P.A.W.S

Download the Booking Form and send it to us by email (details are on the form).

people-and-wildlife-solutions-booking-form-ms-excel-spreadsheet

people-and-wildlife-solutions-booking-form-ms-excel-spreadsheet

Download the Booking Form and send it to us by email (details are on the form).

paws-booking-form

People And Wildlife Solutions (PAWS) Namibia - Booking Form (MS Excel^© Spreadsheet .xls)

paws-booking-form

Working Visas Required At P.A.W.S.

Please note that Working Visas are now required by all volunteers here in Namibia as directed by the Namibian Government. Please note that P.A.W.S. will email you the appropriate forms and instructions accordingly for you to apply directly.

How Long Can I Stay At P.A.W.S.?

PAWS runs on a 2 week rotation basis - the minimum stay is 2 weeks and the maximum stay is 8 weeks. 

How Much Will It Cost?

The cost in British Sterling is £720 per person for 2 weeks. Please see below for details of what this cost includes. We require a 50% deposit of the total cost to secure your booking and the balance is required 8 weeks prior to departure.

What’s Included

• The Project itself
• Transfers to and from the project on scheduled arrival and departure dates
• Full orientation by staff on arrival
• Support from the Project Managers
• Accommodation and three meals a day
• Tea, coffee and squash at meal times

• All daily activities

What’s Not

• International and domestic flight costs
• Travel insurance to cover the project (including cover for repatriation)
• Working Visas
• Tourist Visas
• Personal Items
• Any expenses incurred in Windhoek or outside of the PAWS Project
• Other refreshments & snacks.  Limited stocks can be purchased from the camp store.

How Do I Get To P.A.W.S?

In order to conform with incoming worldwide flight timings we will arrange transportation for all volunteers to be collected from Windhoek International Airport or from a central location in Windhoek on Saturday mornings only, to be transferred directly to our PAWS project once every 2 weeks. We will arrange return transportation on the same basis from PAWS to Windhoek on Fridays only once every 2 weeks. Please check the end of this page for our 2012 arrival scheduled dates.  En-route to PAWS you will be given the opportunity to stock up on any provisions from a supermarket for the duration of your stay.  Please pack for the duration of your stay as trips into town from the project are not guaranteed.

Your Flight Arrival and Return Timings - Very Important!

Regarding your incoming flight into Windhoek, please note you need to land before 12noon on  our scheduled Saturday to ensure we reach camp in daylight and in good time. Should you arrive later then you will need to pay for your own transfer @ N$2,000 approx (for two people). If you are flying out on your return Friday, please do not book your flight before 2.30pm to ensure we arrive at the airport in good time also.

Where Can I Stay In Windhoek?

There are many Backpackers & Hotels in Windhoek but from personal experience we can suggest the following backpackers which is situated within easy walking distance of the centre and is very reasonably priced offering both dormitory and private room accommodation. Please feel free to take a look at their website. Chameleon Backpackers - www.chameleonbackpackers.com

Age Limit

The minimum age limit is 18th years old to join us at P.A.W.S. there is no upper age limit.

Fitness

A reasonable level of fitness is required as much of the daily work is manual and it can get very hot in the daytime!

What To Bring

The weather can vary depending on the time of year from cold mornings and evenings to hot days, thunderstorms and rain, please come prepared. Our ‘Recommended Kit List’ will be sent out upon booking.

Communication

Internet facilities are available to volunteers at a small charge.  Land line phones are not available with the exception of emergencies. There is a signal for mobile phones, this signal can sometimes be a little temperamental but we recommend you do bring your mobile phone.  Please set your phone to international roaming.

Currencies Accepted at P.A.W.S.

To pay for your tuck shop, internet, PAWS T-Shirts and caps we accept the following currencies : SA Rand, Namibian Dollar, British Pounds, Euros and US Dollars.  Please note that PAWS does not have credit card facilities.  Your change will be returned in Namibia Dollars.

Health & Safety

• First aid is available on site
• Local doctors, dentists and hospitals are available in Otjiwarongo (75 kms away)
• Tetanus vaccination is highly recommended however please consult your GP for advice on immunisation requirements
• Okonjima is in a malaria free area

Personal Insurance

Please ensure you take out appropriate & adequate medical insurance cover for the duration of your stay to include evacuation & repatriation.

Laundry Facilities

Due to our bush location there are no laundry facilities however washing powder is available to purchase from the camp store.

