About the Project
With over a third of the world's cheetah population, Namibia is at the centre of the species' struggle for survival. It is estimated that 95% of cheetah numbers in Namibia live outside of protected areas of conservation, meaning that they are readily killed by farmers who view them as a threat to livestock. Because of this, cheetah numbers are falling, resulting in their endangerment – something which the project is trying to address and counteract.
Kanaan is the newest addition to the project network – a true desert gemstone situated in Namib "sand sea". Previously utilised as a film, photography and holiday destination, the aim here is to establish an unfenced wildlife reserve in order to provide a refuge or safe haven for an extensive array of endangered species.
As a volunteer, you will help to record statistical data on the carnivore species residing here including cheetahs, brown hyenas, spotted hyenas, leopards, and an extensive variety of desert-adapted wildlife species that call this area home. The data you help to gather on this project will help the in-country team form a comprehensive strategy to reduce human-wildlife conflict going forward.
This project provides the unique opportunity of experiencing the power and majesty of the continent's most magnificent big cats first hand whilst actively working towards the conservation of Namibia’s native carnivore species.
Prior to Arrival
Citizens of most countries (including the UK, Germany, USA, Canada, Australia and most of Europe) do not need to obtain a visa to enter Namibia and are granted entry for up to 90 days upon arrival. You will, however, need at least 2 blank pages in your passport for the immigration officials to use and your passport must be valid for a period of at least 6 months from your date of entry. Please note that visas are of your own responsibility.
First Day
Upon arrival into Windhoek Airport, you will be met by a project representative and transferred to your overnight accommodation in the Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary. The transfer is a drive of approximately 45 minutes. Once at the sanctuary you will settle in and relax for the evening.
Transfer to Kanaan:
Today you will transfer to the carnivore research and release site at Kanaan, which is roughly a 7-hour drive from the Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary. Upon arrival, you will meet the facilitators before having an orientation talk followed by dinner in the evening.
Project Days:
These days will be spent working with the staff at the research and release site. Here you will take part in a whole range of exciting activities including monitoring carnivores, setting and checking camera traps, game counts and more! Every day varies so be ready to jump into action at a moment’s notice!
Final Day at Kanaan:
This will be your final day at Kanaan. After breakfast, you will transfer back to the Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary to spend a final evening with your fellow volunteers, swapping stories and sharing photos before transferring to the airport the following day.
There is the option to enjoy a lot of hiking and exploring in the area, learning about the native flora and fauna as a group with the project staff. In such a beautiful area, this is a popular past time for all volunteers.
- A contribution to the project
You will need to fly into Windhoek International Airport (also known as Hosea Kutako International Airport) on your project start day between 7am - 5pm, where you will be met on arrival and transferred to your overnight accommodation at the Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary before the following day's transfer to Kanaan.
At Kanaan, you will be staying in a beautifully renovated farmhouse with shared rooms and a bathroom. Depending on the time of year, tented accommodation may also become available. The guesthouse does have electricity, but you will need to bring your own South African socket adaptors to charge electric appliances. 6 volunteers can be accommodated at any one time, which means that you are guaranteed an intimate small group experience with a lot of hands-on experience!
At the Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary, there are two accommodation options: volunteer rooms for up to three people (same gender), or large tents with a living and bedroom area to be shared by two volunteers (same gender or a couple). Showers and toilet facilities are communal and hot water is supplied by solar energy.
Accommodation Upgrade at the Research Site
Whilst at the research site there is an opportunity to upgrade your accommodation. The upgraded accommodation is in a newly built luxury tented lodge. The rate for this upgrade is £40 per person per night for a double room and £50 per person per night for a single room.
Three meals a day are provided. Breakfast includes toast and cereal, lunch includes pasta, wraps, burgers or stir-frys, and dinner includes meat, fish, vegetables, rice, potatoes and pasta. On weekends, there is often a braai (barbecue) in the evening. Tea, coffee and water are freely available throughout the day and other drinks and snacks can be purchased at the Sanctuary.
A vegetarian option is always available – however, please let us know your dietary requirements on booking. Please note however that given the remote location of Kanaan, some fresh produce may only be available seasonally. Please also note that your own snacks and drinks should be purchased before you arrive at Kanaan.
This project takes place on every Friday throughout the year. Please contact us to find out whether your preferred start date is available.
Carnivore Conservation Assistant
Become a Carnivore Conservation Assist and help to collect data for research on the carnivore species living in the stunning area of Kanaan.
$552/week
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