Most Earthwatch Expeditions take place in destinations that are wild and remote, with varying physical demands and limited medical facilities. All field research trips may not be suitable for every traveler. In order to participate on this expedition, you must comfortably and reliably be able to execute all physical requirements as noted below.
Level of Difficulty
- Easy
Trip Pace
Active 10-day itinerary combining wildlife viewing, overland travel and five days at the Cheetah Conservation Fund
Early starts are common, including research sessions beginning around 6–6:30 am
Research days may include morning and late-afternoon wildlife counts, camera-trap work and other conservation activities
Full days include scheduled activities balanced with meals, breaks and downtime at camps and lodges
Several changes of location, with some long road transfers and extended game drives
One evening/night drive during the research portion of the trip
Guests should be able to:
Walk up to 3 miles per day, though most research is vehicle-based
Walk independently over gravel, sand, grass, rocky surfaces and uneven natural terrain
Walk short distances at camera-trap sites; individual walks during camera-trap work are no longer than approximately 0.6 mile
Participate in guided nature walks and walk between accommodations, vehicles and activity areas
Stand for short periods and bend or reach to inspect camera traps
Carry light personal or field items
Manage occasional inclines and areas with limited or no paved access
Spend time outdoors in warm, dry and dusty conditions
No strenuous hiking or heavy lifting is required.
Travel includes a combination of:
Road transfers between Windhoek, Damaraland, Etosha Heights and the Otjiwarongo area
Wildlife drives in specially configured Toyota Land Cruiser safari vehicles
Research outings in high-clearance 4x4 or game-viewing vehicles
Please note:
Guests should be able to enter and exit high-clearance safari vehicles independently
Road transfers and research outings may involve rough, dusty or bumpy travel on gravel roads and uneven farm tracks
Guests should be comfortable spending extended periods in vehicles during transfers and wildlife drives. Transfers between accommodations may include drives of 3.5–5.5 hours, with breaks during longer drives. Research outings may include drives of up to 2–3 hours without a long break
This expedition is not wheelchair accessible due to high-clearance vehicles, uneven natural terrain and remote camps and research sites.
Guests should be able to:
Walk short distances independently over uneven terrain
Board and exit safari and field vehicles
Negotiate steps, inclines and uneven surfaces at accommodations and activity sites
Remain seated safely on rough roads
Follow safety instructions in English
Observe and record wildlife data, with corrective aids where needed
Travelers with mobility limitations, medical conditions or specific accessibility requirements should discuss their needs with the expedition organizer before booking.
Expect generally warm, dry conditions, strong sun and low humidity
September brings warmer spring days with the possibility of cool mornings and evenings
From October, days become increasingly hot, with warm evenings and the possibility of sporadic rain
Daytime temperatures can become very hot later in the season
Temperatures may vary considerably between early morning and midday, so layered clothing is recommended
Be prepared for sun, dust, dry conditions and variable weather throughout the expedition
Guests should carry water and remain well hydrated during outdoor activities
Windhoek: approximately 5,413 feet
Damaraland/Twyfelfontein area: approximately 1,804 feet
Etosha area: approximately 3,593 feet
Otjiwarongo/CCF area: approximately 4,790 feet