A Guide to Volunteer in Namibia

Travellers Quest

Volunteer in

NamibiaThe Complete Step by Step Guide to Volunteering in Namibia

Table of ContentsChapter 1: Getting started - volunteer in NamibiaWelcome to NamibiaWhy you should volunteer in NamibiaWhat are some popular volunteer projects available in Namibia?Where are some popular places to volunteer in Namibia?Which is the best season to volunteer in Namibia?

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Chapter 2: Choosing your Namibia volunteer programWhich organizations offer the best volunteer opportunities in Namibia?How you can select the best organization to volunteer with

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Chapter 3: Getting ready to volunteer in Namibia

Visa, passportVaccinationsAir ticketRaising fundsSuggested books to readPacking advice and tipsGifts for projects

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Chapter 4: Information you must know about the project

Project detailsWhat to expect when volunteering in NamibiaLearn about your host familyLocal supportMake the final call

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Chapter 5: Arriving and Volunteering in NamibiaHow to make your volunteer in Namibia experience rewardingSafety while volunteering in NamibiaDo’s and don’t in NamibiaCulture shockThings to do in Namibia

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Chapter 6: Completion of project & follow up 20

Chapter 7: Most frequently asked questions from volunteers 21

www.travellersquest.com 3

CHAPTER 1: Getting Started - Volunteering in Namibia Welcome to Namibia

A utopia for wildlife, home to the world’s high-est sand dunes, and peppered with stunning desert, mountain and ocean landscapes and vibrant cities, Namibia has a lot to offer visi-tors. In Namibia, you can enjoy the abundant untouched spaces, join in some action and adventure activities on land, sea, or in the air, or interact with indigenous tribes - whatever you choose you can be sure a volunteer opportu-nity in Namibia will provide the experience of a lifetime.

Namibia offers many fascinating and unique hands-on volunteer opportunities. As the envi-ronment and wildlife are major drawcards for Namibia there is great importance placed on the development, maintenance, conservation and protection of them both, which means volunteer programs in the field of nature and animal con-servation are readily available.

Why you should volunteer in Namibia

Photo Credit: conservationtravelafrica.org


Contrasting Landscapes

The arid desert plains, sand dunes, canyons, coastlines, mountains, cities and ghost towns are all part of what make the contrasting land-scape of Namibia both mesmerizing and unique. When you volunteer in Namibia be sure to carve out some time to see its rugged beauty for your-self.

Wildlife Encounters

Famous for the big five game animals, Namibia is the perfect place to take a wildlife safari and spot leopards, cheetahs, lions, elephants, ze-bras, rhinos, buffalos and giraffes in their natu-ral habitat.

Diverse Cultures:

With a unique mix of British, German, African and Indigenous influences Namibia’s diverse cul-tures add character and charm to the towns and cities, and influence the traditions, beliefs, cus-

toms, music, dance and food you’ll experience. While volunteering in Namibia, you can immerse yourself in this cultural mix-up and you’ll truly experience the diversity of this great country.

Great Photographic Opportunities:

With stark landscapes like sand dunes, ghost towns and deserts and the vivid colors, shapes, textures of nature on offer Namibia is a photog-raphers dream.

Unique opportunities for cultural immersion

A volunteering opportunity in Namibia provides you with endless opportunities to integrate yourself into the local community, the best place to understand and experience the authen-tic nature of Namibian culture.

You will use your skills to benefit others

Volunteering is a great way to utilise your skills and pass on your knowledge to develop,


strengthen and improve the quality of living for those in great need. Whether your skills, knowl-edge and passion are in teaching, looking after others, building things, working with animals, conserving the environment or medicine, volun-teering in Namibia is the perfect opportunity to have a positive impact on the world.

You will experience personal growth

When you volunteer in Namibia, you will be immersed into a new culture, learn to adapt to different living environments and open your mind to a new way of thinking. This volunteer-ing experience will almost certainly lead to per-sonal growth as you gain new skills and knowl-edge, challenge your own attitudes and beliefs and learn to embrace and appreciate the small things in life.

You will experience life out of your comfort zone

Imagine living day to day life in a situation where you don’t recognize the food, can’t really

understand why people act the way they do, or you are unsure how to act, what to wear or how to respond in certain situations. Although this can be scary sometimes, stepping out of your comfort zone is usually very liberating. It teach-es you how to appreciate the familiar, and open your mind to alternative ways of living.

