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| Namibia |
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 Stretching
down the southwestern coast of Africa, Namibia and is
a land of rare beauty and extreme geography. The long,
foggy shoreline of the Skeleton Coast in the north provides
a cool contrast to the vast expanse of the dry Namib Desert.
Further inland the terrain becomes more fertile, and rains
more frequent. Seasonal thunderstorms fill up the rivers
for only a few hours, but sustain the land for the rest
of the year. The landscape is dry but scattered with trees,
flowers, and unique animals found only in this ecosystem.
Why volunteer in Namibia?
A country of considerable size, Namibia is scarcely populated
because of its arid climate. Although humans and wildlife
have adapted to the harsh desert environment, they still
compete for precious water resources. In their quest for
survival, wild animals often raid farmers' livestock,
crops, and water supplies. The farmers protect their land
by building walls to keep the wild creatures out, as well
as by hunting and trapping the animals. Unfortunately,
these efforts are often ineffective for the farmers, who
defend their assets with limited resources, and harmful
to the local wildlife.
Our partner organizations in Namibia have chosen to help
both the people and animals of the safari. They have developed
programs that help rehabilitate injured animals and create
new water sources for them in the wild. These groups also
provide a workforce to help maintain the land and livestock
of the farmers, while simultaneously educating locals
on how to live peacefully with their animal neighbors.
Project Location: Damaraland
This land running along the Skeleton Coast is filled with
steep, dusty cliffs, gaping valleys, and striking rock
formations. Among the resilient creatures that stake claim
to this rugged landscape are the desert elephant and the
nearly extinct black rhino. The people who live here are
just as tough, farming and raising families in the harsh
conditions of the desert. The Damaraland is also home
to Twyfelfontein, the largest outdoor art gallery in the
world, where visitors can admire the paintings and carvings
of ancient Bushmen.
Project
Location: Omaheke Region
This region lies on the eastern border of Namibia, east
of the nation's capital, Windhoek. The area is fortunate
to get enough rain to offset the extreme summer heat,
and to provide for rich soil for farming. A variety of
animals can be found here, including giraffes, cheetahs,
lions and elephants. The Omaheke region is a popular destination
thanks to large tracts of land set aside for private animal
reserves. |
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Volunteer
Adventures - 915 S. Colorado Blvd., Denver, CO, 80246
Phone: 1-888-825-3454 or 303-777-7783 Fax: 303-777-7246 UK Toll
Free: 0800-028-8051 |
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