BACKGROUND OF THE ORGANISATION The NGO started in 2006 when the need was identified to assist in the local impoverished communities. Many communities, preschools and schools were unable to provide effective programs due to lack of funding, resources and skill levels. With the assistance of volunteers, these shortcomings were addressed and slowly grew into a large organisation that now provides assistance to several communities across . We now also offer several wildlife conservation projects including pre-vet, white shark and wild cats. Our flagship projects in Cape Town have grown exponentially and we now run 10 highly successful projects where these challenges are being addressed on a daily basis.

BACKROUND OF THE PROJECT

Vision of Rhino Rangers Project Our vision is an Africa where humans and wildlife can live and thrive together. Our mission is to conserve the land, cultures and and rescue species threatened by an ever-shrinking habitat.

About The Namibia Rhino Rangers Project Specifically tailored to emphasize the dire necessity of protecting threatened species, “Rhino Rangers” immerses participants in the exhilarating realm of anti- methods and challenges. Learn first-hand from our valiant anti-poaching unit (APU) whilst spending two weeks with the intrepid men who have dedicated their lives to guarding the 7,600-hectare Zannier Reserve. Located close to the Wildlife Sanctuary, the Zannier Reserve is home to some of Namibia’s most threatened species – a conservation mecca, but simultaneously a magnet for potential poachers. Rhino Rangers follows a 14-day program. Get to grips with the challenges of living and surviving in the bush, Namibia’s star-studded skies, the sounds of nocturnal animal activity and the roar of lions enhancing the thrill of Africa. Join our APU on their patrols, master firearm skills, navigation, tracking techniques and the science of poaching itself – to defeat you need to understand. It’s a fortnight of proving fearless! History of the Project In 2003, The Founders set their sights on establishing a clinic in response to the tragic and unnecessary death of a San baby. As a result, the Lifeline Clinic was established in the remote village of Epukiro, Namibia to provide free healthcare to the local San Bushmen population. In 2005 along with partners, the founders bought Farm Frauenstein on the outskirts of Windhoek and transformed the farm into a wildlife sanctuary and built a lodge on the property. The main aim of the lodge was to create jobs for the very people whom the Lifeline Clinic serves. In 2007, Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary opened. The Wildlife Project Foundations aim is to conserve the land, cultures and wildlife of Namibia. The Wildlife Sanctuary launched its new Rhino Rangers Project November 2019. We Believe in An Africa where humans and wildlife can live and thrive together Basing conservation decisions, advice and education on research & evidence Taking animal lives seriously & looking after those that cannot be released again Promoting and advocating that the wild belongs in the wild Incorporating cultures, especially the Bushman cultures, into our conservation projects Actively mitigating human-wildlife conflict Exploring innovative ways and concepts to advance conservation of species and their habitat

Project Highlights

• Well, safety first. You may be in the wilds of the Namibian bush but, in the hands of our highly experienced team, you have nothing to fear. • A bonding experience with your fellow fearless participants. We can take a maximum of 8 participants into our anti-poaching world. And to keep things even more convivial, the group will be split into two. • When not overnighting in the open wilds of the reserve itself at discreet observation points, rustic bush camps provide 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. Volunteer Tasks

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 14 night programme you spend live and work directly 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.

