Feeling adventurous? This wildlife project in the spectacular country of Namibia offers volunteers the desert journey of a lifetime.
| Minimum Duration: | 4 weeks |
| Cost: | From 675 Euro per week |
| Minimum Age: | 18 years |
About
This spectacular project is a massive nature reserve of breath-taking mountainous semi-desert bordering 50km of the lush Orange River; a wildlife paradise in between the orange and red rocky and sandy plains of Southern Namibia.
The aim of this program is to ecologically restore ex-hunting/farmland in through wildlife conservation initiatives. Our conservation projects are driven through our 4-week adventure conservation expeditions for anyone seeking an unique wilderness experience as this is as wild as it gets! Our programs are a mix of conservation (manual work and research), community development, adventure activities and ultimate relaxation. This is the opportunity for anyone seeking to escape the busyness of everyday life and embark on an extraordinary journey.
Mission of the project
Re-Wilding Namibia's farmland - the renowned conservationist Ian Craig and the leading mega-fauna veterinarian Pete Morkel recently secured this land for the sole purpose of conserving Namibia’s wildlife. Their vision is to ecologically restore the land, link up with neighbouring conservancies and one day turn the greater protected area into a National Park and a home for Namibia's endangered wildlife.
The project is home to some of the most iconic species of flora and fauna such as the Quiver Tree, the African Leopard, the Greater Kudu, Brown Hyena, Caracal, Oryx, Honey Badger, Aardvark, Giant Kingfisher and the African Black Eagle.
Role of the volunteer
The main focus is to ecologically restore the wildlife reserve from an ex-hunting and farm ranch into a more homogenous and natural ecosystem and volunteers contribute with their physical efforts to work on our programs as well as the financial input created from volunteering fees.
Expedition Leaders
Ed and Andrea are a young couple and avid explorers having lived in countries all over Africa; Kenya, Tanzania, Sierra Leone and now Namibia. Merging their fascination of the natural world and desire to conserve it they will no doubt lead you on an unforgettable expedition!
Other volunteers
This project is specifically selected to give you a unique and personal experience. Khaya believes in smaller projects with a limited number of 16 volunteers per expedition to guarantee this uniqueness. Most volunteers are from the UK, USA and Western Europe.
What to expect
Conservation, Community, Adventure
At the project we all get stuck in together and work hard to achieve our conservation goals. The primary focus of the expedition is conservation, and the program is tailored around our current conservation projects.
Nothing is set up just for 'volunteers' - you will be part of the work force and your efforts are much appreciated. We are seeking wildlife enthusiasts, outdoorsy folk, great banter and explorers. See below for all the other fun stuff you will get to do:
Multi Day Hikes
We love to hike, we could hike all day every day. There is just so much to explore! We have 45,000 hectares of wilderness and can literally go in any direction. Hikes include, scaling ridges overlooking the Orange River, rock scrambling up Jenga Peak in the Wild West and Granita Canyon. We never do the same hike twice, that’s the beauty of this place. Please note the hiking can be tough on the mountainous, rocky, sandy terrain. Participants must be fit enough to join.
Catch & Release Fishing
We have 50km of the Orange River on the land and its all yours to explore, splash about and fish to heart’s desire. The Orange River is home to all sorts of fascinating bird life and the African Clawless Otter. It's a true oasis retreat from the desert. We camp out under the stars, sleep to the sounds of frogs, watch fire flies and roast marshmallows.
Mountain biking
Adrenalin junkie? You've come to the right place. We have a 6km mountain bike trail carved through Quartz and Volcanic mountain ranges. I dare you to find a more spectacular trail!
Community
We have several on-going community development projects all with a sustainability and conservation in mind. Current projects include a Perma Garden at the local primary school. Other activities include environmental education as well as expedition scholarships bringing local Namibian students to the project to join in as a member of an expedition. We aim to inspire and educate Namibian’s on the value of conservation.
Will spend the afternoon in Warmbad playing with the local children.
Volunteers are only accepted for the full 4 weeks. You cannot join the expedition outside the start and end dates because of transportation logistics.
Working days and hours
Volunteers are only accepted for the full 4 weeks. You cannot join the expedition outside the start and end dates because of transportation to the reserve.
Working days starts very early, around 6.00am to take advantage of the cooler mornings and due to the remote location.
We have mixed the 4 weeks with white water rafting, mountain biking, hiking and other down time moments which include bush crafts, arts and crafts, cooking and yoga!
Daily guidance
Daily guidance will be given by the expedition leaders for all volunteer activities.
