Founded in Namibia in 1990, Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) is dedicated to saving the cheetah in the wild. “CCF is Changing the World to Save the Cheetah” – Dr. Laurie Marker. CCF’s mission is to be the internationally recognized center of excellence in the conservation of cheetahs and their ecosystems. CCF’s vision is to see a world in which cheetahs live and flourish in coexistence with people within a sustainable system that is protective of the environment, socially responsible, and economically viable. Over the years, CCF has evolved into a very holistic conservation organization with dimensions that include ecological research, social science, veterinary health, genetics and more recently business enterprises including cheetah-friendly bushblok, tourism and products from their model farm including goat cheese/milk and even wine!
Dr Muntifering began his Namibian life and career at CCF as a research associate in 1999 after meeting Dr Laurie Marker in Minnesota at a zoo conference. He, along with a number of CCF staff, will share their experiences and work conducted over many years in and around CCF.
Check out this intro video
Ongava Game Reserve is committed to ‘Nature First’, striving to restore biodiversity, provide a safe haven for rare and endangered species and, through understanding, protect natural resources for the future of the planet. Ongava Research Centre (ORC) is a vital part of this mission. Cutting edge research into the genetics of Ongava’s rhino population is just one example of how the work being done at Ongava is making a difference to conservation not only in Namibia but also throughout Africa. The expansion of the ORC on a new campus, which includes an interactive Visitor Centre, ushers in an exciting new era where visiting and resident scientists delve deeper into understanding the ecological processes and biodiversity on Ongava Game Reserve and the surrounding area.
As the base for ORC, Anderssons at Ongava provides an interactive hub for guests to learn about conservation science, where cutting edge technology meets hands on, field-based research. The ORC Visitor Centre is available for all Ongava guests to visit at their leisure. Much of ORC’s focus is on wildlife and plant ecology, studying such topics as animal population sizes, interactions between species, and animal movements. ORC also strives to develop new methods to document the natural world and its processes. Not least, research explores linkages between poverty and environmental degradation, particularly in rural areas.
We will meet and hear from a number of ORC resident scientists and their research. We will also hear from tourism managers and guides how they integrate conservation in their daily work. Lastly, we will gain insights on how Ongava has managed to keep a zero-poaching record throughout the latest poaching wave. If possible, we will spend some time at one of Ongava's spectacular waterholes to view the wildlife up close and personal.
The Etosha Pan and the area that would later come to be known as Etosha National Park was first discovered by Europeans in 1851, when explorers Charles Andersson and Francis Galton came to the wild region in the company of Ovambo traders. Etosha can be loosely translated as “Great White Place” in the Ovambo language.
European trade routes to the East and West of the Pan soon began to open up. In 1876, an American trader by the name of McKiernan who had been drawn to the area commented that “all the menageries of the world turned loose would not compare” to the wildlife he saw around him. “We fell in with immense numbers of animals beyond anything I had yet seen. I would scarcely be believed if I said that there were thousands of them to be seen at a sight” he went on to say.
For the proceeding thirty years, the history of the region was characterized by impermanent settlement and movement, sporadic confrontation between Europeans and the Hei//om and Ovambo people that were native to the region, and the increasing threat to animal populations from over-enthusiastic European big game hunters. In 1896 German troops sent by the German Reich occupied the Namutoni region and built a fort in 1899. This original fort was raided and razed to the ground by Ovambos in 1904, but was rebuilt the following year and still stands today as one of the most distinctive features of the park and a national monument.
With the country firmly under German rule by the turn of the 20 th century, the Governor of German South West Africa (as Namibia was then called), Dr. F von Lindqvist, proclaimed Etosha a national game reserve in 1907. At the time the reserve covered over 100,000km 2 of territory, stretching all the way west to the Skeleton Coast in parts and making it comfortably the largest game reserve in the world. But after various controversial and much-contested boundary reconfigurations and political shifts over the years, the park was reduced to its current size of just over 20,000km 2 in 1970.
In the late 1970s and early 1980s, a vast majority of the wildlife in the park was wiped out either by severe drought or after being caught in the crossfire of the so-called Border War that engulfed Namibia, South Africa and Angola at the time. Thanks to brave conservation efforts, many of the park’s most precious and revered of beasts have had their numbers greatly replenished in recent years, and today Etosha is once again one of the best places in the world to view Africa’s unique wildlife, while the still-visible remnants of its turbulent history continue to add another layer of interest to its mysterious allure.
We will spend a full day exploring Etosha and learning from the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism staff the latest challenges and opportunities for securing a future for this treasure. See video below for a preview.
Save the Rhino Trust (SRT) is Africa's longest-running rhino conservation organization with over 40 years of experience. SRT's mission is to protect the desert-adapted black rhino in order to ensure security for these and other wildlife species, a protected habitat, and a sustainable future for local communities long into the future. SRT are also a global leader in working with and offering incentives to communities to share in the long-term benefits of successful rhino conservation strategies. Black Rhino conservation continues to provide benefits through sustainable eco-tourism on community land, thereby increasing livelihood opportunities and incentives for local people to improve conservation measures. Save the Rhino Trust works with Government facilitating black rhino conservation initiatives, unifying the local communities, NGOs, donors and other national and international partners to ensure the long- term survival of the species, the wilderness and the people.
