Wildlife Sanctuary Volunteer Program – Namibia

Experience One of Namibia’s Most Unique Wildlife Volunteer Programs
Volunteer at one of Namibia’s oldest and most established wildlife sanctuaries, founded in 1978. Located on a vast wildlife reserve, this program gives volunteers the opportunity to contribute to the care of orphaned, injured, and conflict animals while experiencing life in the heart of the Namibian bush.

This program offers a unique combination of wildlife conservation, community engagement, research, and cultural experiences, making it an ideal choice for volunteers looking for a meaningful and diverse experience.

Why Choose This Program?

• Volunteer at one of Namibia’s first wildlife sanctuaries

• Stay inside the sanctuary surrounded by wildlife

• Take part in hands-on animal care and feeding

• Experience carnivore feeding, night drives, and research activities

• Learn about conservation while contributing to animal welfare

• Engage with local communities, including the San people as well as local school children

• Enjoy a wide variety of activities, meaning no two days are the same

• Feed wildlife under supervision, while maintaining a strict no-touch policy for the animals

Program Duration and Requirements

• Program duration: 2 to 12 weeks

• Minimum stay: 2 weeks

• Maximum stay: 12 weeks

• Minimum age requirement: 18 years old

• Volunteers should have a willingness to get involved, team spirit, responsibility, and a genuine passion for wildlife and conservation

• This is not a “party holiday” and volunteers should be prepared to assist whenever needed, including occasional evening duties

What Volunteers Will Do

Every day is different, with volunteers rotating between a variety of wildlife, conservation, and community activities.

Animal Food Preparation and Feeding

Volunteers help prepare nutritious meals for the sanctuary animals, including portioning meat and vegetables and feeding smaller animals such as mongooses, cats, dogs, and crocodiles. Crocodile feeding happens once a week.
Volunteers usually feed : Meerkats Mongooses, Bat Eared foxes, Hedgehogs, cats & dogs

Upon arrival, volunteers receive training in food preparation to become familiar with the different feeding requirements of the animals.

Carnivore Feeding

A program highlight is assisting with the feeding of larger predators, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, African wild dogs, and caracals under experienced supervision.

Small Animal Care

Volunteers help care for smaller animals at the sanctuary, supporting their health and wellbeing.

Sanctuary Maintenance and Project Work

Project work is an important part of keeping the sanctuary running smoothly. Volunteers may assist with:

• Cleaning animal enclosures

• Repairing fences and roads

• Building enrichment for captive animals

• Maintaining waterholes

• Clearing overgrown vegetation

• General reserve maintenance
  
  

Research and Conservation Activities

Volunteers can take part in wildlife research activities such as:

• Game counts

• Camera trap monitoring

• Vegetation surveys

• Recording wildlife sightings

• Collecting and sorting data for conservation research

These activities help monitor predator and prey populations and contribute to the long-term management of the reserve.

Night Drives

Experience the Namibian bush after dark during guided night drives. Volunteers may have the opportunity to spot nocturnal species such as aardvarks, brown hyenas, porcupines, and genets.

Conservation Ranger Experience

An optional overnight activity allows volunteers to join rangers for both a night and morning foot patrol. Volunteers sleep in canvas tents in the bush and gain first-hand insight into the important work of wildlife rangers.

Cultural and Community Experiences

San Bushmen Experience

Spend time with Namibia’s San communities, one of the oldest cultures in the world. Learn about traditional tracking, fire making, finding water, and hear stories passed down through generations.

Local School Support

Volunteers may also spend time supporting children at the local school connected to the sanctuary. Volunteers can contribute to educational activities and spend time with the children.

Lifeline Clinic Visit

The Lifeline Clinic supports lo cal families through medical care, education, and feeding programs. Volunteers may have the opportunity on Tuesdays to visit the clinic, engage with the community, and help serve meals.

Volunteer Arrival and Orientation

Upon arrival, volunteers are welcomed by the coordinators and shown the accommodation and facilities at the volunteer village.

The following day includes:

• An introduction to the sanctuary’s history and background

• Important rules for working around the animals

• A guided tour of the farm area

• Training in food preparation and feeding procedures

• Instructions on cleaning enclosures and participating in daily tasks

New volunteers are not allowed to enter animal sections until they have completed the orientation and introduction process.

A Typical Day

07:00 – Breakfast available until 08:15
08:15 – Morning meeting and briefing for the day’s activities
Morning – Animal feeding, food preparation, farm work, animal walks, horse riding, project work, or conservation activities
13:00 – Lunch
15:15 – Afternoon meeting and activities
19:00 – Dinner, social time, and free time

Daily schedules may change depending on wildlife needs, weather, and operational requirements.