Botswana arrival procedures

Airport pickup, flights, and visas for your trip to Botswana

We have all the information you need to know for your trip, from helping with visa queries to walking you through a placement induction on your first day in Botswana. Our hassle-free approach means you can concentrate on what really matters, making a difference at your placement.

Arrival airport and pickup in Botswana

If you’re volunteering at our Conservation Project in Botswana, your arrival airport will be Polokwane Airport (PTG) in the rural heartland of the Limpopo River basin.

You should aim to arrive on a Monday if possible. Once you arrive, you’ll be met by a Projects Abroad representative. They’ll be holding a Projects Abroad sign, so they’re easily visible.

From the airport, you’ll take a stunning three-hour drive to our base camp at the nature reserve.

Booking your flights to Botswana

Searching for flights online is easier than ever, but it can still be a time-consuming, overwhelming, and frustrating process. If you need support, our staff have in-depth knowledge of all our destinations. We’ll let you know which airport you’ll be flying to and recommend the best way to get there.

We can advise you on booking the best return flights, ensuring you have the safest, most convenient, and most cost-effective flight options, no matter how complex your travel plans are. Find out more about the flight booking process.

Visas requirements for your volunteer project or internship in Botswana

One of the perks of volunteering with us is the visa guidance we give you. We have a dedicated visa team who have up-to-date information on visa requirements for all of our destinations around the world. You can get in touch with us if you have any visa queries, big or small, and we will talk you through the process. Once you apply, you’ll also get a link to your own MyProjectsAbroad webpage, which will include all the necessary visa information.

Your induction and orientation in Botswana

The Tuli Block is located on the Botswana side of the Limpopo River border with South Africa. For your induction, you’ll settle in, meet the other volunteers, and hear all about the safety measures we have in place at the reserve. You’ll get a general tour of the camp and learn the ins and outs of the weekly shopping trip outside of the reserve.

Once a week, you can join a staff member on a trip into town to restock the fridge and buy anything you’ve been craving since the last trip. Then it’s back to the camp for another home-cooked meal over the traditional open braai (BBQ).

While on the reserve, your cell phone signal will be limited and no internet is available, an aspect that many of our volunteers relish!

Your first day at your volunteer or internship placement in Botswana

We don’t expect you to know all about African bushveld conservation when you arrive. In fact, we’ve set aside your first day to get you up to speed with what’s going on at the reserve. On your first day at your placement, you’ll meet the local staff and other volunteers. You’ll get to observe some of the work we do there and hear about your role.

The local staff will show you around and explain the basics before you get down to actually doing the work yourself on your second day. However, keep in mind you won’t ever be left to your own devices. Staff will be available to guide and support you throughout your trip.

Support, safety, and backup

Your safety and security is our prime concern. We have many procedures and systems to ensure you have the support you need to enjoy your trip with peace of mind. Our Projects Abroad staff are available 24 hours a day to help, and will be on-hand to make sure you settle in well at your accommodation and placement. If you encounter any problems, they will be available to help at any time.

Find out more about safety and backup.