Samantha's experience with wild animals on a Namibian reserve
Opening myself to a different culture, learning new things about animals, improving my English, pushing my limits. Yes! Namibia, among the animals and the locals, was a very beautiful experience.
NamibiaSamantha’s experience in wildlife protection in Africa, in Namibia!
What this experience brought me…
Opening myself to a different culture, learning new things about animals, improving my English, pushing my limits.
On site, I was given various tasks:
- Feeding the carnivores,
- Preparing food for the animals,
- Walking the monkeys,
- Maintaining the cages,
- Training anti-poaching dogs,
- Walking in the bush,
- Counting the animals in the reserve…
Do I recommend this mission?
Yes! Namibia, among the animals and the locals, was a very beautiful experience. The team on site is highly dedicated to the preservation mission, wildlife protection, and very supportive with the volunteers. I observed magnificent animals and discovered beautiful landscapes!
…and Freepackers?
Excellent support from Jacqueline of the team, great advice for preparation and quick answers to my questions before departure!
If I had to rate my experience, I would give it 5/5!
Frequently asked questions
What does it take to join a Freepackers project?
All it takes is motivation, good health and an open mind. No specific skills are required; the programmes adapt to your profile. The conditions for taking part are set out on the programme pages or in the brochures available to download.
Are volunteers supervised?
Yes. A local coordinator is there to introduce you to the project, the team, the other participants and your tasks. The team on site is there to answer your questions, keep you safe and help when needed. Local emergency assistance is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We stay reachable throughout the project.
The projects we offer are also carefully selected, with reliable partners and suitable destinations.
Can you touch or get close to the animals?
In most cases contact with the animals is limited, because their welfare comes first. The aim is not direct contact but supporting the local team with the work that matters (maintaining the enclosures, preparing food, cleaning, and sometimes helping with care, depending on the setting and its rules).
These rules also exist to keep volunteers and animals safe.
How do I sign up?
To begin with, simply request a call (15 to 30 minutes) through our calendar. A member of the team will call you at the time you asked for, to introduce our organisations and the RealStep and Freepackers international opportunities that suit you.
We will then email you a selection of projects. To put yourself forward, send us the completed registration form along with other documents such as your passport and, in some cases, a criminal record check.
