The sanctuary, situated in a 25,000 hectare game reserve within striking distance of Windhoek, is set in the majestic savanna of the region with areas of vegetation extending up to a beautiful mountain backdrop. The Otjihase River cuts through the land in the summer months and giraffe, zebra, ostrich, hartebeest, springbok, warthog and occasional cheetah and leopard roam freely across the land.
The sanctuary serves as a safe home for wildlife in trouble from all over Namibia and volunteers help the dedicated staff to rescue, care for and rehabilitate these wonderful animals. The sanctuary currently provides a safe refuge for orphaned and injured wildlife including a number of lions, leopards, cheetahs, wild dogs, caracals and baboons as well as a number of domestic farm animals such as goats, sheep, pigs and horses to name but a few! Volunteers help to care for the animals on a daily basis, helping to maintain and develop the sanctuary as well as becoming surrogate parents to the baboons who need constant care and attention.
This project directs all its efforts towards long term rehabilitation but sadly not all of the animals who find a home here are able to be released back into the wild. Only those that can’t, mostly for reasons of human impact, remain at the sanctuary. Many of the animals have been orphaned, hand raised from a very young age or have become too used to captivity and cannot safely be released.
Volunteers may also get the rare opportunity to work alongside the big cat experts and Bushman trackers in the conservation research programme. This may include getting involved with the monitoring and tracking activities of a number of leopard and cheetah within the local area, taking part in game counts or preparing for new arrivals. The research project fits captured big cats with a radio collar before releasing them back into the wild. This allows them to track their movements, check on their condition and gain a better understanding of their ecology for future conservation.
The aim is to provide volunteers with the wonderful opportunity to experience African wilderness in the knowledge that they are contributing to the conservation of this area.
Volunteer Programme
Volunteers are key to the success of the wildlife sanctuary - participation in the programme ensures the rescue, survival and rehabilitation of the animals which have found a safe home there.
Please bear in mind that this information is meant as a guide as the very nature of a wildlife sanctuary means the mix of wildlife can change at any time.
Daily Activities
Volunteers will be split into groups with fellow volunteers, rotating duties daily to undertake the following activities:
- preparing the daily feeds, cleaning out enclosures and feeding the animals on the farm
- spending time with many of the animals including the semi-tame cheetahs
- feeding the large wild carnivores including lions, leopards, cheetahs and wild dogs
- caring for the orphaned baboons - currently there are over 31 baboons from 6 months to 4 years of age. Volunteers will be responsible on a rota basis for bottle feeding and sleeping overnight with the babies who are currently too small to live in the camp with the young baboons. Walks with the baboons take place several times each week.
- enclosure and border fence patrol
- project work which may include debushing areas, fence removal or building waterholes
- big cat conservation work which may include searching for cheetah marking trees, locating collared carnivores using telemetry and GPS tracking, identifying, counting and tracking carnivore spoors, checking box traps, undertaking game counts and building or clearing out temporary enclosures for new residents
The sanctuary also cares for a number of farm animals, including goats, pigs and horses, which volunteers may get the chance to ride.
Volunteers can choose to spend one morning assisting the teacher in the San Bushman school on the farm, started to provide education to the children whose parents cannot afford to send them to school. This is a great fun and very rewarding activity. There are approximately 30 pupils ranging in age from 1 - 15 years old. Staff work hard to secure places for the children in mainstream schools in Windhoek and currently transport 9 children into Windhoek each day for schooling.
Itinerary
Volunteers are split into working groups to ensure variety when carrying out duties, duties rotate daily.
| 7am |
Breakfast |
| 8am |
Morning meeting with volunteer co-ordinator to plan the day's activities |
| 8.15 am |
Morning Activities (varies daily) |
| 10.30 am |
Tea break (depending on activity) |
| 10.45 am |
Morning Activities (varies daily) |
| 1 pm |
Lunch and free time |
| 2.30 pm |
Afternoon Activities (varies daily) |
| 6.00 pm |
Dinner and free time |
| 7 pm |
Baboon babysitting duties |
Volunteers should be prepared for the daily schedule to change at short notice to meet the needs of the project and animals.
