Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the main research activties?
2. Are there many big cats?
3. How long can I stay for?
4. Are there any age limits?
5. Do I need to have experience?
6. Is a visa required?
7. What weather can I expect?
8. What vacination do I need?
9. How do the facilities look like?

What are the main research activities?

Many of the animals are delivered to the sanctuary after accidents or encounters with hunters, and need help. Some of the animals are semi domesticated, meaning they have grown up amongst humans and therefore will not be released. Either way all the cats at the project need the help of wildlife conservation volunteers.

The main research activities include:

• Monitoring large predators through VHF and GPS based techniques.
• Translocation and subsequent monitoring of large predators.
• Game census.
• Camera trapping.
• Scat analyses.
• Footprint identification.

Are there many big cats?

Yes, there are, but its not all big cats though... Expect a few smaller ones popping by too, like Caracals and even the local cheeky Meerkats!

How long can I stay for?

You can stay for a minimum of two weeks up to a maximum of three months by adding on the Namibia Wildlife Conservation Project. The Big Cat Project is located on 3 different locations (NamibRand Nature Reserve, Solitaire and Sandfontein).

Are there any age limits?

We welcome volunteers from all across the world aged 18+ to join our projects. No experience or qualifications necessary. If you are 17 and have parental consent you can also join.
 

How many people volunteer?

We usually have from 15 up to a maximum of 40 volunteers taking part in our projects at one time spreaded out over the different locations. Our peak months are July to September. Please note when you are on location at the tracking sites there are a maximum of 5 volunteers each week. So please book way ahead.

Do I need experience?

No, you do not need previous experience, just passion for animal conservation!

Is a visa required?

The Ministry of Home Affairs has advised us that work visas are necessary for volunteer placements in Namibia and need to be arranged in advance. A visa application form will be included in your pre-departure pack once you have booked with us. Volunteers need to complete this form and return it to their nearest Namibian Embassy together with any additional documentation required (e.g. passport, photograph, copy of highest academic certificate).

The cost of this visa should be paid directly to the Embassy. For those people who live in countries with no Namibian Consulate, you can use an agency in Namibia to obtain your visa.
 

What weather can I expect?

Windhoek has a semi-desert climate, with very hot summers and mild winters and temperatures tend to drop at night. On average, Namibia receives about 300 days of sunshine a year.

Summer is from October to April. Temperatures can reach 40° C and plummet at night to cool levels. Average daily temperatures range from 20 to 34° C. Rainfall usually occurs between November and March, when thunderstorms can be expected.

Winter is from May to September with wonderful warm days which are contrasted by very cold nights, when temperatures often drop to below freezing so please bring warm clothing and a sleeping bag. Average temperatures range from 43°F (6°C) to 70°F (21°C).

The most popular time to travel to Windhoek is between March and October, when rainfall is lowest and temperatures are mild.

What vaccinations do I need?

Vaccinations are required to enter Namibia. Please contact your doctor to arrange and carry the vaccination certificate with your passport.

The area you will be staying in is free of Malaria. So, you do not need any Malaries tablets.

How do the facilities look like?

No Internet

It's time to get away from it all! Due to the costs incurred, internet is only available for emergency use only. If you are based at the Wildlife Sanctuary we do regular transfers into Windhoek on Sundays where you can visit an internet cafe.

Telephone

We suggest that you take your mobile phone with you - you will need to activate roaming on your phone. It is also a good idea to unlock your phone in case you get the opportunity to buy a local Namibian SIM card for about £15, which will allow you to call and text home cheaply and easily. Due to the rural location of the Wildlife Sanctuary, the mobile phone signal is quite weak but there are a few spots around camp where you can get reception.

Laundry

There is a free laundry service at the Sanctuary for all volunteers to use. However, it's always a good idea to bring travel wash with you for emergencies!

Electricity

The plugs used in Namibia are three large round pins (the same as the South African style) and you will need to bring an adaptor in order to charge electronic items such as phones and camera batteries.Please be sensible when using electricity, as it is much more of a luxury in Africa than it is in your home country. Also please be prepared as power cuts are common and you will need to be flexible about charging your items and bring spare batteries!