HOW TO GET INVOLVED

the volunteer program - mashatu research shadow programme

Click here to read the summary report of the volunteer program for 2008

A ‘Research Shadow’ program has also been initiated on Mashatu where ‘volunteers’ pay for the opportunity to work with and shadow researchers in the field.

Location

Mashatu Game Reserve, The Main Camp

Mashatu Game Reserve in the Northern Tuli Game Reserve situated in the North eastern Tuli Block, Botswana at the confluence of three countries namely Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe. This reserve will form part of the Shashe/Limpopo Trans Frontier Conservation Area.

Overview of the Program

As part of the program the following could be included:
• Leopard collaring/removal of collars
• Elephant collaring/removal of collars
• Tracking of study leopard and elephant with the help of telemetry
• Identification of elephant, leopard and lion through physical features
• Bird identification and classification
• Vegetation surveys and fixed photo point analysis
• Insect collection and identification
• Game viewing data logging
• Create displays for the Discovery Room
• Taking care of animals within the Discovery room
• Anti poaching patrols to look for and remove any snares on our property
• Camping out
• Manning the web cam at Pete’s Pond
• Game drives
• Learn more about the Iron Age cultures of Leopard’s Kopje and Mapungubwe as well as the more recent history of the pioneers and the Boer War.
• Learn more and participate in the Hospitality industry through lodge life

(All activities above are dependent on what is required within the research projects active at the time and the availability of the researchers).

About the program

All volunteers on the program will participate in both research projects on the go at Mashatu and will be required to assist where needed in all above-mentioned activities. Volunteers will depending on numbers be divided into teams for the days activities. During the first week on the program new volunteers will receive an introduction to the research as well as the program and what will be required of them over the duration of their stay. The program is very fluid and activities will depend on the requirements of the researchers at the time.

Free time is available and volunteers are welcome to partake in any of the additional Adventure activities on offer at the Main Camp. These activities are for the volunteers’ own account. (Please link to adventure activities).

Project age limit:

Minimum 17 years, maximum decided on potential participant’s health.

Project length:

Shortest duration – two weeks.
Longest duration – two months
Available all year round, excluding January.

Project Accommodation:

Mashatu Research has its own camp on the perimeter of the Mashatu Main Camp. All volunteers will be accommodated within this camp in wood cabins. There will be four wood cabins accommodating two volunteers at a time.

Project meals:

All meals are enjoyed with guests at Mashatu Main Camp and consist of 3 meals a day.

How to get to Mashatu?

Benefits to volunteers

Volunteers participating in this program will have a unique opportunity to interact up close and personal with leopards, lions and elephants within the game rich Mashatu Game Reserve. Get wrapped up in the lives of the elephants, and learn more about the movements of the illusive leopard. But research is not only about the big and the beautiful mammals but also about the little things. And only when we look at the area as a unique system getting to know the different plant species and the critters utilising them can we fully understand the eco system we work in. Through their participation volunteers will contribute to the research in more than one way.

Rates

Daily rate: US$120pppd
Min stay 2 weeks

Includes:

• Project Fee: this entails financing that goes directly back into the project that you are involved with.
• This project fee facilitates funding for items such as research materials, equipment, supplies, etc.
• Transfer from the Botswana border to the Reserve by game viewer (40 min drive)
• Orientation and introductions to research work upon your arrival
• All daily transportation within your respective research areas
• Full board and lodging which includes 3 meals a day at your respective camps
• Assistance in your projects by various Mashatu staff and volunteer coordinators.

Excludes:

• Personal travel insurance for the duration of your placement (expected to include cover for repatriation)
• Transport from nearest international airport to Mashatu base near the Botswana border
• All items of a personal nature, such as curios, gifts, clothing (work and other)
• Email/Internet and telephone calls
• Soft drinks, wines and spirits
• All visas for border crossings
• Laundry services (these are reasonably priced at your camp)
• Any excursions over and above your planned itinerary at Mashatu and within Botswana

Research drives | Donations