Volunteers need to be ready to take on any tasks that may be required of them.
Please remember that the animals are rescued, taken in, cared for and if possible, released into natural habitat again, therefore the variety and number of animals at the sanctuary can change daily. Please be flexible as activities can change due to the needs of the animals and project.
The staff are very knowledgeable at the Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary, the work can be hard but the overall experience is excellent. I will miss the lions and jackals at night the most.
Kirstie, Scotland, aged 37 (Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary)
We have just returned from a wonderful trip to Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary. I was terrified that my partner would not enjoy the experience as I practically forced him to become a volunteer for two weeks. However, I needn't have worried, as on the second day he announced what a fantastic experience it was, so much better being hands on and not merely being on Safari and watching the animals from a landrover. He now wants to do it again in Botswana next time. The trip itself was inspiring. The work with the animals was interesting, exciting, and fun , made even more so by the knowledge and expertise of the staff working there ( I never thought for one moment that I would take a Cheetah's temperature, or check it's heart rate after being darted!) We both thought that the balance between work and "animal time" was just right. Great people, great place and great diversity of wildlife. We will never do safari holidays again! Thank you Amanzi Travel, we'll be in touch about Botswana!
Carole, aged 57 & Stephen, aged 58, UK (Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary)
I was lucky enough to have a tent to myself for two weeks - it seems that they put the 'older' volunteers in tents, which are a short distance away from the main area. You do need to be reasonably fit and used to walking for this project but all in all I enjoyed the trip. The staff were very supportive and friendly and the food was plentiful and tasty. Bottle feeding a baby zebra and taking a baby baboon to bed for the night are experiences that very few people get to have, and to stroke a purring cheetah is amazing!
Julie, UK, aged 52 (Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary)
This has been my dream since I was young, and it's fulfiled all my hopes. As soon as I have the money/the time I will do something similar to this again - and will most probably book via Amanzi Travel. Thanks for this time!
Camilla, Sweden, aged 20 (Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary)
Thank you Amanzi Travel, I had an unforgettable trip to Namibia and I wish I could stay down there forever! I just love the life you live there with animals around you all the time and the landscape is so beautiful. It's a fantastic experience and definitely something everyone should do, at least, once in their life. I've met friends the world over and have some great experiences with me that I'll never forget. Now, it's back to reality but I'm already planning next years travelling so I'll be in touch soon.
Andrea, Sweden, aged 22 (Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary)
Thank you for organising such an incredible trip for me.
Namibia Wildlife Sanctary is now a very special place for me. I over came massive hurdles in my life to get there. I was very nervous about coping with a new place, country and people! It went better than I could have ever dreamt of! I shocked myself and family. My Dad was expecting a phone call a few days in with me asking to go home! No chance! I had settled within the first few days and was made welcome by everyone. Towards the end of my stay people commented on how much I had opened out and relaxed around people.
The experience was incredible. I now crave it. The work we did was hard and rewarding. I fell in love with the Baboons instantly! I wish I could be back there each day! For me it was a dream come true that also helped me grow as a person. I can't wait for the day that I can go back! Mean while I'm going to start volunteering at some local animal rescue centres, I loved every second we spent helping the animals.
I thank you again for your amazing help, with out you and your colleges I would have never had such a life changing experience.
Thank you all, your company changes lives for people like me and gives us experiences of a lifetime.
I thank you a million times over!
Jasmine, UK, aged 19 (Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary)
I've been meaning to email you to say thank you for all your help organising my trip, I had the most amazing time at the Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary, its such a wonderful programme - only wish I could have stayed longer!...
I'd highly recommend this programme to anyone looking to experience the 'real' Africa!
Aimee, UK, aged 21 (Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary)
I had a great time at the Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary; interacted with some amazing wildlife and met some great people. Anyone looking for a hands on experience with animals would not be dissapointed! Amanzi made the experience even better by providing fantastic support and information.
