Christine & Siobhan Cash : 15.08.09 to 28.08.09
Chris:3rd from left on top Siobhan:middle bottom
Last summer my daughter and I ventured to Namibia to do voluntary work on the PAWS project located on the Okonjima Game Reserve about 220km north of Windhoek. We also managed to work with the cheetahs at the Africat Centre, as seen on TV with Joanna Lumley, Catwoman. We were a little hesitant as we did not really know what to expect. What we got was an experience of a life time. Clive and Roma run the PAWS project and were absolutely wonderful. Clive oozed enthusiasm for the project and Africa and Roma just took care of everything else, from lost luggage to tuck shop supplies. We had an early start to the day and worked in the morning either clearing old fencing, bush chopping, collecting firewood or cleaning out the cheetah pens, yes with the cheetahs still in there! To have a wild cheetah walk past you just 3m away is something that I will never forget. We then returned to camp for lunch and then had the afternoon free. In the evening, Clive would give us our treat which might include leopard tracking, bush walking or hyena tracking. Then we would all sit together for dinner and discuss the day or just play cards together. We slept out in the dry river bed which was an awesome experience to sleep under the stars, but still up at 6.30am to begin work. We all had to take it in turn to cook over the open fire and wash up as well. The facilities at camp were better than I expected. The tents were for two, but big enough to stand in. The toilets, yes there were real toilets, opened out to the bush as did the showers. All through the experience Clive shared his knowledge of the animals and made it educational. Watch out for the quiz at the end of the week. I would strongly recommend this experience to anyone of any age, minimum 18. If you want further details look at their web site, www.pawsnamibia.org and if you want to go, book direct with them for the best price. It is a marvelous way to experience a little part of Africa and to give a little back at the same time.
