Volunteer Role
Days are spent outdoors in the African wilderness, tracking with bushman trackers, monitoring wildlife and absorbing the awesome magic of nature and the magnificent landscapes. The project incorporates the dual components of working to conserve the wildlife of the area, and contributing to the resolution of human-animal conflicts. This involves a wide range of activities, likely to include:
Monitoring large carnivores:
- Searching and identifying cheetah marking trees
- Locating collared carnivores through telemetry and GPS tracking
- Identifying, counting and tracking carnivore spoors
Capture of large carnivores:
- Setting and checking box traps
- Capture, immobilization and collaring of large carnivores
- Building or clearing out temporary enclosures for new residents
Other research activities:
- Wildlife census and game counts either from a 4x4 or at one of our waterholes
- Vegetation surveys
- Data entry
- Measuring and photographing large carnivore footprints for ID processing
- Working with local farmers
- Carrying out environmental education
Volunteers need to be ready to take on any tasks that may be required of them, and to get dirty in the process!
Volunteers may also get the opportunity to assist in the monitoring of cheetahs and leopards that have previously been released into different conservation areas in Namibia as part of the projects tracking programme. Volunteers together with a member of the research team will locate the animals by means of radio-telemetry and record their activities on a daily basis. Some research-volunteers may also get the exciting and privileged opportunity to accompany the team during one of the releases at certain times of year. You will find out more about these opportunities once you arrive at the project.
During your time on this project you will have the amazing opportunity to not only get involved in the great research work but also spend some time helping out at the sanctuary. This means that you will get a great chance to get up close with many of the animals at the sanctuary and may include the following activities;
- Preparing food for the animals
- Caring for orphaned baboons
- Clearing out the enclosures
- Repairing fences and fence patrols
- Bush clearing
What’s Included in the Programme
- Project Fee: This entails financing that goes directly back into the project that you are involved with. This project fee facilitates funding for items such as building materials, fuel, foodstuffs, research materials, animal medication etc
- Airport Transfers
- Arrival Orientation
- All accommodation during your stay
- Three meals daily
- Work Placement
- Full support and assistance from your co-ordinator throughout your time on your placement
What’s Not Included in the Programme
- All flights
- Personal travel insurance for the duration of your placement, which should include cover for repatriation
- All items of a personal nature, such as curios, gifts, clothing (work and other)
- E-mail/Internet and telephone calls
- Snacks, soft drinks, wines and spirits
- Any excursions over and above your planned itinerary in Namibia
Prices and Durations
Namibia Wildlife Research - 2 weeks $1,509
Namibia Wildlife Research - 4 weeks $2,979
Namibia Wildlife Research - 8 weeks $5,489
Namibia Wildlife Research - 12 weeks $7,509
