This pack contains all the information you need to know about us, the project, Namibia, and what you’ll be doing. We strongly recommend you carefully read through this entire pack before you depart. Feel free to print it out, but we suggest you print only the pages you require in order to save paper!
Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary– KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Program Name / Namibian Wildlife SanctuaryCountry / Namibia
Location / Windhoek, Namibia.
Summary of Program /
- Care for animals that are hurt, orphaned or too tame to be rehabilitated into the wild such as baboon, cheetahs, lions, Caracals and other African wildlife.
- Take part in the soft release of cheetahs.
- Help babysit the baby baboons
Duration / 2 weeks
Minimum age / 18
Start Dates / Volunteers can join throughout the year, we ask you to arrive on a Monday or Tuesday if possible.
Duties
FEEDING AND CARING FOR THE ANIMALS
You will be responsible for preparing the food, feeding the animals and maintaining the animal enclosures: Preparing and feeding vegetables, fruit and mieliepap to the baboons and farm animals including duiker, steenbok, sheep, goats, rabbits, foxes, ducks and chickens.
Cutting and throwing meat to the lions, leopards, semi-tame and wild cheetahs, African wild dogs and hand feeding the meerkats.
Clear out old food, bones, cleaning waterholes and fixing any holes or damage to the animal enclosures.
ANIMAL TIME
You will get to spend part of each day playing with and looking after some of animals on the farm: Takinga walk across the beautiful veldt with the baby and junior baboons (or carrying more like!). Taking a walk with the gorgeous caracals - walk alongside them through the lush grass and watch as they stalk small prey.
Spending time with the semi tame cheetahs where you can sit and stroke them while they purr loudly with contentment!
Spend time with the wild dogs in their enclosure, feeding them and capturing fantastic photos of them jumping high to catch their meat.
Babysitting the orphaned baby baboons - as they're too young to sleep at night outside, you will bottle feed them before bed and sleep overnight with them in your bedroom.
BIG CAT CONSERVATION WORK
You may spend time with the expert carnivore research team:
Placing and collecting camera traps around the reserve - this latest form of technology captures wildlife in their natural habitat by taking photos on detection of movement.
Learning about wildlife immobilisation and watching the reserves experts dart big cats for medical procedures. You may also get the chance to practice your own darting skills (not on live animals though!).
Undertaking game counts where you'll drive around the stunning reserve and check for box traps on nearby farms if any problem animals need removing.
Assist in the gathering of cheetah footprints as part of our development of footprint ID software system for global monitoring of cheetah.
PROJECT WORK
The growing sanctuary needs constant repair and building work. Project work varies depending on whatis currently needed on the farm:
De-bushing - removing dense patches of black thorn (an invader bush) so that game on the farm can move freely and be seen and other vegetation can grow.
Breaking down fences on our land and that joining our neighbours - the aim is to create a large fenceless reserve in central Namibia allowing game and wildlife to roam freely for the benefit of conservation.
Building new enclosures as new animals arrive - assist the San Bushman workers with the preparation of materials, digging foundations and waterholes and the erecting of the enclosures.
WILDLIFE EDUCATION
You will receive a daily talk on various topics such as the local game, individual species such as baboons or leopards, and the science of wildlife immobilisation for example.
SECURITY & MAINTENANCE
You will take part in border fence patrol and carnivore enclosure patrol where you may have to fill in holes created by wild animals and repair fences.
You can participate in our security watch drives during the night and sleep outs at our watch tower with other volunteers. These are fantastic opportunities to see African wildlife at night time and experience the peacefulness of the savannah and night.
The Locals
The local Bushmen are called the San.
The local Community are mainly Christian, so please take into consideration that clothing must be modest.
For the women going on this trip please note that the clothes you wear should not be to revealing, your tops should not be low cut and should cover your stomach, thighs.
Itinerary
Below gives you an indication of your daily activities. These may be subject to changes at the discretion of the operator. You will be split into working groups with your fellow volunteers to ensure variety and equal opportunity when carrying out your duties; duties rotate daily.
7.00am-8.00am Breakfast
8.00am Morning meeting with the volunteer coordinators to plan the day ahead
8.15am Morning activity 1 (varies daily - caracal walk, enclosure patrol, food prep, cleaning enclosures, project work)
10.30am Tea and muffin break
10.45am Morning activity 2 (varies daily - junior baboon walk, cheetah and wild dog time, carnivore feed, project work)
1.00pm Lunch and free time
2.30pm Afternoon activities (varies daily - baby baboon walk, project work, food prep)
5.00pm Educational Talk
5.30pm Dinner and free time
7.00pm Possible Baboon babysitting (applies to only 1-5 volunteers each night, depending on number of baboons, works on rotation)
Volunteers should be prepared for the daily schedule to change at short notice to meet the needs of the project and animals. Volunteers also need to be ready to take on any tasks that may be required of them, and to get dirty in the process!
