Trip Dates: January 2011 – December 2012

Oonte OVC (Orphaned & Vulnerable Children) Volunteer Project

 

Highlights:  The 10-day Lend a Helping Hand and Dip Your Toes Safari offers two of the country’s most sought after wildlife and cultural destinations in Namibia. Starting in the capital city of Windhoek, tour participants will ease their way into the Namibian lifestyle before traveling north to Namibia’s (and the world’s) largest and one of Africa’s best National Parks, Etosha.  It is here you will have the chance for some concentrated Big & Small Game viewing (Yes, elephant, giraffe, oryx, springbox, zebra, kudu, and if you are lucky like a past group, lions!). But this is merely the beginning!

After a relaxing several days among southern Africa’s bird and wildlife, we will travel further north to the cultural heartland of Ondangwa, Namibia.  It is here we will offer our services to Namibia’s best –the children at Oonte Orphaned and Vulnerable Children (OVC) Centre.  Whether we find ourselves cooking, kicking a soccer ball, or picking up garden tools and de-weeding the fields, it is here you will explore immense compassion, generosity, fortitude, and the importance of community that defines Namibian culture at its finest.

The tour will conclude with an afternoon spent hiking Waterberg Plateau and a day visit to the Cheetah Conservation Fund to meet and learn about Namibia’s abundant cheetah population.

Let Jeremiah Allen, author of the brand new book Namibia: Discover the Real Namibia, be your guide through this amazing country, a captivating place where he learned the ins and outs of the Namibian landscape and lifestyle while living as a Peace Corps Volunteer for nearly 3 years.

Group Size & Price:

Pricing begins at:

US $ 4,800 per person

*The Safari is limited to 6 people.  It is open to the public until it is filled or reserved exclusively for your own group of friends or family.

Best of all,  your participation makes possible shelter and care, plus much more, for Oonte‘s children!

Guarantee: Guaranteed departure with a minimum of 2 people.  Park entrance fee’s, meals included in itinerary (most meals), and village tours all covered in cost.

Not Included in the Price: Airfare, personal expenses, drinks, meals not included in the itinerary, and free-time sightseeing and activities.

*Rooms based on double occupancy.  Single rooms available at an additional cost.

Namibia is Stable & Safe, with Fantastic Infrastructure

*Namibia has one of southern Africa’s best infrastructures.  Since its Independence in 1990, the country has remained stable, grown productive, and peacefully elects heads of state every five years.  Crime is low and water is drinkable.  These reasons, along with the many others, mainly wildlife, Namibia is a much sought after African destination.

 

Itinerary

English is the Official Language of Namibia

Day 1 Windhoek to Etosha National Park

Depart Windhoek mid-morning and stopover in Okahandja to look through Namibia’s best open-aired wood market.  It is here the best souvenirs and memorabilia can be bargained, bartered, and purchased before continuing on to Etosha.

Etosha is one of Africa’s best game parks, next only to the parks in the Serengeti of Tanzania.  In 2007 the park celebrated its first 100 years of existence.  Viewing Africa’s large game populations against the Etosha Pan backdrop is like no other found in Africa.

The Etosha Pan, the parks definitive feature, is an immense, shallow depression of some 5,000 km² of dry, white sun beaten mud.  Mirages shimmer in the far distances while game animals stride across the desolate lands looking completely out of place.  Throughout most of the year the area is dry, giving rise to the name ‘the great white place of dry water.’  Nevertheless, when the rains begin, the oshanas in Owamboland drain into the pan and the area becomes an important breeding ground for flamingos.

There are a total of 114 species of mammals, including the rare and endangered black rhino, cheetah, and black-faced impala.  The only animals aren’t found in Etosha are the hippo and crocodile.  Almost every other animal can be found roaming the park.  There are also about340 different species of birds including the ostrich and secretary birds.

It is almost guaranteed to see lion when visiting Etosha.  It is the leopard that is a rarity, and if you are extremely lucky you may even be witness to a predator kill.