14 night cycle

Day Camp wild dog Camp leopard 1 & 8 AM T1 Orientation T2 Orientation T1 Orientation T2 Orientation PM Anti poaching, navigation, Bush skills Anti poaching, navigation, Bush skills Anti poaching, navigation, Bush skills Anti poaching, navigation, Bush skills 2 & 9 AM Morning patrol Leave camp 10:00 Morning patrol Leave camp 10:00 PM Back at camp 15H00 Sleep in observation position in the bush Back at camp 15H00 Sleep in observation position in the bush 3 & 10 AM Leave camp 10:00 Leave camp at 07:00 patrol be back at 15H00 for Patrol back to camp arrive at camp 15H00 tracking PM tracking lecture lecture Sleep in observation position in the bush Patrol back to camp arrive at camp 15H00 4 & 11 AM Leave camp 10:00 Patrol back to camp Leave camp 10:00 PM Sleep in observation position in the bush Leave camp at 07:00 patrol be back at 15H00 Back at camp 15H00 Sleep in observation position in the bush 5 & 12 AM Patrol back to camp Leave camp 10:00 Leave camp at 07:00 patrol be back at 15H00 for Patrol back to camp arrive at camp 15H00 survival PM Back at camp 15H00 Sleep in observation position in the bush survival lecture lecture 6 & 13 AM Leave camp 10:00 Leave camp 10:00 PM Sleep in observation position in the bush Patrol back to camp arrive at camp 15H00 Sleep in observation position in the bush Patrol back to camp arrive at camp 15H00 7 & 14 AM Patrol back to camp for 12:00 Short morning patrol back 12:00 Patrol back to camp for 12:00 Short morning patrol back 12:00

PM Clean camp and prepare to transfer to Camp Leopard or Operation Control Centre. Transfer at 14:30 Clean camp and prepare to transfer to Camp wild Dog or Operation Control Centre. Transfer at 15:00 After 7 days teams swap camps and after 14 days teams come out of the bush. Day 8 all teams do full day patrols in different sectors T1 leave camp at 07:30 do full day patrol back at 17H00 T2 leave camp at 07:30 do full day patrol back at 17H00

Please note that although the 14 night schedule is fairly well planned, there may always be slight changes due to unavoidable reasons.

Visa Requirements:

Volunteers can enter on a tourist visa upon arrival or may have to apply in advance depending on the passport they are travelling on.

This document needs to be provided upon arrival for all volunteers travelling to Namibia. https://www.dropbox.com/sh/b1jogtamc4pz7my/AADfPtS7nGtr9xvODFbdW3mFa?dl=0

Those who need to pre-apply for visas will also need an additional invitation letter provided by the NGO. Project Details

Arrival Day: Sunday Arrival Time: Any time Airport: Windhoek Hosea Kutako Airport (WHK), Namibia. Departure Day: Sunday Departure time: Any time Min Duration: 2 weeks Max Duration: 2 weeks Min Age: 18 years old Max Age: N/A – Medium level of fitness and healthy

NOTE: If you arrive or depart on a different day and time to that specified above, you will have to pay an additional private transfer fee of N$ 550.00 fee in cash to the project co-ordinator on arrival/departure. We will also need your clothing sizes for trousers and shirts provided before arrival

Volunteer Requirements

● Completed Application form ● Basic level of competency in English PS – The most important things to bring are a sense of ● Copy of return flight itinerary humour, patience, an open mind and a positive attitude! ● Medium level of fitness Packing list 

● Sunscreen, sunglasses and insect repellent ● Neutral colour bush hat  ● Towel ● Neutral colour clothing (green, olive, brown) – blending in ● Sleeping bag and Pillow is key  ● Flashlight and head light with batteries ● Survival gear – it’s the perfect opportunity to test any ● 2 x backpacks (60 Litre and 25-35 Litre) gadgets you may have i.e. compass, gps tracker, ghillie suit, ● Camera/batteries/film or memory card night vision lens  ● Plug adaptor (3 large round pins) ● Alarm clock / Watch Personal Admin:  ● Diary and pens •Passport, insurance certificates and personal documentation ● Small first aid kit •Project Emergency contact number  ● Multitool •Photocopies of all the above to be left at home with your next ● Water bottle at least 75cl of kin  ● Comfortable walking shoes (boots preferred) •Spending money – bring Namibian Dollars or SA Rand, you ● Toiletries – Please bring biodegradable products if possible. As can withdraw or transfer cash from the airport on arrival the Wildlife Sanctuary uses recycled water for our sprinkling •Proof of inoculations (please speak to your GP about system as part of our environmental awareness, we ask that necessary immunizations) volunteers please bring biodegradable products (i.e. shampoo, •Secure, waterproof bag for documents and money: sealable soap) for use from overseas to prevent our sprinkler system from plastic bags will do malfunctioning. What’s Included?

