Saving the Wildlife in Namibia

  Namibia

Windhoek

Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: 2008: Oct 2, 16 Nov 6, 20 Dec 4, 18 2009: Jan 1, 15 Feb 5, 19 Mar 5, 19 Apr 2, 16 May 7, 21 Jun 4, 18 Jul 2, 16 Aug 6, 20 Sep 3, 17 Oct 1, 15 Nov 5, 19 Dec 3, 17

Description: Help save and maintain the existence of Africa's wildlife.
Here is an incredible opportunity to help save wild animals. Our program in the southern African nation of Namibia lies on a farm on the Otijhase River, just 40 miles east of the capital of Windhoek. If you can imagine yourself feeding and tracking cheetahs and lions or riding horse back on the African plains then this program is for you.

Due to the spread of commercial farms tearing into the natural habitat of many of Namibia's diverse and rare wildlife, volunteers are needed to assist in the preservation of the country's environment and the animals in it. As a member of this program, you will get the chance to help capture at risk animals, fit them with radio collars to track their movement patterns and then re-release them away from human harm. During the animals' stay on the farm, you will be responsible in assisting with their feeding, grooming and general care.

The program runs for a minimum of two weeks, with longer trips available and is available year round. All volunteers stay in a designated house on the farm with hot water, electricity and gender specific bedrooms. Three meals a day are provided and consist of meat, vegetables, pasta and rice. Volunteers also receive plenty of free time for nature walks, playing sports, riding horses, exploring the local caves and camping out at night under the African sky.

As a volunteer at the farm, you will be expected to share responsibility in the following areas:
- Capturing the animals at risk using special box traps which will be set out in various locations where they have been sighted on the surrounding farms
- Fit radio collars to the animals and then release them away from human threat
- Track the animals already released using GPS and handheld computers
- Logging the data from the animals
- Continual monitoring of the animals in order to maintain harmony with the area farmers
- Caring for various smaller animals that live on the farm
- Preparing food and feeding it to the animals
- Occasional maintenance of the enclosure's fences and facilities to ensure the safety of the animals
- Grooming, de-ticking, and showing affection to the animals

The farm is currently home to lions, leopards, wild dogs and three tame cheetahs. They are housed in a large enclosure area that has been developed to ensure the best possible environment for the animals.

Cost in US$: $1580 for 2 weeks.

Experience Required: no

Age Range: 18+

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Namibia Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Post Services Include:

• Exit DebriefingAbroad
• Alumni Network

GeoVisions's Mission Statement: GeoVisions is committed to help individuals develop global skills to succeed in the twenty-first century. These skills will ultimately lead to greater cooperation and understanding among nations and peoples of the world. We are committed to treating every person on a GeoVisions program with respect, and devoting our energies to helping participants meet their individual and collective goals.

Year Founded: 2001