FUN ACTIVITIES & FREE TIME
During the project, you will have the evenings to relax from approximately 5.30pm, Saturday afternoonsand Sundays all day. However, the farm animals still need to be fed on Sundays!
During your time based at the sanctuary, you may enjoy activities such as a nature walk across the farm, swimming in our pool, playing football against the bushman workers, climbing the nearby mountain or an eco-challenge competing in groups against your fellow volunteers, followed by a braai (barbeque)!
OPTIONAL EXTRA ACTIVITIES
Saturday activities - extra activities including paintballing and abseiling may take place during your time at the sanctuary for an additional cost of approximately N$200.
Sunday town trip - we offer a transfer into town for N$150pp, where you can visit the mall to pick up supplies and have a leisurely lunch at the famous Jo's Beerhouse (cost of lunch and drinks not included in the transfer cost). We always need some volunteers to help out with feeding the animals on a Sunday and there are a limited number of places so please note you will not be able to go every week.
Stay at the luxury Guest Lodge - why not treat yourself to a bit of luxury during your time with us. You can book a 1 or 2 nights stay at our Lodge at a special volunteer rate. Here you can sleep in luxury, relax with a drink, take a swim in the pool and enjoy the tranquil and stunning surroundings.
Volunteer evening at the lodge - occasionally we host volunteer lodge nights where we enjoy a buffet dinner and drinks all together.
Sunday lunch at the lodge - enjoy a delicious Sunday buffet at our beautiful lodge and spend the afternoon relaxing by the pool with a cool drink.
Inclusions and Exclusions
All the money raised through our volunteering program goes directly back into the project providing employment, education and accommodation to the local Bushman community and ensuring the rescue, survival and rehabilitation of the animals. The funds enable the sanctuary to continue running the projects as well as covering all volunteer food and accommodation costs.
What's included?
- Transfers to and from the airport
- Accommodation
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Tea and coffee
- Full support and assistance from your program coordinator throughout your time at the sanctuary.
What's not included?
- Flights
- Personal travel insurance
- E-mail/Internet and telephone calls
- All items of a personal nature, such as curios, gifts, clothing (work and other)
- Drinks and snacks, which can be bought from the shop at the farm
- Extra excursions
- Optional transfer into Windhoek on a Sunday
Getting There
This project can start on any dates chosen due to its close proximity to the airport. Volunteers should flyinto WindhoekInternationalAirport. There are several daily flights from the South African cities ofJohannesburg and Cape Town into Windhoek. There are also direct flights into Windhoek from several international countries.
Please note that some passengers travelling through Johannesburg experience a problem with lost or delayed luggage. Please put all valuables in your hand luggage along with a change of clothes
You will be met by a representative at WindhoekInternationalAirport. The transfer time to the farm is approximately 45 minutes. On arrival at the sanctuary you will be shown around the accommodation and facilities. An induction meeting will be held with you in your first few days. Activities are continuous on the farm and animals need tending to, so you will be hands-on on from your first day!
Visa Requirements
The Ministry of Home Affairs has advised us that work visas are necessary for volunteer placements in Namibia and need to be arranged in advance. Volunteers need to complete this form and return it to their nearest Namibian Embassy together with any additional documentation required (e.g. passport, photograph, copy of highest academic certificate).
When completing the form, please use the following address and contact details:
Naankuse Guesthouse
64 Nelson Mandela, Windhoek.
Contact Name: Dara Barrett, 264-81-3696186
The cost of this visa should be paid directly to the Embassy. For those people who live in countries with no Namibian Consulate, you can use an agency in Namibia to obtain your visa. The Agency that we recommend is:
Marietha Bouwer Agencies
Email: Contact Person: Emce Dodds
In addition to the visa cost, there is a fee associated with using an Agency – normally £30 - £40 per application.
Early attention to this matter is advised as visas can take up to 6 weeks to obtain.Please carry a copy of your visa when travelling into Namibia as you will be required to present it upon arrival.
Insurance
It is always important to have a suitable cancellation- and travel/volunteer insurance when you go abroad. Many travel insurances do not cover (voluntary) work, internships or extreme sports and have a limited validity.
How many people volunteer at the sanctuary?
We usually have from 15 up to a maximum of 40 volunteers taking part in our projects at any one time. Our peak months are July-September.
AgeRange
We welcome volunteers from all across the world aged 18+ to join our projects. No experience or qualifications necessary.
