Volunteering in Namibia: Top 10 conservation experiences at a wildlife sanctuary

It’s 3:00am in Namibia and Ruby is refusing to let me go to sleep.

We’ve spent all day together. At one point on a hike through our camp I thought we had become friends – especially after I’d made a special meal to celebrate our friendship (spoilers – it was a smashed-up banana).

Now though, Ruby doesn’t want to put her nappy on and go to sleep, and that means I can’t sleep either.

Ruby is an orphaned baby baboon at the Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary that I’ve been volunteering at for the past week. When she was young, Ruby lost her parents, meaning that volunteers at the camp look after her, along with other orphans.

Situated on the southwest of Africa, Namibia is a nation in possession of magnificent sights, and a fascinating history. It is here that golden deserts meet distant, rugged mountains; where stretches of parched savannah somehow sustain wildlife; and where ancient communities call the wilderness home, despite the changing of times and the beckoning call of cities and towns. Namibia is Africa at its most iconic, and at its finest, and located within the country’s diverse surrounds lies the Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary.

Namibia is a country with a well-deserved reputation for stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity, so when the opportunity came up to volunteer at the Wildlife Sanctuary, I booked my first ticket out to the southwestern African nation.

About Namibia wildlife sanctuary

Nestled within the heart of a vast African savannah, the Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary stands as one of the country’s leading conservation organisations. From humble beginnings as a patch of farmland in 2005, the sanctuary has earnt its reputation as Namibia’s leading conservation organisation, taking in countless in-need animals and housing them in a safe environment spanning thousands of hectares.

The sanctuary provides a lifeline to many of Africa’s in-need wildlife species, taking in a number of animals that have either become orphaned or injured as a result of the enduring human-animal conflict.

What to expect as a volunteer

Despite my rather raucous evening (and very late night) with Ruby, the experience overall was one of the most rewarding of my life. As someone who describes themselves as an animal lover, the opportunity to interact closely with some of our planet’s most remarkable wildlife was a profoundly humbling experience.

Additionally, I had the privilege of being involved in the care for an injured rhino, witnessing the dedication and expertise of the sanctuary’s veterinary team in providing medical treatment and rehabilitation for this majestic creature. Night watches offered a unique perspective on nocturnal wildlife activity and the importance of constant vigilance to ensure the safety and security of the sanctuary’s residents.

Whether it was observing and caring for Africa’s famous big cats, such as cheetahs, leopards and lions, or for the myriad of savannah residences, such as zebras and antelope, all volunteers are likely to leave with a deep connection to the African wildlife, and a deeper sense of empath and appreciation for conservation.

In addition, volunteers help contribute to the conservation and preservation of Namibia’s remarkable wildlife heritage. Their efforts help ensure the long-term survival of endangered species and the protection of their natural habitats.

Wildlife sanctuaries in Namibia often place a strong emphasis on education and community engagement. Volunteers may be involved in educational programmes aimed at local schools and communities, raising awareness about wildlife conservation and promoting sustainable practices. By sharing their knowledge and passion, volunteers contribute to the long-term conservation efforts by inspiring a sense of stewardship among the local population.

The experience is one that I am unlikely to forget soon, and has left a lasting impact on myself. I encourage anyone with a passion for wildlife, conservation, and patience – should they run into Ruby – to embark on this remarkable journey and become a vital part of Namibia’s ongoing conservation efforts.

image: Sarah Kelly contributing to the daily care of animals

10 of my favourite volunteering experiences in Namibia

Baboon Walk: Participating in guided walks to observe and learn about the behaviour of baboons in their natural habitat was an incredible opportunity to witness their social dynamics up close.
Food Prep and Animal Feeding: Contributing to the daily care of animals by preparing food and participating in feeding sessions allowed me to directly support their wellbeing and observe their unique feeding behaviours.
Carnivore Feed: Assisting with carnivore feeding sessions, including feeding cheetahs and leopards, provided a thrilling and educational experience while highlighting the importance of maintaining a balanced ecosystem.
Project Building Work: Engaging in construction projects, such as building new enclosures or repairing existing structures, helped create better living environments for the animals and contributed to the overall development of the sanctuary.
Animal Enrichment: Participating in enrichment activities, such as creating toys and puzzles for the animals, provided mental stimulation and entertainment, promoting their overall well-being in captivity.
Cheetah Run: Witnessing the incredible speed and agility of cheetahs during their exercise sessions was a breath-taking experience, highlighting the grace and power of these magnificent creatures.
Reserve Research: Assisting with research projects conducted within the sanctuary, such as monitoring wildlife populations or collecting data on habitats, contributed to the scientific understanding of the local ecosystem.
Animal Tracking: Learning how to track animals through their footprints, scat, and other signs deepened my understanding of their behaviours and the techniques used to monitor their movements in the wild.
High Profile Species Monitoring: Taking part in monitoring programmes focused on high-profile species, such as rhinos or elephants, highlighted the conservation challenges faced by these iconic animals and the efforts made to protect them from poaching and other threats.
Anti-poaching Experience: Participating in anti-poaching exercises provided valuable insights into the ongoing battle against illegal wildlife trade and the measures taken to safeguard Namibia’s precious wildlife.