First-hand experience of Pangolin conservation in Namibia!
Add this once in a life-time Pangolin Conservation tour to your bucket list! You will gain insight into the project and efforts of the Pangolin Conservation and Research foundation and witness their innovative conservation measures first hand.
The Pangolin, a scaly and shy mammal is the world’s most trafficked mammal. Little is known about their behaviours and habitats, but with conservation efforts in active field research and study together with partners and working with communities; a guideline to conservation and policy is underway to raise awareness and prevent any further harm to these animals.
The Pangolin Conservation and Research foundation fills a gap in the conservation efforts of the Pangolin and with focus on research, data collection, collaboration and community engagement, conservation planning as well as raising awareness, the aim is to protect the Pangolin and educate people across boundaries about the importance and vulnerable status of this mammal. The projects currently focus on the Temminck’s Pangolin.
Note: This short unique tour can be done on its own (with added nights of accommodation en-route) or added as an extension to one of your safaris.
| Safari starts and ends in Windhoek | Duration: 6 days | Next group departure date – 22 July 2025 |
Day to day summary
| Day 1 | Arrival |
| Day 2-3 | Tracking & Communities |
| Day 4-5 | Biodiversity & Conservation |
| Day 6 | Reflection & Feedback – Departure |
Day to day Pangolin Conservation tour
Day 1: Arrival & Orientation
Today we will arrive at our base camp in the wilderness of north-western Namibia. After settling in we will be orientated and get a briefing on safety, and project background.
You may ask yourselves the question what a pangolin is: They are ant-eating mammals covered in scales made up of Keratin, which provides protection against predators. They are predominately nocturnal and shy animals, making them difficult to study.
The pangolin species we focus on is the Temminck’s Pangolin (Smutsia temmincki), they are considered vulnerable.
Pangolins are listed on Appendix 1 by CITES, the same level of protection as the Rhinoceros, which bans international trade – for commercial purposes.
The project covers conservation efforts to include active field research and in-situ conservation – the conservation of a species in its natural habitat and the maintenance and recovery of a viable population of the species in their original place. With the collaboration amongst key stakeholders and the implementation of projects promoting the reduction of trade, the goal is to protect, conserve and ensure a sustainable future for pangolins.
Day 2-3: Tracking & Communities
This morning, after breakfast will go on a bush walk and tracking with the San Bushmen. We will return to camp to discuss careers in conservation as well as community-based conservation. Community-based conservation includes the efforts to protect biodiversity in which the local community participates as much as possible.
We will possibly visit a nearby pan for lunch, before taking a short siesta and continue the afternoon with more insightful activities.
The threat to Pangolins: There is no scientific proof or any medical significance for the use of pangolin, yet they are trafficked at high rates for their scales, body parts and meat and used in traditional Chinese medicine, similar to rhino horn. There has been local utilization within Africa across different cultural groups as tradition, however it never put heavy pressure on pangolin populations. Now the Asian pangolin species are becoming scarce, and that market has turned to Africa for resources. Also, human created problems such as habitat fragmentation and loss, reduces the area which pangolin inhabit and increases human-caused mortalities, such as: death on electric fencing, road accidents and gin traps.
Due to their illusive behaviour, very little is known about their ecology, making it difficult to develop conservation management plans.
In the afternoon we will continue with VHF (wildlife radio) tracking practice and educate ourselves with the best possible technology to use on pangolins in order to minimize the overall impact on the pangolin, camera trapping and deploy cameras. We will then visit a community in the area. This evening we will observe a healing dance and go out on pangolin tracking.
Day 4-5: Biodiversity & Conservation
Early this morning we will go on a sunrise hike and being all fresh and aware our day continues with more information and education. This morning, we will learn more about the importance of biodiversity and nature conservation, Pangolin conservation in detail as well as identify and log species around the camp and continue with wildlife tracking methods.
Pangolins which are resident across different habitats such as on freehold farms, nature reserves and national parks are tagged and monitored. The data collected includes spatial data, foraging and behavioral habits, inter- and intra- specific interactions, activity patterns and threats. The above-mentioned data is collected, and movement is utilized by utilizing GPS and VHF transmitters.
Camera traps are also used at burrows to get a glimpse into their secretive lives as well as understanding the baseline ecology of resident pangolins. This information is used again in conservation management plans and guidelines and helps to identify strongholds, assist in genetic and isoscape mapping and will combat trafficking by identifying strategies for live confiscated pangolins.
Collecting resident pangolin genetic samples will allow us to understand population genetics and variation. By having the origin samples across their habitat and range will establish a genetic map, which will aid governments to identify the origin of confiscated individuals, skins and scales.
This afternoon we will learn about other field methods in conservation and collect and check cameras. We will enjoy our last sundowner together, before observing a healing dance and then going out on our last pangolin tracking.
Day 6: Reflection & Feedback – Departure
After breakfast we will reflect on our amazing experience and visit and provide some feedback. We have the opportunity to buy some souvenirs from the local community before we depart this wilderness and head back to Windhoek. After arriving in Windhoek, we will take you to your accommodation establishment or to the international airport for your outbound departure flight.
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What our clients say:
“Nature Travel Namibia (NTN) delivered an A+ service, seamlessly blending independence with a well-organized itinerary for my solo trip around Namibia. Their prompt and passionate team ensured a stress-free experience, with transparent and reasonable costs. NTN’s attention to detail, from accommodations to suggested routes, created a memorable journey. The personalized touch of a detailed itinerary and souvenir map elevated the experience, making NTN my top choice for future adventures. ..”