Namibia is not a country that is easily left behind. Many visitors plan only a short vacation and end up stumbling across a project that speaks to them on a deeper level. The remarkable landscapes, abundant wildlife and diverse population easily cuts through the superficiality of life in a big modern city, and offers many opportunities for volunteering in Namibia.
If you are one of these visitors, and wish to return to Namibia to get your hands dirty, or if you are looking for a way to spend your gap year and make your mark where it matters, volunteering in Namibia can be a significant experience in your life.
The volunteer options in Namibia are many and can be fit to every profession and interest. If you have volunteered in Namibia please share your experiences with us and with others who may be interested.
The Enkosini Eco Experience offers three options for volunteer work:
Helping injured or orphaned wildlife
Caring for animals that have been rescued and brought to the wildlife sanctuary. Generally the only animals that live in the sanctuary are those that cannot be relocated back into their natural habitat usually because of the impact of human beings.
The animals living in the sanctuary include lion, baboons, jackals, meerkats, tortoises and others.
Cheetah and leopard research
This works hand in hand with the wildlife project mentioned above but with a strong focus on the release of rehabilitated cheetah and leopards and then research into their success in their natural environments.
Medical volunteer work
Assisting at the KhoiSan clinic to provide accessibly primary healthcare to the people who live in Epukiso in the east of Namibia
Volunteers can choose to focus on one aspect or spend time in all three, and will be working alongside trained and knowledgeable trackers and rangers, learning valuable skills and contributing positively to one of the most densely populated wildlife regions in the world.
For those who love elephants another option is the Namibian Desert Elephants Project in Damaraland, the north-western region of the Namib desert, helping to track and monitor the elephants as well as assisting local communities in minimising elephant damage to their water supplies.
These volunteer projects do cost varying fees, but will usually include accommodation, food and transfer as well as the general security of knowing you are looked after in wild and foreign terrain.
Volunteer work is a wonderful experience to meet like-minded people and form lifelong friendships, to grow as a person and to gain an experience that does not come easily in most jobs. Namibia, a country known for its rich wildlife, beautiful landscapes, incredible safaris and warm and welcoming people is a great base for a volunteer experience.
Disclaimer
Please Note: The details shared herein were correct at the time of publishing. However, with time some of this information may change. We recommend confirming information with suppliers prior to making final travel arrangements. If you do happen to find an issue with any information we’ve shared here, please feel free to contact us so that we can make the relevant changes.
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