Cheetah Conservation Project, Botswana

 

Botswana contains one of the largest remaining populations of free ranging cheetahs in the world.  In 2008 it was estimated at 2000-3000 individuals, this represents approx 15% of the world population, identifying Botswana as one of the last strongholds for the species. However, populations are not safe within protected areas as they are out competed by stronger predators, such as lions and hyenas. The majority of Botswana cheetahs are found in marginal and agricultural land where they come into conflict with rural farming communities. The species long-term survival is dependant upon conservation management of these areas.

 

Cheetah Conservation Botswana (CCB) is a long-term conservation project incorporating scientific research, practical species management and community education. The project began in January 2003 and has grown dramatically over the last 7 years, with field bases in Gaborone (the capital of Botswana), Jwaneng and Ghanzi. CCB conducts various aspects of research to assess the status and distribution of the cheetah, focusing on their role in human-predator conflict, one of the biggest threats to the cheetah’s survival. The results of which allow CCB to identify priority areas, to which they can focus education and information programmes on non lethal methods of predator control, appropriate livestock management and encourage rural communities to manage their land through sustainable use of wildlife. The cheetah acts as a flagship species for the biodiversity of these areas.

 

 

If you are 21 years or older and speak the English language, you can support Cheetah Conservation Botswana by assisting as a paying research volunteer.

 

Different people bring a variety of skills to such projects. We encourage you to make suggestions of how you may like to help and use your particular skills to full advantage. i.e. computer skills, web design, educational, camp maintenance.

 

Please note that CCB does not hold captive cheetah nor can we guarantee close contact with wild cheetah in the field.

 

 

Additional optional activities including rhino walks, horse-back safari’s in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, San ‘Bushman’ (the indigenous people of southern Africa) cultural activities and game viewing may be booked upon arrival, at an extra cost.   An example would be a bushwalk with the San ‘Bushmen’ - where you would have the opportunity to learn more about their traditional hunter/gatherer lifestyle by joining them on a bushwalk where they will share their knowledge of the plants and animals of the Kalahari where they have lived for over 20,000 years.

 

You must be in good physical condition and be able to tolerate the heat.  Preparation before arrival is advised.  You must be available for at least 1 month (see dates below).  You must be prepared to sign an indemnity form prior to arrival, which relieves the project of any responsibility should anything happen to you in the course of duty! This is just to protect the project, they will not be putting you in ANY life threatening situations and you may decline a particular role if it makes you feel uncomfortable.  You should have a positive attitude towards working and living in a multi cultural group and take the responsibilities that this way of life holds. While every attempt will be made to make your stay as comfortable as possible, it will be rustic compared to what you are used to. You also need to be very flexible, as working with wildlife and in field conditions in Africa, means that nothing ever goes to plan. Research can often be repetitive so patience and a sense of humour are a necessity, as well as self-initiative, if you possess these qualities then your time will be well spent. If you get angry and frustrated easily or need constant direction than this may not be a suitable project for you. Also note that the research camp will be isolated from town, and away from many of the mod cons you may be used to. Town trips occur weekly, otherwise you will be living and working at the camp.

 

The cost for one month is 1743 GBP, which covers all project costs, excluding food. Accommodation, transport during the stay, all training and supervision, WorkingAbroad Projects backup and placement support, are included. (Click here for more on costs breakdown).  

 
The airfare to Maun (the Botswana gateway to the Okavango delta), food, travel/medical and cancellation insurance, passport and visa costs and personal expenses (such as telephone bills, socialising or medical expenses) and optional excursions (as listed above) are not included within this price. It is mandatory for you to take out travel and medical insurance for the duration of the project. In general, you can travel from your home country to Maun via Johannesburg in South Africa.
 
Maun is approximately 300km from the Ghanzi research base. A CCB staff member will meet you at the airport and transfer you to Ghanzi, providing you with your first glimpses of the Kalahari landscape.

Accommodation & Food

You will be accommodated in your own wooden chalet or tent on the Tiisano farm, 20km from Ghanzi town centre. There are shared bathroom and kitchen facilities, and an office (with internet access).You will be required to bring your own sleeping bag and pillow. Volunteers are responsible for doing their own laundry by hand.
 
Cooking utensils will be available, but the purchasing and cooking of food are the volunteers own responsibility. You can expect to spend $150 – 300 (US dollars) on food per month. Cleaning tasks are shared by staff and volunteers. It will be possible to travel to the local town weekly for grocery shopping and all basic foods and fresh meat, fruit and vegetables are available.