Afternoon Activities

You can expect to partake in a series of exciting daily activities including :

Leopard Tracking & Monitoring

With the aid of a telemetry system and antennae your guide will use all his valuable skills to track and search for this magnificent and elusive creature. Leopard tracking is always vehicle based and once located the leopard must be checked for any visible signs of injury, unusual behaviour, problems etc and reported immediately to AfriCat as necessary. Volunteers will also be shown how to use the telemetry equipment and given the opportunity to track the leopards for themselves

AfriCat Foundation - the Cheetah Welfare Programme

Volunteers will be taken into one of the cheetah rehabilitation enclosures where they will witness these cheetahs at very close proximity surrounding the game vehicle. The guide will feed the cheetahs with small pieces of meat and explain the important and essential work of the cheetah welfare side of AfriCat’s work. The volunteers will be given a history of these cheetahs in order to give a fuller understanding of why they are here, their individual circumstances etc. This activity will give volunteers a true insight into the work of the foundation and the goals it’s trying to achieve.

Large Carnivor Tracking & Monitoring on Foot

To experience witnessing a hyaena or cheetah at close proximity and at ground level is truly amazing and very special. This is exactly what you’ll be doing on this activity. Again a telemetry system will be used by the guide to locate the general area of the cheetah and an additional tracker will also accompany the group.  You could be walking through the bush for anything up to 1 hour, each time is different and always very exciting. Once located the cheetah must be checked for any visible signs of injury, unusual behaviour, problems etc and reported immediately to AfriCat as necessary.

Behind the scenes AfriCat Feeding Run

Volunteers will visit AfriCat to meet the team and join a ‘behind the scenes’ feeding-run of over 100 big cats in the welfare programme. This will hopefully provide a better understanding of the aims of the project and how it helps the predator and farmer alike. The feeding run lasts for approximately two hours, depending on the big cats! Volunteers will follow behind the vehicle which will stop to feed more than 100 cheetahs, leopards, lions and caracals. The staff will explain to the volunteers the history of each cat, why and where they came from and volunteers are obviously very welcome to ask any questions they may have. Depending on the length of stay volunteers will undertake this run at least one, possibly twice or more.

Rescue And Release of Leopards & Cheetahs

There can be no guarantee when a leopard or cheetah may need rescuing from around Namibia or releasing back into the wild but volunteers may be given the unique and very exciting opportunity of accompanying one of the AfriCat team to do just this! A truly behind the scenes experience and a rare privilege to witness first hand this delicate and highly organised operation.

Bushman Walk

The bushman walk is a highly rewarding and educational experience and aims to give volunteers an insight into the traditions and lives of the fast disappearing bushman tribes. Their ability to respect, live and co-habit with nature hand-in-hand is truly inspirational. Volunteers will be shown how to make rope from plants, make fire from sticks and how the bushmen made their traps for hunting. The volunteers will get the chance to try out some of these ancient skills for themselves too!

Visiting the Wild Dogs

Rescued as puppies and brought to AfriCat at just a few days old, these dogs have grown up to become efficient, fit and formidable creatures, a truly successful pack hunting dog. Their colouring and appearance is quite striking and volunteers will get the chance to witness these beautiful animals at close range.

Birding Walks

With over 250 species of birds sighted at Okonjima including endemics such as Carp’s Black Tit, Hartlaub’s Francolin and the Damara Rock Runner, a real must for any bird enthusiast. Due to our bush location volunteers will have the unique opportunity of seeing and hearing many of the local birds surrounding them daily. Bird lists are also available for those keener birders.

Game Drives

A chance to view and learn about all the many animals that may cross your path during your drive, from dik diks to giraffe and eland to wildebeest. Who knows what the drive may bring but it’s guaranteed to be a fun filled and an educational afternoon.

Sun Downers

What better way to unwind after your day than to witness one of the most beautiful sunsets that Africa has to offer! Witness the colour of the sky blend from yellows, to oranges to deep reds and lose yourself in your own thoughts in this magical continent.

Sleeping Under the Stars!

Camping out in the river bed. A bi-weekly event and an absolute must! Join us roasting marshmellows on the fire and witness the magnificent stars above you whilst lying in your sleeping bags.

Other Activities You May Be Involved In Include

• Game counts at waterholes
• General reserve maintenance
• Fence patrols
• Plant & animal studies
• Soil erosion control
• Star gazing