memories for a lifetime
Namibia Rhino Rangers project
Specifically tailored to emphasize the dire necessity of protecting threatened species “Rhino Rangers” immerses participants in the exhilarating realm of anti-poaching methods and challenges. Learn first-hand from the valiant anti-poaching unit (APU) whilst spending two weeks with the intrepid men who have dedicated their lives to guarding the 7,600-hectare Zannier Reserve. Located close to the Wildlife Sanctuary, the Zannier Reserve is home to some of Namibia’s most threatened species – a conservation mecca, but simultaneously a magnet for potential poachers. Rhino Rangers follows a 14-day program. Get to grips with the challenges of living and surviving in the bush, Namibia’s star-studded skies, the sounds of nocturnal animal activity and the roar of lions enhancing the thrill of Africa. Join the APU on their patrols, master firearm skills, navigation, tracking techniques and the science of poaching itself – to defeat you need to understand.
It’s a fortnight of proving fearless!
Details about the project
What's included
Upon arrival you will be collected from the airport and driven to your accommodation where you’ll be given your project orientation and you’ll meet your fellow volunteers.
Guidance
24 hour support and supervision
Accommodation
Room share with other volunteers
Food & Beverages
Three meals a day, coffee & tea included
Details about the project
Namibia Wildlife Rescue & Research Project details
- Arrival Day: Sunday
- Arrival Time: Any time
- Airport: Windhoek Hosea Kutako Airport (WHK), Namibia.
- Departure Day: Sunday
- Departure time: Any time
- Min Duration: 2 weeks
- Max Duration: 2 weeks
- Min Age: 18 years old
- Max Age: N/A – Medium level of fitness and healthy
NOTE: If arriving or departing on different days to those specified above, you will have to pay an additional fee of +-N$ 550.00 in cash to the project coordinator on arrival/departure for a private transfer.
We will also need your clothing sizes for trousers and shirts provided before arrival
Specifically tailored to emphasize the dire necessity of protecting threatened species, “Rhino Rangers” immerses participants in the exhilarating realm of anti-poaching methods and challenges. On this fixed 14 night programme you spend live and work directly with the valiant anti-poaching unit (APU). In this time you will learn their skills and techniques, whilst spending time with the intrepid men who have dedicated their lives to guarding the 7,600-hectare Zannier Reserve.
- Morning and evening patrol of the Rhinos in the bush
- Physical labour such as building new observation sites
- Presentations on anti-poaching, navigation and bush skills done at operation control centre
- Full day patrol in different sectors
- Sleep outs in the bush in specially created observation positions
Day 1
AM: Orientation
PM: Anti poaching, navigation, bush skills
Day 2
AM: Morning patrol
PM: Sleep in observation position in the bush
Day 3
AM: Leave camp at 07:00 patrol be back at 15H00 for tracking lecture
PM: Patrol back to camp arrive at camp 15H00 tracking lecture
Day 4
AM: Leave camp 10:00
PM: Sleep in observation position in the bush
Day 5
AM: Patrol back to camp
PM: Sleep in observation position in the bush
Day 6
AM: Leave camp 10:00
PM: Sleep in observation position in the bush
Day 7
AM: Patrol back to camp for 12:00
PM: Clean camp and prepare to transfer to Camp Leopard or Operation Control Centre. Transfer at 14:30
After 7 days teams swap camps and after 14 days teams come out of the bush. Day 8 all teams do full day patrols in different sectors.
Please note that although the 14 night schedule is fairly well planned, there may always be slight changes due to unavoidable reasons.
- Copy of return Itinerary
- Medium level of fitness
- Completed application form
- Basic level of competency in English
The project has 2 separate tented camps on the reserve covering different sectors.
4 volunteers can be accommodated per camp. each team of 4 will be lead by 2 APU staff members. The volunteers spend one night at camp and one in the bush in rotation and then switch camps for the second week. The tented camp is basic with 2 twin tents with stretcher beds. There’s a communal mess area for cooking food rations together with the APU and a toilet and shower. The hot water is provided by a ‘donkey’ which is a wood burning heater. Sleeping in the bush is exactly that. Outdoors and at the mercy of the elements. There is no electricity at the camps and cell phones are not permitted (there’s also virtually no reception). The APU have radios for communication so in case of emergency there is always someone who can come and assist.
10
Activity level
9
Education level
10
Involvement level
9
Independence level
Our Recommendation