✓ Airport pick up from Windhoek International ✓ Accommodation ✓ Transport to and from the project ✓ 24 hour support and supervision Meals ✓ Donation to the project ✓ Certificate of appreciation ✓ 2 x green uniform sets (pants and shirts) Accommodation ✓ Webbing (military equipment) ✓ Dixie set ✓ Plates, cups and cutlery ✓ Food rations Transport

Transport On arrival day: Volunteers will be met at Windhoek International (Hosea Kutako) airport and taken to the project. On Departure Day: Volunteers will be taken to the Windhoek International Airport to catch their departure flight. Meals Volunteers will receive 3 meals a day: Breakfast consists of cereals, fruit, yoghurts, toast and spreads Lunch varies from cold to hot meals for example: wraps, salads, pasta dishes, sandwiches Dinner consists of a hot meal such as a traditional BBQ (braai), stews, chicken dishes, etc. Accommodation We have 2 separate tented camps on the reserve covering different sectors. 4 volunteers can be accommodated per camp. each team of 4 will be lead by 2 APU staff members. The volunteers spend one night at camp and one in the bush in rotation and then switch camps for the second week. The tented camp is basic with 2 twin tents with stretcher beds. There’s a communal mess area for cooking food rations together with the APU and a toilet and shower. The hot water is provided by a ‘donkey’ which is a wood burning heater. Sleeping in the bush is exactly that. Outdoors and at the mercy of the elements. There is no electricity at the camps and cell phones are not permitted (there’s also virtually no reception). The APU have radios for communication so in case of emergency there is always someone who can come and assist. General Information

Location: Based on the Zannier Reserve which is a 7600 hectare property, right next to the Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary. The Wildlife Sanctuary is located just 45km out of Windhoek (Namibia's capital) and 35km from Windhoek International airport, in the Khomas region of Namibia. Supervision/Co- Ordination: As the nature of the work varies we will place volunteers under the supervision of various staff members. The co-ordinators 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 our professional apu guards, 24 hours a day. Safari Options after completing your 2 weeks on the Rhino project: 3 Day Etosha Camp: This safari is designed to offer a quick “snapshot” of Namibia’s world renowned , before ending at the coastal area of Swakopmund. Day 1: Windhoek – Okaukuejo camp, Etosha National Park Day 2: Etosha region – Okaukuejo, Etosha National Park Day 3: East Etosha – Swakopmund

3 Day Sossusvlei : Depart from Swakopmund continue to the Namib Naukluft Park. You’ll visit the world’s highest sand dunes, and step foot in the world’s oldest desert at Sesriem & Sossusvlei. Day 1: Swakopmund – Sesriem Day 2: Sossusvlei – Sesriem Day 3: Sesriem – Windhoek

6 Day Taste of Namibia: The 6 day Taste of Namibia tour is a combination of our 3 day Etosha safari and our 3 day Sossusvlei tour. It’s designed to show you the very best of iconic Namibia, from the breathtaking landscapes of Sossusvlei and Sesriem to the unforgettable wildlife of the country’s premier Big Game location, Etosha National Park. Day 1: Windhoek – Okaukuejo camp, Etosha National Park Day 2: Etosha region – Okaukuejo, Etosha National Park Day 3: East Etosha – Swakopmund Day 4: Windhoek – Sesriem area Day 5: Sesriem area – Sossusvlei – Sesriem area Day 6: Sesriem area – Windhoek 7 Day Southern Swing: The South is nothing short of a magical experience. Here you will experience the true heart of Namibia and see unique landscapes that will colour the rest of your life. The seven day Southern Swing has been designed to give you a short but comprehensive safari around the main highlights of Southern Namibia. First night of the tour is spend in the Kalahari area of Namibia before we continue to the mighty Fish River Canyon.Visit the small town of Aus where you will have the opportunity to visit the Ghost Town of Kolmanskop and Luderitz before ending with 2 nights in the world’s oldest desert, where you will stroll among the world’s highest sand dunes. Day 1: Windhoek – Kalahari Day 2: Kalahari – Fish River Canyon area Day 3: Fish River area – Luderitz Day 4: Luderitz – Aus Day 5: Aus – Sesriem Day 6: Sesriem – Sossusvlei – Sesriem Day 7: Sesriem – Windhoek

