Namibia wildlife sanctuary volunteering vacation

From

£945

£5445

15 Days excluding flights

More info:Volunteers are able to join this project for two to twelve weeks.

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Travel Team

If you'd like to chat about this vacation or need help finding one we're very happy to help. The Travel Team.

Toll free 1-866-821-6866 Calling from outside the US? rosy@responsibletravel.com

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This trip departs every Monday and Thursday throughout the year

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Responsible tourism

As the pioneers of responsible tourism, we screen every trip so you can travel knowing your vacation will help support conservation and local people.

The main aim of this project is to rescue and rehabilitate cheetahs, lions, baboons and a variety of other indigenous animals. Many animals at the sanctuary are relocated, due to being threatened by farmers who view them as threats to their livestock. The baboons in particular often come to the center as orphaned babies. The animals that can be released are encouraged to emulate natural, wild behaviour and then sent to a sister project to begin the stages of re-release.

Volunteers are key to the success of the wildlife sanctuary, as participation in the programme ensures the on-going rescue, survival and rehabilitation of the animals which have found a safe refuge there.

This project directs all its efforts towards long term rehabilitation, but sadly not all of the animals who find a home at the sanctuary are able to be released back into the wild. Only those that cannot be, usually for reasons involving human intervention, remain at the sanctuary. Many of these animals have been orphaned, hand raised from a very young age and as a consequence become too used to captivity and so cannot be released safely.

The work being carried out by this project is essential in the continued crusade to protect some of Namibia’s most treasured species. Any volunteer taking part in this project will leave safe in the knowledge that their efforts have greatly contributed to this endeavour.

The Impacts of this Trip

This project focuses particularly on addressing human-animal conflicts that have arisen between the area's wildlife and local communities. If the locals do not want the animals nearby, the sanctuary works to relocate them to a safer and more remote environment, to ease the tension that such close proximity often causes.

The interaction of volunteers with local communities also greatly helps to build a positive relationship between the project and local people. The work that is carried out by the sanctuary is not only beneficial for the area's wildlife, but for the communities that are struggling to live alongside the animals themselves.

Environment

Community

The Impacts of this Trip

Climate

6 Reviews of Namibia wildlife sanctuary volunteering vacation

4.5 out of 5 stars

SHOW

Reviewed on 06 Mar 2020 by Donna Gorin

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?

Celebrating a milestone birthday, and being able to observe and work with wild animals at close quarters.

2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?

Go with an open mind, a sense of fun, and a mirror!

3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?

The project supports the local community through employment and education. There is also a big drive to be more sustainable.

4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?

Very glad I took part in this project, and would highly recommend to animal-lovers of all ages.

Reviewed on 27 Nov 2019 by Claire Springett

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?

Getting to see the large animals in their natural environment

2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?

It is very physical and the days are long, be prepared to work hard!

3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?

Yes - the foundation works on all the above

4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?

Pretty good. I wasn’t expecting it to be quite so hot or for some of the work to be as physical as it was but the animals made up for that.

Reviewed on 18 Sep 2018 by Chris Downing

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?

Walking with cheetahs. Unforgettable

2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?

Be aware that it can be very cold in Namibia at night and the accommodation is basic so take plenty of warm clothing for the evenings.

3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?

It definitely supported conservation and the sanctuary provides jobs for local people.

4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?

A unique experience with like-minded people.

Reviewed on 13 Sep 2015 by Naomi Soffa

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?

The volunteer work at N/a'an Ku Se was amazing. I very much enjoyed the Dunes and Wildlife tour as well.

2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?

I would book the tour before the volunteer work and I would definitely volunteer for at least 2 weeks.

3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?

I felt like I was really making a contribution to the functioning of the wildlife
sanctuary with food prep, cleaning enclosures, feeding and caring for animals and being responsible for the environment and impact on the ecosystem with recycling and conservation efforts .

4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?

I had an amazing time!!!

Reviewed on 06 Dec 2015 by Frances Toomey

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?

It was fantastic to be directly involved in a conservation operation for some of the most endangered animals in Africa. Volunteers were able to actively participate in activities to anaesthetise and move animals and other research, as well as handling a variety of animals on a regular basis. The highlight of my two weeks was conducting a game count on horseback and taking cheetah cubs for their daily walk.

2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?

Two weeks is probably not enough. Look out for options to volunteer for a week at Neuras and Kanaan and book before you go - these options are very popular. There are also various reasonably priced safari options which are worth looking
at.

3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?

The motto of the N/A'an ku se wildlife sanctuary is 'conservation through innovation' and works directly with farmers to track and conserve large carnivores - and this innovative approach is delivering excellent results. The foundation also supports the San community. I felt privileged to be part of this very worthwhile operation and to have contributed in some small way.

4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?

Excellent - food and accommodation, though relatively basic, were good (although do bring your own plunger and ground coffee if you don't drink instant). Staff were extremely knowledgeable and helpful, the volunteers all worked well together and a range of activities were provided. Rudie and Marlice, the owners and founders of N/A'an ku se, very much appreciate the work of the volunteers and are always ready to engage with them. All in all, one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I will be going back!