Preliminary note:
The general public in Namibia is not allowed to touch large carnivores. As there was a lot of interest in closer contact with the animals, learning about Namibia, Africa and especially the "Harnas way of life" the working guest programme arose and was made possible after receiving a special grant from the Ministry of immigration.
If you wish to experience Harnas in a much more intense way than being a normal tourist and you are between 18 and 40 years you can do this by joining the working guest programme. As you will work with wild animals you need a special training before you start.
If you are older than 45 and wish to experiece Harnas you can send a mail to Jo van der Merwe (harnas@iway.na) or Marika (bookings@harnas.org) to inform you about dates and see here more information.
As a working guest on Harnas you will among other things get in contact with "tame" animals. Please remember always that even a tame carnivore is in the first instance still a carnivore. The tame animals were raised by hand and are only a small percentage of all the animals on Harnas. For us they are ambassadors f
or all these who live already relatively unseen and wild in the 10.000 ha big farm area - or for e.g. the very endangered wild dogs - which don´t have a big following, but can benefit from Harnas as a secure refuge aswell.
Working with animals as daily contact and activity vary with the time of the year.
Here you can read reports of former members of the programme on Harnas
Please read the following information and fill in the application form at the bottom.
We are very pleased to welcome you to the new Harnas Working Guest Programme.
Harnas greatly values the contribution to its work brought by those who come to be working guests with us and very much hope that all those who join us will enjoy their time at Harnas and have an experience that will be remembered throughout their life.
If you do not yet know anything about Harnas, may we recommend that you take time to read the other sections of the website, especially those pieces about the history of Harnas and the projects now in development.
We hope all the information you will find in all these sections will help you in your choice about becoming a working guest.
Your time on Harnas should be a life changing and wonderful experience. It is hard not to be affected by all that Harnas is and all that it does and to become a lifetime supporter. However, to come to Harnas as a working guest is a huge commitment and one which needs considerable and honest thought before you apply, to ensure your expectations are met and that you will gain the very best during your time there.
As you can imagine, Harnas receives requests from people all over the world wishing to come to come as working guests. While we are always pleased to welcome working guests to Harnas, we do know that people occasionally do not fully consider some of the more difficult parts of life there or have some genuine misunderstandings as to what is involved. We really do understand that if people have seen a documentary about the wonderful work, the animals, the landscape, the family, that it is easy to overlook the less glamorous side of Harnas.
We also felt it would be more effective to introduce induction programme dates rather than having working guests arriving at different times without structure. This allows us to use Harnas’ resources more effectively and to offer working guests the support they need and deserve.
We feel strongly that it is very important we offer you an opportunity to think about the reality of life at Harnas and we must trust your honesty as to whether this is really what you want to do before you commit yourself and your money. Please always remember, there are many other different ways to support our work.
Harnas is always busy. Every day of the year the needs of the animals must be attended to before anything else and often there are not enough hours in the day to achieve all the other things we would like to. This is why the skills of working guests can be used so effectively on Harnas. All working guests coming to Harnas can be certain that there will be something to help us with. It is important to note that there may be times that we will give priority to certain skills depending on the need at any one time. As you will see at the end of the application form, there are many and varied opportunities to help, from the very general to the very specialised. Please take your time in considering what you might like to do.
Harnas is also a charity and therefore does not have unlimited resources. Feeding the animals always comes first and so financial support is simply not always available for extra staff. Again, this is why working guests are so important to Harnas. You can make the most extraordinary difference to the progress of each of the projects by using your skills in a practical way. To support you to do this you will be given a comprehensive induction and training, clear guidelines as to the policies and procedures of Harnas and support in your work.
Much as we wish to welcome you on Harnas, it would be very unfair of us not to inform you of the more difficult aspects of life there so that you are not shocked or disappointed. It is very important when you come to Harnas that you leave any “romantic” ideas of life in the bush behind you.
