Only 1,320€ per week!
Wildlife Experience
Windhoek, Sesriem and Gobabis - Namibia
Do it all! Enjoy wildlife care in the savannah. Discover colonial influences in Windhoek. Experience a camping safari. Walk the famous sand dunes of Sossusvlei.
This program highlights farm living in the savannah whilst caring for a variety of animals at our Wildlife project.Your dedication will help to protect Africa’s wildlife. Whether you fancy culture or nature, your Namibian Wildlife Experience will be a unique and fulfilling adventure!
Program
Living
Surroundings
Namibia
Program Description
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.
Note: Please note that when in Windhoek accommodation, the only meals served are breakfast and dinner.
Aims & 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
Schedule
Week 1
Day 1: Sunday (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 own.
Day 2: Monday (Windhoek)
On Monday you will start with a two- to three-hour introduction to everyday life in Namibia. Our local team will tell you about local customs and traditions and how Namibians organise their daily lives. You will find out how to use public transportation/taxis, how to withdraw money and where to go shopping. In the afternoon you can enjoy the sights on your own and visit one of the many cafés in Windhoek.
Day 3: Tuesday (Sesriem)
Pickup in Windhoek at the accommodation in the morning. After crossing the Eros Mountains we will drive along picturesque roads along the Naukluft Mountains, a typical karst landscape with rich plant life. After passing the scenic Remhoogte Pass, we pass through open plains and reach Solitaire, a tiny village in the middle of nowhere. On our way to the red sand Namib desert the landscape changes into open grass savannah and farmland. Arrival at the campsite during the late afternoon, where we set up our tents and enjoy the spectacular sunset.
If for some reason you miss your pick-up for the Camping Safari on Tuesday, please call Windhoek Support: +264 817390002 immediately. We will try to figure out whether there are any possible alternatives, which will likely be very expensive.
Day 4: Wednesday (Sesriem)
An early wake-up call will help us to catch the beautiful sunrise in the desert while the temperatures are still cool and we can enjoy a morning full of amazing photo opportunities. After a drive to Sossusvlei we will experience the spectacular dunes by foot (5 km). Everybody will be wowed by Dune 45 which is approximately 170 m high. We will be back in Sesriem for lunch. In the late afternoon follows a short excursion to experience the remarkable depths of Sesriem Canyon at sunset.
Day 5: Thursday (Windhoek)
Our return trip to Windhoek starts right after breakfast via the impressive Gamsberg Pass in the Khomas Highland Mountain Range. Gamsberg is a prominent table mountain (2347m) with picturesque surroundings. We will stop for lunch along the way and be back at the accommodation in Windhoek in the late afternoon.
Day 6: Friday (Gobabis)
You will be picked up between morning and lunchtime at the accommodation. During this 3 hours you should not leave the Backpackers to avoid missing the transfer!
The transfer stops at a big supermarket where you can stock up on everything you need. It is a 300 km journey to the farm and takes about 4 hours, the last 1/3 of the way is a gravel road and there is no more asphalt. Your drive to the farm will be another part of your Namibian adventure since you will most certainly spot wild animals like kudu and warthogs at the roadside. Enjoy the picturesque landscape!
Your stay in the project starts on Friday upon arrival with an orientation program, which will take 5 days.
When you arrive at the farm, the head coordinator will introduce themselves to you, give you a quick introduction about the farm and explain guidelines and regulations on how to work and interact with the various animals. The village mother will show you the accommodation and facilities in the village. After settling in, there is time for socializing and you will enjoy dinner with the other participants.
- Admin task
- Settle in and unpack.
- Introduction session to the staff and other participants.
- Dinner and socializing.
If you miss your transfer to the Wildlife Project on Friday, please call the Farm directly: +264 811403322. They will check out alternatives for you. A single transfer from Windhoek to the farm will cost you about 250 – 350 USD.
Day 7: Saturday (Gobabis)
You will receive a detailed introduction where you’ll get an overview of the background and history of the project, as well as rules for work and interaction with the animals.
- Breakfast early in the morning at the village and walking to the farm for meeting under the tree.
- Full introduction training.
- Lunch
- Afternoon tour on the farm area: orientation of the working environment and work areas.
- Dinner and socializing at the village.
Week 2
Day 8: Sunday (Gobabis)
On the second day you will get a complete training in "Food Prep", where the food is prepared and you can familiarize yourself with the different feeding conditions of the animals. Depending on the animals needs, you will also receive instructions on how to feed the animals and how to clean the enclosures. New participants are not allowed to enter the enclosures before Monday.
