 Rare and Endangered Species Trust Namibia
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The Rare & Endangered Species Trust (REST) was established in 2000 to support the scientific and practical study of rare and endangered species in Namibia.
REST works with some of the lesser-known endangered species and specifically concentrates on studying the Cape Griffon Vulture. |
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 Working with the American born Founder – Maria Diekman, you’ll have the opportunity to get involved with all aspects of the trusts activities and experience conservation first hand. REST is based in the centre of Namibia and offers a very comfortable way to volunteer. The majority of the work is on site and the accommodation provided is a very high standard including en-suite bathrooms and a fully equipped kitchen.
In 2000, the future of the vultures was in great danger, as it was soon discovered that there was only approximately 8-11 left. Due to the conservation and educational work of those at REST, their future is looking much more secure. You too can now contribute to the long-term survival of the vultures and other species.
 Interested in a safari as well? Please click here for more information! (PDF 173 KB) |
The Rare & Endangered Species Trust is based on a rural farm, approx 45 minutes north east of the regional centre of Otjiwarongo. The surrounding landscape is classic Namibian bush land set in the shadows of the Waterberg Plateau. The Waterberg National Park is home to numerous rare species including white and black rhinoceros and the Roan antelope.
In Otjiwarongo you can find a wide selection of amenities; there are plenty of shops and supermarkets, banks, Internet cafes, clinics and a post office. No trip into “Otji” is complete without a visit to the old German bakery to sample their spectacular cakes and pastries.
In addition to the Waterberg Plateau, there are also plenty of other places of interest in the surrounding area including the Crocodile Farm, the Cheetah Conservation Fund, Africat and the world famous Etosha National Park.
There are no set schedules for your day-to-day activities and the hours will vary depending on the work you are doing. Maria will ensure that you have the opportunity to get involved with everything that is happening at REST including:
- Weekly monitoring of wild vulture feed with 350-500 wild birds
- Daily care of captive birds.
- Socialization to humans of wild non releasable birds
- Data entry on observations made.
- Retrieval of any injured or poisoned birds
- Interaction with daily visitors to the centre
- Educational programmes with schools and farmers
Several previous volunteers have been privileged to discover and document previously unknown behaviour patterns and contribute to the publication of scientific papers.
Outside of the project work at REST, there are other opportunities to learn and experience Namibian life, you could join the Vulture Defenders and play football with other local teams.
Accommodation is provided at the REST base. The quality of the rooms and the facilities provided are of a very high quality. All rooms have en-suite bathrooms and are either twins or triples with linen provided. Private accommodation can be arranged upon request.
On a weekly basis, a shopping trip will be arranged into the local town of Otjiwarongo. Here you can find a wide variety of shops and supermarkets where you can purchase all your provisions with the food allowance you will have received from the staff at the Rare & Endangered Species Trust – N$350 per week.
- You can join the programme on the 1st of each month
- Minimum duration is 2 weeks
- You can extend your placement in multiples of 2 weeks
- Flights are not included
- You will be collected from Windhoek International Airport on the start day of the project.
- Time permitting, there may be the opportunity to visit Windhoek either at the start or the finish of the project
- If you are arriving before the start date or wish to stay after the finish date and are planning on staying in Windhoek, arrangements can be made to collect / drop you off at your accommodation
- All of Twin’s volunteer placements are in partnership with recognised Charities, Non Governmental Organisations (NGO’s), government ministries or registered agents, giving you the confidence to work with reputable organisations.
- Comprehensive insurance is available for each of the volunteer placements, please click here for full details.
- Minimum age 18 yrs
- No specific skills are required other than a good sense of humour and an open mind.
- Please be aware that in additional to covering all of the transport and food allowances, your contribution covers essential donation to the project
- Contribution for the first 2 weeks is £450
- Each additional week costs £140
- Minimum numbers are required for this project. If these numbers are not achieved within 1 month before departure, the project will be postponed.
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