Sarah, UK, aged 23 (Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary)
It was FANTASTIC!!!!!!! We loved it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you soooooooooooooooooooo much for your help in making this come true....It was truly great. Jacky (58) and I (56) did our best to "give", but it was nothing in comparison to what we recieved! As my husband summarized, " If we had known the Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary when we were 20, our lives would have been very different"....In a nutshell, GO! GO! GO!
Patricia, France, aged 56 (Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary)
Its our second visit to the Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary and we loved it as much as the first. Be prepared for the unexpected! Anything from helping with a critically ill waterbuck, meeting a porcupine in the lapa, or a sudden 250km dash to retrieve a brown hyena who would otherwise have been shot. Amazing experiences we'll never forget.
Amanda and Stephen, UK (Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary)
The project and the staff working there was very profesional. I had the real feeling of actually helping the animals at the sanctuary.
Sarah, UK, aged 19 (Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary)
Had a wonderful time!! Wish I had stayed longer.
Judith, UK, aged 55 (Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary)
Best vacation that I have ever been on. I loved Namibia, the people I volunteered with, the staff, and of course all of the animals. I was able to have such an up-close personal experience with all of the wildlife that you just cant get on a safari. The days were long, but rewarding. I went to bed every night with a smile on my face. This is the trip of a lifetime
Alexandra, USA, aged 24 (Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary)
It was a very interesting experience. The work on the farm makes sense, because the project also involves the locals, they have work. I think therefore they get more respect to their nature and to the animals living there, because they benefit from the farm.
Cornelia, Germany, aged 52 (Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary, Desert Elephant Volunteer)
It was really all about getting back to basics and for me as well as indulging my passion to live, eat (not literally!), sleep and dream animals for 2 weeks, forgetting all about the 'push, shove and complain' mentality of Western European culture; to see life and her bones in the scorching setting of Namibia and to bring home a new perspective and some re-vamped values whilst having had the chance to contribute to the conservation and welfare of its native animals and peoples.
Caroline, Netherlands, aged 42 (Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary)
It was an amazing experience - including a baboon attack and a beetle in my ear - and I would do it all over again (except I shall sleep with ear plugs anywhere from home for the rest of my life:)
Edina, Netherlands, aged 44 (Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary)
I had a wonderful time and I was really happy to be in the farm with all that beautiful animals and also the nice people I met.
Reingard, Germany, aged 68 (Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary)
Being a volunteer on the Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary will stay with me forever. This work is very hard and the facilities very rustic, but knowing that the animals benefit from all your efforts will touch your heart like nothing ever has or ever will. If you volunteer on this project, it will not change the world, but it will change you. Thanks again for all your help Gemma! It was fantastic....
Cathy, USA, aged 62 (Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary)
It was an amazing experience!!! Spending my days with all these beautiful animals, taking care of them, feeding, cleaning and so on. I have no words to describe my first encounter with Semira the tame cheetah, looking at you with her beautiful eyes and purring. My stay here touched my heart deeply and the worst of it all was the day I had to leave this little heaven and leave all my beautiful friends behind.... I miss them so much!! I have great hopes that this volunteer project will open peoples eyes (locals and farmers) to the beauty of their nature. And that the only way to keep it, is to live and share the land with all its wild animals, respect their environment and space and to save this beautiful nature!
Patricia, Switzerland, aged 47 (Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary)
This was the first time I was abroad so all this was very new and confusing for me. But I really got amazing help from Amanzi Travel with all this. You didn't feel stupid for asking questions and they were both kind and helpful. The trip to Namibia was wonderful. I love animals more than anything so this was like a dream come true. An experience of a lifetime!
Amanda, Sweden, aged 19 (Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary)
Our trip was SO wonderful. We definitely enjoyed every minute of it! Have no expectations for the projects, because they will all be a million times better! While you’re there, a dream will come true!
Saskia, Holland, aged 26 (Medical Volunteer at Bushman Rural Clinic, Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary)
Fantastic experience. Thanks for all you did. Having an 8 month old leopard rubbing his head against your face while you are loading him into a land rover, an orphaned baboon snuggling up to you for warmth at night and walking young lions along the edge of the Zambezi river are just a few of many highlights of my 3 months in Africa. Earning and obtaining the trust of these magnificent animals is a very special experience which for certain will live with me for the rest of my life. Africa is magnificent, as is the work and dedication of the people who run these projects. I would get on a plane back there tomorrow if I could.
