Namibia4.8/5 (14 reviews)
Volunteer with animals in Namibia
Just 45 km from Windhoek, in the Namibian bush, help care for orphaned and injured lions, cheetahs, baboons and other animals at a wildlife sanctuary.
- Where
- Namibia
- Length
- From 2 to 12 weeks
- Minimum age
- 18 years old
- Language
- English intermediate
- Departures
- Every Monday
from €1,797 for 2 weeks
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The project
The wildlife reserve in Namibia is nestled in the Namibian bush, just 45 km from the capital, Windhoek. Our local NGO has grown into a world-renowned conservation organization, providing shelter and a second chance for many injured, orphaned, or endangered animals.
The goal is, whenever possible, to release the animals back into the wild. Only those that are too sick or have become too accustomed to humans and cannot survive on their own remain in the sanctuary. Volunteer support is essential to help us continue caring for these animals.
Volunteers have the incredible opportunity to actively participate in wildlife conservation, rehabilitation, care, and research on African fauna.
The sanctuary currently serves as a safe haven for orphaned, injured, or threatened animals, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, wild dogs, caracals, warthogs, antelopes, and baboons, as well as numerous birds, small African mammals, and farm animals.
The help of volunteers dedicated to wildlife protection is crucial in supporting the care of recovering or permanent resident animals in the sanctuary, as well as in maintaining and developing the facility. All tasks are assigned in groups through a rotation system to ensure everyone can experience the various aspects of the project.
A project we follow
Projects chosen with care and followed through regular visits on site.
Your role
Among your daily activities, you may:
- Prepare food and feed the animals.
- Clean enclosures.
- Improve living conditions for the animals.
- Take care of newborns.
- Carry out physical tasks such as building new facilities.
- Conduct research (including monitoring wild carnivores, analyzing camera footage, and GPS data).
On public holidays, activities follow a Sunday schedule. Available tasks are limited and mainly focused on feeding the animals.
It is also possible to participate in a programme combining education and wildlife conservation. Since 2009, the sanctuary has hosted a primary school for local village children. Volunteers can spend a few days a week assisting with the educational programme (helping with English lessons, arts and crafts, sports, artistic and cultural activities, etc.). For more information, feel free to contact us.
The NGO also offers other conservation programmes related to wildlife, flora, and local culture. Please contact our team for more details.
Accommodation and meals
- Volunteers will stay in tents (2-3 people per tent)
During the dry season, in winter, temperatures can drop to -5 °C. Bring a sleeping bag and warm clothes for the nights.
- All linen will be provided
- A swimming pool is available
- No visitors are permitted to enter the property unless permitted by the project leader
Additional information
- Laundry : Laundry services are available on selected days at the Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Internet : Wi-Fi is not always available at the project due to poor reception. Make sure you buy a Namibian SIM card with data, available at the airport on arrival or at the project.
- Location : The Wildlife Sanctuary is located just 45km out of Windhoek (Namibia’s capital) and 35km from Windhoek International airport, in the Khomas region of Namibia.
- Shops/Grocery Stores : You can book a transfer to the city center with your volunteer coordinator so that you can purchase essentials/souvenirs or food items at an additional cost of NAD200 per trip.
Budget
How long are you going for?
Every Monday, all year
What is included
- Airport pick-up in Windhoek, transfers to and from the project
- Three meals a day
- Accommodation in shared tents
- Training, equipment and supervision throughout the programme
- 24 hour support and supervision
- Donation to the project
Not included
- Flights
- Insurance
Where your money goes
Donations are reinvested in full and directly into the local associations. How the costs break down
See the budget week by week
| Length | Total programme budget |
|---|
Getting ready to leave
Your application
An up-to-date CV and a cover letter describing your background and what brings you here.
Conditions to take part
- Up to date CV/resume.
- Minimum English level B1 (intermediate), understanding and speaking.
- From 18 years old.
- A copy of your passport.
Insurance
For any project abroad, Freepackers requires travel insurance covering accidents, illness, repatriation and third-party liability. With Chapka Cap Student, you get 5% off.
Online language lessons
With Clic Campus: video lessons and an e-learning platform, from home.
In Namibia too
All our programmes in Namibia
Namibia4(2)
Community project in Namibia
- Duration
- 2 to 12 weeks
- Age
- From 18 years old
from €1,797 for 2 weeks
