Policy.
  • All volunteers have access to 24/7 in-country support from our local team.
Learn more about IVHQ's safety

Essential country information

Essential country information

Capital Gaborone
Population 2,521,139
Languages English, Setswana (Tswana) and Kalanga
Currency Pula
Time zone UTC+02:00

Weather and climate

In Botswana, the summers are long, hot, and partly cloudy and the winters are short, cool, dry, and clear. Over the course of the year, the temperature at Tuli Block typically varies from 5°C to 30°C but it can get below 5°C in winter months (May through September) and reach 40°C from October to March. The best time of year to visit Tuli Block to skip the extreme heat is from April through September.

Apply to check if you're eligible!

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How to get started

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Pay the Registration Fee to secure your place and upgrade your MyIVHQ account
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