Paul, UK, aged 48 (Zambia Lion Project Volunteer, Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary)
Spending time at the Namibian Wildlife Sanctuary was the experience of a lifetime. Within minutes of arriving, a meerkat was sitting on my head and later that same day I spent time in the baboon cage playing with the five youngest baboons.
I was there for two months and it was probably the best thing I have ever done. My main reason for going was the tame cheetahs as my dream has always been to see them close up. So to be able to go inside their enclosure and groom and pet them was a dream come true. Other volunteer jobs were to cut up meat that was later fed to the cheetahs, wild dogs, leopards, and lions. On a rotating basis all the volunteers were able to participate in feeding these animals. There are also the meerkats, baboons, and assorted farm animals that are fed daily and cared for by the groups of volunteers. One day we were shown how to de-tick and vaccinate the flock of sheep and the farm workers were fairly amused by the sight of the volunteers trying to catch all 36 sheep.
The main interaction volunteers had was with the young baboons. They ranged in age from several weeks to almost one year old. We got to play with them, took them into the bush for walks, and then at night they slept with you in your room if you wished. That is a great experience as they get attached to you and respond to you.
I was lucky enough to be at the farm when one of the meerkats gave birth. Once the four babies were about ten days old they started to venture out of the burrow with the adults and soon enough they were also taking small pieces of meat and apple from us at the daily feedings.
When we were not caring for the animals, there were waterholes to dig, or we prepared the ground and dug holes for enclosures and lookouts and helped maintain the existing fences and enclosures. We also took turns doing enclosure patrol where the lions, leopards, wild dogs, and cheetahs are kept to make sure there are no holes in the fences or that no animal has dug in or out.
We went on a couple of nature walks exploring the countryside on foot for three or four hours and ending the day with a brai.(barbeque) Volunteers also took turns playing with the local children. There is "playschool” three mornings a week and they love colouring, playing in the yard, or visiting with the small animals. But the favourite is getting a "piggyback” ride home to their village at the end of the morning. All in all it was a great experience and I can't wait to go back
Julie, Canada, aged 52 (Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary)
My trip was amazing! I had a wonderful experience and would love to go back in the future.
I spent 2 weeks in a small town working at the Lifeline Clinic for the very poor and neglected Bushman people. During my time there, I helped provide basic treatment for patients that came to the clinic as well as spent a lot of time with the Bushman people in the community. I especially enjoyed playing with the Bushman kids. Hopefully I brightened their lives as much as they did for me. Spending time with them and seeing their smiling faces despite the conditions they live in made me greatly appreciate the life I have.
I spent the rest of my time working in a clinic in the city of Windhoek with Dr Rudie van Vuuren. During this time I learned a lot about basic medicine. As a future medical student, I was glad to get a chance to take patient histories as well as administer injections and draw blood. I was also lucky enough to observe one of Dr V’s surgeries and I spent a night at one of the local hospitals in the maternity ward watching deliveries. Dr V was an excellent teacher and an amazing person in general. I learned a lot and it was very satisfying to help the people in any way I could.
During my time at Namibia Sanctuary I met a lot of interesting people from all over the world. There were many other volunteers that I worked with and I made many new friends. When I first arrived I thought 4 weeks would be a long time but it went by way too fast. I wish I could have stayed longer! All in all this was probably the best trip I have ever been on.
I recommend this trip to anybody who loves animals or would like to get involved in medical volunteering and learn from a great doctor.
Mark, USA, aged 21 (Medical Volunteer at Bushman Rural Clinic, Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary)
I had a great time. The Namibia project was just an amazing experience, and although I turned 66 there and the average age was 22, the people were great. It's the best run volunteer programme I’ve experienced, including university-based archaeology and biology ones.
