Go work as an animal caregiver abroad in Namibia!

Amandine volunteered in Namibia for her animal volunteering experience, and she shares her incredible time at the reserve!

 

WHAT THIS EXPERIENCE BROUGHT ME…

This stay was my first experience as a volunteer, and it lived up to everything I expected.

A mix of extraordinary human encounters, living at the sanctuary surrounded by animals, and experiencing the day-to-day life of the refuge was an unforgettable experience.

The coordination team was kind and attentive to the animals. Sharing our daily life surrounded by animals, big and small, created wonderful memories.

I was truly disconnected from reality, and there was magic in the everyday moments.

My only regret is not staying longer!

 

MY BEST MEMORIES…

I couldn’t tell you what I liked most because each day brought a new discovery — learning about the past of each animal and how to care for them.

I think what I loved most was living with animals all around us and being able to say good morning every day and good night every evening.

A special shoutout to the meerkats — I loved them so much I “adopted” two: big love to my babies Alex and Julie!!!

 

IF I HAD TO RATE THE SERVICES FROM 1 TO 5…

• Pre-departure information: 5/5 everything was clear regarding the dates and pickup from the airport

 

• Registration process: 5/5 super easy and secure. I even changed my dates three times and the team adapted

 

• Supervision / project coordinators: 4/5 the coordinators are great and attentive to everyone’s well-being. The only downside was the organization around the different satellite locations of Naankuse. It was possible to arrange trips to places like Timbila, Neuras, or a bush camp with the rhino rangers, but it didn’t happen — maybe if it had been planned in advance it could have worked out. A bit of a shame.

 

• Volunteer schedule: 5/5 very well organized. We woke up early but had a break to rest and socialize with other volunteers. There were even workout sessions and chances to play soccer with people from the village. An extraordinary time.

 

• Food and accommodation: 5/5 Very comfortable housing, we were lucky to have a house with an en-suite bathroom. Everything was peaceful (aside from the lions’ roaring, of course), and we found out there’s the option to stay in the “bush” further from the farm with a view of a watering hole where you can spot animals like giraffes or rhinos at sunrise. Hot water almost every day, comfy beds, and we could get our laundry done… What more could you ask for? :) The food was decent, with vegetarian options available, and we always had enough to eat! We even got a birthday cake for my boyfriend’s birthday! An amazing team!

 

 

WOULD I RECOMMEND THIS PROJECT?

Absolutely, I would recommend this program and I already do: simply because it was magical for the eyes and full of unforgettable memories.

 

… AND FREEPACKERS?

I would also recommend Freepackers for the ease of managing the programs and especially for the full support provided. I was supposed to go alone, and it’s hard to know how to start something like this and still feel safe. Freepackers answers all your questions, and you can leave with peace of mind.