During our stay in the northwest Kunene region, we will meet and here from many of the key individuals behind SRT's success which may include (pending availability) CEO Simson Uri-Khob (see image left), COO Andrew Malherbe, Director of Field Operations Lelsey Karutjaiva, Principal Field Officer Martin Nawaseb and of course SRT's Science Adviser Dr. Jeff Muntifering not to mention a handful of trackers who may be coming or going from their patrols. SRT will provide you with exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of their basecamp - where all rhino patrols are deployed - as well as indepth demonstrations on how SRT manage their unrivalled 20+ year individual-based rhino dataset using the cutting-edge SMART Conservation Software. We'll let you try your hand at a practice Rhino Patrol using the SMART data collection devices and downloads so you can gain some experience in this useful tool. SRT will also facilitate a number of engaging discussions on some of the complexities involved in saving rhinos and introduce many of the unique projects they designed and deliver especially their globally acclaimed Conservancy Rhino Ranger programme and Rhino Pride Campaign.
We will also send time in the bush with SRT trackers as we embark on a once-in-a-lifetime experience of tracking the desert black rhino. Check out this recent video about SRT in a new series called The Last Defenders...
Since its inception, Integrated Rural Development and Nature Conservation's (IRDNC) purpose has been to link conservation to the social and economic development of the people who live with wildlife and other valuable natural resources. Over time, IRDNC also realized that building the capacity and growing a strong civil society would also advance conservation outcomes. IRDNC strives to improve the lives of rural people by diversifying the socio-economy in Namibia’s communal areas to include wildlife and other valuable natural resources. IRDNC led the design and eventual establishment of Namibia's world-renowned Conservancy model which has served as an example for many emerging community-based conservation initiatives around the world.
We will visit their field base at Wereldsend (World's End in english) and meet with and learn from various IRDNC staff (possibly ED John Kasaona, pictured left, watch his famous TED talk from 2010) about their critical integrated community conservation work. We will place a special emphasis on their efforts to improve coexistence between farmers and wildlife such as lions and elephants. We will also visit a local farmer and here directly from him firsthand how he has learned to deal with dangerous wildlife in the backyard.
The Palmwag Under Canvas Sleep-out is a truly Namibian adventure that lets visitors experience the raw nature of the Palmwag Concession wilderness area. Departing from Palmwag Lodge, the adventure begins with an afternoon game drive and sundowners, before heading to the camp deep in the heart of the concession that has been set up prior to arrival. Once at the camp, visitors can enjoy a delicious Namibian braai under the stars. After a restful night in the heart of the Palmwag Concession, visitors will be taken on a morning game drive before heading back to Palmwag Lodge. We will also be joined by rhino trackers in the evening and, if lucky, might be able to spot a rhino during the late afternoon or early moning. A full day will be spent with the rhino team before enjoying a second night under the stars in one of Africa's most remote and wild landscapes.
Following our days in the dry rocky desert, we will return to civilization via Namibia's famed Skeleton Coast Park. Named after the numerous shipwrecks that scatter its remote beaches, this seemingly empty, vast and timeless landscape is a unique experience. As we travel south towards our destination of Swakopmund, we will pass through the park and stop off to visit one of the world's largest Cape fur seal colonies at Cape Cross National Park.
As we enter into Swakopmund after a roughly 6 hour drive, we will be greeted by the northern extent of Namibia's large dune fields. During our two full days on the coast, you will have a chance to explore the area choosing one of the many adventure activities (at your own risk and cost) including Quad-biking, dune boarding, fat tire biking or fishing while being treated with a group combo trip on the second day to include morning sea kayaking followed by a thrilling drive through the dunes to the famous Sandwich Harbour - where the sand dunes literally meet the sea. You might also enjoy viewing the old German architecture or just sunbathing at one of the clean local beaches or tasting fresh seafood including world famous fresh oysters.
On your free day, you are encouraged to explore options in advance. A great place to begin checking out options is the Desert Explorers who organize many of the local activities.
Located in Windhoek, Arebbusch Travel Lodge offers comfortable accommodation in a beautiful natural setting. Accommodation types include luxury accommodation, standard rooms, self-catering accommodation units, luxury tents and caravan/camping facilities. All units have private bathrooms, kitchenettes and barbeque amenities. Breakfast is included for standard rooms and small self-catering chalets. Additional amenities include a swimming pool, a restaurant, a pizzeria, internet access and conference facilities.