Accommodation

Okaukuejo Camp, the oldest of all 3, is located 17 km from the southern entrance of the park, and famous for its flood-lit waterhole, where visitors can observe at close quarters a spectacle of wildlife congregating and interacting.

The camp provides modern, luxurious toilet/shower facilities, a braai pit, and electrical outlets.  Etosha camp grounds are becoming rather swanky geared towards an equal balance of comfort/luxury, and rustic turn of the century game safari.  A restaurant/bar and swimming pool and curio/supply store and post office are available.

Day 2 Okakuejo to Halali

Take an early morning game drive, as this is the best time to spot the more elusive of animals, such as a pride of lion.  Breakfast can be had over game viewing and/or upon return to camp.   Pack up and begin another game drive, heading towards our next camp, Halali.  Lunch can be had along the way and/or once at the camp.  Once arrived at Halali camp, settle in and again prepare for an evening game drive.  This day, as you can tell, is entirely about viewing Africa’s wildlife!  A perfect opportunity of photographs that will forever blow your mind.

Strategically located halfway between Okaukuejo and Namutoni, Halali is situated at the base of a dolomite hill, amongst shady Mopane trees. A flood-lit waterhole which is viewed from an elevated vantage point provides exceptional wildlife viewing throughout the day and into the night.

Accommodation

Halali Camp The newest of the three camps and the most relaxed, in a stretched mopane woodland setting. The rooms have en-suite toilet/shower.  Camping has toilet/shower facilities, braai areas, and electrical outlets. There is also a bar, restaurant, swimming pool, and the Tsumasa Trail up a small dolomite hill to the summit. A small floodlit waterhole was built about 300 meters behind the camp attracting elephants and rhinos along with other game animals.

Strategically located halfway between Okaukuejo and Namutoni, Halali is situated at the base of a dolomite hill, amongst shady Mopane trees. A flood-lit waterhole which is viewed from an elevated vantage point provides exceptional wildlife viewing throughout the day and into the night.

Day 3 Halali to Ondangwa

Accommodation

Protea Hotels Ondangwa is situated in the cultural heartland of Namibia (Owamboland), approximately 92km from the spectacular Etosha National Park in the far north of the country.

The four star hotel is air-conditioned with en-suite rooms, including 2 suites, as well as a bar, and restaurant. Leisure facilities include a swimming pool and gardens, while nearby attractions include the Owambo Cultural Arts route.  It is here we will base ourselves while we venture out to Oonte OVC Centre to volunteer with Namibia’s orphaned and vulnerable children, visit the Royal homestead of the Kwaluudhi King, amongst other small craft and market excursions.

Day 4 Oonte OVC Centre

And this is exactly one, of many, forms of voluntourism.  Utilize your time, talent, and treasure and in turn, you receives gratitude, recognition, and a transformative experience that ultimately continues to change your foundation.

My exclusive partnership with Oonte OVC Centre allows you, the traveler, an easy path to give a little –to take home A LOT.

Do you have the skills to:

• Be flexible?
• Reach out to children spiritually, physically, or pshyco-social support?
• Teach health, personal hygiene, goal setting, and leadership?
• Help in the garden?
• Aid with the preparation and cleanup of meals?

Do you have the desire to:

• Connect intimately with a foreign community?
• Learn a new culture?  A new Language?
• To utilize your skills and talents?
• To feel enriched?  May I dare say…Spiritually Elevated?

Accommodation same as previous night.

Day 5 Oonte OVC Centre

Oonte OVC Organisation is a non-profit organization based in Ondangwa that serves the neediest of this country—orphans and other vulnerable children (OVC). Oonte’s goal is to reach out to children and provide them with spiritual, physical and psycho-social support.

Delve deeper into this community, visit traditional homesteads of the orphaned children, deliver food to local villagers, observe and assist classes in the local primary and secondary schools, plus a whole lot more!

