Boomers Abroad

Description

Experience raw, untamed Africa when you visit Botswana, an unpolished gem of a country - the ideal gap year or year out destination for those with a passion for conserving wildlife and desire to venture off the well trodden path.

Botswana hosts a diverse array of ecosystems providing habitats for a rich assemblage of African wildlife including the highly endangered Spotted Wild Dogs, wildebeest, African Rhino, giraffe and elephant. Join this project working in a Botswanan Nature Reserve and enjoy the daily exposure to raw untamed nature. Each evening as the dust settles at the end of another clear and bright African day, you will see giraffes silhouetted against the warm glow of the setting sun.

* What Will I Be Doing?

Because of the nature of the project working with large wildlife, the daily schedule is somewhat varied and may involve several different elements. You will be assisting workers who are running a vital wildlife reserve offering sanctuary to poached, injured or neglected wild animals. The work programme will include activities such as; monitoring the animals, in particular the rhino and giraffe, carrying out range assessments, assisting in the annual game capture if this coincides with your visit, helping with animal rescues, monitoring waterholes, patrolling and checking fences, helping with soil erosion controls, fixing roads, preparing food for and feeding the sanctuary animals, checking and cleaning the enclosures, updating records about the admission and release of sanctuary animals.

In addition to the reserve and sanctuary work you may be able to help with the environmental education programme: working with educators to implement the existing curriculum, helping with new ideas in developing the curriculum, maintaining the education centre's display unit, participating in nature walks and game drives with the children and the educators. You could also help with the marketing of the reserve maintaining databases, sending updates and information to members, assisting in the production of newsletters.

At the end of a long and absorbing day in the field or in the sanctuary, you will be rewarded with a relaxing evening at the hotel, where you can enjoy a delicious meal and chat to your co-workers.