Located 10 km south to the Etosha National Park, Gondwana Collection Etosha Safari Camping2Go is home to eight self-catering tents. Each tent is equipped with four beds, an en-suite bathroom and shower while the safari tent facilities include a fully equipped kitchen, veranda, grill and a fire pit. Guests staying at the Camping2Go site can enjoy a cosy evening around the fire pit,or experience an evening of live music at the Oshebeena Bar at the Etosha Safari Camp or indulge in a delicious meal at Okambashu Restaurant.
About 200 miles (5 hours drive) west of Etosha Safari Camp, is Palmwag Lodge - idyllically located among tall Makalani palm trees on the banks of the seasonal Uniab River. It is one of Namibia's oldest and most popular tourist destinations. The availability of water often lures elephants closer to the lodge. Palmwag manages the concession area around the lodge, a vast nature park of 5500 km² which boasts the largest predator populations outside Etosha National Park and most of the world’s free-roaming Black rhino. There are also healthy numbers of the legendary desert-adapted elephant as well as mountain zebra, giraffe, springbok, kudu and more. Just a stone’s throw from the iconic Palmwag Lodge, the new Palmwag Camping2Go looks out onto the beautiful Damaraland landscapes, with the red earth stretching in the far horizons. Enjoy one of the two pools available at the lodge or the peaceful Pool Bar, during your stay. Eight safari tents, equipped with four beds each, en-suite bathroom, and self-catering kitchen on the veranda invite you to enjoy a comfortable outdoor experience.
Whilst at both Camping2Go sites, a buffet breakfast is included but students will be expected to help prepare their own lunch packs with one of our chefs. Dinner will be prepared and provided next to the campfire under the stars each night. Students will be encouraged to take a turn learning some Namibia bush cuisine from one of our chefs.
A born and bred north-west Namibian, Boas Hambo has spent his entire life exploring his backyard desert. He learned to track animals while herding his family's goats as a young boy. The years spent in the bush not only honed Boas' bush skills and traditional knowledge but inspired a career in conservation. Boas worked as a community-based natural resource management officer with a local conservation organization Integrated Rural Development and Nature Conservation for a number of years before shifting his focus and skill set towards guiding with Conservancy Safaris Namibia, his current employer. Boas also served as a founding field coordinator for the Conservancy Rhino Ranger Program and led most of the training and capacity building efforts for the rangers. His mix of experiences and expertise in conservation and tourism in Namibia, especially in the communal landscapes, is unrivalled. In addition, Boas' warm, welcoming good nature and exceptional storytelling abilities will be enjoyed by all. Boas will be your private guide throughout the trip.
What a recent guest (May 2022) had to say about Boas as his guide....
Into the heart of Kunene
I was fortunate to be able to secure CSN's Boas Hambo to guide me for two weeks in Kunene recently. We had a one on one trip, unmatched in exclusivity. Boas knows the area like his pocket (and everybody seems to know him) so I had everything at hand to take a deep dive into Kunene which would never have been possible any other way. Seeing most beautiful places, tracking Elephants, Rhinos and Lions and last, not least, meeting wonderful people, sharing ideas, experiences and meals. We travelled the Huab, Khowarib, Hoanib and Horuasib valleys, meeting community wildlife rangers in wild and isolated areas and Boas' expert knowledge helped me to get a deep understanding of nature and people alike in this arid Eden.
And lucky me, I now have friends in Himba country!
Born and raised in Minnesota (USA), Dr. Jeff Muntifering has spent the last 24 years of his professional career primarily based in Namibia where he has served as Science Adviser to Save the Rhino Trust, a highly respected local Namibian organization, since 2003. His applied research on rhino biology, ecology, eco-tourism and incentive-based, community conservation over the past 20 years has helped inform a variety of innovative management policies and practice including community-based monitoring programs, eco-tourism protocols, re-introduction strategies and behavior change campaigns. He is also responsible for overseeing Save the Rhino Trust’s training programme which includes formal courses in rhino monitoring, rhino tourism and the use of SMART technology. He co-founded and coordinated (currently advising) the Conservancy Rhino Ranger Incentive Program & Rhino Pride Campaign, a pair of highly successful community-based rhino conservation programs that have been showcased in multiple global case studies.
Jeff has also spent significant time in China since 2001 where he has worked on endangered species projects including South China tiger and Przewalski’s horse recovery efforts. Jeff serves as an adjunct professor at Namibia University of Science and Technology and a visiting lecturer at Beijing Forestry University, is an active member of two IUCN Specialist Groups and has published or presented more than fifty scientific articles, book chapters, technical reports, and conference talks. Most recently, Jeff has been invited by Nepali colleagues to advise the design of a new Snow Leopard Stewardship programme in the heart of the Himalayas. His work with SRT is presently supported under a part-time employment with Minnesota Zoo, while his work in Nepal is on contract with Great Plains Zoo. Jeff is also a founding CEO for a small travel company that specializes in designing conservation-oriented experiences that provides positive impacts for both wildlife and local people. Jeff likes to live by Ed Abby's famous quote, 'Sentiment without action is the ruin of the soul'.
Features of the FAW 2x4 Semi-luxury 18-seater include:
Windhoek, Namibia 
