Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary

Turn your holiday into an adventure! Get your hands dirty and get involved with a huge range of activities, working with many small and large African animals.

This project gets deep into the heart of volunteers, with many returning time and time again, or even becoming staff and never really leaving.

As a wildlife sanctuary volunteer, you are critical to the work the sanctuary is doing, enabling the long term care of the animals and their rehabilitation or release.

As a wildlife sanctuary volunteer, you are involved with a diverse variety of tasks, including:

Animal care:

Volunteers play an essential role in the daily care of the sanctuary’s animals, which includes preparing food and feeding the animals, as well as cleaning and maintaining enclosures. This is a messy but satisfying part of your day!

• Assist with daily food collection, preparation and small animal feeding
• Carnivore feeding
• Cleaning and maintaining enclosures and pens.
• Providing intensive care for baby and juvenile animals
• Learn about the human-wildlife conflict and why individual animals were brought to the sanctuary
• Help rehabilitate animals who can one day be released back into the wild
• Work with a range of species including zebra, ostrich, owls, raptors and bush babies, plus  domestic animals, reptiles and birds

Habitat and Behaviour enrichment:

An important wildlife sanctuary volunteer role is to enrich the lives of animals unable to be released, give them as natural a life as possible and enable them to behave close to how they would in the wild.

• Build toys, platforms, playgrounds and other enrichment facilities
• Engage and interact with juvenile monkeys and baboons who cannot be released
• Work with animals who cannot be released due to mental or physical issues
• Help with cheetah enrichment runs to stimulate natural behaviours such as sprinting and chasing
• Learn about cheetah physiology

Maintenance and Repair

• Build and repair enclosures and fences
• Breaking down old structures
• Dig trenches for new water pipes
• Help dig new waterholes and repair erosion
• Paint and decorate at the school

Horse riding (optional):

Border patrols, fence monitoring, game counts and animal monitoring are often done on horseback, so there is plenty of opportunity to get into the saddle and explore the beautiful Namibian bush.

Community outreach (optional):

As a wildlife sanctuary volunteer, you can choose to get involved at the sanctuary’s local San Bushmen primary school, where culture and conservation come together. The school students are the children of the families who live and work at on the reserve. After Grade 3 (age 9), the children are sponsored to attend mainstream primary school in Windhoek.

• Help the teachers with new activities such as crafts, music and dance
• Help in the playground and with sports and games
• Help with maintenance and cleaning around the school
• Go with the children as they attend the San skills academy, to learn stories and ancient Bushmen skills

If you have a passion for education and children and would like to participate full-time in the school programme for some or all of your stay, please let us know. There is a 4-week minimum stay for full-time participation at the school. Full-time is 5 days per week (Monday-Friday).

Full time school volunteers will get involved with:

• Classroom assistance, handing out of assignments, tidying up and making resources
• Child management e.g. leading / assisting children with proper conduct when (for example) going to the bathroom, tying their shoes, washing hands after playtime etc.
• Quietly and respectfully listening to and observing the teacher’s lessons, using this opportunity to learn
• Creating lesson plans and presenting lessons
• Extra-curricular activities, even those which might occur over specified weekends

Please enquire for more details!

This is so much more than just a wildlife sanctuary project. You will also have the chance to go into the main 8,000-acre reserve, home to wild lions, elephants, African wild dogs and rhinos and take part in monitoring activities of these high-profile endangered animals.

Focused research activities around the 8,000 acre reserve:

• Monitoring free-roaming carnivores including cheetahs, leopard and African wild dog
• GPS tracking of lions, elephants and rhinos
• Spoor tracking of reserve animals – join skilled trackers in rhino tracking and elephant monitoring
• Undertake game counts of free roaming plains game on foot, by vehicle and on horseback
• Set up camera traps around the reserve and analyse GPS data
• Attending conflict calls with the wildlife rescue team (not guaranteed)
• Conduct studies of rehabilitated animals to assess their welfare and readiness for release
• Record behaviour patterns and social interactions
• Assist the Anti-Poaching Unit with K9 dog training

In addition to captive animal care in the sanctuary, you will also take part in conservation research in the game reserve, to allow as many animals as possible to survive and thrive in the wild. You will get a practical, hands-on introduction to animal care and wildlife conservation, while surrounded by the beautiful Namibian bush.

Horse Riding

Border patrols and fence monitoring are often done on horseback, so horse riders will have lots of chances to go out on the sanctuary’s bush horses and get off the beaten track!

Maintenance Work

• Maintaining roads and fences
• Removal of invasive species and tree planting

Carnivore Conservation and Wildlife Research Programmes – add-on

The Foundation has two carnivore research sites in the beautiful Namibian wilderness which focus on threatened species monitoring, particularly of cheetahs, lions and hyenas. Volunteers have a unique opportunity to visit one or both of these sites during your time in Namibia.

