Volunteer Programs in Namibia

Have the opportunity to see elephants in their natural habitat in this volunteer program abroad! The Elephant and Community Water Access Project in Namibia mostly involves helping surrounding communities in Damaraland come up with solutions to the existing elephant-human conflict. At the same time, you will develop bush and wildlife skills as well as undergo health and safety training. There is an ongoing struggle between these majestic creatures and the people living in rural communities as water supply becomes scarcer due to erratic rainfalls and desertification. This project works to improve the lives of both the local people as well as the elephants by creating sustainable solutions so that they can live side by side. It also aims to monitor elephant behaviors so they can live harmoniously alongside communities. Volunteers on this project must love the outdoors and have a passion for wildlife. You should be able to work as part of a team and have a spirit of adventure. Please note that being clean shouldn’t be a priority with no access to shower facilities from Tuesday to Friday. The placement is in a rural setting, so a reasonable level of fitness is essential.

GoEco is one of the world’s top volunteer organizations, with award-winning and ethical programs selected by sustainable travel experts. Since 2006, tens of thousands of volunteers have taken part in projects and internships worldwide, focusing on wildlife and marine conservation, education, and medical initiatives. GoEco operates in over 50 countries, providing unique cultural immersive experiences that aim to make a positive impact on the environment and society. The organization also offers internships and academic programs for students. GoEco provides safe and meaningful experiences while promoting sustainable travel and reducing carbon emissions.

International Volunteer HQ offers the world’s #1 rated volunteer abroad programs in Namibia - trusted by more than 130,000 volunteers since 2007. Volunteer with a renowned wildlife conservation organization in Namibia through IVHQ's Wildlife Conservation project. Your role involves providing a safe haven and a second chance for various African animals, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, antelope, warthogs, baboons, and more, with a focus on releasing them back into the wild when possible, and your contribution as a volunteer is crucial in sustaining the project's care for these animals. The program starts from only US$68 per day with year-round availability and you can volunteer anywhere between 2-24 weeks. When you choose a low-cost, high-value program through IVHQ, everything is organized for you, including your accommodation, meals, airport pickup, orientation, 24/7 in-country support, and more! You can also get a zero-risk refundable booking option along with unlimited free changes to your trip. Are you ready to immerse yourself in a new culture, join a social group of like-minded volunteers, and make a difference while you travel? Apply to volunteer with IVHQ today!

Immerse yourself in the beauty of Namibia, surrounded by stunning Appaloosa horses. Enhance your natural horsemanship skills whilst assisting with looking after over 40 stud horses, miniature ponies, alpacas, and rehabilitated equine rescues. This programme is designed to develop your communication with horses using methods such as liberty, trust exercises, clicker training, and bodywork to build a deep connection. Experience the freedom of riding with just a halter or neckrein, using your seat, legs and balance to guide your horse. You will have an 8 module Natural Horsemanship Programme run by an incredible team. You will be assisting with the training and backing of horses, working with members of the Namibian San tribe, as well as helping the children of the local community develop a connection with these beautiful equines. You'll also have time to relax, enjoy guided safari rides, and appreciate Namibia's stunning nature and wildlife. All riding abilities accepted.

Looking to apply your talent and expertise to a good cause? Find a program that matches your interests and skills through Volunteer World! We are the largest volunteer abroad comparison platform around the globe, enabling you to seek and compare offers from major travel agencies as well as smaller grassroots NGOs and local specialists in more than 80 countries. All these with just one click! Find projects in wildlife, teaching, community development, and several other areas. Simply choose your desired destination and desired travel date, and our search engine will compare the best volunteer abroad programs on your behalf. Whether you wish to gain experience at a wildlife sanctuary in South Africa or teach English at a monastery in Nepal, we've got you covered. Volunteer World guarantees a quick and easy application. We will guide you through this process, as well as help plan your next meaningful trip. We provide free access to quality-checked projects and flexible options. And if anything goes wrong, we've got your back with our qualified support team and our refund guarantee.

Join a life-changing volunteer program in Namibia, where you'll play a crucial role in African wildlife conservation and rehabilitation. This wildlife sanctuary provides a haven for injured and orphaned animals, including lions, cheetahs, leopards, baboons, and more. As a volunteer, you will assist with feeding, monitoring, and caring for these species while contributing to vital research and habitat maintenance. With hands-on tasks like spoor tracking, game counts on horseback, and anti-poaching efforts, this immersive program offers an opportunity to connect to nature and impact wildlife conservation.

This programme is based on the immense and spectacular desert, The Namib, home to magnificent, wild elephants. This is one of only two places in the world where elephants can be found living in the desert. Volunteers will spend the first half of the programme working with a local NGO to help resolve the conflicts existing between villagers and elephants, and building walls to protect farmers crops while ensuring that drinking water reaches the elephants. During the second part, volunteers will learn the art of tracking and monitoring elephants in the wild. Important data is collected to help create protection campaigns and initiatives. A suitable volunteer is someone willing to help out and who is enthusiastic about the welfare of these gentle giants. This programme is also available to people looking for an internship. Applicants need to be studying relevant degrees (conservation, environmental studies, biology, etc.).

Damaraland, a sparsely populated area, is home to virtually untouched nature with fascinating plant and animal life. To ensure that the region's desert elephants can roam through Namibia’s Damaraland for years to come, the project is devoted to the protection of these animals. Only a few desert elephants were left in the region 20 years ago mainly due to conflict with local farmers. Life in Damaraland is largely dependent on the few springs, which have water all year round. These springs are often taken over by man, so the elephants sometimes destroy the farmer’s homes and wells in their desperate daily quest for water. The project aims to create a balance that meets the needs of both humans and animals. You will help the farmers with development aid, schooling, training, and setting up protective walls. You will build new water holes for the animals, away from settlements and the local population, fostering a harmonious co-existence between man and elephants. Moreover, you will monitor the desert elephants, accompanying these gentle giants on their endless ramblings and observing their population, behavior, and movement patterns.

Become a Wildlife Volunteer Ranger and help us effectively reach our goal of rhino conservation in Namibia. We have implemented this program so our anti-poaching ranger units can protect wildlife across the country. Spend the first 10 days in intensive training at Camp Rhino, where you gain theoretical and practical knowledge of our anti-poaching operations. The curriculum includes topics like Principles of Conservation, Map Reading, Survival Skills, and Crime Scene Preservation. After the training period, volunteer at one of our custodian farms. Here, you support our anti-poaching efforts and provide logistical backup to our highly trained field officers. You assist in the daily activities of field rangers and contribute to the conservation and protection of rhinos and other wildlife species. Rest assured that you will never be in harm’s way. Our highly trained and skilled field officers will constantly accompany you. They will step in at any given moment when contact with poachers occurs and you will be relocated to safety. 2024 Program dates: 08 July 2024 19 August 2024 14 October 2024 04 November 2024

This hands-on program is designed for students seeking deeper insight into wildlife veterinary care, animal welfare on sanctuaries, and broader conservation efforts in Namibia. Based at a well-established Wildlife Sanctuary, the experience offers a mix of practical exposure and educational enrichment in the fields of wildlife medicine, ecology, and research. Over the course of two weeks, participants will learn about Namibia’s unique wildlife, conservation challenges, and the role of veterinary support in managing both sanctuary animals and those in the wild. The program includes behind-the-scenes activities with the on-site vet team, and—depending on current cases—may involve overnight visits to nearby farms, conservation centres, or other sanctuaries to assist with medical treatment, rescues, or relocations. Because the program responds to real-time needs, it is highly flexible. Students should be prepared to travel on short notice and adapt to the changing demands of veterinary and conservation work on the ground.