nature animal reserve africa

Ivanka’s wonderful feedback from the Namibian reserve, working with wild animals!

Ivanka volunteered for 3 weeks in the nature reserve for animals in Africa, in Namibia, surrounded by a vast and stunning natural reserve on-site.

WHAT TASKS WERE ASSIGNED?

On-site, in teams of around 4 volunteers, we had to carry out many different tasks such as: preparing food for the animals in the sanctuary, feeding the animals (small animals, carnivores, birds of prey…), going out on research projects in the reserve, studying camera-trap photos, training anti-poaching dogs, taking care of the horses, cleaning the enclosures, …

Not to mention the special events like transferring animals from one reserve to another or fitting radio collars on wild animals!

WHAT THIS EXPERIENCE BROUGHT ME…

This project meant a lot to me personally, especially because I was going alone and it was my first time joining a wildlife eco-volunteering project; and I learned a lot about myself, about my capabilities, I gained greater self-confidence, and most importantly, I reconnected with my passion for animals that I’ve had since childhood.

Professionally, it reinforced my desire to seek a new job more aligned with my values. Unfortunately, my current field has little connection to wildlife, but I’m now considering taking part in other wildlife eco-volunteering projects in the future and/or getting involved with animal protection organizations.

WOULD I RECOMMEND THIS PROJECT?

Yes! The tasks on-site are varied and interesting, and you get to see the animals up close!
The setting is gorgeous, and the coordinators on-site are super friendly, as are the other volunteers.

What I found particularly great is that once you’re there, you can sign up to visit other parts of the reserve, each with different landscapes, animals, and tasks…
There’s also the option to sign up for additional activities on-site, which are really fun too (Cheetah walk, sunset horse riding, game count,…).

It’s truly a comprehensive and very enriching experience!

… AND FREEPACKERS?

The Freepackers team was amazing in supporting me with my project. Our communication was always clear and friendly – They were very available to answer my questions while preparing my application, and since they knew the project well, it was reassuring to get all the practical info in advance.

I was very well prepared for my trip and lacked nothing thanks to our exchanges and the information Freepackers provided about the missions.