As we ponder the question, “Why Tourism Matters?”, the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) in Namibia offers a compelling answer. This remarkable organisation demonstrates how tourism can bring hope and support to those who need it most, while fostering a deep connection with the natural world.

Every Day is Earth Day at CCF

While Earth Day is celebrated annually to remind us of our responsibility to protect the planet, at CCF, conservation is a daily endeavour. A visit to this unique site is not just a wildlife experience; it’s an opportunity to actively contribute to conservation efforts as a working guest.

Located near Otjiwarongo, CCF’s International Research and Education Centre invites guests to play a hands-on role in cheetah care, habitat restoration, and research projects. Professionals from various fields, including zookeeping, veterinary care, ecology, and animal behaviour, can apply their expertise directly to animal care. Meanwhile, those with skills in marketing, fundraising, business, and administration support the essential behind-the-scenes operations.

CCF also welcomes conservation-minded travelers who are passionate about wildlife. Whether assisting with cheetah husbandry, maintaining research facilities, or supporting education programs, every working guest makes a meaningful impact. This approach not only enriches the visitor’s experience but also ensures that their presence contributes to the long-term conservation of cheetahs.

Tourism as a Force for Conservation

The revenue generated from tourism at CCF funds vital cheetah protection initiatives, scientific research, and community conservation programs. By visiting CCF, guests invest in the future of wildlife, making every stay whether short or extended, a valuable contribution to securing a future for cheetahs in the wild.

Working guests at CCF make a double difference by contributing both their time and financial support to conservation efforts. This model showcases how tourism can be a powerful tool for positive change, aligning with the broader theme of why tourism matters: it brings people together, fosters understanding, and supports local communities and conservation efforts.

A Personal Experience

Deborah Illif, a seasoned safari-traveler, shared her inspiring experience as a working guest at CCF. “I jumped at the chance to spend a week at the Cheetah Conservation Fund. During my stay, I gained a deep understanding of conservation challenges and the innovative solutions CCF employs to protect cheetahs. It was fascinating to meet the dedicated team, from dog trainers to geneticists, and to take part in daily conservation work, including the incredible experience of observing a life-saving operation on an injured cheetah.”

Illif also highlighted the opportunity to set up and monitor camera traps, revealing the elusive wildlife that roams the reserve at night. “The CCF reserve itself is a peaceful, stunning landscape, and our early evening safari was filled with diverse wildlife sightings. Best of all, CCF is just a three-hour drive from Windhoek, making it an easily accessible and unforgettable conservation experience.”

As the world continues to navigate the complexities of global travel, initiatives like CCF remind us of the transformative power of tourism when done responsibly and with a focus on sustainability and community engagement.

Photo: Jean Wimmerlin