Contribute to wildlife conservation in the heart of the Kalahari

By becoming an interactive guest at our camp, you're not only immersing yourself in the pristine beauty of the Kalahari, but also making a vital contribution to our mission. Your presence fuels our work, creates jobs for local people, and promotes a deeper understanding of wildlife conservation within our community.

At Modisa, we promise an unforgettable adventure, intertwined with education about the reality of wildlife conservation. You'll go home with fresh perspectives, a deeper understanding of nature conservation efforts, and a spark to share your knowledge with others.

 

With our interactive guest program, you can immerse yourself in a range of thrilling activities aimed at preserving this extraordinary ecosystem.

Explore the untamed terrain through exhilarating game drives and immersive bush walks, gaining insights from captivating lectures on the intricacies of the local flora and fauna. Contribute to valuable research efforts as you participate in data collection and monitor camera traps, documenting the region's diverse wildlife. Engage in bird counts, sleep under the enchanting starlit skies by waterholes, and forge unforgettable memories around the crackling campfire.

Amidst it all, you'll have the opportunity to lend a hand in vital firebreak and boundary fence maintenance projects. Experience the diversity of Kalahari wildlife and landscapes while actively aiding in conservation efforts. 

Be a Guardian: Embrace the Kalahari Experience at Modisa

  • Dates

    2025 will be the final year to join Modisa under its original test-run format - same relaxed structure, same behind-the-scenes feel, and a lower rate while it lasts. From 2026, we’re introducing a new 10-day (9-night) format with smaller groups and more sustainable pricing. If you’ve been meaning to go, now’s the time.

    All stays begin and end on Mondays.
    The length of stay depends on your start date – some dates offer only 2 weeks, while others allow 4 or 6 weeks stays:

    • August 18 – 2 weeks only

    • October 13 – 2, 4, or 6 weeks

    • October 27: 2 or 4 weeks

    • November 10: 2 weeks only

    • Christmas & New Year Stay: December 22 – January 5: 2 weeks only

    Number of Volunteers

    Max 10 - 16 volunteers

    Prices (2025) Per Person
    2 weeks – 1,950 Euro
    4 weeks – 3,800 Euro
    6 weeks – 5,650 Euro

    + 350 Euro/person for road transfer between Modisa and Gaborone, payable directly at Modisa. The fee is separate to accommodate guests who may not require this service.

    The Price Includes:

    • Single accommodation at Modisa

    • ‍3 meals a day

    • ‍Activities at Modisa

    • Tea coffee and drinking water

    • Wi-Fi  

    • Full orientation

    • 24/7 support

    • Project equipment and resources

    The Price Does Not Include:

    All flights
    Travel insurance
    Road transfer between Modisa and Town Lodge in Gaborone
    Pre- and post-accommodation at Town Lodge in Gaborone
    Airport transfers
    Soft and alcoholic beverages, snacks etc

Disclaimer: Please note that we no longer collaborate with the booking agency Enkosini. Any bookings made through them for our eco-tourism program are not valid. All bookings must be made exclusively through our authorized agent, Lost Adventures. We apologize for any inconvenience caused and thank you for your understanding.

  • Brig, June 2025

    Being in the Kalahari and learning from the Modisa staff and especially from Val was so wonderful and tremendously enriching, I really find it hard to put it into words. I'm very glad I could be in the camp and be part of the project for a short time at least. I think a got a glimpse oft the unique Kalahari ecosystem and what drives Val and his team to protect it. I personally feel humbled every day seeing the intelligence of nature and all beings in it. This awareness and the way of looking at nature and life is what drove me to get to know Modisa and Val. Val actually dedicates his life to protecting the Kalahari as well as its wildlife, which is absolutely great and deserves all possible respect and support!

  • Kirsten, June 2025

    I've travelled quite a bit in Africa, but spending time at Modisa Wildlife Project was a truly unique experience. If your heart beats for Africa and for its wilderness, then this is the place for you. You'll live a simple life in the remote Kalahari Desert and get rewarded with wild lions roaring at night, the view of wildebeest for breakfast and giraffes visiting at sunset. You might spend a night at the hide out in the middle of nowhere, observing animals at the waterhole. You'll understand how to read animal tracks and learn so much about the ecosystem of the Kalahari. On top of this, by volunteering you will make an important contribution to maintaining and developing the project. All of this with the incredible staff of Modisa around you, that will make your stay extra special. I cannot wait to come back!

  • Verena, May 2025

    We heard about Modisa through a podcast and were right away excited to come and visit. The stay at Modisa was a wonderful experience for us. We learned a lot about the eco system of the Kalahari, helped the crew with building an outdoor shower and a new gate and loved the incredible sunrise and sunset moments in the Kalahari. Vals crew is incredible and super lovely. We really enjoyed our time there and definitely recommend to visit.

