Be Wild Volunteer Program - Gobabis

PROTECTING NAMIBIA'S WILDLIFE
rnThe Be Wild volunteer project is the perfect place for you to live your dream whether your interests lie in helping orphaned or injured African wildlife or researching wildlife behavior. The Sanctuary has the perfect program for you. The Wildlife and Research projects work hand in hand, so not only will you assist the project coordinators with caring for the large carnivores and various other species of African wildlife rehabilitated at the sanctuary, but you may also have the opportunity to research and release wildlife on the farm.
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rnBackground
rnNamibia is a country blessed with breathtaking sceneries, magnificent vistas and the most diverse and unique landscapes. Besides its beautiful land, Namibia is fortunate enough to possess healthy populations of wildlife; it is one of the few African nations where six species of large carnivores still occur: cheetah, leopard, lion, spotted hyena, brown hyena and wild dog.
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rnAt the Be wild program it is our vision to play a pro-active role in nature conservation because we believe that we hold this invaluable heritage in our trust for future generations. Threatened animals are rescued (following a range of complete health check ups) and are then cared for or relocated on our farm or suitable protected areas or other conservation friendly farms with the correct habitat and food chain. The wildlife sanctuary itself will only accommodate animals which cannot be rehabilitated back into their natural environment; mostly for reasons of human impact. We strongly believe the wild belongs in the wild, and thus all our efforts are directed at long term rehabilitation.
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rnPeople are key to the success of our idea and we wish to share with you the incredible experience, sense of fulfillment and achievement associated with caring for, researching and releasing our spectacular wildlife. We hope that you will build memories for a lifetime.
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rnWildlife Project
rnIf you are looking for a hands-on wildlife experience, then the Wildlife Project is right for you! Participation in the volunteer program provides employment to the local Bushman community and ensures the rescue, survival and rehabilitation of the wildlife that are housed in natural environments around the farm. This is a particularly popular program for volunteers who have a passion for various forms of wildlife. Other programs tend to focus on one species of animal, but the Be wild program offers a wide variety of animals and activities that volunteers can experience.
rnThe farm currently provides safe haven to a porcupine, leopards, meerkats, warthog, emu’s, owls, pot belly pigs and some birds. The reserve on which the sanctuary resides is also home to all kinds of wildlife living in their natural environment, freely roaming the land including leopard, cheetah, kudu, oryx, hartebeest, duiker, warthog, ostrich, caracal, jackal, baboon, African wild cat, mongoose, meerkat, vulture, eagle, and various other bird species - the list is endless!
rnVolunteer Activities
rnDuring your time on the wildlife project you can expect to participate in the following activities:
rnAnimal Time - food preparation, feeding the animals, grooming, de-ticking, walking and playing with the animals.
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rnFarm Work, Security & Maintenance - enclosure/fence patrol, building and maintenance both on the reserve and around the perimeter
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rnGuest Feeding Tours - assisting our tour guide with preparing food & feeding the animals around the farm.
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rnVeterinary Care - should the need arise, we may ask you to assist us with caring for sick or injured animals
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rnExtra Activities
rnNature walks, game drives, star gazing, guided bushmen walks and dances, volleyball, football with the Bushmen, sleep outs in the summer months - setting up camp under the stars and watching the sunset surrounded by nature is an exhilarating experience. Making a camp fire, baking bread on sticks and having a braai (barbeque) is all part of the fun!
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rnAge Requirement
rnThe sanctuary accepts volunteers of 18+ years of age. Volunteers under 18 years old are only considered when accompanied by a parent/guardian. There isn't a maximum age limit, though a reasonable fitness level is necessary. Families are welcome to join our "exclusive" program!
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rnField Conditions
rnFood is basic but tasty. Breakfast is self service and includes toast & cereals. Lunch is typically a simple meal and varies between sandwiches, soup or spaggetti and meat balls and fruit when available. Dinner is typically a hot meal or on occasion a braai (barbeque) and typically includes meat (local game), vegetables, bread, pasta and rice.
rnAccommodation is basic, clean and single-sex sharing with 4 beds in each room. The single beds are comfortable with bedding provided (sheets, duvets and pillows). Bathrooms included at each room. Towels are provided on arrival (although towels for sunbathing should be added to your list of things to bring).
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rnElectricity is available in the rooms. The plugs used in Namibia are 3 large round pins (same as the South African style) so 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 for solar panel used power and try to be understanding and flexible about charging your items and bring spare batteries!
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rnA laundry service is provided twice a week. However, you will have to hand-wash your own underwear and socks so please bring travel wash with you.
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rnCommunication
rnThere is signal at the camp so cellphones can be used but one if you obtain a Namibian Sim card on your arrival in Namibia. There will be wi-fi at the main lodge that can be used free of charge.
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rnWork Visa Requirement
rnThe Namibian Department of Home Affairs requires work visas for all volunteers of all nationalities joining Zelda Game and Guestfarm. Unless you have a work visa in hand, you must never mention that you are volunteering at Zelda Game and Guestfarm - you may be denied entry as this can be misconstrued by Immigration at working in the country. You must obtain your working visa by yourself or you can come into the country without one and say your coming on holiday to us then a visa won’t be necessary.
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rnOther
rnWe welcome volunteers from all across the world aged 18+ to join our projects. No experience or qualifications are necessary.
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rnVolunteers are required to sign an indemnity form acknowledging and accepting the consequences of working in close contact with wild animals.
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rnCosts
rnFor any rates inquiries please email us on
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rnThe volunteer contribution covers meals, accommodation, activities, airport transfers from Windhoek to the Farm and training. Flights and travel/medical insurance are NOT included. The only additional spending money required will be for personal purchases (curios, alcohol, soda, chocolates, sweets, toiletries), communication (phone/email), social excursions away from the sanctuary, and pre/post project travel.
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rnDates
rnThere are no set dates for this project so volunteers just need to inform Zelda Game and Guestfarm of the date they are planning to arrive. All arrival pickups of volunteers are done on a Thursday either at their hotel in Windhoek or at the airport. All pickups are done before 1pm of that day.
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