Protecting Giants: Elephant Volunteering in the Okavango Delta
Type d’activité: Ecovolontariat
Description du projet et du rôle des volontaires
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View LargeJoin a locally-led mokoro canoe trip down the River Kwai -
View LargeEncounter Africa’s iconic species -
View LargePick up bushcraft skills and live in nature -
View LargeJoin an expert team led by a PhD researcher to track and monitor wildlife -
View LargeDiscover the Okavango area - one of Africa’s last true wildernesses
The project
Join the only volunteer program involved in genuine long-term data collection in the Okavango region. Home to one of Africa’s largest elephant populations and the highest concentration of African wild dogs, the Okavango is a truly awe-inspiring ecosystem and should be on every nature lover’s bucket list. Volunteering is your chance to explore the area in a meaningful way. You’ll assist with daily monitoring efforts, collecting data on the movement and behaviour of predators and herbivores, and learning bushcraft skills such as tracking along the way!
What to expect?
Wake up with sunrise and join your team of expert Botswanan trackers, headed up by a leading lion ecologist and PhD researcher. After a hearty breakfast, you’ll embark on your daily research drive through the bush. You’ll experience the wilderness from a unique perspective, monitoring the presence and movement of lions, giraffes, elephants, African wild dogs, hippos, crocodiles, globally threatened bird species, and even more.
Along the journey, you’ll learn essential field and bushcraft skills, giving you hands-on experience in real conservation work. This includes learning how to identify wildlife tracks and utilising GPS equipment to gather data on animal sightings and their habitats.
To support the local community, volunteers have the opportunity to join a Mokoro trip — gliding through the waterways in a traditional dugout canoe — owned and run by the Khwai community.
After a day in the wilderness, you’ll return to your base camp to relax by a warm fire and enjoy a hearty meal. Camping under the stars, surrounded by the sounds of the bush, is an unforgettable experience, and one that will stay with you forever.
As a volunteer, you’ll receive:
- Access to 24/7 support from our in-country team
- All of your in-country transport, accommodation, and food
- A personal consultation with our conservation team to answer any questions
L’organisation de volontariat se présente
We’ve also supported those that are simply searching for a meaningful wildlife experience instead of the usual safari holiday. We do this by offering a variety of opportunities including being able to volunteer at wildlife care and rehabilitation centres to aid orphaned and injured animals; assist with wildlife conservation management in order to monitor priority species and contribute to vital research; and being able to live the life of an African wildlife vet while meeting the requirements for Extra Mural Studies (EMS) and Animal Husbandry Extra Mural Studies (AHEMS).
Together, we can create a brighter future for Africa’s wildlife.
What makes us different to other companies? - We are southern Africa’s original conservation travel company, made up of qualified zoologists and conservationists. - Every traveller of ours receives personal guidance before they book to ensure we find the right experience for their goals and passions. - We work with a range of real partner projects, offering hands-on experience and meaningful work, so you know your efforts are truly making a difference. - We bring people together from all around the world, so you can make friendships for life. - We offer 24/7 in-country support. We will meet you when you arrive, see you safely onto your flight home, and throughout your trip we are always available if you need assistance or just want a chat. - All money paid to us is financially protected through ABTA or ATOL, giving you full peace of mind when booking with us that your money is safe. - We are full members of the Year Out Group, specialists in gap year travel programmes.
Most of the fantastic wildlife conservation work that happens in southern Africa today simply wouldn’t be possible without travellers like you.
En savoir plus sur nos critères de sélection pour choisir nos organisations partenaires.
Fiche technique de la mission
Maximum: 1 an
2 semaines : 4059 €
4 semaines/1 mois : 6529 €
8 semaines/2 mois : 11470 €
3 mois : 16410 €
Le guide du volontariat à l’étranger
Comment choisir la bonne organisation de volontariat ?
Si vous utilisez notre formulaire de contact, nous vous offrons en plus notre guide de plus de 20 pages « Comment choisir la bonne organisation de volontariat ? » au format PDF. Il contient entre autres une check-list avec plus de 50 critères de sélection pour facilement évaluer vos options.