Volunteer in Namibia

Namibia’s natural beauty is one of the most underrated in Africa. From gorgeous seascapes to rugged mountains, from serene deserts to splendid wildlife, Namibia goes beyond your expectations. Unfortunately, with over half of its population in poverty, Namibia is one of the poorest nations in not only Africa, but the world over. There is a tremendous need for volunteers in the nation to work on a variety of projects.

Environment

Namibia is very well known for its beautiful environment. However, there is much environment related work that needs to be done in the nation and volunteers are definitely needed. As a volunteer, you will work on trail building, environmental education, and park maintenance.

Wildlife

Namibia has magnificent wildlife, but unfortunately, many species are at the risk of becoming endangered. Thus, there are numerous reserves for wildlife. As a wildlife, you will have numerous, diverse tasks that are sure to keep you interested and busy. They include conducting leopard and cheetah monitoring, participating in the rescue and release of leopards and cheetahs, and finally, Bushman walks, where you get to interact and learn skills from local tribes.

Volunteering Tips

Volunteer Support: If you volunteer in Namibia through an organization, they should have a support system in place where you can turn into for help and support. Your home country’s embassy or consulate can be reached in Windhoek for information and support as well.

NGOs/Nonprofits: Namibia has many volunteer organizations. Here’s a complete list of NGO's in Namibia.

Know Before You Go: English is in fact the official language of Namibia, but it is important to know that German is extensively spoken among the white population, and Afrikaans is the most popular language among the native black population. Try to learn a bit of both languages before you leave for your trip.

Health and Safety of Volunteers in Namibia

As a volunteer in Namibia, you are highly recommended to be vaccinated for Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Yellow Fever, and Rabies. For more information, visit MD Travel Health.

Tourists are often the crime of petty crime like pickpocketing in Namibia, so it is important to stay vigilant. Always try to accompany someone with you and do not carry along valuables.