GHV

Volunteering in Botswana

The mystery and beauty of Botswana is perfect for volunteers looking for an adventure. It’s vibrant and welcoming community is also a place for volunteers to make a real difference. Botswana’s landscape is defined by the Kalahari Desert and the Okavango Delta, which becomes a lush animal habitat during the seasonal floods. Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful countries in Africa with its majestic wildlife, natural wonders and warm locals Botswana is a wonderful place to visit.

Botswana is approximately the size of France but has a population of only 2 million people so the projects we support there are involved in community development, social programmes and conservation initiatives.

Highlights of Volunteering in Botswana

Meet friendly people from Botswana: English is the national language and is taught in schools so communication will be easy!
Visit Botswana’s capital Gabarone, known for its game reserves, Kgale Hill, art and cultural displays.
Experience Africa’s wild animals up close: 38% of the country is dedicated to national parks, reserves and wildlife management areas, far more than most other countries.
Go on a safari! May to September is the best time to visit as many animals migrate.
Make a real difference in rural communities in Botswana and learn and share new skills
Receive advice from our experienced team and 24/7 support.
Detailed project descriptions, photographs and testimonials help you choose the right project.

Volunteer Projects in Botswana

One of the newest additions to our portfolio of projects, it’s a wonderful place to learn and grow personally. Interestingly, Botswana is the world’s biggest diamond producing country in terms of value and the second biggest in terms of production. Diamond revenues enable every child in Botswana to receive free education up to the age of 13.

Volunteer projects in Botswana

Other things to consider

Accommodation

Accommodation will be provided for you by the project. We suggest also bringing a sleeping mat and sleeping bag/pillow for travel and weekends away on adventures. Bathrooms are usually shared and you have access to a kitchen to prepare your meals or they are prepared for you. There is a lounge area for relaxing, reading, or watching movies. Visit our project list for detailed project descriptions.

During your free time

You will work 5 days a week in most projects and have 2 days off. In your free time, you can relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery or organise trips to local attractions with your fellow volunteers. The projects are in a rural area of Botswana but are accessible from South Africa. Botswana has the largest elephant population on the continent and the best place to see them is at Chobe National Park, so perhaps plan a trip to the park at the beginning or end of your stay.

Photographs

Combine volunteering with an English language course

If you are not a native English speaker, you can combine your volunteering experience with an English language course.

It is important that you can communicate well and understand instructions. This is not only important for your safety and those around you, but also important to make your volunteering experience a great one.

The minimum English requirements differ slightly from project to project (see project details), but usually a minimum of Intermediate [B1] is required.

If your English level is not sufficient or you want to brush up your skills, attending an English language course before you start volunteering is a great option. Our sister company, Good Hope Studies, offers a great choice of courses in Cape Town.

Attending a language course before volunteering also allows you to get used to the country - its climate, food and infrastructure.