SIS 2027, Botswana

OPEN TO ALL MAJORS

Fully Immersed in the Environment: Living in the Wilderness

Spring on Campus with Travel May/June, 2027

(Travel after Graduation, do not need to travel to/from Tampa, FL)

Applications are Open

Apply Today

Including Faculty Meeting

See Below for Application Info

Photos from WT 2026 and 2024 Programs

2026 WT Study Abroad Video by Garrett Hickman

See Global Ed for Scholarships, and further information.

Application = 2 Steps

1) Global Ed Application

2) Meet with at least one Faculty Leader.

If you are interested stop by our office (GLX 104 or 106, MS Annex/trailer by Kappa) or schedule a meeting (required to be considered for the program) with at least 1 faculty leader (Brooks and/or Larson), to discuss the trip, any questions you may have, and if interested get on the official potential participant list that we will be keeping in our office.

larsonra@eckerd.edu

brooksgr@eckerd.edu

UNESCO World Heritage Sites (Okavango Delta)
Okavango Delta - World Largest Inland Delta and 1 of 7 Natural Wonders of Africa
Largest semi arid desert in Southern Africa (Kalahari Desert)
Extension of the East African Rift System
24hrs in the Wilderness, Wildlife at any time
Professional Local Guides and opportunity to see and discuss how culture interacts with the environment.
And Much Much More….

Proposed Destinations and Itinerary...Subject to Change...

Program Provider- Golden Africa (G.A.) Safari

2026 Safari Awards

Winner "Best Mobile Safari Operator in Africa"

Finalist "Best Family Safari Experience in Africa"

Highly Commended "Best Safari Guiding Team in Africa"

16 days, 13 Nights in Botswana

Travel to Maun, Botswana

1 night at Crest Riley Hotel in Maun, greeting and orientation.

5 nights G.A. Expedition Tent Camp in Moremi, Okavango Delta (Small Bush plane to dirt airstrip and 4x4 vehicles)

2 nights Maun, Cresta Riley Hotel: visit to Elephant Havens

4 nights G.A. Expedition Tent Camp in Nxai Pan National Park in the Kalahari Desert (4x4 vehicles), Baines Baobab, Kudiakam Pan

1 night at Crest Riley Hotel in Maun, farewell dinner.

Travel back to US.

There will be strict luggage restrictions for this program due to the small bush plane flights. Soft sided duffels (no wheels) and weight limitations.

Packing and travel info including restrictions and recommendations provided in Spring term.

9 nights "in the Bush Under Canvas" with sights, sounds, smells, and much more with local professional staff and guides. Most travel in 4x4 Safari vehicles that are "open" with a covered top. Professional Local Guides throughout the program providing expertise, safety, and discussions

Golden Africa (G.A.) Expedition Camp - Immersive experience in untouched wilderness. Mobile camp moves between remote locations leaving minimal impact (solar power, eco-friendly practices) with commitment to conservation and low-impact tourism. Full Camp staff providing all needs of lodging, chef prepared meals (dietary needs accommodated), and expertise. Safari tent with 2 persons per tent (full bedding) and attached open air bathroom (pit toilet with seat and shower). Local staff with expertise, knowledge and stories about the environment we will be living in.

Riley Cresta Hotel in Maun, Botswana. Visits to Elephant Havens and discussions regarding conservation, as well as interact with locals in Maun.

Botswana is roughly the size of France or Texas and operates on a "high-value, low-volume" tourism strategy with fewer visitors and smaller camp size with over 40% of this vast area protected as wildlife management areas (WMAs). Tourism supports wildlife conservation, national economy, rural communities, anti-poaching, as well as land conservation. The Okavango Delta is the worlds largest inland delta (never reaches the ocean) with expansive waterways and environments. The Makgadikgadi Salt Pans and Nxai Pan fossil lake bed provide flat open habitat with unqiue wildlife as well as Baines Baobabs. Botswana is one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world with wildlife being more pronounced due to the low population and vast areas of protected wilderness.

Golden Africa Safari is a small family owned with over 20 years of experience. "Golden Africa is deeply dedicated to the preservation of the wildlife and ecosystem of Botswana and Africa, and we are honoured to contribute to the preservation and enrichment of our country’s indigenous tribes." Golden Africa has a longstanding relationship with the Khoi San indigenous people from the XaiXai region of western Botswana. Travel to Botswana with Golden Africa supports the Golden Africa Trust for youth empowerment and education programs in the Xai Xai community. In addition to their contributions, they are committed to continuous innovation to ensure that all of their operations are sustainable for the land, the culture and the wildlife of Botswana.

Experiencing and observing the wilderness of Africa: Botswana living in the Nxai Pan National Park Kalahari Desert, Okavango Delta, with stays in Maun, Botswana. A unique opportunity to explore one of the most naturally diverse regions in the world. Students will have an opportunity to learn about ecology, geology, biology, and history/culture of Botswana. Objective is to fully immerse students in the environment toward achieving a better appreciation, understanding, and value of these environments including but not limited to scientific, cultural, and current challenges (conservation, etc.). Mobile tent camping (classic safari with professional local guides and support staff) in the Nxai Pan National Park in the Kalahari Desert, and Moremi Game Reserve. Day and night in the wilderness with all the sights and sounds. Pristine wilderness, with various terrain including savannah, winding waterways, and dense forest. The diverse ecosystem supports an incredibly wide spectrum of wildlife, ranging from large herds of buffalo, wildebeest and zebra, antelope, elephants, prolific bird life, hyena, lion, leopard, cheetah and packs of wild dog, etc. etc. etc. Daily Safaris will be by 4x4 truck, and boat, with living in the wilderness and potential for wildlife at all times.