- Breakfast at the Village in the morning
- Morning tour: meeting all the animals outside the farm area.
- Church at 11:00 if applicable.
- Lunch
- Team formulation.
- Afternoon: meeting cheetahs and baboons
- Sports and leisure.
- Dinner at the village and socializing.
Day 9-10: Monday to Tuesday (Gobabis)
In the following two days, you will be trained in "Food Prep", where the food is prepared and you can familiarize yourself with the different feeding conditions of the animals. Depending on the animals needs, you will also receive instructions on how to feed the animals and how to clean the enclosures. New participants are not allowed to enter the enclosures before Monday. The afternoon activities and daily program will change slightly. You may be expected to engage in some of the following:
- Patrolling the fence
- Interacting with the animals (Cheetahs, Baboons, Wild Dogs etc)
- Tracking the animals
- Working on the farm
- In addition to the daily schedule: detailed training on food prep/feeding and cleaning
Day 11: Wednesday (Gobabis)
After orientation your actual work at the project starts. You’re involved in all the 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. A daily schedule may look like:
|
07:00 – 07:45 |
Packing backpacks, going for breakfast and morning meeting |
|
08:00 – 08:30 |
Morning Meeting: situation analysis, day program, Group Coordinator Meeting |
|
09:00 |
Group coordinators organize all daily activities, e.g. food prep, farm work, feeding tours, horse riding, etc. The participants start with different activities: preparation of food, the morning feeding tour begins, research, cleaning of the enclosures, farm work |
|
13:00 |
Lunch in the village, free time and opportunity to interact with animals |
|
15:00 |
Afternoon meeting |
|
15:30 |
Preparations for the afternoon feeding tour begin, farm work, research. A group is responsible for lion feeding and enjoys Lion Roar (lions roaring competition). |
|
17:30 |
The participants and interns meet up at the village for dinner. |
|
18:00 |
Dinner and time to socialize, time at leisure |
|
20:00 |
Participants who are assigned to sleep outdoors go back to the farm |
Day 12: Thursday (Gobabis)
After orientation your actual work at the project starts. You’re involved in all the 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. A daily schedule may look like:
|
07:00 – 07:45 |
Packing backpacks, going for breakfast and morning meeting |
|
08:00 – 08:30 |
Morning Meeting: situation analysis, day program, Group Coordinator Meeting |
|
09:00 |
Group coordinators organize all daily activities, e.g. food prep, farm work, feeding tours, horse riding, etc. The participants start with different activities: preparation of food, the morning feeding tour begins, research, cleaning of the enclosures, farm work |
|
13:00 |
Lunch in the village, free time and opportunity to interact with animals |
|
15:00 |
Afternoon meeting |
|
15:30 |
Preparations for the afternoon feeding tour begin, farm work, research. A group is responsible for lion feeding and enjoys Lion Roar (lions roaring competition). |
|
17:30 |
The participants and interns meet up at the village for dinner. |
|
18:00 |
Dinner and time to socialize, time at leisure |
|
20:00 |
Participants who are assigned to sleep outdoors go back to the farm |
Day 13: Friday (Gobabis)
After orientation your actual work at the project starts. You’re involved in all the 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. A daily schedule may look like:
|
07:00 – 07:45 |
Packing backpacks, going for breakfast and morning meeting |
|
08:00 – 08:30 |
Morning Meeting: situation analysis, day program, Group Coordinator Meeting |
|
09:00 |
Group coordinators organize all daily activities, e.g. food prep, farm work, feeding tours, horse riding, etc. The participants start with different activities: preparation of food, the morning feeding tour begins, research, cleaning of the enclosures, farm work |
|
13:00 |
Lunch in the village, free time and opportunity to interact with animals |
|
15:00 |
Afternoon meeting |
|
15:30 |
Preparations for the afternoon feeding tour begin, farm work, research. A group is responsible for lion feeding and enjoys Lion Roar (lions roaring competition). |
|
17:30 |
The participants and interns meet up at the village for dinner. |
|
18:00 |
Dinner and time to socialize, time at leisure |
|
20:00 |
Participants who are assigned to sleep outdoors go back to the farm |
Day 14: Saturday (Gobabis)
After orientation your actual work at the project starts. You’re involved in all the 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. A daily schedule may look like:
|
07:00 – 07:45 |
Packing backpacks, going for breakfast and morning meeting |
|
08:00 – 08:30 |
Morning Meeting: situation analysis, day program, Group Coordinator Meeting |
|
09:00 |
Group coordinators organize all daily activities, e.g. food prep, farm work, feeding tours, horse riding, etc. The participants start with different activities: preparation of food, the morning feeding tour begins, research, cleaning of the enclosures, farm work |
|
13:00 |
Lunch in the village, free time and opportunity to interact with animals |
|
15:00 |
Afternoon meeting |
|
15:30 |
