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Volunteer in the wild heart of Botswana’s Central Tuli Block with this Wildlife Conservation program. This project invites you to dive into an adventure that marries the thrill of being close to Africa’s majestic wildlife with the noble cause of conservation. Set against a backdrop of stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity, volunteers contribute to significant conservation efforts while experiencing the untamed beauty of Botswana. It’s an opportunity to make memories that last a lifetime in a sanctuary brimming with elephants, leopards, and other iconic species.
Program Highlights:
Your Schedule at a Glance (Minimum two-week commitment):
Arrival Day, Saturday: Upon your arrival in Johannesburg International Airport (JNB) on Saturday, you will be gearing up for a transformative journey in wildlife conservation. This day is designed for you to settle in before your adventure begins, offering a soft landing into South Africa’s vibrant culture and the start of your orientation period.
Days 1, Sunday, Orientation in Johannesburg: The first day is dedicated to a cultural tour and orientation in Johannesburg at our partner Backpackers, aimed at acquainting you with the local culture, your fellow volunteers, and the details of your upcoming conservation work. You’ll explore Johannesburg and Soweto, visiting significant landmarks and getting a firsthand glimpse into South Africa’s rich history and current social fabric.
Day 2, Monday, Transfer to project site: Volunteers will begin their journey from Johannesburg to the Botswana project site early in the morning. This day begins with transportation to the bus station in Johannesburg, where volunteers catch a bus and a shuttle to the Botswana border which in total is approximate a 9 hour journey. At the border, you’ll be met by the project team to transfer to the project in the Central Tuli Block of Botswana. For those preferring to reduce the journey by 6 hours, there is an option to fly directly from Johannesburg to Polokwane at their own expense, providing a faster but more costly alternative to reach the project’s location. From Polokwane, the journey to the border is 3 hours by shuttle.
Days 3-7 – Volunteer Week: Once in the Central Tuli Block of Botswana, here is where your contribution to wildlife conservation begins. Mornings and late afternoons are filled with diverse activities such as wildlife monitoring, data collection, and habitat restoration, tailored to avoid the midday heat. You’ll engage in meaningful work alongside experienced conservationists, contributing directly to the project’s goals while learning about local wildlife and ecosystems.
Weekend: The weekends offer a breather from the week’s tasks, allowing time for relaxation, reflection, and exploration of the local area. This is your chance to immerse yourself further into the natural beauty and cultural richness of Botswana, with optional activities or simply enjoying downtime at the camp.
Remaining Weeks: As the weeks progress, your schedule will follow a consistent pattern, building upon the experiences of the previous week. Volunteer tasks will continue to focus on conservation efforts, with each day offering new learning opportunities and challenges. The program culminates with your departure on a Monday, marking the end of an unforgettable journey in wildlife conservation. You’re encouraged to plan for a late evening flight out of Johannesburg, reflecting on the impact of your work and the memories made during your stay.
What’s Included
What’s not Included
Flights, entry visa if relevant, travel health insurance, personal expenses, optional in-country flight between Johannesburg and Polokwane.
The Central Tuli Block in Botswana is a sanctuary that has undergone transformation from mixed-use land to a haven for Africa’s iconic wildlife. Thanks to concerted rewilding efforts by private conservationists, it now provides an authentic wilderness experience. The area’s vast landscapes, teeming with elephants, leopards, and other wildlife, are a testament to successful conservation practices. Volunteers at this project contribute to the ongoing preservation of this vital ecosystem, playing a role in the broader efforts to protect and enhance biodiversity in Southern Africa.
This Wildlife Conservation program operates at the intersection of adventure and conservation, offering participants a chance to immerse themselves in Botswana’s unparalleled natural beauty while contributing to meaningful conservation efforts. The project is dedicated to creating a contiguous wildlife corridor and enhancing biodiversity, ensuring the survival of many species.
Volunteers engage in a variety of tasks aimed at conservation and research, including wildlife monitoring, habitat restoration, and community projects. The work is designed to support the project’s ultimate goal of ecosystem preservation and expansion, offering hands-on experience in conservation efforts.
Volunteer tasks may include:
Please take note of this project’s minimum requirements:
In the heart of Botswana, the Central Tuli Block emerges as a magnificent beacon of wilderness and biodiversity, offering a serene backdrop for the Wildlife Conservation program. This area has undergone a significant transformation from a mixed-use landscape to a dedicated wildlife sanctuary, thanks to the diligent efforts of private conservationists. It now stands as a haven for some of Africa’s most iconic species, including elephants, leopards, and numerous bird species. The sanctuary’s objective is not just to protect these magnificent creatures but also to provide an authentic wilderness experience for volunteers and visitors alike, thereby contributing to the overarching conservation goals of the region.
The Central Tuli Block is characterized by its vast, untamed landscapes that offer an unparalleled immersion into the natural world. Volunteers participating in the program are treated to an environment that is as challenging as it is rewarding, with opportunities to engage in wildlife research, conservation projects, and educational initiatives that have a tangible impact on the ground. The area’s rich biodiversity, combined with the dramatic beauty of its rock formations, riverine forests, and extensive savannah plains, creates a setting that is not just a backdrop for conservation work but also a classroom for learning about ecological balance, sustainability, and the critical importance of preserving natural habitats for future generations.
© 2022 GOECO | All rights reserved
Develop & Design | Msite