Location

Okonjima is located approx 225 kms north of the capital Windhoek and approx 75 kms to the nearest town of Otjiwarongo. Okonjima is also ideally situated approximately half way between Etosha National Park and Windhoek.

24 Hour Emergency telephone numbers

Andre Rousseau - Cell Phone :                                            +264 (0)81 222 4684

Louis Heyns- Cell Phone  :                                                  +264 (0)81 349 2295

Beth Osmonth - Cell Phone :                                               +264 (0)81 625 0065

PAWS Office                                                                         +264 (0)67 307933

Okonjima Lodge Office:                                                      +264 (0)67 687032 / 687033

About Namibia

• Summer months in Namibia are November to April. The rainy season commences during this period, please come prepared! Insect repellent is highly recommended.
• Winter months in Namibia are May to October. Mornings and evenings can be very cold!
• The currency in Namibia is the Namibian Dollar, South African Rand is also accepted.
• Voltage 220v, plugs are round three pin plugs, international adaptors are required
• Passports must be valid for at least six months after your arrival in Namibia
• If travelling via South African, their customs stipulate that you must have 6 clear pages in your passport.

P.A.W.S Scheduled Arrival Dates for 2012.  Please Note Departures are every 2nd Friday.

January	Saturday Arrival Dates
Saturday	28th
February
Saturday	11th
Saturday	25th
March
Saturday	10th
Saturday	24th
April
Saturday	7th
Saturday	21st
May
Saturday	5th
Saturday	19th
June
Saturday	2nd
Saturday	16th
Saturday	30th
July
Saturday	14th
Saturday	28th
August
Saturday	11th
Saturday	25th
September
Saturday	8th
Saturday	22nd
October
Saturday	6th
Saturday	20th
November
Saturday	3rd
Saturday	17th

Working Visas Required At P.A.W.S.

Please note that Working Visas are now required by all volunteers here in Namibia as directed by the Namibian Government. Please note that P.A.W.S. will email you the appropriate forms and instructions accordingly for you to apply directly.

How Long Can I Stay At P.A.W.S.?

PAWS runs on a 2 week rotation basis - the minimum stay is 2 weeks and the maximum stay is 8 weeks. 

How Much Will It Cost?

The cost in British Sterling is £720 per person for 2 weeks. Please see below for details of what this cost includes. We require a 50% deposit of the total cost to secure your booking and the balance is required 8 weeks prior to departure.

What’s Included

• The Project itself
• Transfers to and from the project on scheduled arrival and departure dates
• Full orientation by staff on arrival
• Support from the Project Managers
• Accommodation and three meals a day
• Tea, coffee and squash at meal times

• All daily activities

What’s Not

• International and domestic flight costs
• Travel insurance to cover the project (including cover for repatriation)
• Working Visas
• Tourist Visas
• Personal Items
• Any expenses incurred in Windhoek or outside of the PAWS Project
• Other refreshments & snacks.  Limited stocks can be purchased from the camp store.

How Do I Get To P.A.W.S?

In order to conform with incoming worldwide flight timings we will arrange transportation for all volunteers to be collected from Windhoek International Airport or from a central location in Windhoek on Saturday mornings only, to be transferred directly to our PAWS project once every 2 weeks. We will arrange return transportation on the same basis from PAWS to Windhoek on Fridays only once every 2 weeks. Please check the end of this page for our 2012 arrival scheduled dates.  En-route to PAWS you will be given the opportunity to stock up on any provisions from a supermarket for the duration of your stay.  Please pack for the duration of your stay as trips into town from the project are not guaranteed.

Your Flight Arrival and Return Timings - Very Important!

Regarding your incoming flight into Windhoek, please note you need to land before 12noon on  our scheduled Saturday to ensure we reach camp in daylight and in good time. Should you arrive later then you will need to pay for your own transfer @ N$2,000 approx (for two people). If you are flying out on your return Friday, please do not book your flight before 2.30pm to ensure we arrive at the airport in good time also.

Where Can I Stay In Windhoek?

There are many Backpackers & Hotels in Windhoek but from personal experience we can suggest the following backpackers which is situated within easy walking distance of the centre and is very reasonably priced offering both dormitory and private room accommodation. Please feel free to take a look at their website. Chameleon Backpackers - www.chameleonbackpackers.com

Age Limit

The minimum age limit is 18th years old to join us at P.A.W.S. there is no upper age limit.

