EXPEDITION REPORT - Biosphere Expeditions

Expedition Base
The expedition team was based at Okomitundu Guest Farm, about 160 km northwest of
Windhoek in a remote region of savannah farmland. The expedition base consisted of a
central farm house and several guest houses for the expedition team. Team members
shared twin or double rooms with a toilet, shower and all mod cons. Lunch and dinner was
prepared for the team at Okomitundu Guest Farm. Breakfast packs were taken into the
field. Vegetarians and special diets could be catered for. Okomitundu Guest Farm had
220V mains electricity from European style sockets.
Weather
The habitat is semi-arid savannah climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The summer
rainfalls peak from February to April. The expeditions were in Namibia when it is hot and
dry with the occasional downpour or thunderstorm. Day time temperatures reached 36°C,
and night time temperature 18°C. The lowest temperature (early morning) was 8°C.
Field Communications
There was a telephone and fax at Okomitundu Guest Farm for emergency communication.
Two-way radios were used for communication between teams around the study site. There
was also mobile phone coverage at some sites around base.
Transport & Vehicles
Team members made their own way to the Windhoek assembly point. For the expedition,
the team had the use of two Land Rover Defender 110 Station Wagons, two Land Rover
Defender 130 Double Cabs, and various other vehicles. The vehicles were provided by
Land Rover as part of its Fragile Earth policy, which is the company's commitment to the
environment through the sponsorship of leading environmental organisations such
Biosphere Expeditions, the development of sustainable practices and technologies and the
company's 'Off-Road Code'.
Medical Support & Insurance
The expedition leader was trained first aider, and the expedition carried a comprehensive
medical kit. Namibia’s healthcare system is of an excellent standard and the nearest
doctor and hospital were in Windhoek. Emergency medical support was provided by SOS
International. All team members were required to carry adequate travel insurance covering
emergency medical evacuation and repatriation.
The only medical incidents were some moderate headache, toothache and diarrhoea, as
well as some minor cuts from thorn bushes.
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