This week alone, I have received my research permit from the Namibia Ministry of Environment and Tourism, applied for a visa, booked my flights and reserved a tent at the park. And in very exciting news I have also been promised over $7000 in corporate donations! The generosity is amazing! Menso Building Company has pledged an astonishing $5000, Aon $1000, Morris International $200 and an anonymous donor has pledged $1000. This money is so very greatly appreciated and will go to a range of purchases including my flights, field-computer equipment and my accommodation in the capital city for my first few days while I secure a vehicle and all the other camp necessities and paperwork. The remainder will be put towards my field vehicle.

As I am now (almost) the proud owner of a ute, I can see a childhood dream coming to fruition. Although, it won’t be quite the ute I imagined back then. Instead of having a V8 engine, alloys and a good suspension it will likely be 4WD, very preloved and will be called a “bakkie”, not ute. And instead of carrying all my beloved pets around in the back, as 10 year-old me envisaged, I’ll be carrying a load of field gear, but there will be plenty of animals around so I think it’s a pretty good trade.

Now, because I haven’t arrived in Namibia yet I can’t show you the amazing things I have seen and done, I will leave you with a few pics of the ever cute African ground squirrels which I will be sharing a camp with. And, don't forget to support the project through my crowdfunding campaign at www.pozible.com/eatwithoutbeingeaten