Perhaps the most important thing of all is that you accept that you will have considerably less direct contact and time with the animals than you may want and expect. You must remember at all times that the animals are wild and that, when you see the interactions between the family and the animals, this comes after many, many years of experience resulting in a unique knowledge and respect for each individual animal. In addition to adhering to the required legislation regarding the interaction of people with animals, especially large carnivores, Harnas must also consider both your safely and its long-standing reputation for excellence in its work.
Even if you have travelled in Africa before, it must be remembered that you will experience aspects of daily life which are very different to being at home. These can cause difficulties, distress and frustrations on both sides if not acknowledged.
Harnas is in a remote location in the bush and therefore you are unable simply to go to the shops, go to a bar, meet with friends, have access to e-mail and computers or other social and practical things you might take for granted at home. It can be difficult to adjust to the remoteness, lack of outside communication and lack of entertainment. We hope that working guests arriving in groups will help – and that you will be so exhausted after your day’s work you will want to go to sleep early - but we do suggest that you bring books, personal stereos etc.
Harnas is also the home of the van der Merwe family and those who work on Harnas. It is therefore important to realise that working guests cannot assume that the family and farm workers will always be available to talk to or to socialise with and you need to respect their privacy at all times. Your relationship with them will always be a professional one and this may result in you spending time alone or only with the other working guests especially in the evenings.
It must also be remembered that politically there are many issues and relationships which those who have not been brought up in Southern Africa do not fully understand. It is therefore very important that you remain non-judgmental and uncritical of any political issues about which you may not have full knowledge.
“Africa time” can be very frustrating for those who are used to a more structured way of life. You must be tolerant and patient when things may not happen when you want or when it has been said they will.
Although English is the official language of Namibia, Afrikaans is commonly spoken and this can be frustrating to hear around you all the time without being able to understand. There is also some German spoken. We will certainly always try to make sure that no-one feels “left out” and that there is always someone who speaks your first language available, but you must appreciate this may not always be possible.
Please remember that there are many creatures on Harnas which may not be included in those you wish to see. There are snakes, beetles, moths and other assorted “creepy-crawlies”, large and small, on the ground and in the air. We do appreciate this can be a very real difficulty for people and only you can decide whether it may spoil the enjoyment of your trip or not.
Working on Harnas is dirty and dusty. You must be prepared for this. If you are working with the animals, you are required to prepare their food. This will mean cutting and handling fresh meat etc. This may not be for the squeamish!
Although this list of things may appear to be here to try to put you off coming, this is not the case. Please remember that Harnas is also a truly magical place and onewhich you will feel very privileged to have visited and contributed to. Everything you do, however, simple or mundane, helps the animals and the aims of the projects.
We really want you to have the best experience on Harnas and to have positive memories that will last you a lifetime. We also appreciate that to come to Harnas is a huge commitment both of your time and your money and we want to ensure that you will feel that your expectations and investment have been justified.
However, to make this happen, it is very important that you take the time to ensure you are correctly prepared, equipped and informed prior to your trip. Please remember that once you are on Harnas, it may be very difficult to correct anything you have overlooked.
Please also take enough time to plan and research the options that are best for you.
It is worth investing time to find out the best routes and prices as these may vary considerably. We suggest you look at the websites and also e-mail or talk on the phone to the major carriers to Windhoek from your own area.
We would also suggest you think carefully about your type of ticket. In the unlikely event of an emergency, your finding that Harnas is not for you or wanting to take some time to see more of Namibia on your trip, you must be sure of any date restrictions on your ticket. Please also check whether or not you are liable to pay airport tax.
When you have finalised your flight arrangements, please let Harnas have your details in order that the appropriate arrangements can be made for your stay.
Please ensure that you have your working visa with you when you arrive in Namibia.
You will want to be adequately covered for all your travel, belongings and activities. Travel insurance companies do vary in the cover they offer, so again we recommend you find out what is best for your needs.
You will be not be covered by Harnas public liability insurance during your stay.
Unless you have any medical reason why you are unable to have vaccinations, we would recommend that you comply with the following:
Hepatitis A
Tetanus
Typhoid
Polio
We also strongly advise that you have Rabies vaccinations as some of the smaller animals at Harnas may be carriers.