Fitness

A reasonable level of fitness is required as much of the daily work is manual and it can get very hot in the daytime!

What To Bring

The weather can vary depending on the time of year from cold mornings and evenings to hot days, thunderstorms and rain, please come prepared. Our ‘Recommended Kit List’ will be sent out upon booking.

Communication

Internet facilities are available to volunteers at a small charge.  Land line phones are not available with the exception of emergencies. There is a signal for mobile phones, this signal can sometimes be a little temperamental but we recommend you do bring your mobile phone.  Please set your phone to international roaming.

Currencies Accepted at P.A.W.S.

To pay for your tuck shop, internet, PAWS T-Shirts and caps we accept the following currencies : SA Rand, Namibian Dollar, British Pounds, Euros and US Dollars.  Please note that PAWS does not have credit card facilities.  Your change will be returned in Namibia Dollars.

Health & Safety

• First aid is available on site
• Local doctors, dentists and hospitals are available in Otjiwarongo (75 kms away)
• Tetanus vaccination is highly recommended however please consult your GP for advice on immunisation requirements
• Okonjima is in a malaria free area

Personal Insurance

Please ensure you take out appropriate & adequate medical insurance cover for the duration of your stay to include evacuation & repatriation.

Laundry Facilities

Due to our bush location there are no laundry facilities however washing powder is available to purchase from the camp store.

Location

Okonjima is located approx 225 kms north of the capital Windhoek and approx 75 kms to the nearest town of Otjiwarongo. Okonjima is also ideally situated approximately half way between Etosha National Park and Windhoek.

24 Hour Emergency telephone numbers

Andre Rousseau - Cell Phone :                                            +264 (0)81 222 4684

Louis Heyns- Cell Phone  :                                                  +264 (0)81 349 2295

Beth Osmonth - Cell Phone :                                               +264 (0)81 625 0065

PAWS Office                                                                         +264 (0)67

Okonjima Lodge Office:                                                     +264 (0)67 687032 / 687033

About Namibia

• Summer months in Namibia are November to April. The rainy season commences during this period, please come prepared! Insect repellent is highly recommended.
• Winter months in Namibia are May to October. Mornings and evenings can be very cold!
• The currency in Namibia is the Namibian Dollar, South African Rand is also accepted.
• Voltage 220v, plugs are round three pin plugs, international adaptors are required
• Passports must be valid for at least six months after your arrival in Namibia
• If travelling via South African, their customs stipulate that you must have 6 clear pages in your passport.

P.A.W.S Scheduled Arrival Dates for 2012.  Please Note Departures are every 2nd Friday.

January	Saturday Arrival Dates
Saturday	28th
February
Saturday	11th
Saturday	25th
March
Saturday	10th
Saturday	24th
April
Saturday	7th
Saturday	21st
May
Saturday	5th
Saturday	19th
June
Saturday	2nd
Saturday	16th
Saturday	30th
July
Saturday	14th
Saturday	28th
August
Saturday	11th
Saturday	25th
September
Saturday	8th
Saturday	22nd
October
Saturday	6th
Saturday	20th
November
Saturday	3rd
Saturday	17th

Andre (AJ) Rousseau : Business Manager

I was born in a small town called Grootfontein, northern Namibia. I spent my first 13 years growing up on a cattle ranch that belonged to my family. Most of my teenage years were spent in the city of Windhoek. During 2004 I started volunteering for Raleigh International and later on joined their logistical team for a further 2 expiditions.  All my years growing up on my parents farm gave me many amazing opportunities to see wild cheetahs and also to see the damage they can cause to farmers if you don’t adapt your farming technique to share the land with them. My family is very conservation orientated and even from a very young age my dad would always teach us that if we do not try to help our surrounding farmers to understand the importance of these large cats on farms, they will be gone by the time we have our own children,  an incredibly sad thought!   That actually planted the seed in the back of my head many years ago, and there it stayed until I joined Okonjima and Africat in 2005.  Conservation through education is the only way we can minimize the damage we as humans cause. This will give the next generation the chance and choice to help the survival of wildlife in the future. It is better to die trying to make a difference, than to sit back and blame bygone generations for their mistakes.  The best we can do is to learn from their mistakes and move forward.  Live to make the difference! This is what I fully intend to do here at P.A.W.S. / Africat!

