What inspired you to work for your organization?
I started Nature Travel Namibia and Namibia Vet Safaris as I felt that conservation tourism is a great way for people to give something back and get an in-depth look at what goes on behind the scenes in conservation work. Most tourists just travel through a country without ever learning more about true conservation work.
Traveling in South America
Describe a typical day at work.
My time is split between working with wildlife as a vet, training vet students, and spending time with conservation groups. I work with key conservation organisations that are doing research and rehabilitation work with wildlife, as well as take vet and biology students into the field, where they learn about wildlife conservation work. With conservation groups, we do a combination of tourism activities and conservation work.
Why do you do what you do?
I have lived in Africa my whole life and have always had a passion for wildlife and wildlife conservation. I have worked in both tourism and as a wildlife vet and realised that the two can be combined where there is a benefit for both wildlife, the conservation organisations, and the clients that join us on these tours.
What is your favorite part of your job?
When working with wildlife obviously to see a rehabilitated animal being released back into the wild. When working with students to really get them to understand what wildlife work is really about, and with clients to get them to understand what is involved with conservation work, and to share the highlights of Africa with them.
How do you use your education and international background in your current role?
I have traveled extensively, so I have a great understanding of what international clients think and would like to see and experience. Having qualified as a vet and having worked with all the major conservation organisations, I know what they need and where both parties can benefit. So we can combine the two to create a better future for wildlife.
Conservation tour group just before immunization reversal and release.
What challenges do you often face, and how do you overcome them?
Conservation and wildlife veterinary work is expensive and requires a lot of funding. So we have to get tourists to understand the need for funding and how their contributions can really help save wildlife and allow conservation organisations to function properly and make a positive contribution.
What are some current projects you are working on?
With Namibia Vet Safaris, we have several conservation projects we support. We only work with worthwhile organisations that do actual conservation work and really want to make a positive contribution. We have several options, from learning programs for university and school students to vet training programs for vet and biology students, and conservation tours where we combine conservation tours with tourism.
What advice would you give your pre-travel self?
Just pack your things and go. Don't overthink it, as you will always find a reason why not to go or why now is not a good time. Once you start travelling, the whole world will open up. And once there, just get involved with all activities. You can sleep once you are back home. Start planning the next trip when the current one comes to an end.
Why should someone choose your organization over competitors?
At Namibia Vet Safaris and Nature Travel Namibia, we only work with conservation organisations that do actual conservation work and can give clients an in-depth learning experience. We have done this for a long time so we know what works and believe that with our experience, we are brilliantly positioned to offer clients the best possible life-changing and once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Working with a young brown heyna
What is your organization's mission, and how do you continue to work toward it?
For Africa's wildlife to survive, we need to ensure that it has a value, and what better way than to take clients to these areas and the organisations that work in conserving the wildlife and land, where the financial contribution leads to a better future for wildlife.
What do you hope participants take away from your programs?
That they have learned what true conservation work is, what goes on behind the scenes, and that they feel that they have made a positive contribution towards wildlife conservation. Also, they have contributed to wildlife conservation and have had a life-changing experience, and off course have seen some of the highlights that the country has to offer.
Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?
Most people spend so much time online and on social media, and that is the only reference they have to conservation and wildlife, and there is so much more to it. What you see online and what is really out there is completely different, and once you start traveling, you will never stop and will want to keep learning.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
I believe in value for money, so a trip where you pay a fair rate and get the opportunity to see the highlights from a destination, get a unique experience, and know that the money you invested also made a significant contribution to conservation and the future of wildlife and conservation areas.