The area around Harnas is not a high risk malarial area, however, it is not unknown. It is at your discretion as to whether or not you wish to take a malaria prophylaxis.
A Yellow Fever vaccination is compulsory if you have travelled via an infected country.
Please note that vaccination requirements change, so please check with a specialised travel clinic for up-to-date information.
Please also ensure you leave enough time to have all the vaccinations. Do not leave this to chance or until the last minute.
You require a passport and a working visa to enter Namibia. All foreign nationals must in possession of a passport that is valid for at least six months after the date of entry. All volunteers require a Working Visa. Please check with your Local Travel Agent to ensure that your Travel Documentation is in order PRIOR to your arrival. Tourist visas can be obtained from the Ministry of Home Affairs and Namibian embassies abroad.
As with any overseas trip, we would recommend that you leave copies of your travelling documents etc. with someone at home and carry copies with you separate from your main documents.
Please also remember to bring your driving licence, should driving from part of your work on Harnas, and any medical letters or anything else we have asked you to supply.
Please note this is only a list of suggestions from our experience of living here.
Namibia has a harsh climate. It is generally very hot. However, in the winter months, from May to August, temperatures can drop dramatically in the evenings. There is a rainy season from February to April.
We suggest the following:
Soft holdalls which will withstand dust and transportation; a day sack to take have with you on a day to day basis, as compact as possible, but able to hold such items as suncreme, a water bottle etc.
Comfortable walking/ trail boots or sturdy shoes are essential. Please be sure these are worn in before you arrive. You may wish to bring sandals for relaxing, but we also recommend a second pair of shoes, especially for the evenings, that do not leave your ankles and feet exposed.
Underwear; socks; shorts; long trousers; t-shirts; long-sleeved shirts; fleece; warm jacket; sunhat; nightwear; thermal underwear; rain jacket.
Your choice may be influenced by the time of year you visit. Please remember that there is a laundry facility. We also suggest that you pack a change of clothes and some essential items in your hand luggage in the event of your luggage not arriving when you do! We suggest you bring old or dispensable clothes as daily life and work will involve getting dirty.
Again try to bring enough of basic toiletries such as soap, shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant and, for women, items of feminine hygiene, for the duration of the stay. In addition, please ensure you have an adequate supply of high factor suncremes and lip salve, as you are likely to be exposed to the sun for long periods of time. Wipes or antibacterial gel are useful. A nail brush may seem like a luxury, but is worth packing as it can be used for many purposes.
We also recommend that you bring your own small first aid kit, including plasters, disinfectant wipes, painkillers, an after-bite product, anti-mosquito products, a tooth repair kit; rehydration salts and Imodium or similar product.
Please note that if you need any regular prescribed medication that you carry sufficient for your trip.
We also suggest you bring the following items:
Alarm clock, watch, books, paper and pens, camera, films and batteries – you will probably need twice as many as you think - good sunglasses, torch, biodegradable detergent, washing line. In addition a hot water bottle, extra thermal clothing, gloves and bedding is recommended for the very cold winter months. Please do not underestimate how cold it is in the winter months!
If you are a smoker, you may wish to ensure you have an adequate supply for your needs.
Prices are available on request (just send a mail to Harnas or Marika), depend on how long you stay on Harnas and include your accommodation, food, laundry, transfers to and from Harnas and training materials.
Please note that working guests are required to pay for drinks and that Harnas does not refund if you decide to leave earlier.
We would suggest that you bring some “emergency money” and money for personal spending as you wish.
The currency in Namibia is Namibian dollars. Namibian dollars are pegged to the South African rand and can be used interchangeably. Rand are more easily obtainable outwith Namibia. After you have left Windhoek the opportunity to change money is very limited. We do suggest you change enough money in Windhoek for your whole stay.
On arrival at Hosea Kutako airport, you will be met by a representative of Harnas. Please look for someone holding a sign which reads ‘Harnas Wildlife Foundation.’
