Cheetah Conservation Fund

CCF encourages Namibian and South African citizens to volunteer at their local CCF. We believe that the long-term conservation of cheetahs is only possible through the development of alternative land-management practices, conservation and eco-tourism in the countries the cheetah inhabits. CCF works together with local communities to find practical solutions to help cheetahs and people to co-exist. Through education, training, and outreach, we can address predator-conflict resolutions, and build capacity locally by working together with university students, farmers and the youth.

We are always delighted by inquiries from Namibian and South African citizens to volunteer with us. We also understand that the costs of our volunteer program would be prohibitive to local volunteers. As a result, we have developed a special volunteer program, at reduced rates, to encourage Namibian and South African citizens to apply as volunteers.

What to Expect

CCF Namibia is the headquarters of the Cheetah Conservation Fund. CCF Namibia is located on Eland's Joy, a farm about 30 miles (44km) east of the town Otjiwarongo, and about 3.5 hours drive from Namibia's capital, Windhoek. Eland's Joy has been developed over a number of years into a sophisticated Research & Education Centre, housing three large buildings: a cheetah museum, a research and veterinary clinic which is also the office, and an education hall. Staff housing, volunteer rondavels and student dorms are nearby, with showers/bathrooms located within walking distance. Also nearby is a communal kitchen and dining hall, and a TV/common room. Some staff and volunteers remain in Boskop, one of CCF's farms about 5 miles (8km) from the main center.

CCF Namibia is a collection of working farms as well as housing rescued, orphaned, and on occasion, wild cheetahs. Our farms have sheep, goats and cattle. Annually, we bale hay, fix fences, cut down overgrown bush, feed and care for animals. We breed and actively maintain Anatolian Shepherd guardian dogs. As of the beginning of 2006, we care for 38 resident cheetahs who cannot be re-released due to injury or orphanage. We conduct research, education and training programs. And on a daily basis, we allow day-visitors to visit our museum observe our cheetahs and learn about our programs. In short, it's a very busy place, with many people and animals. 

Volunteer Skills CCF Needs

You will conduct similar type of work as other volunteers. Namibian students can intern for longer-term basis with CCF, typically via one of Namibia's colleges. You are required to be tremendously flexible, adaptable and patient. Working conditions can be extremely hot or extremely cold. You may work long hours, seven days a week. You may work much of the day indoors or outdoors. You will work with many people from different cultures and of different age groups. You will need to be able to work on your own and expect to multi-task. You will be asked to do administrative work such as filing, database entry, photocopying, organizing events, writing articles, running errands, do the weekly food shopping, cook dinner, etc. But you will also get the chance to help with cheetah feeding, raise puppies, assist in clinical workups, collect and dissect cheetah faeces, observe cheetah behavior, conduct field work and be involved in outreach and education programs. Longer-term volunteers may be assigned a specific project to complete during their stay. These will be matched according to your skills/background.

Mandatory Donation

Our volunteer program is fee-based: because we are a not-for-profit organization relying entirely on donations, all volunteers are required to make a mandatory donation to CCF to cover the cost of room, board. However, the costs of volunteering are subsidized for Namibian and South African volunteers. Please email the Namibia Volunteer Coordinator to ask about volunteering, and mention that you are a Namibian or South African citizen.

You must pay for your own transport to and from CCF.

Please note that South African and Namibian citizens must pay volunteer fees on their first day at CCF to the accountant. All payments made to CCF are non-refundable.

Ready to Apply?

Click here for application forms and important reading materials.