Wildlife Conservation

This shelter's main goal is to help African wildlife and rehabilitate wild animals into their natural habitats if possible.

Your role as a volunteer:

As an international volunteer, you have the opportunity to be in close contact with lions, cheetahs, wild dogs, caracals, baboons and meerkats as well as goats, sheep, chicken and geese and to participate in the maintenance and development of this centre.
 

Volunteer work helps create a sustainable environment for wild animals and local communities and to ensure a valuable heritage for future generations.

Throughout your volunteer programme - depending on current needs on site and on your skills - you may:

• 

  Prepare the food and feed the animals

• Clean and maintain enclosures

• Enrich the wild animals' lives by interacting with them while walking in the bush or creating playful activities for them

• Provide intensive care to juvenile animals including overnight care

• Help build new facilities and maintain the centre

• Conduct research like monitoring free-ranging carnivores in the area and surroundings farms, in order to help with the conservation of threatened livestock

• Monitor carnivores and snakes by tracking them in the wild on horseback

• Assist and help with any current projects

• Assist the teachers of the kindergarden and primary school based in the centre

Supporting children from the San community:

You have the opportunity to assist teachers working at the local pre-school and primary school, attended by the children of the San community.

Without this school, these children would not have access to education.

There are currently around 25 children aged 1-7 years. English, maths, arts and crafts, sports activities and environmental studies are taught in order to enable them to attend public schools in Windhoek afterwards. Learning how to read and write are also part of the curriculum. Children enjoy dancing, singing and playing.

If you are interested in helping out at the school (Monday-Friday), please let us know on your enrolment form.

You could also discuss this option with your local coordinator once in Namibia however, please note that volunteering at the school will depend on current needs.

Accommodation:

You will stay on your project site, either at the Volunteer House (4 volunteers maximum staying in same-sex shared rooms) or in a luxury bow tent (with a living space and rooms, for 2 or 3 volunteers staying in same-sex shared rooms - expect if you are enrolling to this volunteering mission as a couple).

Both bedding (blanket and pillow) and towels are provided.

You can use the laundry facilities (included).

Volunteer can use shared bathrooms equipped with solar hot water panels (hot water may be limited).

Electrical appliances may be charged on site however please note that electricity may be limited (it is considered a luxury in Namibia!) as they may be power cuts, expecially during storms. Please remember to bring extra batteries!

Internet access is limited to emergencies only! This will be a fantastic opportunity for you to take a break from the digital world for a short while, to relax and make the most of the natural wonders surrounding you! 

Meals:

You will have full board (3 meals per day) and will make your own meals.

Breakfast: cereals, toasts...

Lunch: pasta, wraps, burgers, wok...

Dinner: meat, fish, vegetables, rice, potatoes, pasta...

On Saturday evenings, a traditional outdoors barbecue, the infamous Braai, is organized for a unique South-West African gastronomy experience. 

You may make tea or coffee (included) and purchase cold drinks or snacks (not included) on site.

A vegetarian option is available upon request.

If you have a particular diet or food allergies, please let us know by mail at info@globalong.com and please inform your programme coordinator as well upon arrival in Namibia. 

Your free time:

In the evenings, you may take part in leisure activities along with fellow international volunteers: quiz, volleyball, hiking, swimming in the river, etc.

On Saturday nights, you may experience Braai gastronomy and on Sunday, you may visit Windhoek, the capital city of Namibia (not included).

Namibia boasts many natural resources and breath-taking landscapes.

If you would like to stay in Namibia for a few extra days after your programme, make the most of the country's marvels and book a safari tour (not included) - from 3 days.

Outings and trips are not included however if you would like to plan any, feel free to ask your local coordinator for help and advice!

Recommendations:

Please bring old comfortable, practical clothes as well as a small bag where you are advised to keep your valuables.

While taking part in their project in the wildlife conservation centre, volunteers wear:

• a "volunteer" t-shirt (you can purchase 3 for 300 Namibian dollars = about 20 euros, upon arrival)
• a pair of long shorts or trousers (denim or khakis)
• a pair of sturdy closed-toe shoes 

Please bring neutral coloured clothes and a neutral coloured windbreaker. Do not wear bright coloured clothes in the centre! We recommend that you wear brown, khaki or green clothes while on the project. 

We also recommend that you wear high ankle hiking boots while in the wildlife conservation centre to avoid tick or snake bites. Wearing open shoes - such as sandals or flip flops - is not allowed while on the project.

Please wear modest clothes – such as jeans, leggings, long shorts or skirts - to respect the cultural values of the local communities.

From May to September (which are the winter months in Namibia), nights can be very cold.

From October to April, it is summer time and from November to February, it is the rainy season - remember to bring a raincoat if you visit Namibia at this time.

In Namibia, days can be very hot but nights, very cold depending on the season. We recommend that you bring a very warm sleeping bag.

Remember to bring professional cooking gloves (to prepare food and feed the wild animals) as well as gardening gloves!

You can go to Windhoek at the week-end to shop. You do recommend however that you bring everything you need for your whole stay (toiletries, sunscreen, etc.).

Programme, follow-up and customization:

Included:

• Pre-programme support from the GlobAlong team
• Airport reception (Hosea Kutako International Airport in Windhoek)
• Return transport from the airport to the accommodation
• Accommodation (shared room)
• Full board (3 meals per day)
• Laundry service
• Induction period at the beginning of your programme
• The customisation of your programme
• 7/7 support from your local team when needed
• Support from the GlobAlong team throughout the duration of the programme
• Customised blog on our network
• Advice on how to get your visa (if necessary)
• Country guide
• Traveller’s guide
• Certificate of participation to the volunteering programme
• A donation to a local project according to current needs
• Participati
• on and management fees/donation

Not included:

• Return flight to Namibia
• Travel insurance (compulsory) and cancellation
• Vaccinations (for further information click here)
• Local transportation
• Personal expenses
• Excursions at the week-end

Airport of arrival: Hosea Kutako International Airport in Windhoek (WDH)

Minimum stay on the project: 2 weeks

Maximum stay on the project: 12 weeks

Dates: Available all year round 

Arrival day: Monday

Departure day: Monday

Minimum age to join the project: 18