Successfully selected team members can expect to undergo a rigorous physical and theoretical training programme. Primarily you will learn how to identify animal tracks and locate animals from the tracks & signs left on the ground, along with other bush skills.

Requirements - There are only a maximum of 6 volunteers on each course, giving you a real chance to learn first hand about wildlife tracking. Volunteers must have a good level of physical fitness to join this course and we will talk to you about this when you apply. There will be a lot of walking during the day but often this is taken at a slow pace. During the course, the leader will monitor your fitness and if he feels you are not fit enough, then you will join the Botswana Conservation Project for the remainder of your stay.

Qualification - Volunteers who gain a pass mark above 70% in the two components of the course will be awarded a CyberTracker Tracker Level 1 Certificate.

The first week is orientated predominantly around track identifications as an introduction to tracking. The second week sees every participant given the opportunity to lead the group in an attempt to track down a high-profile animal, including elephant, leopard, lion or hyaena!! Coaching will be given to the tracker of the day by our highly skilled course leaders.

This is a real opportunity to learn tracking skills and get close to animals in the bush, so what are you waiting for!!

On the first day volunteers will assist in setting up the camp accommodation, which will be dome tents. Facilities will be basic and showers consist of a “bucket shower” or washing in one of the natural pools that you encounter in Botswana. Again food will be basic yet substantial and fresh produce will be minimal due to the lack of fridges and freezers. Volunteers will help cook meals over an open fire and due to the nature of the course, you may eat at unusual times of the day!

There may be nights after a tracking excursion where the team cannot make it back to the camp before nightfall. On these nights you will sleep in the bush around a fire keeping watch and then trek back the following day.