Help out at our food forest in Matebeleng Village, Kgatleng, Botswana

Details

• 

  Description

  We have a small plot in Matebeleng village in Botswana. It is situated 30km from the capital, Gaborone. We have over 50 indigenous fruit trees, plus many exotic fruit trees too - a miniature jungle - which needs some daily maintenance, plus we have quite a few rescued resident animals that need some love and attention: 12 cats, 5 dogs, chickens and fish.
  
  There are a few other wild creatures that live here, such as mongeese, monitor lizards, terrapins, and other small mammals, plus a few snakes, scorpions, frogs and spiders. We love our insects and try not to use any pesticides, and guests would have to be comfortable with that sort of 'jungly' environment.
  
  It is very easy to access public transport from our plot, as we are a couple of hundred metres from the main T junction into the village where combis pass daily. We will pick you up from Gaborone, and some days we travel to the city where you'd be welcome to catch a lift with us.
  
  Volunteers are only expected to work four-five hour days, with the weekends free to adventure about. Basic food supplies are available. It would only be suitable for vegan, vegetarian or pescatarians.
  
  Weather can be very extreme here, in Summer it is blazing, sometimes up to and over 40 degrees, whereas in Winter it can be freezing. The best time to visit in our opinion is April May, but every month is different.
  
  We are very nature-oriented - living in our wilderness means treating all creatures kindly, including the plants. As the conditions are quite rustic this would only suit those able to entertain themselves, and those not scared of a few wild animals.

• 

  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Help with Eco Projects

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects

  Animal Care

  Help around the house

  General Maintenance
• 

  UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

  ...

  ...

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  What's this?
• 

  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  The village is located in the Kgatleng district, there is plenty to see and learn from local villagers. Volunteers can also learn about the amazing Indigenous food plants and medicinal plants that grow in this area if they are interested.

• 

  Help

  Watering plants - when it gets very hot we need some extra irrigation done, plus filling up fish ponds
  Feeding and caring for our animals - feeding chickens, cats, dogs and fish and cleaning their areas
  General upgrading of our yard is always happening, so any building, fencing, or other skills are welcome
  Harvesting fruits when in season

• 

  Languages

  Languages spoken
  English: Fluent
  Spanish: Fluent
  French: Fluent
  Setswana: Fluent
  German: Beginner
  Northern Ndebele: Beginner
  Portuguese: Beginner
  Shona: Beginner

  This host offers a language exchange
  This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
  You can contact them directly for more information.
• 

  Accommodation

  Currently in a very rustic room, with a bucket shower and private toilet. Volunteers would need to share, or they can camp nearby if they choose - a tent can be provided. Tents come with a blow-up mattress. Cooking is done in a communal kitchen.

• 

  What else ...

  There are a few spectacular wildlife game reserves nearby - Khutse Game Reserve; Central Kalahari Game Reserve - here you can see Lion, Leopard, occasionally Elephants, lots of different antelope, and incredible scenery, The stars at night are absolutely incredible. A visit to Gaborone the Capital city which is only a half hour drive from the plot. Laze about in hammocks and read books, and swim in our miniature plunge pool.

• 

  A little more information

  • 

    Internet access

  • 

    Limited internet access

  • 

    We have pets

  • 

    We are smokers

  • 

    Can host families

• 

  Can host digital nomads

  There is a decent wifi connection

• 

  How many Workawayers can stay?

  Two

Website Safety

Feedback (3)