Volunteering with Animals in Botswana for Over 50s

Track and survey wildlife

Botswana is home to a vast and diverse range of wildlife, acting as a crucial sanctuary for some of Africa’s most iconic species. The country famously has over 130,000 elephants, which represents roughly one-third of the continent’s entire population. Working alongside conservationists, you will learn about the different species living in the reserve, track the populations, and monitor their behaviour.

Become a wildlife track identification expert; survey the mammal population at Mopani Dam; engage in a birdwatching session at Jenda Hide; monitor elephant herds at Mopani Dam and Hi-side; and conduct a crocodile census at the Limpopo River.

The data you collect is crucial to the conservation teams to detect shifts in endangered populations and formulate urgent action plans in collaboration with the government.

Set up camera traps

Because many of Africa’s most fascinating species are nocturnal or naturally wary of humans, camera traps offer an invaluable, non-invasive window into their hidden world.

Strategically place these motion-activated cameras under the conservationist’s guidance and gather the captured footage.

During your second week, you will download and review all footage, giving you a chance to analyse the behaviour of the nocturnal and shy wildlife. This vital footage is then integrated into local research databases, helping conservationists map exact territory boundaries, track animal movements, and better understand nocturnal behaviour.

Join anti-poaching patrols

Illegal poaching for bushmeat remains a widespread threat to the local biodiversity.
You will become an active part of the solution by joining the reserve rangers on vital anti-poaching patrols, sweeping key areas to locate and safely dismantle illegal wire snares

By clearing these hazardous traps from the bush over the course of your stay, your team’s efforts will directly protect the ecosystem and save the lives of hundreds of animals.

Prevent soil erosion

Soil erosion is a major threat to habitat stability, often accelerated by heavy seasonal flooding. Left unchecked, erosion degrades soil fertility, increases the risk of severe flash floods, and damages aquatic ecosystems by washing sediment into local rivers.

As a conservation volunteer, you will step in to help prevent this damage. Assist in preparing and installing erosion control materials to stabilise vulnerable areas.

This practical work is a crucial part of the reserve’s conservation strategy, helping to keep the landscape stable, healthy, and protected for generations to come.

Maintain the reserve

Botswana’s national motto, Pula! (meaning “let there be rain”), reveals just how deeply water and natural resources are valued in this landscape. Where water is scarce and the environment is fragile, dedicated stewardship is required to keep the ecosystem thriving.

You will support the local team through three vital infrastructure initiatives:

• Reserve Maintenance: Play a direct role in wildlife survival by cleaning crucial waterholes and clearing dust from the solar panels that power the reserve’s essential systems.
• Road Maintenance: Help with road repairs and trim back overgrown vegetation to ensure driving tracks remain safe and clear for rangers and research vehicles.
• Clean-up: Participate in a dedicated community clean-up activity at Hi-side to preserve the natural beauty and environmental health of the area.