Introduction  

This is a truly amazing volunteer opportunity to get close to large carnivores. Based at a big cat rehabilitation centre north of Windhoek your day will be split in two. Early in the day you will be working as part of a team to help restore an old cattle station back to a game reserve. In the afternoon you have the opportunity to help gather vital data by tracking and monitoring (using a telemetry system) leopards and cheetahs. You will also get behind the scenes of the daily feeding run of over 100 big cats in the welfare programme. Staying in simple, but comfortable, accommodation and working as part of a closely knit team of volunteers, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity.  

Trip Summary and Grading  

This tour includes moderate walking that requires only an average level of fitness to enjoy.  

Land Only Itinerary  

Day 1. Arrive Windhoek.

You must arrive in Windhoek before midday to take the group transfer to the Conservation Project.

Days 2-13. Conservation Project.

Undertaking essential maintenance on the reserve, large carnivore tracking and monitoring, meeting the cheetahs, behind the scenes feeding run, possible rescue and release of cheetahs and leopards, visiting endangered wild dogs at close quarters and sleeping under the stars occasionally! (Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)  

Day 14. Depart Windhoek.

Your tour ends today in Windhoek in the late afternoon.

Trip Details  

Joining arrangements and transfers  
Your tour starts at the joining camp in Windhoek at midday of day 1. Details of which will be sent a few weeks prior to departure. Airport transfers are generally an additional cost to the tour price. You can get an official taxi from Windhoek Airport to the joining hotel for approximately 250NAD (21GBP). If you would prefer to pre-arrange a transfer with us, please enquire on the phone or book via the website. 

Services included  
 13 nights accommodation at the project, meals specified above.  

Services not included  
International flights, travel insurance, airport transfers, meals not specified above, miscellaneous personal expenses - drinks, souvenirs etc.  

Spending money

Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. The official Namibian currency is the Namibian Dollar (NAD), however t he South African Rand (ZAR) is an accepted form of payment. The easiest foreign currency to exchange locally is the USD, however the British Pound and Euro may also be exchanged, just not at as good exchange rate. USD notes that are older than year 2002 are not accepted everywhere and can be difficult to change. In addition, USD notes prior to 2000 are worthless in some areas of Africa, as they are rarely accepted and impossible to exchange. We recommend 50USD notes or lower as 100USD notes can be difficult to change in some places. Travellers cheques are not recommended in Africa. They are difficult if not impossible to exchange in many places. Debit cards are very useful for cash advances and there are many ATMs in the major centres. Credit cards can be used for purchases in major cities and towns only, but please do not rely on them as a method of payment because they are generally not widely accepted. A combination of foreign currency and debit/credit cards for cash advances is best.  

Equipment  
It is important to pack clothes for warm days and cool evenings, as well as a warm jacket for early morning game drives.  

Food  
Namibia Food chiefly comprises of the traditional German influence mixed with the South African delicacies. The restaurants of Namibia serve international cuisine, yet the Namibian culinary is the most preferred one. The common food in Namibia is the Game dishes and the popular ones are namely the kudu meat, springbok and gemsbok. The meat of Zebra and Ostrich are favored by the local people because these meats are both tasty as well as rare. Sausages and processed meats are included in the staple diet of the Namibians and so are brotchen and landjager. Namibia foods also comprise of fish and sea-food such as oysters. The traditional food of Namibia usually comprises of porridge and soup made from cornmeal or millets. The German influence has included varieties of breads, cakes and pastries in the Namibia food.  

General Information  

Group Size and Trip Status  
For each of our group adventures, there is a minimum number of participants required to enable the trip to go ahead. Once the minimum number is reached, the trip status will change to 'Guaranteed Departure'. You can check the trip status on our website. Other than in exceptional circumstances, we will not cancel a trip once it has achieved this ‘Guaranteed Departure’ status. If you are unsure about the trip status, please call our office.  

Language 
The official language of Namibia Is English and with English-speaking guides you should have no problem communicating on this tour.  

Climate 
Although it's predominantly desert, Namibia enjoys regional climatic variations. The whole country sees a minimum of 300 days of sunshine each year, but temperatures and rainfall vary considerably both seasonally and geographically. The most arid climate is found in the centre of the Namib Desert, where summer daytime temperatures climb to over 40°C (105°F) and can fall to below freezing at night. Daytime temperatures in the mountainous and semi-arid Central Plateau (including Windhoek) are generally lower than in the rest of the country. Fog is common on the coast. December is the hottest month everywhere, bringing average temperatures of 30°C (86°F). There are two rainy seasons: the 'little rains' from October to December, and the main rainy period from January to April. The latter is characterised by brief showers and occasional thunderstorms that clear the air. Low-lying areas in the eastern part of the country are generally much hotter than the Central Plateau and, except for Kavango and Caprivi in the northeast, receive little rain.  

Visa requirements  
All visitors require a passport from their home country that is valid for at least six months after their intended departure date from Namibia. UK citizens do not require a visa for Namibia if travelling as a tourist for up to three months.  

Vaccinations 
Your doctor will have access to the most up to date information on the required vaccinations for the country you are visiting. In general we recommend vaccinations against the following: diphtheria, tuberculosis, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, polio, tetanus, typhoid and meningitis. A course of anti-malaria prophylactics may be required, check with your GP.