Volunteer Update - Week 26

Week 26 Volunteers

"Staying at Neuras has been such an exceptional experience; seeing Sossusvlei, the infamous dunes and Dead Vlei was absolutely amazing. It was such a unique landscape and so amazing to see. 

Going to the Namib Carnivore Conservation Centre (NCCC) and seeing the cheetahs was also incredible, never before would I have thought that I would be so close to cheetahs. Getting to observe their behaviour allowed me to understand them so much more; it was so beneficial to me personally considering I want to work in this field later on in life. It was such an amazing stay I hope I get to come back soon."

Madi Schuller-Chan.

"Traveling to the NCCC for the day was amazing. Being able to track via radio collaring, 6 unreleasable cheetahs in a 500ha enclosure was cool. We were also able to feed all of them which was unreal, and the photography opportunities were so good as my friend took a "National Geographic" shot:

See, so cool! Feeding and tracking a definite highlight, but tracking I thought was the most interesting. The whole time with research has been great!"

Sarah Cheney.

"We had been tracking Lightning the Leopard and were worried about the fact she had not been moving for three days. It was suspected that she could have been injured or hurt. We went to her location and everything seemed fine and her radio signal was moving; we then considered that she could be with cubs. We returned the next morning to place a camera trap close to her location but then we found a large Warthog Kill, which then explained her lack of movement for the last three days. It was incredible to see her patterns. 

Another incredible thing was how we got to track down the 6 cheetahs at the NCCC and getting to throw the food to them when they are so close. The enrichment item we gave to Teddy and Ayla was great; watching them struggle with the boxes to earn their food was classic!"

Stephanie Harvey.

Volunteer Update - Week 25

Week 25 volunteers: Teagan, Bree, Emily, Madeline, Lisa, Grushenka, Aswini, Kelly, Rita and Georgina.  And introducing staff member Karl Fester.

"When I came to this place I wasn't expecting something as good as what I found. I loved this and the people involved with the programme were very helpful. I initially came for one week but I will now spend another two weeks here - that is how much i like it!

From the first day I felt good vibes. The landscape is beautiful, and I really enjoy the car rides to our activities as the view is different every day. I thank all the team here for the experience."

Grushenka Vucetich

"My experience at Neuras thus far surpassed my expectations. It has been a privilege to assist such knowledgeable researchers and to gain experience in the field that will be valuable to my future research endeavors. Neuras is such a unique desert oasis, full of beautiful scenery, delicious food and wine and the friendliest staff you can find.....not to mention it's a birders paradise; it will be hard to leave!"

Aswini Cherukin.

"The highlight of the week has to be the six and a half hour "leisurely stroll" up and down the seemingly endless mountains of Neuras with Matt. This was to make note of any gaps in the perimeter fence. With the job complete and as complete exhaustion hit walking back to Neuras along the main road a friendly passer by helped ensure neither of us would have to carry back/drag/abandon the other. Nevertheless the trip was worth it for the wonderful views and massive sense of satisfaction at the end. The lovely lasagne for dinner that night could not have come at a better time, nor had I ever appreciated the amazingly comfortable beds at Neuras quite so much!"

Georgina Jones.

Volunteer Update - Week 24

Week 24 volunteers: Keith Marshall, Julia Minter, Ayla Tatti, Sarah Mitchell, Georgina Jones and Lisa Paterson.

"I really enjoyed being at Neuras. We do something different everyday. My Favourite thing we did was go to the Namib Carnivore Conservation Fund to feed the cheetahs, It was actually my favourite day of entire trip. We got to be so close to the cheetahs and take incredible pictures. We were only5 feet away from some of the cheetahs which was awesome as you can really appreciate how beautiful they are.

As for the staff, Matt and Kate, as well as the workers and cooks are amazing. Everyone is super friendly and knowledgeable. Coming to Neuras is a great chance to see the conservation part of N/a'an ku se; like tracking carnivore tracks, checking camera traps and seeing if anything was caught in the trap cages. All in all this is a wonderful place to volunteer."

Julia Minter

"I really enjoyed Neuras. I had a really good time. The staff are really nice and there is a good atmosphere. I loved the cheetahs and the trip to Sossusvlei and I am sad to leave. Thank you for the really really good time! "

Ayla Tatti

"I spent one week here and really enjoyed it. My favourite activity was going to the Namib Carnivore Conservation Centre and feeding the cheetahs up close. The weather is great in this area. There is a lot of hiking but its not too much and it is worth it when the camera traps reveal something good. Also, the pizza during pizza night was delicious!"

Keith Marshall.

Namibia's most beautiful landscape.

Exhilarating hikes up breathtaking sand dunes.

Unbelievable scenery.

Relaxing atmosphere surrounded by friendly people.

Amazing up close encounters with Cheetahs.

Sad, so incredibly sad to leave!

Sarah Mitchell.