Experience hands-on conservation efforts with big cats, baboons and much more as a volunteer at the Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary!
During your time on the project, you will have the opportunity to engage in a wide variety of activities. These will vary depending on the needs of the sanctuary, with other activities not listed here potentially taking place too.
You can volunteer at the Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary in Africa for 2 to 12 weeks. Whilst on the project, you will be divided into smaller teams to ensure variety and equal opportunity when carrying out tasks and joining activities. Below is an example of a two-week stay, which will repeat for those who stay longer.
During your time on the project, you will stay in a fixed canvas cabin/tent. Each is complete with bed linens, plug sockets, electric lighting, and an open-roofed bathroom with a Western-style toilet and shower. Hot water is available for showers, however, as it is provided by solar energy, please be aware that it cannot always be guaranteed.
The accommodation is provided on a twin or triple-share, same-sex basis (except for couples who will be accommodated together), but it is also possible to pay a single supplement to have your own room (depending on availability).
If you’d like to spend a night, a weekend or more of your volunteer experience in luxury, you can book a chalet at the beautiful on-site lodge. Each chalet boasts a private veranda overlooking the bushveld, air-conditioning and an en-suite bathroom. The lodge itself has a tranquil dining area with stunning views, a bar, and a swimming pool.
A night at the luxury lodge is charged at an additional $188 per night for a single room and $163 per night per person for a double room, and includes transfers, dinner and breakfast. For more information or to check availability, please contact our travel team.
Three meals a day are provided for you at the sanctuary, with water, tea and coffee freely available. Breakfast includes toast, cereal, fruit and juices, whilst lunch typically consists of pasta, burgers, stir-fry and wraps. Dinner includes meat, fish, vegetables, potatoes and pasta served in a buffet style, and on weekends there is often a braai (a traditional African barbeque)! A vegetarian option is always available, and vegans can be catered for too. Additionally, a range of snacks and drinks (including alcoholic beverages) can be purchased at the sanctuary.
As this project is based at a wildlife sanctuary, there are animals here year-round, meaning there is no favourable time to volunteer regarding wildlife. Weather, however, can impact some people’s decision, and there are two distinct seasons which are explained in more detail below.
October – April: The daytime temperature during these months is between 27-32°C (81-90°F) and it remains warm at night with temperatures of around 15°C (59°F). December to March is also the rainy season with some rain expected every few days, but not too much.
May – September: This is the driest period of the year with nearly no rain at all. It is also cooler during the day, however, temperatures still reach 28°C (82°F). The biggest difference during this season is the night-time temperature which is much colder and averages 7°C (45°F) but can drop below freezing. Therefore, if you travel during these months you will need some warmer clothes for the evening.
You will need to fly into Windhoek International Airport (also known as Hosea Kutako International Airport) on your project start date between 7am - 5pm, where you will be met on arrival and transferred to the project. This transfer will take approximately 45 minutes.
There are several daily flights here from the South African hub cities of Johannesburg and Cape Town, as well as daily flights from a range of international destinations.
Citizens of most countries, including the UK, Germany, USA, Canada, Australia and most of those within the EU, do not need to obtain a visa to enter Namibia and are granted entry for up to 90 days upon arrival. You will, however, need at least 2 blank pages in your passport for the immigration officials to use and your passport must be valid for a period of at least 6 months from your date of entry.
If you are unsure of your individual visa requirements, we recommend speaking to your local Namibian embassy at least 2 months prior to travel.
You will take part in a range of activities on this project including construction and maintenance tasks, therefore, a moderate level of fitness is recommended. No specific skills are required; all we ask is that you arrive with a willingness to get involved with all activities and that you aren’t afraid to get your hands dirty! Respect for wildlife and the ability to work as part of a team are also important qualities for any volunteer.
There are no specific vaccination or medical requirements needed to join this project. The vaccinations required will depend on the individual medical history of each volunteer. We recommend that you consult with your doctor/GP regarding your own vaccination needs as this will ensure you are protected and prepared to travel. In conjunction with this, we also recommend that you take a look at the Fit for Travel website for more helpful information on how best to prepare for your experience.
See what you could get up to as a volunteer at the Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary! This volunteer project offers you the chance to get up close and personal with some of the country's most iconic species.
Meet Paulina, Liz, Tom and Laurent who review the time they spent at the Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary.
Spending time with the baboons is a firm favourite activity among all volunteers. Take a look and find out why!
From lions and cheetahs to African wild dogs, take a look at some of the resident carnivores you might meet at the sanctuary.
UPDATE | Jul 2024
Volunteers at the Kanaan Desert Research Site were treated to a majestic sight this week when a herd of around 30 oryx gathered at the watering hole. Such striking animals against a stark background presented a perfect photo opportunity!
UPDATE | Jul 2024
Volunteers at TimBila Nature Reserve were delighted to witness the youngest member of the herd taking a sand shower. Whether the calf was simply having fun or practising applying sand as sunscreen, it is always heartwarming to see elephants engaging in their natural behaviours in the wild, where they truly belong!
REVIEW | Mar 2024
Barbara recently joined the Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary as a mature volunteer. Read today's blog to find out what she got up to during her time on the project including the highlights of her experience, up-close interactions with wildlife, and top tips for future volunteers.
I spent two weeks at the Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary and it was honestly the best thing I've ever done! I swapped one week for the Neuras Adventure week. I got to do some of the best hikes in the world such as Big Daddy and the Olive trail. I then spent the second week at the sanctuary where I got to contribute to their conservation efforts. The people at Neuras and the sanctuary were amazing and they made sure I had a great time. I cannot recommend this experience more.
Amazing human experience. I have been thrilled to live this volunteering program. I will definitely do it again. It's just the beginning of a new adventure at the Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary! The staff is amazing, the values, culture and mission is admirable. Shukran from the bottom of my heart.