Preparations for the afternoon feeding tour begin, farm work, research. A group is responsible for lion feeding and enjoys Lion Roar (lions roaring competition). |
|
17:30 |
The participants and interns meet up at the village for dinner. |
|
18:00 |
Dinner and time to socialize, time at leisure |
|
20:00 |
Participants who are assigned to sleep outdoors go back to the farm |
Week 3
Day 15: Sunday (Gobabis)
After orientation your actual work at the project starts. You’re involved in all the 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. A daily schedule may look like:
|
07:00 – 07:45 |
Packing backpacks, going for breakfast and morning meeting |
|
08:00 – 08:30 |
Morning Meeting: situation analysis, day program, Group Coordinator Meeting |
|
09:00 |
Group coordinators organize all daily activities, e.g. food prep, farm work, feeding tours, horse riding, etc. The participants start with different activities: preparation of food, the morning feeding tour begins, research, cleaning of the enclosures, farm work |
|
13:00 |
Lunch in the village, free time and opportunity to interact with animals |
|
15:00 |
Afternoon meeting |
|
15:30 |
Preparations for the afternoon feeding tour begin, farm work, research. A group is responsible for lion feeding and enjoys Lion Roar (lions roaring competition). |
|
17:30 |
The participants and interns meet up at the village for dinner. |
|
18:00 |
Dinner and time to socialize, time at leisure |
|
20:00 |
Participants who are assigned to sleep outdoors go back to the farm |
Day 16: Monday (Gobabis)
After orientation your actual work at the project starts. You’re involved in all the 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. A daily schedule may look like:
|
07:00 – 07:45 |
Packing backpacks, going for breakfast and morning meeting |
|
08:00 – 08:30 |
Morning Meeting: situation analysis, day program, Group Coordinator Meeting |
|
09:00 |
Group coordinators organize all daily activities, e.g. food prep, farm work, feeding tours, horse riding, etc. The participants start with different activities: preparation of food, the morning feeding tour begins, research, cleaning of the enclosures, farm work |
|
13:00 |
Lunch in the village, free time and opportunity to interact with animals |
|
15:00 |
Afternoon meeting |
|
15:30 |
Preparations for the afternoon feeding tour begin, farm work, research. A group is responsible for lion feeding and enjoys Lion Roar (lions roaring competition). |
|
17:30 |
The participants and interns meet up at the village for dinner. |
|
18:00 |
Dinner and time to socialize, time at leisure |
|
20:00 |
Participants who are assigned to sleep outdoors go back to the farm |
Day 17: Tuesday (Gobabis)
After orientation your actual work at the project starts. You’re involved in all the 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. A daily schedule may look like:
|
07:00 – 07:45 |
Packing backpacks, going for breakfast and morning meeting |
|
08:00 – 08:30 |
Morning Meeting: situation analysis, day program, Group Coordinator Meeting |
|
09:00 |
Group coordinators organize all daily activities, e.g. food prep, farm work, feeding tours, horse riding, etc. The participants start with different activities: preparation of food, the morning feeding tour begins, research, cleaning of the enclosures, farm work |
|
13:00 |
Lunch in the village, free time and opportunity to interact with animals |
|
15:00 |
Afternoon meeting |
|
15:30 |
Preparations for the afternoon feeding tour begin, farm work, research. A group is responsible for lion feeding and enjoys Lion Roar (lions roaring competition). |
|
17:30 |
The participants and interns meet up at the village for dinner. |
|
18:00 |
Dinner and time to socialize, time at leisure |
|
20:00 |
Participants who are assigned to sleep outdoors go back to the farm |
Day 18: Wednesday (Gobabis)
After orientation your actual work at the project starts. You’re involved in all the 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. A daily schedule may look like:
|
07:00 – 07:45 |
Packing backpacks, going for breakfast and morning meeting |
|
08:00 – 08:30 |
Morning Meeting: situation analysis, day program, Group Coordinator Meeting |
|
09:00 |
Group coordinators organize all daily activities, e.g. food prep, farm work, feeding tours, horse riding, etc. The participants start with different activities: preparation of food, the morning feeding tour begins, research, cleaning of the enclosures, farm work |
|
13:00 |
Lunch in the village, free time and opportunity to interact with animals |
|
15:00 |
Afternoon meeting |
|
15:30 |
Preparations for the afternoon feeding tour begin, farm work, research. A group is responsible for lion feeding and enjoys Lion Roar (lions roaring competition). |
|
17:30 |
The participants and interns meet up at the village for dinner. |
|
18:00 |
Dinner and time to socialize, time at leisure |
|
20:00 |
Participants who are assigned to sleep outdoors go back to the farm |
Day 19: Thursday (Windhoek)
At the end of your stay at the wildlife project (up to a max. of 10 weeks in Gobabis – depending on your visa) our transfer will take you back to Windhoek. The return transfer takes place every Thursday and reaches Windhoek in the afternoon. The shuttle bus drops you at the Accommodation House, where you can relax, enjoy the amenities you might have missed in the bush and have dinner.