Namibia is home to 25% of the global cheetah population, and is one of only a few African countries which has free-ranging populations of 6 species of large carnivore (lion, leopard, cheetah, African wild dog, spotted hyena and brown hyena). The project works hard to keep these large carnivores in the wild and is conducting research into the territories, behaviour and populations of these animals.

Research site 1: Desert Retreat Research

The overriding principle of all the research activity is to develop a greater understanding of the Namibian wildlife that regularly comes into conflict with humans, on commercial farmland and outside protected areas.

The Desert Retreat site is 5 hours south-west of Windhoek, bordering the Namib-Naukluft National Park. Home to iconic red sand dunes, vast open plains and imposing mountain ranges, the area is home to cheetah, brown and spotted hyena, leopard and other desert-adapted wildlife such as the oryx.

Volunteers get involved with:

• Game counts and tracking
• Hikes to discover signs of carnivore activity
• Camera trap monitoring
• Fence removal and wire braiding
• Maintenance and security across the reserve
• Sunrise breakfast amidst the magical dunes
• Sundowner under billion-star night skies
• Sandboarding

Research site 2: Conflict Animal Research

This project is located in northern Namibia, just southwest of Etosha National Park. The reserve covers an area of 35,000 ha and has a focus on the relocation and monitoring of conflict animals. Currently, lions, rhinos, elephants, African wild dogs and brown hyenas occur within the reserve and there are also populations of cheetahs.

Volunteers are involved with ongoing research efforts and the management of the native and reintroduced animals within the reserve.

Volunteer activities include:

• Wildlife tracking – the research team shows volunteers how to identify tracks and marking from animals, plus how to use GPS tracking equipment.
• Camera traps – place camera traps at strategic points to establish biodiversity. You will also organise and catalogue camera trap images.
• Game counts and biodiversity studies of all focus species including large carnivores.
• Additionally volunteers will assist in internal fence removal to assist in environmental rehabilitation and with maintenance and building projects.

Click for more details of our Carnivore Conservation Programme, and see the Rates and Dates tab for combination pricing details.

WATCH: Carnivore Conservation Project video.

Immerse yourself in nature and take in some of Namibia’s most breathtaking scenery! Natural water springs, meandering canyons and a network of river beds make this unique property perfect for adventure-lovers! The area is also home to highly adapted wildlife including wild cheetah, leopard and hyena.

On Adventure Week you will explore the majestic Naukluft Mountain range and hike through a maze of ancient canyons, with a unique underground cave system, fascinating geological formations and natural fountains. 

You will live amongst Namibia’s famous red sand dunes, an hour from the iconic Sossusvlei Dunes and 3 hours south of Windhoek.

Adventure week – what you’ll be doing!

• Hiking
• Swimming
• Team building
• Sleep outs
• Animal husbandry
• Wine tasting
• Witnessing outstanding night skies and spectacular sunsets!

Animal husbandry

The site is home to seven cheetahs, brought to the Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary after being involved in human-wildlife conflict. The cheetahs were too habituated to be released, so live in a 7 hectare fenced area. You will assist in their daily feeding, giving you great photographic opportunities!

Hiking

You will hiking every day of the programme, so be prepared to walk a minimum of 5km over uneven terrain. The longest distance will be just over 10km. However, the rewards for your hard work are amazing! You will have the chance to experience breath-taking rock formations and you will also visit two of the most popular tourist attractions in Namibia: Sossusvlei and the Olive Trail.

Sossusvlei

Explore Big Daddy, the Deadvlei and Sesriem Canyon – three of Namibia’s most iconic destinations! Your day at Sossusvlei will also include lunch and a cool-down swim at one of the local lodges.

Sossusvlei is just an hours drive and is a must-see destination while you are in Namibia.

Namib-Naufkluft National Park – hike the Olive Trail

During Adventure Week you will hike the infamous Olive Trail in the Namib-Naukluft National Park, a 10km route through the mountain range. If you are lucky you may see wildlife such as klipspringer, duiker, baboons, jackals and mongeese, and you may even see tracks for leopard and hyena.

After the hike you will have lunch by the natural water springs for an afternoon of relaxing and swimming!

Wine Production

In addition to all the adventure activities, you will also get the opportunity to sample unique wines, grown in the second driest vineyard in the world. You may also get the chance to help with the harvesting, bottling and labelling of the wines before they are sent for distribution.

There are three accommodation options at the wildlife sanctuary. Volunteer rooms take three-four people sharing (same sex); large tents with a living and bedroom area can be shared by up to two people (same sex or couples); or bush tents which sleep two-three people (same sex or a couple). The rooms are basic but the (single) beds are comfortable with bedding provided.

