Cheetah Conservation in Namibia

Students will fly together to Windhoek, the capital of Namibia, where the group will meet representatives of the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) for transportation to the program site, about a three-hour van ride away just outside the town of Otjiwarongo. 

While at the center, students will engage in a variety of projects and experiences focused on animal conservation and field biology. Daily guided time in the bush will allow students to observe wildlife and learn population counting, tracking, and identification techniques, which will be reinforced with conservation genetics lessons, DNA extraction, and PCR lab work. Guided nature walks and a nighttime Sundowner Drive will expose students to the great diversity of wildlife in the area, including over 200 bird species and more than 60 mammalian species. Students will learn from the CCF staff, global leaders in cheetah conservation, including the veterinarian responsible for caring for the cheetahs and other animals resident at the site. Students will also tour farms in the vicinity of Otjiwarongo, where they will see the methods used to avoid predator-livestock conflicts and to promote sustainable economic development and coexistence, including the livestock guarding dogs trained at the CCF.

An overnight safari trip will take students to Etosha National Park Game Reserve, home to four of the big five African mammals, including the African lion, African elephant, leopard, and the endangered black rhinoceros, as well as the endangered African wild dog and the rare black-faced impala.

Course: BIO 4900 / 5900 Conservation of African Animals (4 cr.)

Requirements: This course is open to both undergraduates and graduate students. There are no prerequisites, but students should have an interest in wildlife conservation.

Students will stay in double rooms at the Cheetah View Lodge, a modern, comfortable on-site facility with Wifi and air conditioning.

All meals will be provided on-site, featuring local meat, produce, and dairy from the CCF’s own gardens and nearby farms.

Local Namibian specialties include kapana, potjiekos, and biltong. Students will also enjoy ice cream and sweets produced by the Dancing Goat Creamery, a CCF initiative.

Tuition: 4 credits

You will be charged for these credits on your eBill at your normal rate of tuition.

Program Fee: $5,000

To be paid to OU on our MarketPlace payment system and includes: roundtrip airfare, housing and all meals, ground transportation and all activities while in Namibia, and health insurance.

Additional Costs: $475

You will need additional funds for these expenses not covered by the program fee. Amounts are estimated.

Passport: $165
Namibian visa: $150
Airport transfer/parking at DTW: $100
Malaria pills: $60

Scholarships and Financial Aid: You are able to use financial aid to cover your full cost of attendance to this program (tuition, program fee, and additional costs). Scholarships are also available through your study abroad application.