Namibia carnivore conservation & research project. Helping Dreamers Do

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17 Days excluding flights

More info:Volunteers are able to take part in this project for at least 16 nights.

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“Join a carnivore conservation team at a research site in central Namibia where you'll be staying in a converted farmhouse as part of a small group for a minimum of 16 nights.”

Highlights

Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary | carnivore research site at Kanaan | Research work includes the following: data recording, mapping, radio telemetry, game counts, carnivore feeding activities, maintenance and security |

Description of Namibia carnivore conservation & research project

Approximately 35% of cheetahs living on the planet can be found in Namibia with practically all of Namibia’s population of cheetahs living beyond the perimeters of the country’s protected conservation areas.

This means that cheetahs in Namibia are under constant threat from farmers who view them as a natural predator to livestock. As a consequence, cheetah numbers are falling and if you’re looking to make a difference and take part in a 17 day conservation & research project, right here is where you sign up.

The aim of the overall project is to create a safe haven for cheetahs, and other endangered animals, by using a location that was once used for holidays, photography and as a film set.

Located right at the heart of Namibia this carnivore conservation & research project is all about inviting volunteers, who actively want to get involved, to step into the stunning red sand dunes of the Namib Desert where gnarled thorn trees and vast swathes of grassland provide a captivating backdrop.

As part of the project you’ll be asked to help take down statistical data related to various species of wild animal which, in turn, will positively contribute to the long term management of the area. This project is just starting and, as such, your efforts will really encourage tangible results as well as making a significantly positive impact on carnivore conservation in Namibia.

Other than the cheetah population, other animals you may come into contact with include brown and spotted hyenas with various other smaller mammals making every day wildlife sightings highly memorable.

Your contribution to the project will go a long way towards helping to ensure wildlife in the area is safe, as every animal that is rescued from a conflict situation adds to the breeding population and provides hope for a stable predator population for many more years to come.

Travel Team

If you'd like to chat about this holiday or need help finding one we're very happy to help. The Travel Team.

01273 823 700 Calling from outside the UK? rosy@responsibletravel.com

Check dates

2019: 29 Mar, 5 Apr, 12 Apr, 19 Apr, 26 Apr, 3 May, 10 May, 17 May, 24 May, 31 May, 7 Jun, 14 Jun, 21 Jun, 28 Jun, 5 Jul, 12 Jul, 19 Jul, 26 Jul, 2 Aug, 9 Aug, 16 Aug, 23 Aug, 30 Aug, 6 Sep, 13 Sep, 20 Sep, 27 Sep, 4 Oct, 11 Oct, 18 Oct, 25 Oct, 1 Nov, 8 Nov, 15 Nov, 22 Nov, 29 Nov, 6 Dec, 13 Dec, 20 Dec, 27 Dec

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Responsible tourism

Responsible tourism: Namibia carnivore conservation & research project

Environment

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 addressing and trying to halt.

The Carnivore Conservation and Research Project focuses on reversing this pattern, aiming to alleviate existing human-wildlife conflict, through new approaches and assessing whether the translocation of cheetahs and leopards is a viable, long-term option for dealing with this conflict. The project locates proven 'problem carnivores', at risk of being killed and tracks their safe reintroduction into protected conservation areas. Volunteer in Namibia and you will play a vital role in this process of working up-close with these incredible cats, and thus actively contributing to their protection and conservation.

Whilst on the trip, you will be staying in a recently renovated farmhouse, which has been restored. This farmhouse has been, and still is, a part of the natural landscape and as it has become part of the environment in Kanaan it does not intrude upon the natural landscape. The farmhouse uses environmental measures, and we ask that guests please be conservative with resources, particularly water in this arid region.

Community

This project has a solid focus on the human-animal conflict and aims to build a better understanding between locals and the wild creatures found in Kanaan. Anti-poaching patrols also go on at the site, which volunteers will be expected to join.

1 Reviews of Namibia carnivore conservation & research project

5 out of 5 stars

SHOW

Reviewed on 23 Oct 2017 by Stephen King

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

My most memorable activity was actually my first where I returned a greeting to a baboon as indicated by the guides, I later had to endure a grooming from one of the baboons. The most exciting part was heading to the Big Daddy sand dune in Sossusvlei. Kind of what I always imagined an adventure to be.

2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?

Two weeks is not enough, to get the most out of your time at this project you'll need to be there at least a month and then there's the other sites to consider.

3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?

This holiday definitely helped in supporting conservation, and my understanding of what it takes. I might have always understood the nature of the tasks but in the end I knew it played some part.

4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?

Downsides, the site can get awfully crowded and more pricey than you'd think, upsides there's loads to do, genuinely something new everyday. To those looking for a quieter and slower pace then I'd advise to book yourself a trip to one of the research sites that cater for smaller groups.