Showers and toilet facilities are communal and hot water is supplied by solar power, so is sometimes restricted to certain times of day. There is electricity at the sanctuary but power cuts do occur and can be prolonged during rainy season. There are power sockets for charging items in the communal areas – plug sockets are type M so you will need to bring an adaptor. There is a laundry service provided, but we suggest you also bring a small packet of detergent to wash underwear.

Three meals a day are provided on a self-service basis. Vegetarian options are available and dietary requirements can be accommodated – please let us know before you arrive! Water, tea and coffee is freely available throughout the day and snacks, alcoholic and fizzy drinks can be purchased from the bar.

There is no WiFi available at the sanctuary, however you can purchase a local MTC SIM card and buy data bundles for Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and emails, to enable you to keep up to date with the outside world. Don’t forget to unlock your phone before you leave home.

“I was also really pleasantly surprised by the food. I’m a vegetarian and brought jars of peanut butter and dozens of protein bars assuming I wouldn’t have much to eat. To my surprise, they had vegetarian meat at many dinners. I never went hungry.”

When can I volunteer?

Arrivals at the Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary are year round, with Monday and Thursday arrivals preferred.

2023 project pricing: SPECIAL OFFER! For bookings made in October and November 2023, you can save 15% on project fees! *For travel any time before 31st December 2024.

2 weeks: $1,195 NOW $1,025
3 weeks: $1,770 NOW $1,545
4 weeks: $2,345 NOW $2,060
5 weeks: $2,920 NOW $2,580
6 weeks: $3,420 NOW $3,095
7 weeks: $3,920 NOW $3,510
8 weeks: $4,370 NOW $3,920
9 weeks: $4,820 NOW $4,335
10 weeks: $5,270 NOW $4,650
11 weeks: $5,695 NOW $5,050
12 weeks: $5,995 NOW $5,400

All prices are in USD.

What’s included in the cost?

• Project contribution: this goes directly to our project partner, and provides funding to ensure the programme can continue to meet its goals. For this project it will cover things like staff costs, equipment purchases, maintenance of buildings, equipment and vehicles, veterinary fees, animal feed, fencing, funding for community projects etc
• Accommodation and three meals per day
• Return airport transfers 
• Laundry and housekeeping
• Comprehensive orientation and supervision
• Practical instruction by experienced staff members
• Equipment and materials required to do your work

What’s not included?

• Flights or travel to Windhoek, Namibia
• Visa fees (if applicable)
• Travel insurance (compulsory)
• Mandatory uniform for daily activities (see FAQ tab for details)
• Personal expenses such as souvenirs, drinks from the bar, snacks
• Pre and / or post programme accommodation (if required)
• Additional excursions
• Local SIM card and data / airtime bundles (optional)
• Administration fee ($40)

View our booking terms and conditions. 

Carnivore Conservation – add-on 

We highly recommend combining your wildlife sanctuary volunteer programme with time at one or two of the project’s Large Carnivore Research Sites, where you will get to experience life in Namibia’s vast desert regions. 

Combination project pricing 2023:

1 week Sanctuary / 1 week Carnivore Conservation: $1,345
2 weeks Sanctuary / 1 week Carnivore Conservation: $1,915
1 week Sanctuary / 2 weeks Carnivore Conservation: $2,005
2 weeks Sanctuary / 2 weeks Carnivore Conservation: $2,575 – HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

Longer durations are available, please enquire for pricing.

Click for more details of the Large Carnivore Conservation Programme.

Adventure Week – add-on

Explore the majestic Naukluft Mountain range and hike through a maze of ancient canyons, live amongst Namibia’s famous red sand dunes and explore the iconic Sossusvlei Dunes.

Adventure Week: $750

Click for more details of the Adventure Week.

Who should volunteer on this project?

This programme is a wonderful experience for volunteers of all ages, where you can experience Africa is a safe environment, work hard and see the impact that your contribution is having. Volunteers come from all backgrounds and nationalities, with varied animal and wildlife experience – from none to experienced vets. What all volunteers have in common is a love of wildlife and a passion for helping Africa’s threatened animals.

You should be able to communicate reasonably well in spoken English.

How old do I need to be?

The minimum volunteering age for solo travellers is 18 years. There is no upper age limit, but for volunteers aged over 65, we do require your medical form to be signed by a doctor. The project welcomes children aged 12 and over if they are accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

How many people will there be?

Depending on the season, volunteer numbers can range from 15 to 65. June, July and August are the busiest months.

When can I join?

Start dates can be flexible depending on availability. We recommend arriving on a Monday or Thursday, as orientations are on Tuesdays and Fridays. The project is open year-round.

When is the best time to come?

