WELCOME TO
MODISA WILDLIFE PROJECT
There’s a place in Botswana where the horizon never ends, the stars burn brighter, and every day begins with the call of the wild. This is Modisa – 17,000 hectares (170 km²) of private wildlife area and guardians of a further 700,000 hectares (7,000 km²) of community-owned wildlife management land within the vast Kalahari ecosystem, where conservation isn’t a concept, it’s a way of life.
Founded in 2010 by Valentin Grüner from Germany and Mikkel Legarth from Denmark, Modisa is a working wildlife project with one clear mission – to protect and restore the fragile grasslands and the species that depend on them. Here, guests don’t just watch from the sidelines. You join the rhythm of the land, tracking wildlife, gathering data, and seeing the direct impact of your time in the field.
And then there’s Sirga. Rescued as a tiny cub and raised under Valentin’s care, her story captured hearts across the globe in the award-winning series Saving Sirga aired on Netflix, Apple TV, and Amazon Prime. Seeing her up close – always from a safe distance – is a moment you’ll never forget.
Come ready for dust on your boots, sunsets you’ll never shake from memory, and a deeper connection to the wild than you thought possible.
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 guests
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
Track the Wild, Protect the Future
A Rare Bond Few Ever See
From the safety of a vehicle, witness the extraordinary trust between Sirga the Lioness and Valentin Grüner. Rescued as a cub and raised at Modisa, her story has inspired people around the world – and seeing her here is a moment you’ll never forget.
Walk the Kalahari, Ride the Horizon
Head out on guided bush walks and game drives, following tracks through the sand and scanning the horizon for wildlife. These outings reveal the heartbeat of the Kalahari – a perspective few travellers ever experience.
Learn What the Desert Speaks
Discover desert ecology, species management, and the realities of conservation in an arid environment. Sessions are woven into your stay, blending conversation with time in the field so learning feels alive, relevant, and deeply connected to the place around you.
The Hide and the Heavens
Settle into Modisa’s hide beside a waterhole and watch the Kalahari’s wildlife arrive to drink, often just metres away. As night falls, the desert sky opens above you – a glittering dome of stars that feels close enough to touch.
Step Into the Story of Modisa
Here, you’re not a bystander. You join the rhythm of the reserve – contributing, learning, and sharing in the everyday work that keeps Modisa alive. Guests are part of the story, and every day in the field becomes a chapter you help to write.
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
More than just a wildlife project, Modisa is a place where purpose, connection, and transformation come together. From meaningful conservation work to the story of Sirga the lioness, here’s why this experience stays with you long after you leave.
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 guest who joins. 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. Guests 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.
