Volunteer in Botswana

Helena has spent over 30 years on and off in the wilderness. She is an expert tracker, has crossed the Kalahari Desert on her own and lived with Bushmen for a year. She is also a pilot, a biologist specialising in animal behaviour (for which she obtained her PhD), and she single-handedly navigated her way through the vast Okavango Delta in a leaking boat and survived! For 10 years she was the Operations Director of The Centre for Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) in Durban, South Africa.

Judi spent her corporate life as a software developer and business owner in South Africa but volunteered all her spare time to helping rescue wildlife, including raising two lions. Together with her business partner, Helena Fitchat, they purchased a large tract of land in the Tuli Block in Botswana and have dedicated it to wildlife. Judi relocated and now lives there permanently. As a trustee of one of the biggest wildlife rehabilitation centres in South Africa, Judi realised that the only way to make a difference was to preserve the habitat. This is what Projects Abroad and their volunteers make possible on a daily basis.

Jo is from the village of Mathathane, Botswana and has been working in the bush all his life. He is an expert tracker, loves the bush, and is passionate about sharing his knowledge with the volunteers. He is also very handy in the camp and often assists Jens with maintenance issues.

Jane is from the village of Mathathane, Botswana and is considered the ’heart’ of Motswiri Camp. She manages the kitchen and the menus, and does all the cooking. Her meals are legendary, and it is amazing to see the food that she can produce in the middle of nowhere. Jane ensures that no one goes hungry, and our volunteers frequently tell us that they have to go home to lose weight!

Patrick is from the village of Mathathane, Botswana and joined Motswiri Camp as a camp attendant. He previously worked in the Okavango Delta but moved home as he wanted to be closer to his family. Patrick turned the non-existent garden into a beautiful area in the camp, which he now maintains. He looks after the camp and ensures that it is kept clean and tidy. He also makes sure that everyone has hot water for showers, and often helps Jens with general maintenance.

Precious is from the village of Mathathane, Botswana and originally started helping at Motswiri with her mother, who worked at the camp for many years. When her mother retired, she took over the position of camp attendant. It is her job to ensure that everyone is comfortable in their accommodation. Precious also helps Jane with the cooking when the camp is busy.