25 trees will be planted on your behalf for every experience purchased, via our partnership with One Tree Planted.
See more at onetreeplanted.org
Overview
During this project, you'll be involved with an array of animal species and contribute to the protection of nature and wildlife! Tasks may include assisting with feeding, observational research, or other contributions to animal care. Specific duties may depend on your interests, skills and previous knowledge. But, be assured that your efforts will make a wonderful contribution.
Project: Location and objectives
This Wildlife Project has been addressing issues directly related to wildlife conservation for more than 30 years. The mission of these passionate and dedicated team members it to provide care and protection by taking in sick, injured, and/or orphaned wild animals, and ultimately nursing them back to health. Animals who have been weakened by human influence or maltreated are responsibly cared for and accommodated in the organisation’s wild animal orphanage. The objective of the project is always to release the animals back into the wild, if possible.
On the 10.000 hectare large farm area the wild animals live as free as possible and as protected as necessary. Even orphaned and hand-raised animals can be accustomed to life in the bush and prepared for release into the wild. The Animal Wildlife project has already been able to save 380 native wild animals. Animals for which reintroduction is no longer possible can stay on the farm. The commitment of our participants is essential for the work of the local team.
Your tasks in wildlife protection in the Namibian desert
As a participant you are involved in all daily tasks on the farm: From preparing food and feeding the animals to animal care and keeping the enclosures clean. Together with other participants you will take care of the watering holes for the animals, check the fences, help with animal observation and research. You can also assist in rehabilitating animals or help out at the Children's Day Care Center. You'll also be exploring the bushland together. It never gets boring on site, because no two days are ever the same. There's always something going on in wildlife, research, care and medical facilities.
Objectives
- Provide a safe and comfortable environment for baboons
- Provide a safe and comfortable environment for cheetahs
- Prepare food for lions and wild cats
- Make the baboons comfortable with human interaction and to establish mutual trust
- Gain invaluable, practical experience in working with all kinds of animals
- Assist the local staff by providing an extra hand
Impact
Volunteer experiences have a direct and positive impact on local communities by injecting money into the local economy through the purchase of food, transportation, and tourism activities. Volunteering is a great way to give back to the comunity and make a difference in the world. Depending on the type of volunteer experience you are interested in, your time can be spent improving educational resources and opportunities, providing medical services to underserved communities, or promoting environmental conservation and sustainable farming techniques.
1% of gross sales will be donated to 1% for the Planet-approved charities via our partnership with 1% for the Planet.
See more at onepercentfortheplanet.org
Location
Windhoek, Namibia
The capital of Namibia Windhoek is the geographical, political, cultural and economical centre of the country and has an estimated (steadily growing) population of more than 400,000.
At an elevation of 1,625 to 1,725 metres above sea level, Windhoek is surrounded by mountain ranges (up to 2,000 metres high). The airport “Hosea Kutako” is situated forty kilometres outside of the city. The name Windhoek means “windy corner” and is derived from Africaans.
In 1890 Curt von Francois, captain of the German troops, declared Windhoek the new administrative centre of German South West Africa. The cultural influence of the German and many colonial buildings can still be found in the capital today. The German colonial time came to an end during the First World War in 1915 and the British ordered South African troops to occupy the town.
After becoming independent from South Afrcíca in 1990, the city experienced a strong revival, since that time the number of inhabitants increases rapidly.
There are quite a few places of interest to visit in Windhoek, for example the Christuskirche (church), Windhoek’s unofficial symbol and best-recognised landmark and the Tintenpalast (former seat of the government) as well as many attractive museums and galleries.