What are some popular volunteer project available in Namibia

Wildlife conservation

Namibia is famous for its majestic wildlife, and the national parks which these animals call home. Wildlife conservation projects have been set up to maintain and protect both the wildlife and their habitats. There are a range of different conservation projects throughout the , including desert and elephant conserva-tion, working with rhinos, big 5 safari, wildlife conservation and working in wildlife sanctuar-ies. Volunteers on these projects will undertake a variety of hands-on, interactive and research based projects which include monitoring, feed-ing, caring for and rehabilitating wild animals.

Teaching

Teaching projects in Namibia have been set up to provide educational support in English, and other subject areas, to those with limited ac-cess to quality education. Volunteers in these positions work alongside a local teacher, provid-ing assistance and support, teaching lessons, helping with homework and taking part in extra-curricular activities.

Health

Healthcare projects have been set up in Namibia to improve the health, nutrition and wellbeing of people living in rural communities. Health-care positions may involve conducting health check-ups, working in medical clinics or edu-cating people about healthy living. For some

Photo Credit: bluelizardadventures.com


placements experience in the medical field is required, however there are also positions for those new to this area.

Carnivore Conservation program

The Namibia Carnivore Conservation program has been set up to research and track cheetahs and leopards. Cheetahs are an endangered spe-cies, and due to both hunting and changes in habitat leopard numbers have decreased. These projects work to reduce the conflict between animals and humans, predominately due to livestock on farms being killed by the big cats. Volunteers in these projects will have a hands-on role in the areas of conservation, monitoring and tracking of the animals and collecting and analysing data.

Where are some popular places to volun-teer in Namibia?

Windhoek: Located in Central Namibia and bordered by the Eros Mountains, the capital city of Windhoek is a clean, modern day city which blends European and African influenced culture and neo-baroque architecture with modern day high rises. It’s a great city to explore by foot and an excellent starting point for your Namib-ian adventure.

Popular volunteer projects in Windhoek are in the fields of: childcare, humanitarian projects, wildlife sanctuaries, teaching and conservation.

Swakopmund: Located in the Namib Desert on the western coast of Namibia, Swakopmund is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. This beachside resort city showcas-es its German, colonial style architecture and is a great location for exploring the coast and sand dunes of Namibia.

A popular volunteer project in Swakopmund is: desert elephant conservation.

Damaraland: makes up the North Central Part

of Namibia, and is one of the most scenic ar-eas in the country. Darmaland is home to some of Namibia’s most exotic wildlife, the highest mountain in the country, a petrified forest, rock paintings and engravings and stunning land-scapes. It is a great place to spot wildlife and check out the Namibian Desert.

A popular volunteer project in Damaraland is: elephant conservation.

What is the best season to volunteer Na-mibia?

Namibia is located in one of the driest deserts in the world, with a relatively dry and pleasant weather year round, However January and Feb-ruary are the hottest months and temperatures during the day can exceed 40 degrees Celsius but cool down in the evenings. In the winter days are usually pleasant but nights can be quite cold. Some projects may however only be avail-able during certain times of the year so be sure to check with your organization what time of year is best for your specific project.


CHAPTER 2 : Choosing Your Namibia Volunteer Program

Photo Credit: workingabroad.com

Choosing an organization to book your Namibia volunteer project through may be the hardest part of your volunteering experience, because there are so many different organizations out there offering similar projects. When decid-ing on the best organization you should look for one that is professional, reputable, ethical and genuinely dedicated to making the world a bet-ter place. Here are a few things you can watch out for to help make this process a little easier.

How you can select the best organization

Industry Experience:

Industry experience is a good thing to consider, as if a company has been around for many years and is still providing valuable volunteer experi-

ence and having positive impacts on projects and communities it is a good indicator that they provide a service people find useful.• Check when they were established• Look for numbers showing how many volun-

teers they have placed, how many projects they currently have and which countries they work in

• Also look for any facts and figures which tell you about projects completed, funds raised, communities helped etc.

Website:

A well-presented website is another good indica-tor of a professional organization. Look out for some of the following:


• Up-to date information and details• A well laid out and easy to navigate site• Distinct sections about the organization, its

mission statement and its goals • Detailed information on projects• Reviews or testimonials from previous volun-

teers• Photographs of project work, volunteers and

communities who benefit• Contact details for the organization, online

support or a chat option• Details of awards, recognitions or partner-

ships• An FAQ section• A volunteer community or forum• A blog page• Links to related social media accounts

Social Media Presence

Social media is a very popular tool for promo-tion and audience engagement, so check to see if the organization has any presence on platforms such as Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Google Plus and check for:• Videos and photographs from projects• How frequently posts are updated• How engaging the posts are• How well they interact with their audience• How the posts relate to the volunteering

industry or their projects• How many followers they have

Program Fees:

Volunteering in Namibia will be a life chang-ing event however it can be quite an expensive undertaking, so it is essential that when you are looking at possible projects you know exactly what your fee includes, and how much will be given to the project and host family. You should be able to obtain this information either from an organisation’s website or by asking directly - an honest and ethical organization won’t have a problem sharing this information.

