Modisa Wildlife Project was created by two passionate conservationists, Mikkel Legarth and Valentin Gruener, who wanted to create an authentic learning experience for people to make a difference in wildlife preservation and experience the habitat and culture in a close, personal way. 

Mikkel and Val met on a wildlife farm in Namibia in 2009, and their mutual love and passion for wildlife, especially big cats, was a catalyst for them to set up a wildlife project with an emphasis on creating a bond between people and the wilderness. By cooperating with leading researchers in Botswana, Modisa Wildlife Project has the unique opportunity to create positive changes in local communities which in turn will create a better understanding of and a brighter future for wildlife and the big cats of Botswana.

Based in the Kalahari ecosystem of Botswana, where diverse wildlife and breathtaking scenery blend harmoniously, Modisa Wildlife Project is ideal for those who want a "real" bushveld experience.

Our Mission & Vision

Our mission is inherent in our name Modisa, which means “shepherd” in the local language of Setswana. Our long-term goal is to act as guardians for the wildlife of Botswana and to inform the public about the Kalahari ecosystem. We dream of a Kalahari where Wildebeest and other species are able to return to numbers similar to what was reported just over 50 years ago. With an increase in herbivores, the growth in populations of lions and other predators is likely to follow. 

Not only is it possible for the Kalahari to blossom with wildlife again, but also the probable job creation by and steady income from tourism for the disadvantaged communities is not to be ignored. As a sustainable project, we will increase awareness about the Kalahari ecosystem to invoke sustainable change in the area, as well as provide logistical support to researchers conducting studies in the Kalahari region. Further, we strive to engage local communities in our conservation initiatives by exposing them to wildlife in a positive way. 

Game Reserve

Modisa Wildlife Project is located on the 25,000 acre Grassland reserve, thirty kilometres west of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR ) in Botswana. Grassland provides a beautiful landscape for Kalahari’s diverse wildlife. The wide open space and untamed wilderness provide ideal conditions for a wide range of animals to thrive. The space also offers incredible wildlife viewing.

Modisa Wildlife Project and the Grassland Safari Lodge are working together towards a common goal of protecting Botswana's big cats and surrounding wildlife.  Grassland is situated between many cattle farming areas, where the farmers are still allowed to shoot predators like big cats.  All the captive predators at the Modisa Wildlife Project were relocated out of farming areas around the reserve, after conflict with farmers protecting their livestock and property.  Rather than getting shot or poisoned, the predators were relocated to Modisa.  At Modisa, they are given the best possible life with as natural an environment as possible.  They have space to roam while they serve as "ambassadors" for educational and awareness purposes. Modisa’s long-term goal is to find suitable locations for these animals to be relocated and released. 

Modisa Wildlife Project runs exclusively on natural power, sustainable materials and products from local suppliers. 

Volunteer Experience

Modisa Wildlife Project has developed a unique volunteer program, allowing you and people from all over the world to get firsthand, real-life experience in the African bush. Whether you come to Modisa Wildlife Project for education or simply a holiday - it's a unique way to make a real difference. During your stay at Modisa Wildlife Project you will participate in a mix between day-to-day work on the farm and a variety of activities and lectures.

The Modisa Wildlife Project program offers a truly authentic learning experience for people who want to make a difference in wildlife preservation and experience the habitat and culture firsthand. 

Modisa Wildlife Project borders the buffer zone west of the Central Kalahari GAME Reserve (CKGR) - the second largest game reserve in the world and offers a spectacular diversity of wildlife and nature in an unspoiled ecosystem. Modisa Wildlife Project has developed a unique volunteer program, allowing you and other volunteers from all over the world to get a firsthand, real-life experience in the African bush and up-close encounters with some of the worlds most iconic animals.

Please note

At Modisa we aim to bring you closer to wildlife and nature conservation. We would like to inform everyone that in our opinion this is not achieved by petting or handling wild animals. Wild animals are supposed to be wild and that is how we would like to observe them, watching their natural behaviour and enjoy them being free. We focus on keeping wild areas wild and creating and maintaining habitat, which wild animals can live and thrive in.

Furthermore, as part of our pledge to ethical tourism, our aim is to develop a sustainable camp operation in the long run. Making use of sustainable resources and minimising the use of scarce resources such as water and unsustainable resources is our priority.