Typically project days start from 7am and finish around 4-5pm, with a long, relaxing lunch break in the middle. Your days will include a combination of the activities found below, working on a rotational basis.
Baboon Walk
Most people in Namibia classify baboons as pests, which sadly means the sanctuary rescues several baboons yearly, many arriving very young and sadly as orphans. Volunteers help to care for and accompany the baboons on enrichment walks through the bush. This unbelievable activity helps to mimic life in the wild and provides the baboons with the space to run, climb, and socialise in their natural environment.
Food Preparation
With over 300 animals at the sanctuary and potential new arrivals all the time, volunteers are kept busy with this food preparation activity! Following nutritional menus, you'll create vegetable platters for the herbivores and meat feasts for the carnivores; so all the sanctuary residents receive a balanced, healthy diet.
Small Animal Feeding
Meerkats, mongooses, lambs and even baby crocodiles; are just some of the sanctuary's many small animals that often need hand-feeding! Volunteers often have some incredible, close encounters when feeding the small residents, and under the supervision of the sanctuary staff, you'll learn about the different species, their care plans and what their futures entail.
Carnivore Feeding
With the big cats and wild dogs further afield on the reserve, you'll load up the trucks with meaty treats and head out to feed the carnivores! Volunteers may throw food to lions, leopards and more, alongside observing them at mealtime. With the project facilitators armed with knowledge, you'll learn about these iconic animals with a front-row seat to their natural predatory behaviours.
Project Work
Project work is essential to keep any sanctuary operating smoothly. Volunteers may help to build new structures and enrichment items in animal enclosures, dig and clean watering holes or hideouts, fix fences and cut back vegetation. These are just some examples of necessary tasks that ensure the wildlife's well-being.
Night Drive
Every week, volunteers will have the opportunity to venture out on the reserve after dark! You'll jump in the truck around 9pm and head out for around 3 hours in search of glistening eyes in the distance. Take the chance to see the nocturnal wildlife of Namibia under a truly stunning night sky.
24-hour Game Count
Taking place every full moon, a whole day of safari is on offer to those who want to help monitor the health of this fascinating ecosystem. You'll make notes of the different species you see, alongside location and quantity, helping to survey the predator-to-prey ratio and population density which aids the reserve management team. Sign up for an all-day game count for a real and wild insight into Africa's wildlife!
Lifeline Clinic
Alongside protecting the wildlife of Namibia, the sanctuary has numerous initiatives to help local communities. As a volunteer, you'll meet and help families when touring the Lifeline Clinic. Providing medical treatment, food provisions and education for adults and children, the clinic is a cornerstone of the project. This activity offers the chance to play games with the children, serve lunch to the locals and interact with the community.
San Bushman Experience
The San Bushman Experience is a unique way to immerse yourself in the ancient customs and traditions of the San community. Learn how the San build their houses, make fire, find water and even track animals, all while connecting with a community understood to be the oldest inhabitants of Southern Africa. Discover 20,000 years of culture and stories upheld by indigenous hunter-gathers keeping their old-age traditions alive in this ever-modernising world.
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