Travel story: Athina volunteers in Namibia
Wild animals, research and unforgettable moments
If you’ve ever thought about Namibia as your next destination but wondered how volunteering there actually works and what you can expect, Athina’s story is exactly what you need. She’s a travel specialist at KILROY and knows how to make the most of a one-of-a-kind experience. Last summer, she combined an African road trip with volunteering at the Animal Rescue Center, a world-famous sanctuary for injured, orphaned and problem animals just outside Windhoek.
Curious what it’s really like to volunteer in Namibia, which animals you’ll meet and what your daily tasks might be? Keep reading!
What attracted you to volunteering in Namibia?
I’ve always wanted to volunteer abroad, but never actually made it happen. Now that I work at KILROY, I see nothing but travel opportunities every day, and thought this was the perfect moment to finally do it!
Feed injured animals
Where did you work?
I ended up at the Animal Rescue Center in Namibia. This sanctuary cares for animals that need temporary help or can never return to the wild. The project also has a school, so if you prefer working with people, that’s an option too.
Wildlife volunteer project in Namibia
What did a typical day look like?
Every week you’re assigned to a group of 6-7 volunteers. You have two activities per day: one in the morning (08:00-12:00) and one in the afternoon (14:30-17:00). There’s so much to do that you really need two weeks to experience everything.
Monday: Feeding baby baboons - seriously cute! Later we took the older baboons out for a walk. Some just climbed onto our shoulders. In the afternoon, we cleaned the meerkat enclosures: removing rubbish, changing water and filling in the holes they dig.
Tuesday: Enrichment projects! We reinforced fences, built structures and helped train the K9 dogs that track poachers. It was amazing to see how they handle real situations.
Wednesday: Research day! Tracking elephants with GPS, checking camera traps and sorting wildlife photos. It was fascinating to see how animals are monitored for reporting.
Thursday: Morning with the cheetahs, afternoon cleaning cages for birds of prey and carnivores like vultures, owls and wild dogs.
Friday: Feeding day for the carnivores! We prepared food for lions, cheetahs, a leopard and a brown hyena. In the afternoon, another walk with the baboons - one of my favourite activities.
Weekend: Days off to do extra volunteering, book activities or just relax by the pool. You can also join a trip to Windhoek to explore the city and local shops.
Volunteers help protect wildlife
How did you find the volunteering experience?
The atmosphere among the volunteers was great! You sleep in tents with 3 people, and there are plenty of shared spaces to hang out. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are always together, and during the day you’re with your own volunteer group. On weekends, there are always activities organised, so there’s loads of fun stuff to do!
Honestly, nothing was difficult - everyone was open and friendly so you fit right in! I loved that there were so many different nationalities among the volunteers, which made the dynamic even more fun!
Help out with building projects
Would you recommend volunteering in Namibia to others?
Definitely! The best thing about this project is you get to do so many different things, so no day is ever the same! If you want to volunteer for more than two weeks, I recommend booking a research project as well. Then you head to another location for a week to learn something new and focus more on their research.
I learned a lot during the volunteering project. It was incredible to see these wild animals up close! And you realise there’s so much more involved than you think when it comes to caring for animals. Everyone working there is so passionate, and that enthusiasm is contagious!
Namibia Wildlife Rescue
Want to know more about volunteering?
If you, like Athina, love nature, wild animals and discovering a completely different culture, Namibia is a destination for you. The country is so impressive and varied that your trip feels like a real adventure, and you can make a difference for both the animals and the local community.
Want to know what your volunteering experience could look like? Or have questions about preparation, transport, safety or practicalities on the ground? Just book a meeting with us. We’re happy to help you get started and make sure you’re well prepared for your trip to Namibia. It’s an experience you won’t forget!
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