Nikita In Namibia - Day 3

Nikita In Namibia - Day 3

Posted by Connor Whelan on 11th Aug 2015

It was another early morning start, but we were informed that there would be an unusual routine to follow the morning meeting as a film crew were visiting, and this would mean some of the usual activities would not be possible.

The money paid to film in the area helps to further fund the project work, ie. for animal feed, materials for new enclosures, research equipment etc.

I was asked to join the cheetah run group, where one of the staff will set up a wire device which encourages the animals to chase after a blue cloth which is attached to it, and it whizzes around the enclosure once a battery is connected.

Whilst the fully grown cheetahs play, you can’t help but notice the almost oddly similar behaviour in them and that of a house cat! Once they had lost interest in the activity, we stepped out of the enclosure, and threw them all (six!) some chicken.

Following this we were asked to clean Samira’s (the old cheetah) enclosure, which we were happy to do – her story is quite sad, as she was kept illegally and fed dog food amongst other unsuitable things for years, and so came to the sanctuary very malnourished. It was good to hear that she has already lived a number of years longer than was originally expected, and that she may have quite a few more left whilst being well looked after at the sanctuary!

I was then lucky enough to be asked by Amanda to join her on the baby baboon walk – and it was awesome! They run along with you like you’re one of their gang, aswell as leaping on to your head so as to get a better view. We walked with them to an open area with a big tree (which seemed to be a favourite of theirs) and sat with them whilst they jumped around.

The more you relax around them, the more they want to get to know you – and soon take to wanting to play with you too; being swung, being lifted into the air, grooming your hair (which is not an experience I will ever forget!)


Following lunch I joined the research group, and we set off down to a part of the grounds where marking trees have been found previously. On route, we stopped to identify droppings and prints in order to get an idea of animals in the area. We carefully selected some spots that might offer some good camera trap opportunities, attached the cameras securely, checked battery levels and adjusted the settings appropriately, and then cleared any plants that may obstruct them in the hope that they would pick up some great snaps for the research team and future volunteers.

Finally, I need to tell you about my favourite part of the day, and probably of the trip so far!

I had signed up to look after a baby vervet monkey called Precious for the night, and after a couple of little test bites, she decided that I was safe enough to snuggle up to, and tucked herself into the top of my hoody.

I put her nappy on (tail first!) and gave her a bottle of milk which sent her off to sleep. I spent a little longer around the fire with the other volunteers before retreating to the ‘baboon room’ where all of the night buddies for the monkeys stay together.

She was no trouble at all... apart from deciding to sleep right across my face!


Share this Article...

Share this article with your friends and followers by using the social media buttons below.


Leave a Comment...

Wanting to add something to this story or just let us know your thoughts? Just leave your comments below. Please be aware that all comments will be moderated: abusive behaviour or self-promotion will not be allowed.

500 characters remaining

Has this blog inspired you to volunteer? If so, why not enquire today? Simply fill out an enquiry form, and allow a member of our travel team to assist with your query! Please note that blog comments are not monitored by the travel team, so any questions related to bookings may be missed.


Featured Videos


Experience The Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary

See what you could get up to as a volunteer at the Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary! This volunteer project offers you the chance to get up close and personal with some of the country's most iconic species.

Discover The Great White Shark Project

Come face to face with one of the world’s most misunderstood predators whilst aiding great white shark conservation. As a volunteer, not only will you get the incredible opportunity to dive with sharks, but you will also assist the team in raising awareness of the great white as you work alongside tourists and local school children to provide them with knowledge of the local environment and the importance of living in harmony with South Africa’s marine life.

Volunteers Review Their Experience at the Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Sanctuary

Volunteers talk about their recent experience at the Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Sanctuary in Borneo.

Latest Blog Arcticles


The Team Returns - James & Lauren's South Africa Experience

The Team Returns - James & Lauren's South Africa Experience

Lauren and James have returned and are ready to relay tales...

The Great Projects On Tour: Upcoming Staff Trips

The Great Projects On Tour: Upcoming Staff Trips

Team members Lauren and James, joined colleague Georgia to...

Lynne's Top Tips For Volunteering at the Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Sanctuary

Lynne's Top Tips For Volunteering at the Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Sanctuary

Volunteer Lynne Coe shares her valuable tips on what to...

10 More Orangutans Released Back Into The Wild From Nyaru Menteng!

10 More Orangutans Released Back Into The Wild From Nyaru Menteng!

Thanks to the hard work and dedication of the Borneo...

Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Sanctuary May Update

Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Sanctuary May Update

The Great Projects volunteer coordinators, Matt and Niamh,...

Latest At The Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Sanctuary

Latest At The Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Sanctuary

The Great Projects' volunteer coordinators Matt and Niamh...

Volunteer Update From Samboja In April 2023

Volunteer Update From Samboja In April 2023

As the Samboja Lestari Orangutan Project begins once again...

Inge’s Experience at the Harnas Wildlife Sanctuary

Inge’s Experience at the Harnas Wildlife Sanctuary

Inge volunteered at the Harnas Wildlife Sanctuary in...


Where you can go
Contact Info
UK Office
The Great Traveller Ltd,
3 Dairy Yard
Star Street
Ware, Hertfordshire
SG12 7DX
United Kingdom

Opening hours:
   Mon-Fri 8:30am–5:30pm
   Sat 10am-4pm

T: +44(0) 208 885 4987