Namibia Rhino Rangers

Specifically tailored to emphasise the dire necessity of protecting threatened species, “Rhino Rangers” immerses participants in the exhilarating realm of anti-poaching methods and challenges.

Learn first-hand from our valiant anti-poaching unit (APU) whilst spending one week with the intrepid men who have dedicated their lives to guarding the 7,600-hectare Zannier Reserve by Naankuse. Join our APU on their patrols, master firearm skills, navigation, tracking techniques and the science of poaching itself – to defeat you need to understand.

You will also have the incredible opportunity of meeting and interacting with the courageous anti-poaching K9s. These dogs are highly trained in aspects of attack work, tracking, scent discrimination and every angle of anti-poaching power.

It’s a week of proving fearless!

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 labor, 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 Rotation

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 departure.

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 need to apply online for your 30 day visa before departure, this is called a Visa On Arrival on the online website.

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

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.

The project has 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 staff members.

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 crew 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 staff have radios for communication so in case of emergency there is always someone who can come and assist.

Arrival
Arrival transfer is included. You will be met at Windhoek International Airport and taken to the project. 

Where will I find the shuttle at the airport?
One of our drivers will be waiting for you at the airport in the arrivals hall with Naankuse uniform on. If your flight lands early or you can’t see your driver, please go to the information desk and call us on our all-round emergency number: +27 73 649 9230.

Transfer to the project
Transfer from the Wildlife Farm to the bush camp is at 08:00 on Tuesday. You will return the following Tuesday (depending on how many weeks you book) at 19:00. If you have an earlier flight home, you will need to book a post night (at own cost). Your travel advisor can help you with this.

Important Info
All customers can enter on a 90-day tourist visa which they need to apply for online before arrival - you can find all the information about applying for a visa in links on SAVE supplier information. It currently costs NAD 1600 (approx. USD 90)

Customer must use the link for VISA ON ARRIVAL, they should NOT choose the Holiday Visa application.

When making a booking, SAVE will send you a copy of the supporting letter which confirms this. Make sure the customer prints this and has it ready, if requested on arrival.

PLEASE NOTE:
THIS PROJECT NEEDS MINIMUM 2 PAX FOR IT TO RUN.

Project Requirement
You need to send a copy of the Volunteer application form to SAVE, this is a requirement.

Namibia Adventure Week Add On
Why not add on the Namibia Adventure Week?

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.
Insurances & Flight Tickets
Travel insurance is compulsory. You are also required to present a copy of your return flight itinerary when entering Namibia.

What to Bring
Sunscreen, sunglasses and insect repellent
Towel
Sleeping bag and pillow
Flashlight and head light with batteries, small first aid kit and Multitool
2 x backpacks (60 Litre and 25-35 Litre)
Camera/batteries/film or memory card
Plug adaptor (3 large round pins)
Water bottle at least 75cl
Comfortable walking shoes (boots preferred)
Toiletries - please bring biodegradable products if possible.
Neutral colour bush hat, neutral colour clothing (green, olive, brown) - blending in is key
Survival gear - it’s the perfect opportunity to test any gadgets you may have i.e. compass, gps tracker, ghillie suit, night vision lens
Passport, insurance certificates and personal documentation
Spending money - bring Namibian Dollars or SA Rand, you can withdraw or transfer cash from the airport on arrival
Proof of inoculations (please speak to your GP about necessary immunizations)
Secure, waterproof bag for documents and money: sealable plastic bags will do

Internet Access
There is no electricity at the camps and cell phones are not permitted (there’s also virtually no reception). The staff have radios for communication so in case of emergency there is always someone who can come and assist.

Winter in Namibia
May to September is the winter period and can be very cold at night and in the early mornings and daytime temperatures can vary. Please make sure to pack enough warm clothes if you plan your trip in that period. A sleeping bag is recommended! October to April is the summer period and the rainy season is from November-February. Whilst during this time it is generally hot during the day it can rain and become chilly in the evenings so do pack a jumper or fleece and waterproof jacket.