  • Stefanie, May 2025

    Best way to live a simple life in the wilderness of a very special place in the world. Amazing to see all the beautiful animals and to enjoy the peaceful beauty of the Kalahari. The project is very interesting and Val is giving important insights to the ecosystem, community work and future goals. His staff is very friendly and positive. I highly recommend this experience to everyone who is an open-minded person and cares about the world.  We could help to build a new outside bathroom, fixing things at Sirgas area and collecting fire wood.  Stunning moments of the sunset, a flight with Val over the Kalahari was next to the bush walks best time ❤️

  • Tini, April 2025

    A few weeks ago I went to experience the Modisa Wildlife project and I had the most wonderful time: What a quiet, peaceful, beautiful place in the midst of nature. It’s easy there to forget the rest of the world and to just enjoy the animals, the Kalahari, and the few, yet truly wonderful people.  Thank you, Modisa and everyone involved, for welcoming us guests in your world, for teaching us about the Kalahari, for all the shared laughters and campfire riddles.  My two Modisa weeks were filled with so many unique experiences, not only in nature, but also when it comes to meeting local people and learning about their lives. I enjoyed every moment. Val's dedication to protecting this stunning, unique, large ecosystem is beyond incredible! I've already loved his work before, and now, I love it even more. And the Modisa staff are really the loveliest bunch of people!
    Time in Modisa seems to move slower than in the rest of the world, and yet, in the end, two weeks still seemed too short.

    Also, a huge thank you to Mikkel from Lost Adventures, for organizing the trip to Modisa and answering all my 200 questions before I went there.

  • Lucia, March 2025

    I first heard about Modisa on a podcast and I immediately knew I had to visit this special place. And I'm so glad I did! I had the most wonderful two weeks at the camp. I was there with three other guests, and together we shared so many great moments. The camp offered a perfect mix of exciting game drives, volunteering tasks like cleaning waterholes and trimming bushes, and educational talks with Val.

    What truly made the experience unforgettable, though, was the people. The whole Modisa team was incredibly friendly and helpful and I felt welcomed from the very first moment.

    I really recommend to visit the camp. Honestly, I can hardly imagine a better place than sitting by the campfire in the evenings, under a blanket of stars, with the sound of lions roaring in the distance. It’s a moment that stays with you long after you leave...

  • Yoko & Anne, January 2025

    We had a fascinating time in Modisa with Val, Thato and all the members of the lovely team, who looked after us so well. The whole experience was amazing with a great variety of activities: in addition to the excitement of animal spotting on the game drives and watching all the different wildlife at the camp water hole and in the hide, we learnt a great deal from Val's interesting, informative and thought-provoking talks and presentations. These gave us many things to think about and to consider with the Modisa approach to conservation. The tasks we did at the Reserve felt like we were involved in making a contribution (even if a small one) to the project. Plus, Val's relationship with Sirga is a joy to behold! I look forward to following news and events at the project on Patreon

  • Claudia, January 2025

    Visiting Modisa Camp was an extraordinary experience. 
    Nestled in the heart of the Kalahari Modisa is not only a haven for wildlife, but also for people who want to escape the hustle of our modern world, reconnect with nature and learn about conservation work.  The camp itself is well-organized and eco-friendly. From the moment I arrived, the staffs warm hospitality made me feel welcome and at home. During my stay I had the chance to assist with cleaning waterholes, monitoring camera traps and maintaining fences. My highlights were going on bushwalks, sitting at the meerkat den and spending a night underneath the breathtaking African sky or at the hide close to a waterhole. Highly recommended for nature lovers and people interested in the ecosystem of the Kalahari.

  • Svea, December 2024

    I had a great time at Modisa with incredible experiences. Away from civilisation, you get as close to nature as possible and learn a lot about the ecosystem and conservation efforts. You can observe all the animals in their natural habitat and understand what is needed to preserve all of this. You can get involved whenever you want to, whether in the daily work or in expanding the camp. Nevertheless, there is always enough time to enjoy the peace and quiet and nature. The impressions will stay with you for a long time.
    Everyone was really nice, explained a lot and makes you feel welcome all the time. Every day is different and the time flew by far too quickly. A huge thank you also to Mikkel for the great organisation beforehand.

  • Elena, March 2024

    I visited Modisa for 2 weeks at the end of March and I could not be happier with my stay. The camp is in a very pristine area, so that from the moment you arrive at the camp you find yourself fully immersed in the Kalahari and its amazing wildlife - upon our arrival, we were greeted by a beautiful oryx standing by the road followed by eagles and vultures, an amazing view! Since day 1, you get to experience a lot of different activities such as helping out with wildlife monitoring, understanding the dynamics of the ecosystem and taking part to game drives and bush walks. The camp offers also the opportunity to go for sleep out at the waterholes, where we were so lucky to see lions coming to drink multiple times! This was my first time in this area (and in a camp!) and definitely I will be back for a longer stay, as during my visit I really felt at home and learnt so much more that I thought I could on a holiday break. Modisa is a truly transformational experience, you are no longer the same when you leave!

