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By becoming a volunteer on this fantastic project you will experience an extraordinary chance to help a scheme that aims not only to conserve African wildlife but also return the social and economic benefits back to the surrounding communities.
Programme Age Limit
The Minimum age on this project is 18 years; the maximum depends on the health of the potential participant.
Your Volunteer Programme
The project is based at a newly constructed animal sanctuary, which is supported by a not for profit wildlife foundation. The foundation was able to find and buy a 1500-hectare game camp near the Otjihase River, 38km outside of Windhoek. Thanks to generous donations from an investor, further development has been enabled in the form of a guest lodge and surrounding villas, creating an exclusive nature-based lifestyle development nestled on the farm.
As a guest farm, it also provides employment and hence social and economic growth to the local community and instils a sense of value in the conservation of their natural heritage among the local people. This project is pro-active in conservation, eco-tourism, education and also supports medical treatment through a rural community clinic, with the help of charitable donations, investors and volunteer workers.
The main objective of this new sanctuary is to be an initial rehabilitation station for orphaned, injured and problem wild animals that previously found their way to a local wildlife sanctuary. These animals are now facing the exciting prospect of being released into large enclosures, which encompass their natural environments around the farm. This development will not only free the orphaned wild animals physically but also be of benefit financially, as a sustainable income can be generated from low impact tourism.
The overall aim for this programme is to provide volunteers with the wonderful opportunity of experiencing unspoiled African wilderness and authentic African culture, in the knowledge that they are contributing to both the conservation and development in this rural area. Without the help of this kind of sanctuary, the eventual extinction of wild animals in Africa will be difficult to prevent.
Fun Activities at the Project
During your time on this project, you will have the opportunity to enjoy a number of activities, included in the cost of the programme. These may include nature walks across the farm, horse riding, mountain biking and camping out overnight after the nature walk, waking up to a fantastic sunrise!
Some other activities available include:
- Visiting bats at the Arnhem caves – N$100
- Playing football and games against the bushmen: This is a fun way to interact with the local people of Namibia and develop close community relationships
- Spending time with the local Bushman children who don’t have the luxury of schooling: This can be a really satisfying experience.
Animals at the Sanctuary
The farm and surrounding area is home to all kinds of wildlife living in their natural environment, freely roaming the land. Including; Game, Wart Hogs, Ostriches, Caracals, Jackals, Vultures, Eagles, various bird species, the list is endless!
So far, the project has:
- Big cats: 5 lions, 2 leopards, 2 wild dogs and 3 tamed cheetahs
- 3 African wild cats
- 5 baby baboons, which are being hand raised and you will help assist in this
- A pig named ‘Babe’ and a talking African Grey parrot
- 2 mongooses and 3 Meerkats
- 7 baby tortoises
- 7 dogs and 2 cats
Please remember that the animals are rescued, taken in, cared for and if possible, released back into their natural habitat, therefore the variety and number of animals at the Sanctuary differs and rotates on a daily basis. The programme provides a hands-on experience with most of the animals.
Project Orientation
When you arrive at the project, the various staff members will show you around the site and inform you about the type of work that you will be doing. This is a great opportunity for you to raise any questions that you may have and find out more about this programme.
Project Support
You will have the continual support of our coordinator and project staff. They will help you with any questions or advice you may need. Along with this you will have access to a 24-hour emergency number should you need to contact our UK staff at any time.
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