Adventure-seeking, nature-loving volunteers eager to step out of their comfort zones and make a meaningful impact on wildlife conservation and habitat protection.

Project details

Immerse yourself in the untamed landscapes of Botswana as a Wildlife Conservation volunteer, studying Africa’s most iconic species in their natural habitat. Play a vital role in protecting indigenous wildlife and preserving critical ecosystems while observing elephants, zebras, giraffes, lions, leopards, and hyenas in the wild. Living remotely alongside dedicated conservationists, you’ll gain hands-on experience in expanding protected areas and contributing to the preservation of Southern Africa’s rich biodiversity.

What to expect and how you'll make an impact

Set within a sanctuary for Africa’s most majestic 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

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. Those aged 16 or 17 may participate with a parent or guardian (18+) and parental consent.
A clear criminal background check is required for volunteers 18+, while those under 18 must provide two character reference letters instead.
Volunteers must have a moderate level of fitness.
All volunteers are required to speak English, have adequate volunteer travel insurance.
All volunteers over the age of 18 on their start date are required to provide a criminal background check to IVHQ before departure.

Are you eligible to volunteer?

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

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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.