Chameleon Holidays & Travel for Safaris & Vacations in Africa | Southern Africa | Namibia | Rare and Endangered Species - REST (Namibia)

REST is a non-profit organization founded in September of 2000.  REST has chosen five rare and endangered species, known as the “Forgotten 5” as their main focus.  These animals in turn represent biodiversity within the entire land ecosystem of Namibia.  REST has recently moved headquarters to a farm just south of Otjiwarongo, Namibia, and future plans include a variety of conservation and research structures with emphasis on education facilities for visitors from the community and abroad.  The forgotten five consist of Cape Griffon vulture, pangolin, wild dog, dwarf python and spotted rubber frog.

Specifically, it is geared towards awareness for local farmers and the protection of birds such as the endangered Cape Griffon Vulture (the Waterberg region is their most northerly breeding ground) to help prevent poisoning, destroying their natural habitat and education.  Sadly, poisoning has had a huge impact on the decline of all vulture species and at REST they wish to work with farmers to ensure a future is out there for birds and wildlife alike.

REST has a number of birds in an enclosure so you will be able to see them at close quarters, they also have a "vulture restaurant" so visitors will sometimes be able to see the wild birds fly in for dinner.

At Okatjemunde, the new REST headquarters, an informative Education Centre has been built alongside the hide which will provide the focus for educational awareness campaigns.  Schools visits will provide valuable learning for the future land users of the country.  Accompanied by a simple activity sheet, learners and teachers will be encouraged to get the most out of their visit.

Recently, REST began development plans for an Interactive Visitor Centre and submitted a grant for funding in order to begin construction at the end of 2008.  The Interactive Visitor Centre will provide a centre of excellence which will stimulate active, fun learning and encourage visitors to get a better understanding of the importance of conservation.  Guests will begin their tour along a path leading to an interactive tunnel introducing the “Forgotten Five” species of REST and coming out into an open-air amphitheater with covered seating. The tunnel will include sounds of frogs and Wild Dogs (solar powered), simulated dens of Wild Dogs, Pangolins and Dwarf Pythons and a demonstration of how the Spotted Rubber Frog survives in dry habitats. In the amphitheatre, REST staff will give presentations. Following the presentation, guests will enter the centre and partake in several interactive activities to learn about conservation, research and the environment. Some of these hands-on activities will allow guests to simulate flying like a vulture or seeing through the eyes of the animals. Inside the center will be a small curio shop and just outside, a picnic area. 

A visit to the Interactive Centre will be the starting point for a sense trail for visually, hearing and physically impaired visitors, with support from the Namibian Ministry of Health and sponsored by Natural Encounters.  In addition walking trails and printed pamphlets will guide all visitors through the facilities and surrounding land

Located close to Otjiwarongo visitors can spend an hour or a full morning/afternoon at the site.  Those interested in staying longer for a volunteer programme please contact us for details.