7 Day Northern Adventure: The seven-day Northern Adventure has been designed to give you a short but comprehensive safari around the main highlights of Northern and central western Namibia. You will visit a private game reserve, experience the amazing wildlife in Etosha National Park and have first-hand experience of the Stone Age culture of the Himba Tribes. Namibia’s UNESCO Heritage Site in beautiful desert Damaraland is next and then on to Namibia’s premier seaside town, Swakopmund on the Skeleton Coast, before returning to Windhoek.. Day 1: Windhoek – Mount Etjo Safari Lodge Day 2: Mount Etnjo – Namutoni / East Etosha region Day 3: East Etosha region – Okaukuejo, Etosha National Park Day 4: Okaukuejo – Hobatere Day 5: Hobatere – Twyfelfontein Day 6: Twyfelfontein – Swakopmund, Skeleton Coast Day 7: Swakopmund – Windhoek

Please contact us for quotes. [email protected] General Information Water: Water is safe to drink. However, please be aware that there may be a shortage during dry season. Use water sparingly and have short showers.

Power: Volunteers have no access to electricity. they should bring power banks with for charging cameras. phone use is also not permitted.

Laws in Namibia

● You can only drive from the age of 18, with a valid driving license. International licenses are required for vehicle rental in order to drive in Namibia ● People under 18 years may not drink or buy alcohol ● Drinking alcohol in a public place is illegal ● It is illegal to smoke cigarettes in public places, shopping malls, businesses, public transport and restaurants. Smoking is permitted at places where permission is granted. ● It is illegal to carry, buy or use drugs, including marijuana ● The age of sexual consent is 16, and having sex with anyone under 16 is illegal

Health and Safety All participants should have informed the NGO of any medical information, including allergies, prescribed medications, or any known medical condition. It is advisable to remind your volunteer leaders again during orientation!

Insurance All NGO participants must have medical, travel and trip cancellation insurance for the duration of their program. The NGO must receive proof of insurance prior to arrival.

Drugs The NGO has a zero-tolerance policy for illegal drugs. Offenders will be removed from the program immediately without refund.

Smoking No smoking is allowed during project hours.

Alcohol A responsible level of drinking (for volunteers of legal age) during free time is allowed. However in these limited situations: ● Alcohol is never to be consumed during project hours ● Participants are never to be intoxicated during project hours ● No hangovers will be tolerated on project so please keep drinking to off days

Failure to comply will be treated as a serious matter. The NGO reserves the right to remove a participant from the project without refund if they disregard this policy. Participants who endanger their safety or the safety of others through irresponsible drinking of alcohol or negligence may be removed from the program without refund. Important points to read

What is the difference between volunteering and regular tourism? In regular tourism the emphasis is on the tourist who expects to receive excellent service on their trip (great hotel, good food and all excursions working according to a timetable). The place and local community becomes less important with the tourist becoming the center of attention. In volunteer tourism (or “voluntourism”) the emphasis shifts to work contribution, goals of the program and helping the local community. It is the success of the program and the atmosphere between the community and the volunteers that helps make the trip unforgettable – not the level of service or the quality of the hotel. Many programs are underfunded and staffed so inevitably there will be some difficulties; however it is the overcoming of any challenges which creates a sense of achievement and satisfaction not found in regular tourism.

