Help the conservation of Botswana's Okavango Delta
Disconnect from modern life and immerse yourself in Africa’s last true wildernessDuration
1 week to many months
Price
from £2000 including internal flights, transfers, accommodation, meals, meet & greet, 24/7 support and personal guidance
Location
Botswana
Provider
In brief
Discover the stunning Okavango Delta while contributing to the conservation of its iconic wildlife. From being home to the planet’s largest elephant population to protecting one of the last strongholds of the endangered wild dogs, this is a truly awe-inspiring place.
As a volunteer, you’ll work with a team to monitor and protect the priority species, working alongside Botswana government guidelines to conserve this famous region. Every day is an adventure as you camp amongst the wildlife, cook on the campfire under impressive night skies, and take a scenic flight over the Delta.
The Okavango Delta
The Okavango Delta is a vast maze of waterways, bushlands, dry pans, and Kalahari desert vegetation. It is one of the world’s most unique ecosystems, providing an important home for its diverse wildlife.
The Okavango Delta’s seasonal flooding creates an incredible chance to research its wildlife. River floods the delta during Botswana’s dry winter months transforming the region into a vibrant wetland and providing a lifeline for wildlife. In the wet summer months, animals move into the delta’s floodplains, drawn to the grazing lands and the newly filled pans of rainwater, resulting in a stunning migration spectacle.
Government Approved
The Okavango Delta and the animals that call it home now face threats from climate change, human activities, and poaching. Conservation efforts, led by the Botswanan government and researchers are working tirelessly to protect this vital ecosystem.
This project’s work aligns with Botswana’s Department of Wildlife and National Parks objectives, follows South African Regional Environmental Program wildlife monitoring standards, and was developed in collaboration with Okavango Research Institute and expert Dr. Christiaan Winterbach.
Your Role
As a volunteer here, you’ll also work closely with a local wildlife ranger and an expert tracker to survey the movement and populations of various species, from the iconic to the elusive. You will gain hands-on experience with a range of wildlife monitoring skills from camera trapping to the use of GPS equipment, while learning essential maintenance and bush skills to support the project operations.
Before I knew it, I was out in the bush, camping in what felt like the heart of Africa. I knew I signed up knowing this, but still – this place was secluded and wild! And I loved it.