This will be a rustic trip with majority of lodging "under canvas" in tent camps and travel by truck and small plane. This includes a small plane bush flight to remote locations (Kalahari Desert, Okavango Delta). While on Safari we will be living in the wilderness with the potential to encounter wildlife at all times, including in the camps, and including predators. Therefore, rules and limitations will be absolutely necessary for safety, but students will be fully immersed in the environment and all the realities that this includes.

Course expectations include active participation and projects dealing with aspects of environments and culture. Grades will be based on spring on campus class/assignments and on travel participation and a field journal. Open to experiencing new and different cultures and environments. Positive attitude, adaptation to changing and unfamiliar environments. Physically active trip with full immersion in wilderness 24hrs a day (remote locations, bush camps) with potential wildlife, including predators at all times.

Fulfills the Environmental Perspective

Travel/Transportation

Various modes of transportation to get to and travel within locations. Most travel will be 4x4 Land Rover safari vehicles (open/no windows, covered roof, power for charging items) as well as small plane bush flights to remote locations and boat tours/trips. Group size of 12 student total will ensure 2 persons per row in 4x4 Safari vehicles maximizing student experience.

There will be luggage restrictions for this program due to the small bush plane flights. Soft sided duffels (no wheels) and weight limitations.

Most locations will be very remote.

Lodging - At all locations rooming will be 2 beds with 2 students per room or tent.

Cresta Riley hotel in Maun, Botswana is a historic hotel (early 1900's) located on the banks of the Thamalakane River with full services available (laundry, meals, etc.)

Golden Africa Expedition Camp (mobile camp, Nxai Pan, Moremi): Canvas tents with solar lights, comfortable beds/bedding and an attached bathroom with hot bucket showers, toilet, and wash basin. Full camp staff including manager, chef, and staff providing fresh meals and refreshments in communal tent/dining area. Designed for minimal impact on the environment.

Meals

Food and basic beverages will be provided with full time Chef and staff while in the bush cooked over woodfire.

Various local eateries and at Cresta Riley Hotel in Maun.

Dietary information will be collected and provided to Golden Africa prior to travel.

A Typical Day on Safari: Nxai Pan, Moremi: G.A. expedition tent camps

Morning: The day begins early with a wake-up call and a light breakfast before an exhilarating game drive exploring Botswana's wilderness during its most active hours, spotting wildlife and a variety of birdlife as the sunrise illuminates the bush. Stop at a scenic location for stretch with coffee, tea, and snacks provided before continuing the game drive.

Midday: After a hearty brunch, the midday heat offers time to relax. Opportunity to discuss topics/observations with each other, faculty, and/or staff/guides, journaling, unwind in your tent, take a siesta, or enjoy the tranquil camp surroundings, recharging for the afternoon.

Afternoon: The late afternoon game drive offers another chance to encounter wildlife, with predators preparing to hunt and herbivores grazing in golden light. Stop at a scenic spot for stretch and providing a perfect moment to enjoy the sunset before returning to camp.

Evening: Back at camp, enjoy a delicious dinner and time around the campfire, sharing stories with the staff, guides, faculty, and each other of the day’s adventures under Botswana’s spectacular night sky.

Maun: Gateway to the Okavango Delta

Known as the "Tourism Capital of Botswana," Maun is the bustling gateway to the iconic Okavango Delta. This vibrant town blends modernity with tradition, offering travelers a unique introduction to Botswana's safari experience. Despite its rapid growth, Maun retains its charm as a meeting point for travelers, locals, and safari operators alike. Visiti to Elephant Havens (elephant orphanage), discussions with conservation groups, and interacting with locals.

1 Night at Cresta Riley Hotel: Greeting and Orientation

2 Nights at Cresta Riley Hotel

1 Night at Cresta Riley Hotel: Farewell Dinner

Moremi Game Reserve: The Heart of the Delta

Moremi Game Reserve is the jewel of the Okavango Delta, celebrated for its rich diversity of ecosystems and abundant wildlife. This reserve combines permanent waterways with dry land, creating habitats for an array of species. Visitors can experience thrilling game drives while spotting elephants, leopards, wild dogs, and an impressive variety of birdlife. Moremi's stunning landscapes and year-round wildlife make it an unmissable destination.

5 Nights in G.A. Expedition Camp with professional guides and staff living in and exploring environment and associated wildlife. Remote Location.

Nxai Pan National Park in the Kalahari Desert: A Remote Wilderness

Nxai Pan National Park in the Kalahari Desert, the largest semi arid desert in southern Africa, offers an unparalleled sense of seclusion and adventure. Prehistoric dried up lake and home to the millennia old (4,000 years +) Baobab trees "Baines Baobab". Extensive grass plains, acacia trees, and salt pans. Attracts large herds of animals especially during the rainy season including wildebeest, zebra, gemsbok, springbok, oryx, elephants, lions, bat eared fox, birds and many more.

IMAX movie "Roar: Lions of the Kalahari" filmed in Nxai Pan.

4 Nights in G.A. Expedition Camp with professional guides and staff living in and exploring environment and associated wildlife. Remote Location.