F.A.Q.

Join us on an incredible opportunity to help wildlife conservation in Namibia. This spectacular African wildlife project can use all the help. Based in raw African natural setting you will help taking care for and conserving lions, leopards, cheetahs, wild dogs, caracals and (baby) baboons.

How long can I stay for?

You can stay for a minimum of two weeks up to a maximum of three months. Are there any age limits? We welcome volunteers from all across the world aged 18+ to join our projects. No experience or qualifications necessary How many people volunteer? We usually have from 15 up to a maximum of 40 volunteers taking part in our projects at any one time. Our peak months are July-September. Do I need a visa? The Ministry of Home Affairs has advised us that Visas are necessary for volunteer placements in Namibia and need to be arranged in advance.

How do I apply for a Visa?

Volunteers need to complete a visa form and return it to their nearest Namibian Embassy together with:Copy of passport and copy of certificate showing highest academic qualification currently held, eg GCSE, A Level, Degree This application will take three to four weeks to process so early attention to this matter is advised. When completing the form you need to fill out an address. This will be in the pre departure pack that you receive after payment to Xtreme Gap.

How do I pay the costs for my visa?

The cost of this visa can 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. The Agency that we recommend is: GK Consultancy. In addition to the visa cost, there is a fee associated with using an Agency – normally £30 - £40 per application.

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 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 heavy 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.

What do I need to bring?

Please see the kit list that we will send you in the pre departure pack after booking for all the items you are likely to need on your trip. The volunteer work includes being very hands on with animals, building enclosures and walking with baboons so you are likely to get very dirty! Old and dispensable clothes are advisable for daily activities. The type of clothing you should bring depends on time of year you visit. May to September is the winter period and can be very cold at night and early morning and daytime temperatures can vary. A sleeping bag is recommended! October to April is the summer period and rainy season and whilst generally hot during in the day it can become chilly in the evenings.

Money

The currency is Namibian dollars with South African Rand widely accepted. We are able to take MasterCard and Visa payments at the project. ATM machines are present in Windhoek and withdrawals may have a small surplus charge. We do not advise bringing travellers cheques to the project as we cannot cash them; you will only be able to get them cashed in town (NOT at the airport). If you do bring travellers cheques please ensure you have enough money to last until you are able to get them cashed.

What else is there to see in Namibia?

Lots! Why not book a tour. Namibia is a beautiful country with a stunningly diverse array of landscapes. Make the most of your time in this amazing country by combining your project with a tour. Depending on your time and budget, you can choose from a whole variety of trips from 3 days to two weeks or longer. Contact us for the options.

Can I see more pictures of the project from previous Xtreme Gappers

Of course, check our Facebook page gallery, and also sign up for trip notes.