  • Jeanette, Februar 2024

    We visited Val, the lovely Modisa-Team and Sirga as self-drivers for two nights on a stopover. Definitely the wrong decision - our visit was far too short! Modisa 2.0 has become a wonderful camp, and it is admirable how Val and the team have managed to put built this up in this remote location. We felt very welcome and were able to immerse ourselves in "everyday life" in the bush at Modisa. Anyone who is fascinated by untouched nature and interested in the connections between human and nature will find their place to be here. And in addition to all the know-how about the wilderness that Valentin is happy to share, there are also porcupines next to the camp, wildebeest at the waterhole, black-backed jackal at sunrise and of course Sirga as an ambassador for this incredible nature. Thank you very much for two unforgettable days, we will be back, then with more time.

  • Marina, January 2024

    One of the best experiences in my life so far has been volunteering at the brand new Modisa Camp 2.0, situated in one of the most remote areas of the world. During our stay, we learned a lot about the unique climate, the wildlife, the plants, and the challenges of balancing wildlife conservation with hunting issues.

  • Linda, June-September 2024

    It was the greatest experience of my life. This is truly in the middle of nowhere, you get to immerse yourself in the wilderness. Valentin is super nice and the mission he has there is just impressive. You learn a lot and get involved. This is a real adventure, and the experiences you'll have and the stories you'll hear are simply amazing.

  • Britt, December 2023

    In 2012 I visited Modisa 1.0, which left deep imprints on many levels. After 11 years, I finally came back to have a sneak peek into the new camp – and it felt as if the vision from back then became alive and is now – all grown up – ready to rumble. Thank you again for having us Val - what you built here (for Sirga) filled my heart within hours with so much peace and happiness. Modisa is just magic.

Your Journey to Modisa: Program Details and Logistics

  • All bookings are handled through our partner travel agency, Lost Adventures.

  • The minimum stay for the program is 14 days.

  • Transfers from Botswana's capital Gaborone are scheduled every 14 days.

  • Depending on the size of the group, transfers will be handled by either a shuttle van or a smaller vehicle.

  • The final leg of the transfer, roughly 2 hours, is undertaken in a 4x4 vehicle, taking you into the heart of the wilderness.

  • To ensure an intimate and immersive experience, group sizes are kept to a maximum of 16 people.

  • Accommodation during your stay will be in shared, spacious dome tents, allowing you to truly connect with the natural surroundings.

WE ARE NOT A zOO. OUR ANIMALS ARE WILD AND May OR May NOT BE SEEN. WE DO NOT OFFER Any PETTING OF WILD ANIMALS OR OTHER Physical INTERACTION.

Frequently asked questions

  • Each season has its own beauty and what time one prefers to travel depends entirely on the individual person. For example, for people interested in birds and reptiles, the warmer and wetter rainy season gives the best viewing opportunities. For people who cannot deal with extreme heat the dry winter months are surely the best option with the coldest months being June, July & August. The dry months are also the best time to spot predators.

  • Guests are able to observe wildlife from a secure distance and there is no hands-on contact as they are wild animals. Our commitment to ethical wildlife tourism prohibits physical interaction with any wildlife. On occasion we take care of orphaned or injured wildlife but for obvious reasons this cannot be guaranteed during your stay and even in such cases interaction will be kept to a necessary minimum. We have 7 horses, three of them are trained and we use them for patrols. Of course they enjoy human company and can be handled during your stay.

  • Botswana allows a maximum of 90 days in the country for tourism purposes. Whilst there is the potential to extend this visa another 90 days, this extension is subject to the approval of the Botswana Government via the Immigration Office and therefore cannot be guaranteed. Feel free to enquire about the possibilities.

  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner are included and will be served every day during your stay.

    Our menu ranges from traditional African dishes like breakfast pap to hearty soups, pasta, home-baked bread, and more. Seasonal vegetables are a staple, and when available, meals are served with a side salad. All our meat products are game meat and originate exclusively from our own area. They are a byproduct of the sustainable management of certain species who increase in numbers beyond our carrying capacity, thereby contributing to our commitment to the environment and wildlife conservation.

    Vegetarian options are available upon request. Please notify us upfront.

  • Yes, WiFi is available, however, we believe that being in one of the most remote corners of this world in the middle of nature, the constant distraction of a smartphone can have a rather negative impact on your experience as well as for other guests. Therefore the WiFi will only be available during your lunch breaks on weekdays and all day on a Sunday. If you require permanent internet access for work or other crucial reasons, it can be arranged on request. Due to our remote location, cell coverage is non-existent.

  • The Kalahari is home to a variety of mammals, birds and reptiles. With a bit of luck you will see Brown and Spotted Hyenas, Lions, Cheetahs, Leopards but also smaller critters like the charming Meerkat colonies. You will see Kalahari antelope such as Oryx, Springbok, Red Hartebeest, Blue Wildebeest, Kudu, Eland, Steenbok and Duiker as well as Ostrich and Zebra. The Kalahari hosts a diverse array of around 200 bird species, making it a delight for birdwatchers. Some of the rare species include Secretary Birds, Kori Bustard, White-Headed, White-Backed and Lapped-faced Vultures, Martial Eagle, Sociable Weavers and with some luck the rare Pygmy Falcon. One of the best opportunities to see fascinating wildlife is during sleep-out opportunities at our waterholes.