Oonte is involved in numerous projects. They offer after school programs for children that focus on health, personal hygiene, goal setting and leadership. They have a feeding program that allows them to offer the children three meals a week, one on Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons. For most of the children, this is the only meal they eat on those days.

Oonte provides skills training in trades such as glass making and construction for vulnerable young adults. At the site, they have a large garden where the children learn how to harvest food and take care of animals. Oonte also makes house visits to the most vulnerable households to check on the living situations of the children and to see where they can offer help. The support offered by Oonte is support that these needy children could not find anywhere else in their lives.

Accommodation same as previous night.

Day 6 Oonte OVC Centre

Accommodation same as previous night.

More about Oonte (click here)

Day 7 Uukwaluudhi King’s traditional homestead tour

Tsandi is a small town, so small in fact that it is still technically classified as a village. Located about 30 km south of Uutapi, the town offers the basic of necessities: post office, hospital, small takeaways, and several shebeens. The town is a lonely dust collector, and home to the Uukwaluudhi king.

One interesting site is the Tsandi Royal Homestead, located about 2 km past Tsandi towards the town of Okahao. Half the homestead is of modern structure where the the Kwaluudhi king and queen reside, while the other half is left in traditional Owambo style.

Guided tours  through the palace with traditional demonstrations and rituals, including dancing and cuisine upon request. There is a craft outlet of locally made products on display, along with indepth readings and information. The family is friendly, open, and full of insightful information. It’s possible to meet the king upon request.

Nambula Combined School – A spur of the moment option depending entirely on invitation from school principal.

Nambula is a combined school of the Tsandi Circuit in the Omusati region.  The South African government first built the school in 1978, before Namibia gained its independence in 1991.  The school hosts grade five to grade ten.  Nambula is a state school with a capacity of 385 learners.  Because of the fight for liberation and the epidemic disease, HIV/AIDS, there are a large number of orphaned and vulnerable children as well.

Accommodation same as previous night.

Day 8 Ondangwa to Otjiwarongo

Waterberg Plateau. Day treks, 9 in all.  Unguided day treks are covered by park entrance fee.

Trekking at Waterberg is stunning. The area offers 9 day treks, which are open throughout the year, as well as guided and unguided night treks. The day treks can be done without prior reservation.  You should bring warm clothes for the early mornings and nights, water containers, and binoculars are also great to have. Once on top of the plateau, you have exited civilization and entered the pure serenity of the wilderness – dung and spoor of both species of rhino, giraffe, and plains game amongst many others are clearly visible. It is important to walk slowly; it could be devastating to suddenly surprise a rhino or buffalo. These animals will charge if surprised or frightened. If an animal does charge, hold you ground until the last possible second then step to the side. And when in absolute doubt, climb a tree (that is if there is no leopard in it!) and wait for the animal to move on its way.

Accommodation:

Bush Pillow An open, colorful atmosphere, the rooms have en-suite bathrooms and TVs. There is a relaxing garden and pool to chill around. There is also a communal area for eating and conversing. Breakfast is included and internet is available.

Day 9 Cheetah Conservation Fund

CCF is a nonprofit organization run by American Dr. Laurie Marker, who is the winner of the 2009 Life Achievement Award for Conservation from the Zoological Society of San Diego, California. CCF Research and Education Centre has one of the largest concentrations of cheetah in Africa. Since 1990, when the project began, CCF has focused on cheetah conservation, working with commercial farmers, whose land is also home to the world’s largest free roaming cheetah population (numbering around 3,000 total cheetahs). The same land is shared with the farmers and their livestock. In 2000, CCF opened its doors to the public with a visitors centre and education centre. CCF strives to secure cheetah habitats to ensure a future for the animal through integrated programs of conservation, research, and education.

Accommodation same as previous night.

Day 10 Otjiwarongo to Windhoek

Heja Game Lodge Although 13 km from Windhoek, this lodge is a fantastic place to get away and relax while enjoying a variety of animals that roam freely throughout the area. Wildebeest, springbok, oryx, ostrich, baboon, and warthog can all be easily seen from the swimming pool area.

