Namibia Rhino Rangers

A bonding experience with your fellow fearless participants. The project can host a maximum of 8 participants, and to keep things even more convivial, the group will be split into two. Overnighting in the open wilds of the reserve with discreet observation points, rustic bush camps providing all basic needs. You’ll even be able to take a hot shower.

You’ll be supplied with the “real deal” anti-poaching unit provisions.

- Anti Poaching presentation followed by Rhino tracking on the Zannier Reserve (led by Ranger and APU)
- Learning tracking skills, navigational skills and map reading
- Building observation points as well as monitoring rhinos and wildlife
- Overnight in the field, on the Zannier Reserve with Ranger
- Receive weapons training
- Meeting anti-poaching dogs
- Introduction to anti-poaching, followed by afternoon bush patrol, followed by rotational night patrol and continue tracking rhinos the following morning.

Specifically tailored to emphasize the dire necessity of protecting threatened species, “Rhino Rangers” immerses participants in the exhilarating realm of anti-poaching methods and challenges. On this fixed program, you live and work directly with the valiant anti-poaching unit (APU). In this time you will learn their skills and techniques, whilst spending time with the intrepid men who have dedicated their lives to guarding the 7,600-hectare Zannier Reserve.

- Morning and evening patrol of the Rhinos in the bush
- Physical labour such as building new observation sites
- Presentations on anti-poaching, navigation and bush skills done at operation control centre
- Full day patrol in different sectors
- Sleep outs in the bush in specially created observation positions

Supervision/Co- Ordination
As the nature of the work varies, volunteers will be placed under the supervision of various staff members. The coordinators will facilitate the smooth operation of the volunteers work, stay and provide guidance where necessary. Groups of maximum 4 volunteers per camp will be led by 2 of the professional APU guards, 24 hours a day.

7 Night Cycle

Day 1
AM: Orientation
PM: Anti poaching, navigation, bush skills

Day 2
AM: Morning patrol
PM: Sleep in observation position in the bush

Day 3
AM: Leave camp at 07:00 patrol back at 15:00 for tracking lecture
PM: Patrol back to camp arrive at camp 15:00 tracking lecture

Days 4-6
AM: Leave camp 10:00
PM: Sleep in observation position in the bush

Day 7
AM: Patrol back to camp for 12:00
PM: Clean camp and prepare to transfer to Camp Leopard or Operation Control Centre. Transfer at 14:30

Please note that although the schedule is fairly well planned, there may always be slight changes due to unavoidable reasons.

Airport pick-up from Windhoek International
Accommodation (1 night Wildlife Farm and 7 or 14 nights bush camp)
Transport to and from the project
24 hour support and supervision
Donation to the project
Certificate of appreciation
1 x green uniform sets (pants and shirts)
Webbing (military equipment)
Dixie set
Plates, cups and cutlery
Food rations

Minimum age of 18
Copy of return Itinerary
Medium level of fitness
Completed application form
Basic level of competency in English

Visa Info
You will receive a 90 day tourist visa on arrival, remember to have a copy of your supporting letter.

All volunteers must wear a Naankuse uniform upon arrival. The Uniform policy is to ensure that all adhere to a proper dress code and wear clothing that protects them in the Bush. The uniform should be worn while participating in activities at the Naankuse projects and remains the property of the volunteer. We will need your clothing sizes for trousers and shirts provided before arrival.

The volunteers will each receive one shirt and a pair of pants, however if they need more they will need to purchase extra.
Uniform costs are as follows:
- Shirt N$230
- Trousers N$520
- Jacket N$570

Get out and explore the deserts of Namibia. Activities included are hiking (approximately 5k - 10km per day), Sossusvlei day trip, sleep outs in the bush, and wine tasting.

Volunteers need to be flexible and keep an open mind concerning their placements as situations can arise beyond our control which could require you to be placed at a different project than the one you have initially chosen. We will of course always do our utmost to fulfill your initial wishes but do remember that where you are going is quite different from where you are coming and as such one should be prepared for things not always going according to plan.

Volunteering and intercultural travel share a common trait: the more you put into it, the more you get out of it. This program is designed for proactive individuals and groups that are prepared to adapt to the local environment and its current needs. Naturally, the scheduling and activities of our program are subject to change. Alterations in activities are mainly due to changes in local conditions, which we believe is part of what makes overseas programs the interesting adventure and incredible learning experience that they are.

Our projects range from 1 week up to approx. 30 weeks. Projects have a specified minimum stay, then it’s up to you how long you can commit. In our experience the longer you stay the more you will gain, as your understanding of the project broadens and you take on more responsibilities. Every volunteer will be given a certificate of appreciation at the end of their stay as a symbol of volunteering stay.