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 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 organization’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.

This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions, and unforeseen circumstances.

Program Duration & Availability

Min duration (weeks):3

Max duration (weeks):12

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 these 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.

***All prices are provided for your information. Actual charges may vary. We can not be held responsible if you pay more than mentioned above.***

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 a 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 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 animal’s 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.
• The 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 animal’s 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 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, jewellery made out of self-made pearls and other pretty handicrafts. Penduka brings hope and helps 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 cheesecake 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.

This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.

Starting Dates

This program starts every week.

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 lightweight 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 torchlight (if you already own them)
• alarm clock
• first aid kit
• sleeping bag (from May to August)

 

Wasgamuwa – Sri Lanka

Location

Wasgamuwa is a rural area covered with untouched habitats and forests. The closest cities to this small town are Kandy, Mahiyanganaya and Dambulla. Wasgamuwa has become popular among both locals and foreigners mainly due to the Wasgamuwa National Park where there is plenty of wildlife. This area is also important for its rich biodiversity.

Accommodation & Food

About the Accommodation

Since this is located in a forest area, wifi is not available. However, provided that you have a local SIM card with an internet connection and a smartphone, you will be able to communicate with your loved ones.

The participant accommodation is located in the periphery of a small forest and a village. The accommodation is a built-in dormitory style to maximize interaction among participants. You will also have to share the available bathrooms with other participants.

Furthermore, there is a refrigerator, in which you are welcome to use to store food and beverages.

Available Room Types
Standard Room
All meals included: Yes	Free beverages: Yes	Persons per room: 5 To 10
Wifi in public areas: NO	Laundry facilities: No	Safety box: No
Lockable rooms: No	Hot shower: No	Air conditioning: No
Bed linen: Yes	Towels: Yes	Private bathroom: No
Fan: Yes	Mosquito protection: Yes

 Three freshly prepared meals per day are provided during weekdays and weekends
** Water, tea, coffee

Food Arrangements

You will be provided with three meals a day. The meals are Sri Lankan food, consisting mainly of vegetarian dishes including rice and vegetables with western embellishments.

Facilities

ATMs and a supermarket are available at the Hettipola Town which is 20 minutes from the Field House by vehicle. The selection of items at the stores in town can be limited therefore, we highly recommend that you bring cash necessary for your spending and other items you may think necessary for your use before you leave Kandy.

Mandatory Orientation Day

At this location, there is no mandatory orientation day offered.

Activities & Events

No scheduled activities outside the program.

Sights & Surroundings

The suggested sights and surroundings to visit while you are in Wasgamuwa are;

• Dambana – One of the traditional villages of the indigenous people of Sri Lanka known as the Veddhas.
• The Wasgamuwa National Park, which is rich in biodiversity and a major attraction for local and international tourists.
• Two other popular destinations among the participants of the project are Ratna Ella waterfall and the Knuckles Mountains.

Transportation

From this location, we do not provide free transport to other locations.

 

Wasgamuwa National Park