Robin, Australia, aged 66 (Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary)
My experience with Amanzi Travel was excellent throughout the entire process. The website was informative and easy to navigate. Gemma was very helpful and prompt in answering my questions while I was deciding which project was right for me. Upon arrival at my volunteer project, I realised how accurate the website was in describing my particular project. I will certainly recommend Amanzi Travel in the future as well as explore future travel with Amanzi myself.
Aaron, USA, aged 30 (Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary)
I don’t think this project could exist without its volunteers. I felt like what we were doing and what we were part of… actually made a difference. We were very happy with the services Amanzi Travel provided for us. From competitive and better prices than other providers to great and friendly staff. They helped us to take our dream trip.
Jen, aged 32, USA (Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary)
...was very glad I went because I ended up teaching the children for 2 weeks which was a wonderful experience and definitely of value as it prompted the Bushmen to set up their own kindergarten after I left. The farm was wonderful and there was always something that needed doing.
Amanzi is obviously a well run company and has a brilliant choice of projects...
Bryony, UK, aged 20 (Medical Volunteer at Bushman Rural Clinic, Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary)
I feel I must add that I have done a good deal of travelling over the years, albeit never in Africa. So this Continent is a first for me, but I have been very impressed by the professional way that Amanzi Travel have dealt with all my arrangements and enquiries. I do recognise how busy you must be, however, you have always been accessible and have answered any queries I may have had, which is much appreciated. I would highly recommend your company. It's been an excellent trip.
Terry, UK, aged 54 (Tanzanian Game Parks and Zanzibar - 10 Days, Namibrand Cheetah and Leopard Conservation, Namibia South - 7 days, Tanzanian Game Parks and Zanzibar - 10 days, Namibia South - 7 Days, Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary)
I loved this placement and wish I had been able to stay longer. The volunteer leader, Carol, was extremely supportive and we were all able to learn a lot from her. The animals were amazing and the other volunteers were great company. Gemma was very helpful and friendly and always offered good advice and support.
Anna, UK, aged 47 (Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary)
Wildlife and research in Gorisas NamibRand was awesome. Cila was a very enthusiastic and infectious coordinator who is obviously passionate about her work. The wildlife staff were also incredibly helpful and are what makes the programs successful.
I was very impressed with the projects and the information provided by Amanzi. There were no surprises and I know exactly what to expect. The projects are well structured and I had an amazing experience. Amanzi was also very helpful with booking post project travel for me which made my whole holiday stress free and very enjoyable. I would definitely book another project with Amanzi.
Kathryn, Canada, aged 47 (Medical Volunteer at Bushman Rural Clinic, Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary)
This was quite a life changing adventure, one that I was not expecting to impact on me as much as it did. What made it even more special was seeing Sarah’s face when up close to the animals – priceless.
Steve and Sarah, UK, aged 52 and 24 (Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary)
We had soo much fun in Namibia and we really had “the time of our lives”. It has been an amazing trip that we will never forget.
Sophie, Mikaela, Jennika, Camilla, Ida, Sweden, aged 19 (Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary)
Without the money and work from the volunteers this place would not exist.
Kerstin, Sweden, aged 66 (Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary)
It was an amazing experience. The highlight for me was the close contacts with the big cats, which exceeded my expectations. I also thoroughly enjoyed the time I spent with the baboons.
Many thanks for all your help in answering my many questions over a long period. I must admit I did become very anxious before leaving, mainly because of my age, but I did feel quite pleased that I was able to achieve most things.
Marion, New Zealand, aged 67 (Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary)
Extremely valuable – every small activity done really felt like it was useful and important to the project and to the wildlife the project was supporting.
Within a day of arriving at the Wildlife Sanctuary I felt completely at home, the volunteers are all incredibly friendly and the staff really make you feel at ease and are always around to help.
Getting to know all the animals was the best part of the project, the Sanctuary currently has 5 lions, 2 leopards, 3 tame cheetahs, 2 wild dogs, 4 horses, 15 baby baboons, 3 meercats and a lot of dogs and tortoises! The baboons seem really scary at first because they can be rather boisterous but they are all so adorable and you definitely form a close bond with them, and spending time petting the tame cheetahs is as incredible as it sounds!
