Botswanan Wildlife Conservation
Why Choose This Program?
Explore
Have fun discovering Botswana's spectacular wildlife.
Network
Meet new friends and conservationists. Build your own community.
Get Inspired
Survey animals, plants, landscapes, and conservation efforts. Discover how to make a difference back home.
The Destination
Welcome to Botswana, the world leader in wilderness conservation.
Botswana is one of Africa’s most beautiful and biodiverse countries. Located in southern Africa, it is dominated by the Kalahari Desert, creating an arid landscape in much of the country. Harboring diverse flora and fauna, the nation has a longstanding commitment to minimizing environmental impact. Thirty eight percent of its lands are distinctly reserved for conservation of its fragile ecosystems and teeming wildlife, including the Mokolodi Nature Reserve where you will live during your stay.
In the north of the country, the wetlands of the Okavango Delta, one of your excursions, is an unparalleled wilderness experience and UNESCO world heritage site.
Cultural Awareness
CIEE wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. Local CIEE staff have provided details about conditions and cultural attitudes that students with specific identities might encounter in Gaborone.
Sample Itinerary
Top Rated Activities
Habitat Care at Mokolodi Nature Reserve
The snake handler at Mokolodi Nature Reserve captivates your group with a close-up demonstration of Botswana’s incredible reptiles. As you watch a snake slither gracefully across the handler’s arm, a mix of curiosity and excitement ripples through the group. Laughter and gasps fill the room as you take turns holding the reptiles, creating unforgettable memories and perfect photo opportunities. It’s a thrilling introduction to the sanctuary’s work in preserving biodiversity and protecting these often-misunderstood creatures.
Afterward, you and your fellow Global Navigators roll up your sleeves and dive into the rewarding work of habitat care. Scrubbing vulture ponds and sweeping tortoise enclosures may not be glamorous, but it’s incredibly meaningful. Working alongside sanctuary staff, you help maintain clean, safe spaces for animals like the endangered Cape and White-backed vultures, contributing directly to their recovery.
This hands-on experience deepens your understanding of animal welfare and the ecosystems that sustain them. You leave inspired to advocate for wildlife conservation, knowing your efforts make a difference for these extraordinary species and their habitats.
Three-Day Visit to the Okavango
The first rays of an African sunrise paint the Okavango Delta in golden hues as you and your peers embark on a thrilling morning safari. Guided by local experts who have spent their lives in this remarkable ecosystem, you spot elephants grazing, giraffes moving gracefully through the trees, and elusive big cats blending into their surroundings. Tracking animal footprints, identifying native plants, and learning about ecosystem dynamics immerse you in the delicate balance of the Delta. A picnic shared under the wide, open sky fosters companionship, making the experience even more unforgettable.
This three-day journey goes beyond breathtaking scenery. Guided by local community members, you explore how indigenous knowledge systems and sustainable practices shape life in the Delta. Evening discussions bring the day's lessons into focus, as you reflect on the complex relationship between wildlife, communities, and conservation.
The experience inspires a deeper commitment to protecting biodiversity. Whether stargazing at the brilliant Milky Way or marveling at the interconnectedness of life, you leave the Delta ready to champion sustainable conservation in your own way.
Beauty, Biomes, and Bumpin’ Tunes in Botswana
The Global Navigators were the definition of up bright and early today. Actually, not-so-bright, as we were up before the sun. We left the dorms and drove over to the... keep reading
Why Go Abroad in High School to Explore STEM Careers?
Here's something you might not know: STEM students are the least likely to get to study abroad during college. With tightly packed schedules and tons of required courses, STEM majors... keep reading
10 Benefits of Studying Abroad in High School
Get inspired by reading the top 10 benefits of studying abroad and why high school is the perfect time to consider it!
Eligibility
- Participants must be 14 years old and above.
- Program open to all current high school students: Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors.
- For scholarship eligibility requirements, please check our Scholarship page.
- This program involves engaging in moderate to high intensity physical activities such as nature walks, and extended observational time outdoors.
For more information, refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.
Dates & Fees
Application Fee
$25
Program scholarships and tuition include iNext Travel Insurance, but do not cover the cost of flights. Find additional details about what’s included with your tuition.
More questions? Find answers, get application support, sign up for virtual presentations or contact us.
Program |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Costs |
---|---|---|---|---|
Program Summer Session I 2025 3 weeks | Start Date | End Date | Costs $5,850 | |
Program Summer Session II 2025 3 weeks | Start Date | End Date | Costs $5,850 |
Ready to change your life?
What's Included
Interactive Classes
Housing
3 Meals/Day
(Dietary Needs Accommodated)
All Ground Transportation
(Once In-country)
Optional Flight Chaperone
(Flight Cost Not Included)
Pre-departure Advice and Orientation
Access to WIFI
(No international data plan or SIM card included)
All Cultural Activities and Excursions
Comprehensive Medical and Travel Protection
24/7 Emergency On-site Support
Our Staff
Basetsana Maposa
Center Director
Basetsana Maposa returned to Botswana in 2008 after spending 10 years living in the United States. She has extensive experience working in health, youth leadership, human rights, and educational development.
Program Leaders guide and support our High School Summer Abroad participants through every step of their program.