Join Namibia Vet Safaris on our Nature Travel Wildlife Program. This is open and perfect for individual students, student groups and everyone else keen to learn more about veterinary wildlife work, volunteering and the role Nature Travel plays in conservation. This program can be combined with a short safari in Namibia or with a visit to one of the Wildlife Sanctuaries in Namibia.This program will be based at our new Nature Travel Veterinary Clinic just outside of Outjo in north-central Namibia at the Rare and Endangered Species Trust Sanctuary and during the program you will be working on the following:
• Observing the treatment of wildlife at the Rare and Endangered Species Trust (REST) sanctuary – current resident species include Cape Vulture, Common Duiker, Pangolin, Bateleur, Western Barn Owl, Honey Badger, Warthog, etc.• Assist in conservation projects and research• Bush Walks with one of the resident biologists: she will guide and assist to identify various fauna, animals, etc that they will come across on the walk.
• Night Bush walks with the resident biologist: This activity is perfect for herping.
• Patrols with Puma: James, our anti-poaching team leader, and his canine Puma will take you along with them on patrol to see what exactly he does each day/night. This will vary between night and day depending on when he is patrolling.
• Observing and documenting various animals’ behaviour.
• Assisting with or watching training sessions with animals during their training.
• Assisting with preparing special diets and feeding of animals.
• For the occasional vet activities, the group will join the vet for any ongoing vet procedures. This will be a combination of emergency procedures for both new and resident wildlife, treatment of patients, health check and clinical examinations of wildlife.
• Join the vet or REST team when going offsite to a rescue.
• Work with and assist the research team and canine anti-poaching unit with ongoing work and treatment of animals.
The accommodation options for our program are as follows:
A: Shared Self-Catering Tents or Rooms at REST – With this option you will be based at the sanctuary full time which will include assistance at night with treatment and care of nocturnal animals or any emergencies that might occur. Tents/rooms will be provided, but this will be fairly basic. Meals are prepared by yourself and we will assist you with buying the supplies for your stay.
B: Etotongwe Lodge is located 4kms from REST and accommodation will be in a clean and comfortable air-conditioned en-suite bedroom. The abundance of local birds together with the wild animals around the lodge gives your stay a unique “bush-feel”. End the day at the swimming pool, while enjoying a sundowner from the local restaurant. Accommodation will be on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis.
Optional Activities and Extensions:
Extend your stay in Namibia and add one of the trips below to experience what Namibia is all about!
– A day trip can be arranged to Etosha National Park – experience one of Africa’s best game parks.
– A 2-3 day trip can be arranged to Etosha National Park (accommodation can be camping, chalet or lodge depending on your budget)
– Extension trips to Sossusvlei, Swakopmund, Caprivi Region
For more information contact the Namibia Vet Safari team at info@namibiavetsafaris.com
