Author: Clare Sisisky

Etosha National Park

The group has been immersed in learning about the animals, birds, and eco system of Etosha National Park located in Northern Namibia.

The students have been lucky enough to encounter many different species. They are spending three nights camping in the park with their knowledgeable local guides who are experts on the wildlife. This full immersion allows the students to study the animals in a variety of conditions, including in the middle of the night at the watering hole. The group has spent a lot of time learning about the elephants of Etosha.



Etosha is also home to an incredibly large salt pan (5,000 square kilometers). The salt "pan" or flat calcrete depression is a very unique environment and supports a great deal of plant, animal and bird life. It also makes for fun photos of our group.

Learn more about Etosha National Park here. 

Etosha National Park

The group has been immersed in learning about the animals, birds, and eco system of Etosha National Park located in Northern Namibia.

The students have been lucky enough to encounter many different species. They are spending three nights camping in the park with their knowledgeable local guides who are experts on the wildlife. This full immersion allows the students to study the animals in a variety of conditions, including in the middle of the night at the watering hole. The group has spent a lot of time learning about the elephants of Etosha.



Etosha is also home to an incredibly large salt pan (5,000 square kilometers). The salt "pan" or flat calcrete depression is a very unique environment and supports a great deal of plant, animal and bird life. It also makes for fun photos of our group.

Learn more about Etosha National Park here. 

The Cheetahs!

The group spent time visiting the cheetah conservation organization,, the Cheetah Conservation Fund and learning about the cheetah's endangerment. They also got to get close and personal with some cubs and other tame cheetahs.

The Cheetah Conservation Fund's vision is "to see a world in which the cheetahs live and flourish in co-existence with people and the environment." Learn more about our partner organization at www.cheetah.org





The Cheetahs!

The group spent time visiting the cheetah conservation organization,, the Cheetah Conservation Fund and learning about the cheetah's endangerment. They also got to get close and personal with some cubs and other tame cheetahs.

The Cheetah Conservation Fund's vision is "to see a world in which the cheetahs live and flourish in co-existence with people and the environment." Learn more about our partner organization at www.cheetah.org





Visiting a Himba Village

Through the online portion of the course, students have studied the history and diverse cultures of Namibia. Although the focus of the course is scientific and on the wildlife conservation efforts in Namibia, understanding the historical and cultural context of the area in which the cheetahs live is essential.

The group visited a village of the Himba tribe, the last semi-nomdic people in Namibia. They have worked hard to preserve their traditional culture and way of life (including traditional dress). Despite economic hardship and limited access to education, the Himba chiefs have successfully fought deforestation and proposed flooding of their land for hydro-electric dam construction over the last 10 years.

The students were able to meet with Himba families, learn from participating in some daily chores such as corn-shucking, and visit the local school. The students brought gifts of school supplies to offer in thanks for helping our group learn so much about life in the area.

Learn more about the Himba people here. 











Visiting a Himba Village

Through the online portion of the course, students have studied the history and diverse cultures of Namibia. Although the focus of the course is scientific and on the wildlife conservation efforts in Namibia, understanding the historical and cultural context of the area in which the cheetahs live is essential.

The group visited a village of the Himba tribe, the last semi-nomdic people in Namibia. They have worked hard to preserve their traditional culture and way of life (including traditional dress). Despite economic hardship and limited access to education, the Himba chiefs have successfully fought deforestation and proposed flooding of their land for hydro-electric dam construction over the last 10 years.

The students were able to meet with Himba families, learn from participating in some daily chores such as corn-shucking, and visit the local school. The students brought gifts of school supplies to offer in thanks for helping our group learn so much about life in the area.

Learn more about the Himba people here. 











Beginning the Journey

The group had a long and tiring journey. The distance and the differences between Richmond and Namibia are both immense. We know our group will continue to gather their reflections even if limited internet connectivity only allows for periodic sharing. They began their journey of discovery with the wildlife of Namibia today, and we look forward to hearing and seeing more.



Beginning the Journey

The group had a long and tiring journey. The distance and the differences between Richmond and Namibia are both immense. We know our group will continue to gather their reflections even if limited internet connectivity only allows for periodic sharing. They began their journey of discovery with the wildlife of Namibia today, and we look forward to hearing and seeing more.