Itinerary
Sunday - Arrival
Arrive on Sunday before 18:00 to be met upon landing at WDH (Hosea Kutako International Airport)
Windhoek We will pick you up at the airport and take you to the accommodation, where you will start your Namibian adventure and stay for two nights until Tuesday and one night on Thursday. You will have time to make yourself comfortable and get to know your roommates. Your hosts will welcome you and explain how to explore the surroundings on your ow
Week 1
Note: A detailed itinerary is available on request
Locations: Windhoek, Sesriem, Gobabis
Activities:
- Introduction to roommates and coordinators
- Overview of life in Nambia
- Exploration of Windhoek
- Three day / two night camping safari
- Arrive and introduction to farm stay in Gobabis
Week 2
Location: Gobabis
Activities:
- Food prep for the animals
- Interacting with the animals (Cheetahs, Baboons, Wild Dogs etc)
- Daily activities including food prep, feeding, enclosure cleaning, animal interaction and building of enclosures, waterholes and fences, fence patrol, game counting, animal studies, bush walks and many more
Week 3
Locations: Gobabis, Windhoek
Activities:
- Daily activities including food prep, feeding, enclosure cleaning, animal interaction and building of enclosures, waterholes and fences, fence patrol, game counting, animal studies, bush walks and many more
- Transfer back to Windhoek (if applicable)
- Thursday and Friday socializing and enjoying Windhoek
Saturday - Departure
You will be transferred to the airport Windhoek to catch your flight home.
Inclusions
- Shared Accomodation
- Arrival Transfer (included with 2 wk+ trips)
- Wifi in public areas
- Departure Transfer
- All meals included
- Free beverages
Options
More Information
Requirements
- minimum age18
- maximum age45
- minimum english levelBasic
- CRB RequiredOn signup
- passport copy requiredOn signup
- resume copy requiredYes
Other Requirements
- Details of any medical conditions, allergies, food intolerances
- Rabies vaccinations are advised for this program
- A medium level of fitness is required
- Depending on your nationality you will need a Holiday/Tourist Visa. It will be issued by the Namibian Home Affairs Office and you should apply well in advance. Many nationalities do not need a visa and will be granted a 90 days Visitors Entry Permit by arrival.
- Letter of parental consent
- casual light weight working clothes (you may get dirty)
- waterproof coat and gumboots (from September to April)
- clothes for cold and warm weather
- comfortable work or hiking boots, sandals or flip flops
- a good pair of leather/work gloves
- swimming trunks/suits/towel for the pool
- a day backpack
- sun protection (hat, sunscreen,...)
- mosquito repellent and mosquito net
- binoculars and torch light (if you already own them)
- alarm clock
- first aid kit
- sleeping bag (from May to August)
Food
The small kitchen is at your disposal and is well equipped with fridge, oven and stove. On the day of your arrival you will deposit N$500 (approx. 30 Euro) for your kitchen equipment. On the day of your departure you will get your money back if you return your cutlery, plates and glass undamaged. There is also a small dining area where you can have dinner with the other participants, if you choose to cook yourself. You can end the evenings with sitting in the backyard of the house. WLAN is also available in the house, which you can use free of charge. You can also wash your laundry in the washing machine free of charge and dry it on a line; you only have to buy the detergent yourself.
For breakfast you will be provided with basic food, which you then prepare yourself. These include oats, porridge and milk powder. If you want fresh produce like fruit and vegetables, you can buy them in a small shop nearby or in the supermarket downtown. Dinner will be delivered on Sunday, Monday and Thursday. You'll find that some eating habits are unfamiliar, but the food is still delicious. You will quickly get used to it!
Windhoek offers a wide variety of international cuisines. In restaurants you’ll find hamburgers and pizza as well as delicious games steaks i.g. springbok, kudu or oryx. Give it a try!
Accommodation
Windhoek
The House in Windhoek is located in a quiet residential area in Windhoek West. The participants as well as the landlord and his family live on the premises.
The accommodation consists of two small detached houses. Each house has a bedroom and bathroom, which you share with your roommates. In one house there are two double rooms with shared bathroom. The rooms are lockable, but cupboards have no locks. A total of 18 participants can be accommodated in the houses.
Sesriem
You will help to build up your dome-shaped tent (with screened windows and door) upon arrival at Sesriem, which is a simple task and your guide is happy to help. The tents are bug proof, as long as you keep them securely closed. Camping mattresses and covers are provided. You can use your own sleeping bag and pillow or hire those on location. During winter months you’ll definitely need a sleeping bag because nights are very chilly!