Day 20: Friday (Windhoek)
In the morning you will experience the vibrant township of Windhoek, Katutura, where you will see how many locals live. You will also get to taste traditional Kapana which are thin beef stripes that are barbequed and enjoyed with a tomato salsa and yummy fat cake. On the road you will learn a little more about history and culture in Namibia.
A special highlight will be the visit of one of Namibia’s most popular initiatives for women: Penduka, a nonprofit women’s project which offers training to less privileged women so they can obtain an income through sales of unique handmade products or choose the hospitality side at the restaurant. The ladies produce beautiful handmade pillows, jewelry made out of self-made pearls and other pretty handicraft. Penduka brings hope and helps the women to gain self-confidence.
In the afternoon you have time to explore the city at your own leisure. You can for example stock up on souvenirs at the Namibia Craft Center at the Old Breweries Complex, which is well known for authentic mementoes. Don’t forget to spoil yourself with an apple crumble or cheese cake at the Craft Café! After enjoying the last dinner in the Accommodation House you have time to finish packing your luggage.
Day 21: Saturday (Windhoek)
Your Namibian Wildlife Experience ends after breakfast. You will be transferred to the airport Windhoek to catch your flight home.
Note: This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.
Participant Criteria & Requirements
Standard Requirements
Minimum age: 17
Maximum age: 45
Minimum English level: Basic
CRB required: On Signup
Passport copy required: No
Resume copy required: On Signup
Required qualification: None
Additional Requirements
- 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
Additional Equipment
Required
- 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)
Location
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.
About the Accommodation
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.
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.
Food Arrangements
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!
Facilities
There is a small “corner shop” for groceries about 5 minutes walk from the accommodation. It is just a 5 minute taxi ride to Windhoek centre with many different possibilities to shop. There are no legal shop opening hours in Namibia and shops are usually open during the week between 8:00 and 17:00-18:00, on Saturdays between 8:00 or 9:00 and 12:00, on Sundays mostly in the morning. The larger supermarkets and shopping centres are open daily from 9:00 – 17:00 or 18:00 o'clock.
You can withdraw cash with all major credit or your MAESTRO card at many ATMs. For safety reasons do not accept help with withdrawals by strangers – and keep your credit card in sight at all times when making a purchase.
Activities & Events
No scheduled activities outside the program.
Sights & Surroundings
There is a lot to see and discover in Windhoek. On Monday during orientation you will receive recommendations for sightseeing in the capital.
Transportation
From this location we do not provide free transport to other locations.
Location
The Sossusvlei Region is situated in south-western Namibia and is characterised mainly by the Namib Naukluft Park and its highlight Sossusvlei and Dead Vlei. The Region is very diverse with the breath-taking Namib Desert – the oldest desert in the world – to the west and the Great escarpment forming a natural barrier between the Namib Desert and the central highlands to the far east.
The salt pan of Sossusvlei in Namibia is located in the middle of the Namib-Naukluft Park in the area of the central Namib dunes, which is about 32,000 square kilometers in size. The Namib-Naukluft Park was founded by German colonists in 1907. Through the ages of time the park has expanded and it is now the largest national park of Africa with nearly 50,000 square kilometers in size.
The Sossusvlei in Namibia is more than 300 kilometers long and 140 kilometers wide and consists of seemingly endless sand dunes. The meaning of the Nama word for the Namib was derived from this apparent vast emptiness of the vlei. In English it translates to “empty space” or “place where there is nothing”. The spectacular height of these dunes creates a phenomenal attraction to visitors who come to witness the highest dunes in the world situated in the area. These dunes can reach up to 300 meters high and look like an amphitheater surrounding the huge salt pan or “vlei”.. Experiencing the beauty of the Sossusvlei is a must for Namibia visitors.
