Water for Life Wildlife and Community Project

 

Length: Four weeks

Overview: You can make a real difference to this fragile but stunning environment. Have a life changing experience while helping others in this unique and remote part of Africa.

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How to book and pay: Secure your place with a £195 deposit and full payment is due eight weeks before departure.

tickWhat's included:

  • Transfers to and from Maun Airport
  • Three meals a day
  • Unlimited tea, coffee and juice
  • All camp activities

crossWhat's not included:

  • Alcohol and other luxury items
  • Additional activities not included
  • Flights
  • Personal Travel Insurance
  • Emails and telephone calls

Introduction

Further Information

This exciting program offers you as a volunteer the chance to help conserve and work with some of Africa's stunning wild animals while aiding a local community in dealing with the changes eco-tourism brings to their area.

Location

The volunteer project is located at Mena a Kwena safari camp set on the edge of the Boteti River in Northern Botswana. It is less than a two hour drive from Maun, the tourist centre of Botswana.

Age limits

Applicants must be 18-30 years old at time of departure to Africa.

leopard photo

The Volunteer Programme

Volunteers are expected to assist in helping conditions for wildlife in the area. This includes monitoring water pumps and animal grazing grounds, patrolling wildlife areas and observations of animal health. The area is home to a vast diversity of animals that are reliant on the water supply you will be maintaining. These include Elephant, Lion, Leopard and thousands of Zebras, Wildebeest and various antelope species.

The project also places heavy emphasis on involving the local tribal community in tourism and conservation. These people are the future of wildlife in the area and as a volunteer you will central in passing on that conservation message in the area. Get to know local traditions and beliefs in Botswana and find out what it is like to be involved in an African community!

Volunteer Support

The project is master minded by local Safari personality David Dugmore. Water for Life is his brain child so if you have any problems or questions you can refer to him or to his expert team of local guides.

okavango delta photo

Orientation

On arrival at Maun international airport you will be met by a project representative and taken to the volunteer camp - here you will be briefed on the project and have the chance to acclimatize to what will be a very different climate and culture than you will be used to!

Meals and accomodation

The volunteer camp is situated next door to the Mena a Kwena safari camp and is an ongoing process of building and restoration. Accommodation is in tents with bathrooms nearby. The living area hut incorporates the sitting and dining room, and kitchen. As a volunteer you are asked to assist in the preparing of the three meals a day.

Free time

From time to time you may feel the need to relax and head out of the bush to Maun Town. This prevents the dreaded ‘bush burn out' and is a good excuse to mix with other like minded conservationists and let your hair down in town! This can be arranged with your project co-ordinator. Otherwise, your day will be a good mix of work, education and rest.

Getting there

From Johannesburg International Airport you will need to book a ticket to Maun International Airport. Air Botswana is the only operator and can be found on the internet - there is also a UK office number available on the site. From Maun you will be picked up and transferred to the volunteer camp!

photo montage