If for any reason you find yourself “abandoned” after waiting for a reasonable period of time, please ensure you take with you the number of Harnas Farm + 264- ( 0) 062 568858/568838/568842 (or call Herman Cell 0811244287). If your flight arrives before the programme starts, Harnas can arrange an accommodation with your booking.
Should any working guest be extending their stay in Namibia outwith the working guest programme, they will be responsible for organising accommodation separately.
We will arrange for you to be driven to Harnas in time to begin the induction programme. The journey takes about three hours, with asphalt roads until Gobabis and gravel / sand roads to Harnas. There will be stop in Gobabis to refuel, use the toilets and have a drink.
On arrival at Harnas, you will be welcomed and given brief instructions as to how to find your way around. You will be shown the office / lapa area where you will always find someone to answer any questions, before being taken to your accommodation. For a morning arrival, your induction will begin that afternoon; for an afternoon arrival, your induction will begin the following morning.
It is very important that both working guests and Harnas get the most from their time together. To do this we believe requires clarity and structure so the boundaries of the relationship are clear. In support of this, all working guests are required to undertake a full and comprehensive induction covering all aspects of working on Harnas. On completion of this, you will be allocated a supervisor to whom you will responsible and who will be responsible to you. Each working guest will be issued with a Working Guest Programme Manual, returnable on leaving Harnas. This includes details of the responsibilities on both sides, the policies and procedures of Harnas, the organisational structure, a code of conduct and clear guidelines on all aspects of working practice.
You will be part of a group of working guests, so this also will give you time to meet with and get to know each other.
You will already have some idea of the work you will be undertaking individually and this will be further discussed on your arrival. Each day you will meet with your supervisor to be given the tasks of the day. You will be taken, at least in the first instance, to the location and provided with and shown how to operate the necessary equipment and materials. Your daily hours, including break times, will also be discussed.
At the end of each day, the group will meet with your supervisor(s) to discuss daily progress, any problems that have occurred and how best they might be resolved and to forward plan.
All those coming to Harnas have to be clear that the basic needs of daily life must come first and many of those are entirely routine, functional, hard work and dirty. They are, however, essential to ensuring the welfare of the animals.
It must be remembered that working guests are entirely responsible for the honesty and accuracy of information they put on their application that may affect their general welfare on Harnas. Harnas also details policies and procedures to support your well-being on the farm. However, any problems that arise while on Harnas affecting the welfare of individual working guests can be discussed away from the group with your supervisor.
If you feel unwell, need access to medical care or are unhappy or struggling with any aspect of daily life on Harnas, we will help as best we can to resolve such issues.
Your accommodation will be in a Wendy House or in the volunteer house. The Wendy Houses are wooden cabins with a bedroom, bathroom and small kitchen area. If need be, single working guests will be asked to share. We will ensure that same sex sharing takes place. The Wendy Houses are situated within easy reach of the central area. Harnas will supply towels and bed linen. The volunteer house is situated directly next to to farm house and has several bed- and bathrooms that have to be shared too, if needed.
Harnas will provide you with all food. Please note that Namibia is predominantly a meat-eating country and is not an easy country to be a vegetarian. We will try to cater for any specific dietary needs, but food may become monotonous if you do not eat meat. Please ensure that special requirements are detailed on your application form.
Harnas does offer a laundry service. You are required to wash underwear and socks yourself, so please ensure that you use bio-degradable detergent.
Harnas is situated 1½ hours drive from the nearest town. It is therefore important that you plan ahead if you wish to have contact outside Harnas during your stay.
Communications on Harnas can be erratic and unreliable, most particularly e-mail. You should therefore assume that e-mail contact will not be possible. There is mobile reception in parts of Harnas and you can have access to phone and fax, but we do need to charge for this.
Before leaving Harnas, please remember to reconfirm your flights in good time. We will also ask you to return the manual and to complete an evaluation form about your time at Harnas to ensure we can continue to improve the programme.
You will be driven back to Windhoek in time to meet your flight or to continue your trip in Namibia.
The application form is is a online PDF-Form, so you may complete it on the screen and simply click the "Send It!" button on the last page.
For further information please mail to Marika directly.