The volunteers at the Sanctuary are divided into three categories; wildlife, research and medical. Wildlife volunteers spend their time feeding the animals, carrying out any manual work that needs to be done around the farm, and spending time with the animals. Research volunteers leave the farm every morning to carry out research tasks including checking the box traps in the neighbouring farm, doing game counts of the animals in the area, and spoor (animal track) counts. These are all to keep a check on and find out more about the local leopard and cheetah population, with the cooperation of the neighbouring farmers. I spent a week on research and it was fascinating, the highlight probably being tracking a collared leopard using a VHF radio.
There is also the chance to go to the NamibRand private nature reserve for a week (about a 6 hour drive south from the farm), where the project released 3 cheetahs in May 2008. You sleep in a small farm house with no electricity, and head out early every morning to track the cheetahs with a VHF radio and try to catch a sighting. We spent quite a few hours sitting on rocks holding the radio aerial and looking through our binoculars, and our group was lucky enough to have caught two sightings of them. It’s a fantastic experience, and is also a good week to catch up on your tan!
Overall my time at the Sanctuary was the best four weeks of my life; you make such strong friendships, not only with the volunteers but with the animals too, and for everyone the worst part of the experience is having to say goodbye to people as they leave. Four weeks there certainly wasn't enough, but even though for me it felt like such a short time I know it's an experience that will affect me for life.
Holly, UK, aged 19 (Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary)
Thanks for an amazing trip and all your help. I will definitely book another trip asap. This has been a once in a lifetime experience and the friends I have made will be friends for life. No matter how long each volunteer is staying for we are all treated equally and you feel part of the group immediately. The animals and the coordinators make the stay even more amazing and I would recommend it to anyone.
Paul, UK, aged 27 (Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary)
.JPG)
I have always been interested in doing a volunteer program and after extensive research on the internet I came across this and it sounded ideal, I wasn't disappointed when I got there. We were fortunate enough to have two baby baboons to look after, sleeping with a four week old baboon for the first time is an experience I won't forget and for the next eleven weeks I was a baboon mother and it was brilliant. Every day is different, there are the same jobs to complete but there's always something new going on so you never know what is going to happen, for example getting a cheetah with her four cubs come in or finding a cheetah in a box trap. I had originally only booked for eight weeks but extended my trip whilst I was there, a decision which I certainly didn't regret. The farm has a brilliant family atmosphere and the staff are all willing to help you if ever you need them, you immediately feel at home and it's like you've been there for weeks when it's only been a couple of days.
I'd recommend this project if you have a keen interest in animals and you're not afraid of doing some hard work, digging trenches in the middle of the day is tough but it's rewarding to know you're helping build a new home for the animals. There are so many rewarding features of the trip, stroking a cheetah is an unforgettable experience and one people back home will be jealous of.
Caroline, UK, aged 22 (Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary)
I loved every minute of my 3 week stay. It was hard physical work but at the same time it doesn’t feel like work because you’re learning so much about the animals there. The experience really opened my eyes to how easy it would be for any of these animals to become extinct due to hunters and poaching and the work the sanctuary does with the surrounding farms to educate people is truly inspiring. So much so I hope to return to the sanctuary next year and stay for 3 months!
Very valuable (the volunteer project to the community/wildlife). There was no way they would be able to continue with the work they do without the volunteers, they would have to pay staff and as the sanctuary does not receive any funding it would not be possible.
Amanda, UK, aged 29 (Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary)
I had the best time! I didn’t really know what to expect – but it was better than I could have dreamed. How can you possibly think of “spending time with animals” as work!! I had 2 weeks off work to do this trip and thought I would be surrounded by students, but the range of nationalities and ages was absolutely perfect, certainly a well-rounded bunch. My love of animals has increased so much from this holiday – if only I could have a pet Caracal…
Nicola, UK, aged 36 (Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary)
From the moment I arrived the staff were most welcoming. From them on, each day just got better the time spent with the animals large and small was so rewarding. At all times any questions always answered. The relaxed, but organised manner of the place only added to my enjoyment. Looking after leopard cubs one day, walking the baboons the next was magic. I would like to thank all concerned for a fantastic time.