About the Accommodation
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!
Food Arrangements
During our tour to Sesriem and Sossusvlei you will be provided with delicious meals a day. That means, lunch and dinner on Tuesday; breakfast, lunch and dinner on Wednesday and breakfast and lunch on Thursday. Typical dishes could include BBQ (traditional “brai”), spaghetti, steak, stews, fresh salads, and sandwiches. There will also be vegetarian choices like lentil or couscous salad, vegetable kebabs and more. You do not need to help with food preparation or other camp duties (besides building up the tent). Enjoy the staff taking care of you.
Stay hydrated! It is very important to drink enough water during your tour. We provide tap water as Namibian tap water is either purified or comes directly from boreholes and is safe to drink. The guide will tell you, if an exception (brackish water) occurs and will tell you where to buy bottled water.
Facilities
You should not need much money as most things are provided during our Camping Trip.
Activities & Events
During this three day / two night camping safari you will get a first impression of the different breathtaking Namibian landscapes and spot some wild animals. You will discover the world’s oldest desert as well as the world’s highest sand dunes.
TUESDAY
Windhoek – Eros Mountains – Naukluft – Remhoogte Pass – Solitaire – Sesriem
Pickup in Windhoek at the accommodation between 08:00-08:30. After crossing the Eros Mountains we will drive along picturesque roads along the Naukluft Mountains, a typical karst landscape with rich plant life. After passing the scenic Remhoogte Pass, we pass through open plains and reach Solitaire, a tiny village in the middle of nowhere. On our way to the red sand Namib desert the landscape changes into open grass savannah and farmland. Arrival at the campsite during the late afternoon, where we set up our tents and enjoy the spectacular sunset.
WEDNESDAY
Sesriem – Sossusvlei – Sesriem
An early wake-up call will help us to catch the beautiful sunrise in the desert while the temperatures are still cool and we can enjoy a morning full of amazing photo opportunities. After a drive to Sossusvlei we will experience the spectacular dunes by foot (5 km). Everybody will be wowed by Dune 45 which is approximately 170 m high. We will be back in Sesriem for lunch. In the late afternoon follows a short excursion to experience the remarkable depths of Sesriem Canyon.
THURSDAY
Sesriem – Gamsberg Pass / Khomas Hochland Mountain Range – Windhoek
Our return trip to Windhoek starts right after breakfast via the impressive Gamsberg Pass in the Khomas Highland Mountain Range. Gamsberg is a prominent table mountain (2347m) with picturesque surroundings. We will stop for lunch along the way and be back at the accommodation in Windhoek in the late afternoon.
Sights & Surroundings
The camp site is located in a remote part of Namibia and it’s a real wildlife area. You will almost certainly spot antelopes in the late afternoon and at night because they become active in the cooler hours. In the dunes of the Namib the gemsbok occur in large numbers. You are likely to spot some Ostriches and Kudus and maybe baboons as well as warthogs during your trip.
Transportation
From this location we do not provide free transport to other locations.
Location
Explore the animal-rich endless savannah.
The Atlantic Ocean on one side, South Africa, Botswana, Angola and Zambia on the other. Namibia is a country with a spectacular wildlife. Wild lions, monkeys, antelopes and other impressive animals live here.
The Wildlife Farm is located in the middle of Namibia, about 300 km east of Windhoek. A dedicated team of animal rights activists has set itself the goal of protecting this wildlife. On the vast farmland you will see rescued lions and kudus that have found their way back into the wild. With your binoculars you will observe rare bird species such as the African hoopoe.
The reserve covers 10,000 hectares and has been recultivated from a cattle farm to a nature reserve. It offers animals a home that is as free as possible, but also as safe as necessary. The electric fence around the area not only prevents animals from getting out, but also poachers from entering. In the reserve also live animals, which were brought by other farmers and are regarded as "problem animals".
About the Accommodation
On the farm you live in our accommodation, which is about 800 m away from the farm buildings.
Your accommodation is a wooden cottage which you share with 3 other participants (same sex). If you arrive as a couple with your boyfriend/girlfriend, we cannot guarantee that we will have accommodation available for you only. If all the places are occupied, you may have separate accommodations.
Showers and toilets are outside of the cottages. The project provides towels and bed linen. The village has a solar system and each cottage has a solar light and a small safe. Since there is no electricity in the cottages, mobile phones, laptops and cameras can be charged in a room on the farm. If you want to bring your laptop, you can buy vouchers worth N$ 50 (approx. € 5) at the kiosk for internet access or your telephone.