Namibia
Namibia is a beautiful country with a stunningly diverse array of landscapes. Make the most of your time in this amazing country by combining your project with a tour. Depending on your time and budget, you can choose from a whole variety of trips from 3 days to two weeks or longer.
You could visit the amazing sand dunes and desolate plains of Sossussvlei and the Namib Desert, the skeleton coast and coastal resort of Swakopmund as well as the dense bush and open plains of EtoshaNational Park, the third largest in Africa, for spectacular game viewing.
Climate
Windhoek has a semi-desert climate, with very hot summers and mild winters and temperatures tend to drop at night. On average, Namibia receives about 300 days of sunshine a year.
Summer is from October to April. Temperatures can reach 40° C and plummet at night to cool levels. Average daily temperatures range from 20 to 34° C. Rainfall usually occurs between November and March, when heavy thunderstorms can be expected.
Winter is from May to September with wonderful warm days which are contrasted by very cold nights, when temperatures often drop to below freezing so please bring warm clothing and a sleeping bag. Average temperatures range from 43°F (6°C) to 70°F (21°C).
The most popular time to travel to Windhoek is between March and October, when rainfall is lowest and temperatures are mild.
Accommodation
There are two options of accommodation; volunteer rooms with up to three people (same gender) sharing each room, or large tents with a living and bedroom area to be shared by two volunteers (same gender or a couple). The rooms are basic but our single beds are comfortable with bedding provided (duvets and pillows). Showers and toilet facilities are communal and hot water is supplied by solar energy therefore sometimes restricted. Electricity is freely available, however please be aware that sometimes it has been known to cut off during storms. Power sockets for electrical items are available in communal areas.
Three meals are provided on a help yourself basis - Breakfast includes toast and cereal; Lunch includes pasta, wraps, burgers or stir-fry; and Evening Dinners include meat, fish and vegetables with rice, potatoes and pasta. On weekends we often have a braai (barbecue). Tea and coffee are freely available throughout the day and other drinks (soft and alcoholic) and snacks can be bought on the farm. Please advise us of any special dietary requirements prior to arrival at the project, including vegetarianism, allergies etc.
Health and Safety
Inoculations
Vaccinations are required to enter Namibia. Please contact your doctor to arrange and carry the vaccination certificate with your passport.
The sun
We have a warm sunny climate and you should wear sunscreen and a hat whenever you are out of doors during the day, particularly between 10am and 4pm, regardless of whether there is cloud cover or not. Even if you have a dark complexion, you can still get sunburned if you are from a cooler climate and have not had much exposure to the sun. Sunglasses are also recommended wear, as the glare of the African sun can be strong.
Money
The currency is Namibian dollars but South African Rand is also widely accepted here. We are able to take MasterCard and Visa payments at the project. ATM machines are present in Windhoek and withdrawals may have a small surplus charge. We do not advise bringing travellers cheques to the project as we cannot cash them; you will only be able to get them cashed in town (NOT at the airport). If you do bring travellers cheques please ensure you have enough money to last until you are able to get them cashed.
Things to pack
Please see thekit list belowfor all the items you are likely to need on your trip. Wildlife volunteer work includes being very hands on with animals, building enclosures and walking with baboons so you are likely to get very dirty! Old and dispensable clothes are advisable for daily activities. The type of clothing you should bring depends on time of year you visit. May to September is the winter period and can be very cold at night and early morning and daytime temperatures can vary. A sleeping bag is recommended! October to April is the summer period and rainy season and whilst generally hot during in the day it can become chilly in the evenings.
Don’t forget……
Personal Admin
• Passport, insurance certificates and personal documentation
• Photocopies of all the above to be left at home with your next of kin
• Spending money
• Proof of inoculations (please speak to your GP about necessary immunizations)
• Secure, waterproof bag for documents and money: sealable plastic bags will do
General
• Toiletries
• Sleeping bag: useful for winter months, possible overnight sleep outs in the field, or if you plan to travel outside of your project
• Silk or Cotton Liner: Ideal for hot nights or as an extra layer to your sleeping bag
• Sunglasses (high UV protection)
• Sun cream (high factor needed)
• Torch and batteries (preferably a head torch)
• Alarm clock/watch
• Diary and writing pens
• Camera/batteries/film or memory card
• Water bottle at least 75cl
• Day pack/rucksack for everyday use
• Mobile phone set for roaming
• Personal stereo
• Swimming towel
• Sewing kit and pocket knife for general use (not in hand luggage!)
• Plug adaptor (3 large round pins)
• Travel Guide, such as Lonely Planet or Rough Guide