Steve, UK, aged 51 (Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary)
My visit to Namibia was everything I’d hoped for and more. A fantastic experience. I felt very valued. Staff very approachable and knowledgeable.
Jackie, UK, aged 48 (Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary)
My dream was always to go to Africa since I was little and get up close to wildlife there (especially cheetah) and could not believe my dream was about to come true when I found the Amanzi website. My 40th birthday was coming up and thought its now or never to do what I have always wanted to do. I phoned and spoke to Gemma Whitehouse, who I can honestly say is the most helpful travel agent I have come across. I had never done anything like this before (travelled to a foreign country on my own) so was pretty nervous, but Gemma helped me with all my travel arrangements, flights, travel insurance, and anything I was not sure about, all I had to do was email her and she helped me get things on track whatever the question, from money, to what I should take out with me, to what injections I would need etc etc.... and when I book another trip which I am hoping to do next year I will definitely be contacting Gemma again.
It still feels like I was dreaming sometimes and cannot quite believe I did it. I met some fantastic people… and have made some great friends for life and we all had the best laugh. I loved the animals too… Nobody can quite believe me when I tell them I had a baboon sleeping in my bed but it was a great experience. Thank you for all you did for me Gemma, I really appreciated it.
Julie, UK, aged 40 (Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary)
I had the most amazing trip ever thank you. It is such an incredible place and I fell in love with the baboons. I’m really gonna try and go back but for a longer period of time.
Going to the NWS was truly life changing! I’ve always wanted to work with wild animals in Africa and finally I took the time and money to go as a volunteer… At night all volunteers take turns sleeping together with the baby baboons and it’s the best. Baboons hugging and sleeping on you all night is a very special and unforgettable feeling! Another unforgettable feeling is of course that you get to cuddle with cheetahs. It feels so unreal… Some work is hard and tough at the farm and some less fun but you don’t think like that when being there because at the end of the day it’s all for a good cause. You feel great having done it and it’s a very rewarding feeling to see the animals happy and you feel great of what you have accomplished… The staff are lovely! They are very friendly and make you feel welcome right at the start… The trip was incredible and I’ve never felt better that when being there. The place, the people, the atmosphere and surrounding is just so nice and relaxing. It was great to be away from civilisation, the city pulse and all its noise and instead going to sleep and waking up with the sound of roaring lions… I know I’ll go back soon again and I really can’t wait. I really do recommend and advice you to do the same! Don’t think, just go! It will be a life changing and rewarding trip I assure you. Have fun!
Caroline, Sweden, aged 29 (Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary)
The staff there were awesome, there was not a single member of staff that I did not get on with. Everyone was so nice! I was staying in one of the new tents, and to be honest, I think it was better than the rooms! I've not got a bad word to say about any of it! What I loved about the place was the fact that it only exists for the benefit of the animals…
Alun, UK, aged 24 (Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary)
My time at the sanctuary was fantastic. After losing my job as a Firefighter due to injury, I have struggled to find a new career that was as fulfilling and exciting. I have always loved animals and decided to do some volunteer work to see if I could find the inspiration for a new career in working with animals. My time in the Sanctuary was unforgettable – you just can’t describe it to others when you get home. I met lots of great people who have become new friends and we worked great as a team. I definitely gained the inspiration I was looking for that new career. I’m hoping to embark on my next Africa volunteer project very soon – it’s just such a life changing experience – it makes you appreciate how amazing, beautiful yet powerful the animals are and also how resourceful and happy the local community is. My experience has made me very much appreciate what we have back home but also makes me want to change my life in order to embark on something more fulfilling. I would recommend the experience to anyone!
Alison, UK, aged 37 (Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary)
I had the most amazing time thanks (as I’m sure you hear from all of your returning volunteers).
Helen, UK, aged 38 (Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary)
I felt that my contribution to the farm via the different activities I did. For example the enclosure, helped re-release an African Wild Cat, and help rescue a horse, all of which I feel had an impact on the farm.
Auguste, USA, aged 19 (Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary)