Botswana - Safari Camps and Lodges

Overview

Best known for the famous Okavango Delta but it also offers a wide variety of lesser known National Parks and environments such as Chobe, the Kalahari, and the Makgadikgadi and Nxai Pans.

It is a spectacular country offering contrasting environments and prime game-viewing. The parks house huge concentrations of elephant, cats, wildebeest, zebra and rare wild dog.

The Leap works exclusively with a number of lodges/safari camps some located inside the stunning environment of the Delta itself. Each one having its own style, environment and local tribes that they work in close partnership with.

Our Favourite:

Desert and Delta Camps
The safari operators Desert and Delta have 4 camps: Camp Moremi, Camp Okavango, Savute Lodge and Xugana Island Lodge. Camp Okavango & Xugana Island Lodge are based outside the famous Okavango Delta and the other 2 are inside.

They can take 1 volunteer to work between the 2 camps outside the parks and I volunteer to work in the other. In both places you'll find plenty of game and stunning scenery in this famous environment.

Camp Activities
Fishing, canoeing on mokorros, game viewing and bird/wildlife walks in the bush.

How you help

Desert and Delta
In the Lodge
These well established camps have a dedicated team of local staff. As such it is an excellent opportunity to live and work amongst a different culture.

Here you 'll help look after clients - hosting, management, reception, administration, stores, catering and food & beverage. They specifically want volunteers to help with client organisation which could include help in administration & supervision of projects. Assisting lodge managers with welcome briefings, hosting at meal times and month end stock takes.

Your base

Your Team
You will join the young and dynamic camp and safari teams who are made up of both European and African staff.  In Desert and Delta they prefer female volunteers who are 25 years or older. In Meno a Kwena they are more flexible – 22 years plus, male or female.

Weather & Seasons
It is warm and dry all year apart from January to March when it rains. In June & July it is cold at night (take jumpers, gloves and hats for game drives at this time of year) and very hot between October – November.

Accommodation and Meals
Desert and Delta
Comfortable tent/chalet overlooking the bush.  You’ll eat with the guests in the lodge as above.

Time In/Out

Time In
Hours of work will be long –as they say in the business tourism is 24/7! Time off is at the discretion of the Director and Camp Manager and should be discussed upon arrival in camp with Management.  It will not necessarily be set times or days, so flexibility is important - time off is taken when the nos of guests is low.

Time Out
All the camps and lodges are very remote therefore any time off or spare time will usually be spent enjoying the natural beauty of the camp and surrounding area.  Volunteers in the past have become involved in the camps tourist activities by helping out.

Desert and Delta
Fishing, canoeing on mokorros, game viewing and bird/wildlife walks in the bush.

Costs/Dates

Dates
Flexible departures depending on local seasons.

Costs
£2400 for 12 weeks up until 31st August 2010
In rare circumstances there may be an increase in cost, such as when the hosts are unable to get local park fees. In these cases the cost will be confirmed on application.

Includes:
UK
Consultation and briefing on all aspects of the placement.
Organisation and preparation of entire placement from start to finish.
Exclusive access to researched work placements.
Supporting travel documents including effective fundraising guide.
Management, advice and 24-hour backup and support.

In-country
Management and support by an in-country director and placement manager.
24-hour emergency backup and support.
Living allowance of £40 per month (if applicable).
Payment to the host towards your management care.
Airport pick-up and transfer to and from the placement.
Full board and accommodation.
Access to amenities at staff rates.

Not included:
International and internal (if applicable) flights, visas, medical expenses (recoverable through travel insurance) and inoculations, personal expenses – such as drinks etc and any independent travel at weekends, National Park fees (if applicable), travel insurance.

NB
Desert and Delta - It is important to note that if you work inside the delta you will need to pay an additional cost of park fees which are currently 70 Pula or £10 per day.
No pocket money at Meno a Kwena – this amount is deducted from your final invoice.

View and Print full details

You can view and print the details of this destination in pdf format by clicking the link below:

Botswana Solo leap Career breaker Destination - PDF