Food Arrangements
Meals are provided 3 times a day which includes breakfast, lunch and dinner. Food is generally basic but tasty and filling. The project can provide vegetarian meals as well as other dietary requirements. Remember that the project is located in a relatively remote part of Namibia.
Note: please inform us about your intolerances before your arrival.
Facilities
Due to its rural location, there are no ATMs or shops in the area. You should not need much money as most things are provided on site.
Activities & Events
No scheduled activities outside the program.
Sights & Surroundings
The project is located in a relatively remote part of Namibia and it’s a real wildlife area. Due to the location of the accommodation next to a waterhole you will see different wildlife like kudus, springboks and sometimes even giraffes and zebras next to your cabin almost every day. You can also relax at the pool of the accommodation.
Transportation
From this location we do not provide free transport to other locations.
Quick Facts
Name: Republic of Namibia
Population: 2.3 million
Capital: Windhoek
Language: English
Currency: Namibia Dollar (NAD)
Time zone: UTC +2
Country Information
Namibia has about 2.4 million inhabitants and is about twice the size of Germany. It is located in the southwestern Africa and is surrounded by the neighbouring countries Angola, Botswana, Zambia and South Africa. To the west the country borders on the Atlantic Ocean. Namibia is a former German colony. The name of the country derives from the Namib Desert. The Namib extends over the entire coastal area. To the east the country changes into a desert region as well: The Kalahari. Our wildlife project with our village and the research tent camp are located at the edge of this semi-desert.
The landscape in Namibia is very varied: from fertile valleys and tropical rainforest in the north, to rugged mountain ranges in central Namibia and wide-open and arid plains in the South. The diversity in landscape and climate is also reflected in the wildlife: You will find an incredible diversity of species! The capital Windhoek is located in the centre of the country and is the economic and cultural centre of the country.
Climate
You will find different climate zones in Namibia. The rainfall decreases from east to west and from north to south and the sun shines an average of 300 days a year. The hottest months are December and January – the coldest months July and August. In the desert regions, temperatures rise to over 30°C in summer and can drop to minus 18°C at night in winter. Temperature differences of more than 20°C within one day are not uncommon.
In coastal areas, you have to be prepared for strong and cool winds all year round. Since the water temperature of the sea hardly rises above 15°C, Namibia is not really suitable for bathing holidays. The capital Windhoek is windy – as the name suggests – all year round, with average summer temperatures of 30°C this is very refreshing. A special feature is the Caprivi Strip in the north-east: This area is rich in wildlife and rivers, there is a lot of rain in summer and it is very humid. Seasonal floodings create a watery wonderland.
Culture
The Namibians are proud people. The individual ethnic groups attach great importance to their specific cultural identity. Herero, for example, like to display their culture in public and present themselves in fascinating traditional costumes. Nevertheless, before you take pictures of them, you should always ask for permission. Some people ask for a small amount of money.
Gastronomy
Namibian cuisine is influenced by indigenous people such as Herero, San and Himba and colonial cooking, which was introduced by Germans, British and South African settlers in the nineteenth century.
Meat-lovers have to try traditional Namibian dishes like Boerewors (grilled bratwurst with different meat fillings), Game Biltong (dried meat snack), Potjiekos (stew with a lot of meat, millet, potatoes and root vegetables, cooked over an open fire), Namibian Oysters and for the very brave: Mopane Worms (deep-fried, taste like well seasoned french fries)
Namibian restaurants offer a wide selection of local and international food. You can enjoy everyday favourites such as pizza and hamburgers or yourself to one of the best steaks in the world. Highly recommended are game steaks such as springbok, kudu or oryx topped off with a fabulous South African wine.
The German culinary influence and brewing tradition can still be found in some restaurants today. If you are craving for hearty European food you could savor a meal of Wiener Schnitzel accompanied by a cold Windhoek lager and have a feast with Apfelstrudel or Black Forest cake for dessert.
Tap water comes directly from boreholes or is purified and mostly safe to drink. Bottled mineral water as well as international and local soft drinks are available at shops and supermarkets.
Transportation
There is only some public transport in Namibia. The function of a bus service is operated by local taxis (shared and on-demand). Please remember that you are in Africa and the taxi drivers in Namibia might have a different approach to punctually than you. It is usually no problem to travel by taxi during the day. However, this is not recommended at night!
The best and safest way to get around will be explained to you during orientation on Monday.