Louis Heyns : Volunteer Manager/Guide

I was born and raised in the old German seaside town of Swakopmund, Namibia.  After leaving school I took the opportunity to travel around Europe for a year, not so common for a young Namibia guy I must say and of course I loved every minute of it!  I travelled through the UK, Holland, Greece,  Turkey, France, Belgium, Germany, Slovakia and even the Czech Repubic.  I picked up casual work along the way to help fund the next part of my travels.  Once back from my many adventures I knuckled down and studied for my Travel and Tourism Diploma in Cape Town.  With my passion for wildlife and love for nature I worked as a guide in South Africa taking clients through the Western Cape, the Wine Regions, the Garden Route etc.  I also took them on mountain biking trips, hiking trips and even on cliff jumping activities!  After 9 years working here I took another 2 year break and travelled back to Europe picking up casual work inbetween my travels.  Upon returning to Namibia I worked as an Activity Manager and River Guide right up in the far north of Namibia on the beautiful Okovango River for a year taking clients out fishing, birding, canoeing etc.   Before joining P.A.W.S. I worked as a freelance guide in Namibia for 4 years gaining a wealth of valuable experience and knowlegde in the process.  I joined P.A.W.S. as the Volunteer Manager/Guide in September 2011 and haven’t looked back since!  An exciting and challenging role indeed but so rewarding and fulfilling!

Beth Osmond : Guide - FGASA 1 Qualified

I was born in Australia and spent my childhood running wild in the great outdoors, which started my love for wild spaces and everything in them. To date I’ve lived in five different countries including Australia, the United Arab Emirates, England, South Africa and now Namibia.  In my previous life in the UK, I worked as a manager for Mental Health services in the voluntary sector, managing both supported housing schemes and day services. I finally had the cash and courage to follow my dreams of working within the conservation field in 2009 when I applied for a one year course in South Africa to train as a Safari Field guide. I qualified in June 2010 and completed my work placement in Namibia with Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF).  While at CCF I found out about P.A.W.S. and was lucky enough to get a post here in January 2011. I love working here, it’s a job where you can learn something new every day. It’s great fun sharing that knowledge with the volunteers and at the end of each day it’s satisfying knowing that the work you have done is for the benefit of the wildlife here.

                  

                            Felix Kahare

My name is Felix Kahare and I’m 24 years old. I was born in the north of Namibia in the Kavango region in a small village called Musese, north west of Rundu. I went to school until grate 10 (16 years old) and then came down to Okonjima Lodge where I worked as a general labourer for one month. I heard that Mr Clive and Miss Roma were looking for workers to help build their new camp called P.A.W.S. I initially worked for P.A.W.S. for 4 months to help build their camp and along with some others I helped do all the thatching of the roofs and walls of all the buildings. There was a lot of thatching to do! When the camp was built Mr Clive and Miss Roma chose me out of 15 other staff to work for them permanently and to work alongside the volunteers. I was so happy for this wonderful opportunity and I love my job every day. I have worked for P.A.W.S. for 3.5 years now and thank God every day.

 

 

Haingura Kudumo 

My name is Haingura Kudumo and I am 30 years old. I was born in a small village called Siudiva in the north of Namibia. I grew up here and in our family we are five boys. When I was a boy I helped look after my father’s cattle. I was working for Okonjima Lodge as a general labourer when I heard about the P.A.W.S. Volunteer Project. Like my friend Felix, I helped Mr Clive and Miss Roma to build their camp and because I am from the north of Namibia I could do all the thatching jobs. We are very good at thatching in the north of Namibia! When the camp was finished after 4 months, I went back to my home town in the north. In July 2010, I came back down to P.A.W.S. to work with the volunteers which I really love. I love to go tracking cheetahs and wild dogs with them and also I like to show them how to chop bush with a panga! The volunteers are not used to doing this work. My favourite hobbies are reading magazines, books and listening to music.

 

                                                
                                                        Clive Johnson                             Roma Muccio

Clive and Roma founded P.A.W.S. on 16th August 2008 and are stepping down as Managers in December 2011.  P.A.W.S. has grown and developed hugely since our humble beginnings and we have witnessed P.A.W.S. go from strength to strength ever since. However none of this would have been possible without the help of our dedicated volunteers both, past, present and future!  We cannot thank you all enough from the bottom of our hearts for your enthusiasm, commitment and dedication shown to us and P.A.W.S. over the last 3 years.  We will truly miss being part of this wonderful project but can sleep easy knowing that with the new team in place, it will continue to grow and fourish!  Thanks again to YOU ALL!!