Tuli Wilderness Conservation Project

  Botswana

• Other Cities in Botswana: 
Tuli block

Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: year round

Description: This is a conservation project in the beautiful Tuli Block area of Botswana, Africa
The project aim is to assist in conservation management and to assist in research of the natural flora and fauna.

Volunteers ('students') will live in an unfenced bush camp, within the 70,000Ha Northern Tuli Game Reserve and will assist in recording and monitoring animal behaviour and their effect on the general environment and its effect on them.

Principal data collection is aimed towards the large mammals: elephants (the largest population on private property on Africa) and predators (lion, leopard and cheetah) though all the wildlife within the area is included in our data collection.

Data is collected during twice daily walks and drives through the bush.

Education is a key tool in conservation and to this end our staff are eminently capable - and willing- to pass their knowledge of the biodiversity in the area to students, who are also encouraged to learn for themselves using our comprehensive library.

Highlights: There are no fences between the private properties in the NTGR - therefore the animals are truly wild - wandering where and when they like as their food and water sources - or instinct- takes them.

Daily contact with elephants is the norm - though never guaranteed. And our lion and cheetah population are never far away ...nor are our leopards, though they are the masters of camouflage!

Our staff will teach the students about the animal behaviour they see, monitor and record: elephants grouping, herding instincts, emotion displays and territorial behaviour or predator stalking and behaviour ...right down to which foods are eaten when, how much is consumed and how much is ...returned to the Earth.

Animal tracking is seen as a valuable tool in monitoring behaviour and finding animal locations - to this end every student is given the opportunity to sit a 'tracker' test which allows them to sit on the vehicle tracker seat and act as tracker for the day - with all the responsibility of finding the animals for the team and the best seat in the house for when the animals are located!

Socially, the students live together in thatched huts in the bush camp with open air ablution blocks - if you've never done it you have no idea of what you're missing!!! Meals are communal in the evening and focus mainly on braai (bbq's) though vegetarians are catered for.

There is nothing to beat an evening sitting in front of the bush TV (braai fire) eating an alfresco meal, lit by the moon and stars of the incredibly clear Botswana skies, with the bush sounds of ellies and lion as background music.

Qualifications: Volunteers must be minimum 18 years old. Due to the amount of walking through the bush in Botswana, a good general level of fitness is required.

Cost in US$: varies

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Anyone fit and healthy with a love of nature and a desire to learn more and be a part of conservation

Age Range: minimum 18 yrs

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Botswana Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work in Groups of max 10

Application Process Involves:

• Written Application

Tuli Wilderness Trails's Mission Statement: To Initiate, assist and support Conservation management, monitoring and research initiatives through hands on involvement and financial assistance. To make a meaningful contribution to the enhancement, restoration and protection of Africa's natural resources To prove a quality experience for our Volunteers, that contributes to the conservation and protection of Wildlife and the natural environment

Year Founded: 2009