Botswana Wilderness Adventure

Program Description

Located on the Grassland Safari Lodge west of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR) in Botswana, the project is working to protect the landscapes surrounding the Lodge. On the 10,000 hectares of land, the wide open space and untamed wilderness provide ideal conditions for a wider range of animals to thrive in. The project works to protect this and other natural environments and wildlife in Botswana through community-based outreach programs and monitoring of the ecosystem.The space also offers incredible wildlife viewing opportunities.

This project strives to provide all animals with the chance at a safe, natural life. All the captive predators on the farm have been removed from farming areas around the site, where they were at risk of being shot or poisoned by farmers protecting their land and livestock. In the sanctuary, they have space to roam in large enclosures where they can live a full life, safe from the dangers of human – animal conflict, and also serve educational purposes, helping to raise awareness of potential conflicts with humans and how these can be avoided.

This project provides a learning opportunity for all who desire to make a difference in wildlife preservation, while experiencing the wild, Botswana habitat and incredible culture first hand. The course centres on the Kalahari ecosystem where diverse wildlife and breathtaking scenery blend harmoniously to create a unique and thrilling experience.

Highlights

This volunteering programme aims to give you an educational experience in the African Bush, and offers many opportunities to discover more about the culture and wildlife, including walks in the Bush with specialised guides and nights spent under the breathtaking, Kalahari Desert sky. As a volunteer, you will also be offered lessons on cooking traditional food on a campfire and opportunities to feed lions, leopards and wild dogs with the project staff.

In the morning you will learn practical things about the environment, enjoying the cooler temperatures, before the sun is at its fullest. During the hottest time of the day, right after lunch, there are lectures in a shaded area of the campsite, half of which will provide theoretical knowledge about African animals, wildlife management and general facts about wildlife conservation in Botswana. The other half will include more practical information to help you identify animals, animal tracks and vegetation during your walks, as well as how to orientate and behave in the Bush where wild animals roam freely around you.

After two weeks, if you have booked a longer stay you are free to repeat the programme with the new arrivals or become more involved in other parts of the project. You may lecture to the new arrivals yourself to strengthen your knowledge or contribute even more to the project and awareness around it, through community initiatives.

The programme is primarily a course, which will educate you in the many different aspects of Kalahari wildlife and ecosystems, with many practical aspects that will give you greater and more detailed knowledge of the African Bush and its natural inhabitants. This is a fun and educational experience that will give you incredible memories to last a lifetime!

Qualifications

No qualifications or special skills are required - just a minimum age of 18 and a willingness to get involved with all activities is required.

Volunteer Types

What`s Included

• Accommodation at the project centre
• Three meals a day and drinking water, coffee and tea
• Laundry facilities
• All project facilities and full support and orientation during your time