Food, Lodging & Travel
As the volunteer projects are spread across different parts of Namibia, each site has its own food and lodging provision. Details are provided below about what to expect at each site. The slideshow is of the lodging options at the Wildlife Sanctuary project.
Wildlife Sanctuary Project
For volunteers at the wildlife sanctuary and joining the equine experience, there are two options for accommodation; ‘Bush Camp’ tents and ‘Farm Camp’, with either 2 or 3 people sharing.
Some tents have an ensuite bathroom and some share communal shower and toilet facilities. Hot water is supplied by solar power it can sometimes be restricted. Electricity is available in the communal areas.
Volunteers are provided with 3 meals each day on a self serve basis. Breakfast includes toast and cereal; lunch includes pasta, wraps, burgers or stir-fry; and dinners include meat and vegetables with rice, potatoes or pasta. On weekends volunteers will often have a traditional braai (barbecue). Vegetarian options are available.
Conservation Kanaan Desert
Volunteers will be staying in a renovated farmhouse with shared bedrooms and bathrooms, accommodating up to 8 participants at a time. The house has electricity, but volunteers will need to bring their own South African adapters to charge electric appliances. Volunteers should also be aware there is no cell phone reception in the area.
Volunteers will be provided with 3 meals a day. Meals include a standard breakfast, lunch (provided either out in the field or back at the farm house depending on the days activities) and dinner (typically a warm meal).
Once a week dinner will be in the form of a traditional Namibian braai (barbecue). Vegetarian options are available on request and volunteers can purchase their own snacks and drinks before arriving.
Adventure Week Neuras Mountains
Lodging will be in the form of a new tented camp. The camp is comprised of 6 tents, each with 2 single beds, and shared bathrooms. There is also a swimming pool and a BBQ area.
Volunteers will receive three meals a day. This will include a standard breakfast, a variety of lunches such as sandwiches, burgers and salads and dinner (typically a warm meal). Once a week volunteers will be treated to a traditional Namibian braai (barbeque) as well as a Neuras favourite; brick oven pizza night! Vegetarians can be catered for.
Wildlife Sanctuary Harnas with San Bushmen Programme
Harnas provides cosy wooden cabins equipped with four single beds and access to a shared bathroom. Delicious meals are served at the boma, which is situated within the volunteer area. Volunteers can also relax and cool off in the refreshing pool. For those interested in upgrading to lodge accommodation, this is also an option.
San Bushmen Medical Programme
While volunteering with the San Bushmen Medical Programme, you will stay in a bungalow along with the resident Doctor and Nurse. You will either share rooms in pairs or have a private room depending on the number of volunteers at the time.
As the clinic can only accommodate a maximum of 4 volunteers at a time the accommodation has a very homely atmosphere. The house has a kitchen, 2 bedrooms with single beds, 2 bathrooms and a living room (with TV) and electricity and hot water are freely available.
You will be provided with 3 meals a day which will be prepared amongst yourself and the other volunteers.
TimBila Game Reserve Programme
TimBila offers a cosy volunteer house featuring twin rooms with private bathrooms. The house boasts a roomy dining and living area, along with a serene terrace equipped with barbecue facilities. Take a refreshing dip in the pool while enjoying magnificent views over the reserve during free time.
Travel and transfers
Medical volunteers will begin their project on Sundays and as such are advised to arrive on a Saturday at latest, but can arrive before if they wish. Volunteers will be based at the Wildlife Sanctuary until Sunday when they can be transferred to the clinic. Volunteers for Kanaan and TimBila are transferred on Saturdays, so the latest you should arrive is a Friday. Volunteers joining the Wildlife Sanctuary can arrive any day of the week. Volunteers for Harnas Wildlife Sanctuary are transferred on Mondays.
On arrival, you will be met by a representative at Windhoek International Airport. The transfer time to the sanctuary is approximately 45 minutes. On arrival to the sanctuary, you will be shown around the accommodation and facilities. An induction meeting will be held with you in your first few days. Activities are continuous on the sanctuary and animals need tending to, so you will be hands-on on from your first day!
Vaccinations for Namibia
In order to enter Namibia certain vaccinations are required. Both rabies and tetanus vaccinations are recommended for this project. Volunteers should also contact their doctor or travel clinic to arrange the appropriate vaccinations and ensure they carry the vaccination certificate with their passport. Although the not all the projects are not located in a high Malaria risk area, should you decide to travel to other parts of Namibia either during your stay or afterwards you may need to take malaria tablets and should consult your doctor.
Project Requirements
No previous experience or qualifications are necessary, just enthusiasm to make a lasting difference to Namibia’s Wildlife and the San Bushmen community. If you do have previous medical skills or qualifications, that is of course a big bonus for the Medical volunteer programme – and likewise, if you are studying medicine, or nursing, you would be most welcome to join. You must be over 18 yrs old to join. We also accept families with children over 12 yrs old.
Project Uniform
All volunteers joining the programme at all sites, will receive a uniform to wear whilst on the programme (1 x shirt and 1 x pair of trousers which can convert into shorts) on arrival. If you wish to purchase additional uniform this can be done when you are there.
Visa requirements
To enter Namibia, all participants will need to apply for and pay for a Visa on arrival beforehand – which will allow you to stay for up to 90 days (approx cost £65-£70). Please check the list to see if your nationality is there, and if it isn’t, you will need to apply for a Holiday Visa.
