WELCOME TO
MODISA WILDLIFE PROJECT
Step into the heart of Botswana's Kalahari Desert with Modisa. Founded by Valentin Grüner from Germany and Mikkel Legarth from Denmark, the Modisa Wildlife Project has become a hub for purpose-driven conservation since 2012. Surrounded by vast savannahs and star-filled skies, Modisa is more than a wildlife project - it’s a home for people passionate about protecting the natural world. Volunteers at Modisa take part in every step of the conservation journey at Modisa.
One of the project’s most iconic stories is that of Sirga the Lioness. Rescued as a cub and raised under the care of Valentin Grüner, her story gained international attention through the series Saving Sirga, featured on Netflix, Apple TV, and Amazon Prime.
Today, volunteers at the Modisa Wildlife Project witness this extraordinary human-wildlife connection firsthand, right in the heart of Modisa.
Why Book This Wildlife Conservation Experience Through LostAdventures
With over 15 years of experience in African travel and conservation - including as co-founder of the Modisa Wildlife Project in Botswana - Lost Adventures offers expert guidance, trusted support, and extended liability cover. There are no added fees, and if anything doesn’t go as planned, we’ve got your back.
10 - 16 volunteers
2 to 12 weeks
Every second Monday (even-numbered weeks)
18+ unless traveling with family
Arrive at Gaborone Airport on Sunday. Depart on Tuesday
Gaborone
Book start/end nights at Town Lodge in Gaborone. Transfer: 9-hour return transfer to Modisa: 350 Euro/person
Add an incredible mobile safari in the Okavango Delta to your trip, just an hour flight from Gaborone
highlights at Modisa Wildlife Project
Engage in Diverse Wildlife Monitoring
Volunteer at Modisa and take part in monitoring and conservation efforts that support the long-term protection of species like lions, leopards, and other desert dwellers. This is at the core of the work at Modisa Wildlife Project.
Witness the Bond Between Sirga the Lioness and Valentin Grüner
From the safety of a vehicle, observe the one-of-a-kind relationship between Sirga the Lioness and Valentin Grüner - a rare insight into wildlife rehabilitation and trust. It’s one of the most defining experiences Modisa offers.
Explore the Wild on Foot and by 4x4
Explore the Kalahari's ecosystem with guided bush walks and game drives across the Modisa reserve. These outings offer up-close wildlife sightings and a deeper understanding of the Modisa landscape and ecosystem.
Conservation Education Sessions
Take part in engaging conservation education sessions. Learn about species management, desert ecology, and the challenges of protecting wildlife in an arid environment - an essential component of the Modisa Wildlife Project experience.
Sleep Under the Stars
The sense of solitude and awe you’ll feel is hard to describe - just you, the desert breeze, and a blanket of stars overhead. Experience the serenity of the Kalahari after dark. Stargazing and weekend bush sleep-outs connect you with nature in its purest form and deepen your connection to life at Modisa.
Be Part of a Real Conservation Team
At Modisa, volunteers aren't just observers. You're part of a team - contributing, learning, and playing an active role in every aspect of daily life on the reserve. Modisa volunteers are the heart of the project, and every moment at Modisa matters.
Volunteers will participate in detailed monitoring activities that are essential for the conservation of the Kalahari's wildlife. Observe, document, and contribute to the protection of various species, including lions, leopards, and other native animals.
This direct involvement provides valuable data for conservation research and offers an in-depth understanding of the animals' behavior, habits, and needs in this unique ecosystem.
Volunteers at Modisa Wildlife Project will participate in comprehensive educational sessions that offer insights into the challenges and strategies of wildlife conservation in the Kalahari.
These interactive sessions cover a range of topics, including the impact of climate on wildlife, sustainable conservation practices, and effective wildlife management. They are designed to provide a broad understanding of the ecosystem and the complexities of conserving wildlife in a desert environment.
Engage in a variety of hands-on conservation tasks and projects at Modisa. Your involvement may range from assisting with practical fieldwork to participating in research initiatives that contribute to the overall health and sustainability of the Kalahari ecosystem. This active participation in conservation work is crucial for maintaining the delicate balance of this unique environment.
Modisa offers unique opportunities to observe and interact with the wildlife of the Kalahari, including special encounters with animals like Sirga the lioness. Observe these animals in their natural habitat, gain insights into their behaviors, and learn about the conservation efforts that support their survival. These experiences provide a deeper connection with the wildlife and a better understanding of their place in the ecosystem.
Experience the tranquil beauty of the Kalahari at night through stargazing and other desert activities. These experiences allow you to immerse yourself in the desert's serene environment, exploring its diverse landscapes and observing the wildlife that thrives in this unique habitat. The clear night skies and vast open spaces offer a sense of peace and connection with nature.
Observing Sirga the Lioness at Modisa offers a distinctive and educational experience that sheds light on lion behaviour in a unique context. From the safety of your vehicle, you will see the interaction between Valentin Grüner and Sirga, born from a special rescue situation. This encounter highlights the complexities and sensitivities of wildlife rehabilitation, illustrating the careful balance required in such efforts.
Activity Overview
dive into the details
Why we love MODISA WILDLIFE PROJECT
We See the Impact Firsthand
Every day at Modisa Wildlife Project is purposeful. From tracking wildlife to supporting conservation education, we’ve seen how meaningful this work is - not just for the animals, but for every volunteer who joins us. Modisa gives back what you put in, and it’s one of the reasons we keep returning to Modisa.
The Story of Sirga Inspires Everyone Who Comes
Watching Sirga the Lioness interact with Valentin Grüner is a moment that stays with you. It represents Modisa’s heart: care, trust, and unwavering dedication to wildlife. Sirga’s presence continues to shape the Modisa experience.
This is What Immersion Looks Like
Guided walks, open vehicles, fireside talks, and silent stargazing - this is how you really get to know a place. Modisa invites you to live close to the land, and there’s nothing else quite like it. Being part of Modisa means being part of something real.
You Leave Changed
There’s something about the Kalahari - the pace, the light, the sounds - that shifts your perspective. Modisa isn’t just a place you visit; it’s a place you join. Volunteers become part of the conservation family, and once you’ve been to the Modisa Wildlife Project, it stays with you.
Make an enquiry for
Modisa Wildlife Project
Once we receive your enquiry, we will swiftly check for availability and aim to get back to you within 2 business days. Please note that sending this enquiry does not create any obligations for you.
