Mangetti Wildlife Conservation Volunteering, Namibia

The impact of human activities on native wildlife has never been more apparent for two of Africa’s iconic species; the African Painted Dog (or wild dog) and the African Elephant both of which have endured decades of suffering through habitat fragmentation, hunting and persecution. In a bid to alter this state of affairs, researchers have been working in the Mangetti Complex, northern Namibia, in an effort to understand better the levels, and causes, of conflict between these two species and the local population.

Volunteers will assist our researchers in documenting the movements and activities of elephant and wild dog. Using GPS and VHF monitoring technology, motion-sensitive trail cameras and traditional spoor (footprint) tracking techniques, come and delve into the lives of the world’s largest land animal and one of Africa’s most endangered carnivore species. Volunteers can join this programme from Wednesdays to Wednesdays.

Activities at the Mangetti:

Camera trapping
GPS monitoring
VHF telemetry tracking
Spoor (footprint) tracking
Conflict assessment
Outreach

Location

Namibia is located in South West Africa, bordering on South Africa, Botswana, Angola and Zambia. Home to many contrasting environments the country is known for both desert and long stretches of coastline. Conservation is a national priority and Namibia has some of the largest and most well known national parks in the region.

Located only thirty minutes from Hosea Kutako International Airport amongst camel thorn trees, riverbeds, and a stone canyon, the Wildlife Sanctuary is perfectly situated to start or finish your trip to Namibia. This is where the head office is and the main volunteer activities take place. If you choose to combine with the other sites, Neuras is 2 hours away and Kanaan a further 2 hours drive.

Accommodation

Situated centrally in the Kavango Cattle Ranch sits the Mangetti village where the researcher(s) and volunteers are accommodated in one of the management houses. The house has electricity and running water; the hot water is supplied through a wood-burning water boiler or ‘donkey’ as it is commonly known.

Meals are a simple affair in the Mangetti. Breakfast will consist of cereal, tea/coffee and toast. Most days packed lunches (sandwich, fruit & juice) will be prepared by volunteers and staff to be eaten in the field. Everyone takes turns to cook the main evening meal and clean up afterwards. There will usually be a traditional Namibian ‘braai’ (barbeque) one evening during the trip.

Project Dates

You may stay from 2 weeks to 3 months all year round.