I served in Botswana (1973-1975) establishing a Wildlife Education Unit within the Department of Wildlife and National Parks. I was stationed in Gabarone, however, my work took me throughout the country. My wife and I would like to visit Botswana, possibly this September/October. There are a bewildering array of safari companies, park rules, regulations/ reservations, and very costly vehicle rentals to sort through which are very different from when I was there. Basically, we would like to see Gabarone, drive leisurely to Francistown and Maun, and then tour the northern national parks.

I'm wondering if you could put me in touch with volunteers in various locations (particularly Maun) or forward my email to them, so they could respond to me directly. We plan to have our own camping equipment.

Following are a few questions I would like to ask the volunteers:

1 - Would it be possible to meet with volunteers in some of the towns along the route from Gabarone to Maun and possibly camp in their yards for the night, take them out for a meal, and talk about the "old days" in Botswana.

2 - Are any of the volunteers in Maun familiar with local safari operators that are reasonable/reliable for rental vehicles or tours into Chobe and Moremi? We prefer to tent camp and are not interested in luxury camps.

3 - If any of your volunteers are thinking of traveling to the northern National Parks in September, we would be interested in joining them and sharing the expenses.

4 - Are any volunteers currently working in the Department of Wildlife and National Parks? I would like to contact them.

5 - Does Peace Corps have any temporary accommodations for former PCV's visiting Botswana?

In this age of instant communication, perhaps you could forward my email to your volunteers for a response.

Thank you for your attention to my inquiry.