Experience report in the wildlife project in Namibia

Our arrival

Even before we left, RGV informed us about the arrival of the project. It was said that we would be picked up between 12:00 and 13:00 o'clock. However, we arrived at the airport at 09:00 a.m. and were therefore prepared for a long wait. Our driver arrived at 11:00 a.m. and drove us from the airport to the emergency site. On the way we stopped in the last major city, there was already nothing to see of tourism. We were literally stared at when we went to the supermarket, very special and took some getting used to, but also incredibly exciting!

The accommodation

The drive from the airport to the scene took almost four hours and we were happy when we finally got there. We were picked up directly by a coordinator who showed us to our rooms. Our rooms were actually intended for the coordinators, but since there were so few volunteers at the moment due to Corona and therefore only two coordinators, we were accommodated there instead of in the volunteer village.

Orientation program

After we had moved into the rooms, we were allowed to get to know the other volunteers and watch the evening feeding tour. After dinner there was a round of introductions with all volunteers and coordinators. On the second day we got a tour of the whole farm and an introduction to the daily program. With all animals we were told how one should and must behave. There are a few things to consider, especially with baboons and cheetahs. We were informed in detail about the behavior of the animals so that we could assess whether one should now get closer or better to take two steps back.

a typical day

A normal day started for all of us at 08:00 am in the "Food-Prep", where the food for the animals is prepared. The volunteers were divided into four groups and each group was then assigned specific animals. The food was prepared for the animals and then fed. All water holes and enclosures were thoroughly cleaned three times a week. After work, there was enough time for activities. In the afternoon it started again at 15 p.m. with feeding the animals.

In the morning and in the evening there was also a feeding tour for the animals, which are housed a little outside the farm. One or two volunteers were allowed to join the feeding tours and help feed the lions, leopards, cheetahs and many other animals.

As activities we went for walks with the baboons or with the cheetahs. We went on nature drives to observe the animals in the lifeline area, could shoot air rifles or love the animals on the farm. It also had three little monkey babies who were happy about every play unit. The visits from the vet were an absolute highlight. We were allowed to watch the examinations and even help.

Meals

The food was always delicious. We were all very hungry too, as working with the animals took a lot of energy! There was always a vegetarian menu and one with meat, which were specially prepared for the volunteers. Some evenings were special, on one we had dinner in the Lapa, the restaurant for the guests. Another was braai night, braai is similar to a barbecue. Every Wednesday evening is Buma Night, this is the farewell for all volunteers who are going home this week. There is a campfire, dancing and songs are sung. At the end of the evening we received our volunteer certificate. A wonderful end to an unforgettable time that we were allowed to enjoy.

Experience report by volunteer Celine, September 2021