Will there be any surprises? Volunteer tourism can be unpredictable! While the NGO does the utmost to stick to timetables and examples of type of work needed by the volunteer, there are many factors that can impact these plans. For example, the weather and seasons, local holidays, mood of the wildlife and immediate needs of the programs. The information you will receive from the program is important and valuable however things can change and we urge you to use it as a guideline and expect the unexpected – this is what makes volunteer tourism so diverse and exciting. It is important that you arrive with a flexible attitude and remember that just by being at the project you will be contributing to its running, growth and success. Many of these programs are in cultures very different than yours and as such the type and length of work given may or may not seem important to you but it will be for the program.

The first few days These are the most important and can be the most difficult ones. You have just arrived off a long flight in a strange location and are living with new people. Even if the first impression might not be as you had expected. Please give yourself a couple of days to acclimatize and give the project the help it needs.

Sticking to a timetable Each program asks its volunteers to stick to a timetable which helps the program run smoothly. Please follow the instructions from the program managers. However, please note that volunteer programs are usually underfunded and understaffed which can lead to multiple changes in the program timetable. Volunteer work needs to be flexible for various reasons and should not be seen as a nine to five office job even if some changes do not make sense to the volunteer. Flexibility and an 'expect the unexpected attitude' are needed – however never forget that by volunteering you are contributing immensely to the program.

Before you leave for project Please look after yourselves and listen to the Leaders and the program staff you are visiting. Drink lots of fluids and remember your sunscreen. Volunteer trips are what you make of them and coming with an open mind and listening to the program managers/Leaders will help you experience an unforgettable trip. Please also remember that this is an English speaking project. In order to be inclusive and for everyone to have a positive experience, we ask that volunteers speak English at all times.

The Volunteer Leader Most programs will have a volunteer leader. This person is usually a volunteer who is on a long term contract or has volunteered on the same project in the past. The volunteer leader can be of great assistance when a problem arises though please approach them at a convenient time outside of busy working hours. It is important that you listen to the volunteer leader and cooperate with them. Culture shock The volunteers you will be working with come from all over the world and may be from different religious and ethnic backgrounds. Volunteering is also a cultural experience where you can learn about different cultures, please be both tolerant and patient. Do not be shy in sharing your experiences, recipes, songs and traditions it will just add to the overall group cohesion. For example, children may be raised in ways that are very different to what you are used to. If you are ever unsure about a certain issues, please feel free to discuss it with your volunteer leader.

Extra expenses Please take into account additional expenses like tours, trips, telephone, restaurants and bars. It is a good idea to have different types of payment available to you like: cash, credit cards, debit cards and traveller's cheques.

If there are any problems during the program please speak to the volunteer leader. It is important to initially raise and discuss the issue in the program as most can be solved in this manner. The organisation and projects rely on each and every volunteer, if you leave the program in the middle (or leave unhappy and disgruntled) it could seriously damage the hard work being undertaken.

Approaching us directly will help us to resolve the issues for future volunteers or for the sustainability of the project. We want to make it an unforgettable experience for you and all others. We also want our projects to continue receiving the much needed volunteers – we can only help if we know what the concerns are! If the problem is not resolved within 24 hours, please feel free to approach your manager. If, within a further 24 hours, you still feel the problem has not been dealt with, you should contact [email protected] and we will do our best to sort out the problem.

References and Suggested Readings It is strongly recommended that all participants read and print out areas of interest from the websites and reference materials listed below as these will provide valuable background information and help to put project goals and activities into context.

● Namibia tourism: www.namibiatourism.com.na The more positive you are, the more positive your memories will be! Your ● Arebbusch Lodge: www.arebbusch.com ● Namibia Weather: www.accuweather.com time on project will be over sooner than ● Soul of a Lion by Barbara Bennett you know, what would you like to think back on later in your life?