Rooms are of superb quality and equipped with AC, cable TV, telephone, toilet, and shower. You will be happy to hear Heja is eco-friendly and uses a solar heating system. The chalets have their own kitchenettes. Although you are far from Windhoek, many outdoor activities can be arranged from here including short game drives and horseback riding. The restaurant has an excellent á la carte menu. If you are more of a nature lover than a city dweller, than this is the place to be.

Your Safari Guide: Jeremy Allen

Check Out Jeremy Allen’s Namibia Travel Guide

Sign Up for my Safari and Receive the Following for FREE!

Personally Signed Copy of my Namibia: Discover the Real Namibia book!

Safari Tips 101 Packing List!

Wild Safari T-Shirt!

“Traveling with Jeremy was definitely an exciting and enlightening experience.  Not only was our tour unique and varied but we saw and experienced a number of amazing things in a relatively short period of time.  Jeremy was great to travel with, knowledgeable in local customs, and adept at handling the myriad minor details that come with international travel.

Namibia is an incredible country and we were able to engage with so much of it–from traditional homesteads to a vibrant capital city, from sprawling deserts to wild game parks, everything was fresh and exciting.” –Lisa Wasilewski Virginia Beach, VA

“Jeremy,

It wasn’t until I met up with you that I started to experience the real Africa.  Africa, as I found out, has so much more to offer than the standard safaris that most people go on.  Traveling with Wild Safari Africa I experienced not only the safari side of Africa but also the people side of Africa, and that turned out to be way more exciting and adventurous than I ever could have imagined.

Your knowledge and understanding of the people and clans of southern Africa is absolutely amazing.  One of the greatest parts about Wild Safari Africa is that they are able to tailor a trip to my needs.  I told them exactly what I wanted and they planned out a trip that showed me wildlife, people, and some of the most amazing landscapes I’ve ever seen, and my photography benefited tremendously!

I have been to over 35 countries, but I can honestly say that this trip with Jeremy and Wild Safari Africa was the most exciting and unique trip I have ever been on.” -Chad Galloway Denver, CO

“Jeremy, we just returned from a trip to Namibia.  We used your book as one of our guides on the trip.  Yours is perhaps the only tour book that covers the North of the country…This was our first trip to Namibia, which apparently puts us ahead of about 99.9% of Americans.

We were more than impressed with the wildlife and the scenery.  I wish there were some way you could convey the impression of the landscape in words…It’s like the American West crammed into a small space without the people.” -Steve Cartwright Dayton, OH

“In May of 2008 I went on a Wild Safari African tour of the entire Namibian country with Jeremy.  Before I went and left for the African continent I was very afraid and nervous about issues including safety, health, and logistics of a tour in a foreign country who did not speak my language… And when I went on this tour with Jeremy it was safe, affordable, and most importantly everything was taken care of for me!  So I just got to sit back, relax, enjoy the sites and take tons of pictures! I had the time of my life and made memories that will last an entire lifetime.   I came home with a camera full of pictures and experiences I will hold on to forever.  If you are looking for a safe and affordable and fun experience in Africa Jeremiah Allen is the best man for the job!” -Jason “Wally” Waldron Fort Collins, CO

*Disclaimer: Although Namibia boasts one of Sub-Saharan Africa’s greatest infrastructures, like any kind of travel, things can go wrong.  Though not often, flat tires and unexpected obstacles may cause for quick changes to the tours plan.  This is rare, and because it is Africa we will be dealing with African time which may be slow, inefficient, and make no sense at all.  This is why you have chose to tour with Jeremy, he’s used to this “nonsense” and can handle each situation accordingly and efficiently. Wild Safari Africa reserves the right to alternate the itinerary since arrangements are made up to a year in advance.  Changes will enhance and improve the Safari.Something that should be mentioned, but not deeply thought about.  Cheers!