Namibia experiences on average around 300 days of sunshine a year, with hot summers and mild winters (with cold nighttime temperatures).
The dry season runs from May – September, where daytime temperatures are a pleasant 18-25 degrees. Night time temperatures plummet, sometimes falling to below freezing. Pack warm clothes, lots of layers and a sleeping bag!
The summer season from October – April consists of hot days, ranging from 25 to over 40 degrees, and cooler nights. From November to March, Namibia has its ‘rainy’ season, being blessed with sporadic rainfall and spectacular thunderstorms.

Wildlife Sanctuary uniform policy

All volunteers must wear a project uniform which can be purchased on arrival. This is to ensure that everyone adheres to the dress code and wears clothing that protects them in the bush. The uniform should be worn while participating in activities – your own clothes can be worn in the evenings and during your leisure time.

The uniform costs are not included in the rates and volunteers should bring adequate funds (cash or card) to purchase their uniforms on arrival. Uniforms are charged at cost price as follows:

Jacket (optional) – 1 recommended: NAD 570 (around USD 35)
Trousers – 2 recommended: NAD 1,040 (for both) (around USD 65) 
T-shirt – 2 recommended: NAD 230 (for both) (around USD 15)

Do I get some time off?

The volunteer schedule is on a two week rotation, to ensure every volunteer gets to experience as many of the activities as possible. Volunteers work from Monday to Friday from around 8am to 5pm, with a short break in the morning and a longer break over lunch. On Saturdays, there is a morning activity and a non-work related afternoon activity. On Sundays, a small team will participate in morning food prep, and a different team in the afternoon, so you will always have half day off. Town trips to Windhoek (a one hour drive) are possible to join on Sundays.

How long can I volunteer for?

The minimum project length is two weeks, and the maximum stay is three months.

How much spending money should I bring?

We recommend allowing $100 per week in USD to cover personal expenses such as drinks, souvenirs, snacks, tips and internet usage. There are ATM machines at the airport and we suggest you withdraw cash there for your time at the sanctuary. The currency of Namibia is the Namibian Dollar (N$), but the South African Rand (ZAR) is also accepted on a 1 to 1 basis.

Do I need a visa?

Most nationalities do not require a pre-arranged tourist visa for Namibia. To find out whether or not you will need a tourist visa you can visit VisaHQ and select your country of origin.  Please get in touch if you do need to apply for a tourist visa in advance of travel. It is your responsibility to check your visa eligibility prior to arrival.

What animals will I encounter?

The sanctuary is home to large carnivores, including lions, leopards, cheetah, wild dogs, caracals; primates including vervet monkeys and baboons; a host of birds including peacocks, vultures, owls and eagles; antelopes (oryx, duiker, springbok and kudu); small mammals such as meerkats, polecats, genets and warthogs, and lots of farmyard and domestic animals. The reserve in which the sanctuary is based and the neighbouring reserve, which is used for research activities, is also home to free-roaming big game including lions, elephants, rhinos and African wild dogs, plus giraffe, zebra, kudu, hartebeest and jackal.

What vaccinations do I need?

Please consult your GP or travel clinic for detailed medical advice. All volunteers should make sure their Tetanus is up to date. A rabies vaccination is not compulsory. You must bring your vaccination certificate with you!
Malaria – the sanctuary and carnivore research project sites are regarded as a low-risk malaria areas, but please consult your GP for guidance.
Please visit this UK government website for more details.

“Returning the wild to the wild”

The project’s mission is to conserve the land, culture and wildlife of Namibia, support species affected by ever-shrinking habitats and protect those threatened by the human-wildlife conflict. The sanctuary provides a safe haven for orphaned, injured and conflict animals and the project also works towards human-wildlife conflict mitigation through conservation and research projects throughout Namibia.

The vision of the organisation is to use responsible conservation tourism to support their community and wildlife projects.

The wildlife sanctuary always aims to release rescued animals back into the wild, where it is safe and sustainable to do so. Their mantra of ‘returning the wildlife to the wild’ is the backbone of their carnivore conservation project – Namibia already being home to large populations of wild cheetah and leopard. Orphaned, abandoned and injured animals are raised with compassion and dedication and their natural needs are always considered.

Wildlife sanctuary volunteers support the project’s goal of providing environments where natural behaviours are nurtured.

The founding organisation was set up in 2003 to support the health and well-being of the ancient yet marginalised San Bushmen of Namibia, through the opening of a clinic in an impoverished rural San community. This unified approach to conservation continues through job creation opportunities for the San people in tourist facilities, and educational support through the project’s community schools programme.

In 2005 the sanctuary was founded on the outskirts of Windhoek, with a lodge also built on the property. The main aim was to combine wildlife conservation with job creation – providing jobs for the San bushmen and and a home for conflict animals. The sanctuary is home to meerkats, mongooses, and dassies, through to large carnivores including leopard, lion, cheetah and wild dog – with a range of furry, hooved and feathered creatures in between.