Reviews:A quality organization will have many success stories to share, from the communities and pro-jects that they work with and from their previ-ous participants. Check for reviews from past volunteers to gain an insight into the projects offered, the organization itself and what a typi-cal volunteer’s experience is like. A professional and reputable company is likely to have many positive reviews.

Reliable Communication and Support:

A professional company will be fast, efficient, supportive and willing to answer any questions or inquiries that you have in relation to pro-jects, destinations and volunteering in general. Use their online chat or send an email to the organization to get a sense of their willingness to help, how quickly and how well they respond to your questions.

Who are some of the best volunteer or-ganizations for Namibia projects?

Conservation Travel Africahttp://www.conservationtravelafrica.org/

Established in 2012, Conservation Travel Africa is a Mauritius based company which aims to provide unique and meaningful responsible vol-unteer experiences which focus on community development and environmental conservation.Volunteer projects in Namibia offered by Con-servation Travel Africa include: desert elephant conservation, wildlife sanctuary projects and wildlife rehabilitation and animal care.

Blue Lizard Adventureshttp://www.bluelizardadventures.com/

Established in 2005, Blue Lizard Adventures is a UK based organization dedicated to provid-ing volunteer experiences which are inspiring


and ethical, while supporting and benefiting the environment, communities and wildlife in the countries they offer programs in.

Blue Lizard Adventures offer two week volun-teer projects in Namibia in either carnivore conservation or wildlife sanctuary projects.

Working Abroadhttp://www.workingabroad.com/

Working Abroad is a UK based company which has been in the volunteer industry since 1997. With projects in over 25 countries, they work on contributing valuable resources to conservation and humanitarian projects.

Namibia volunteer projects offered by Working Abroad include: equine experiences, carnivore conservation projects in Kanaan and Neuras, health projects, wildlife sanctuary work and a desert elephant conservation project.

Oyster Worldwidehttp://www.oysterworldwide.com/Oyster Worldwide are a UK based organization which launched in 1999. The company is dedi-cated to establishing close relationships with projects and ensuring that each one provides a responsible travel experience to volunteersOyster Worldwide offer an elephant conserva-tion volunteer program in Namibia.

African Impacthttp://www.africanimpact.com/

Based in Zimbabwe and established in 2004, African Impact is dedicated to creating positive change, and offering long term positive benefits to communities and conservation projects across Africa.

In Namibia, African Impact offer a two week desert elephant conservation project

i-to-ihttp://www.i-to-i.com/

Established in 1994 in the UK, i-to-i work with NGOs and local communities to create projects which provide positive benefits for communi-ties while contributing to positive change in the world in general.

i-to-i offer volunteer projects in Namibia in the areas of: wildlife sanctuary projects and desert elephant conservation.

Real Gap Experiencehttp://www.realgap.com/

Established in 2004, Real Gap Experience are a UK based company which is committed to pro-viding volunteers with unique and authentic vol-unteer experiences in over 35 countries around the world. Real Gap Experience offers volun-teer placements in wildlife sanctuary projects and desert elephant conservation..

Photo Credit: workingabroad.com


Kaya http://www.kayavolunteer.com/destinations/country/Namibia

Established in 2008 in the UK, Kaya is commit-ted to providing grassroots level projects which are designed to provide positive benefits to communities in need of development and sup-port, alongside offering meaningful and invalu-able volunteer experiences.

In Namibia Kaya offer a volunteer placement in the area of elephant conservation.

Frontierwww.frontier.ac.ukEstablished in 1989, Frontier have over 25 years, experience of working with volunteers, and creating projects which provide value, support and positive change to conservation and com-munity development in over 50 countries around the world.

Frontier offer two week volunteer placements in Namibia in the areas such as: teaching, elephant conservation and wildlife conservation and sanc-tuary projects.

World Teachhttp://www.worldteach.org/

Established in 1986, World Teach is a USA based company committed to providing educational assistance and support to people in developing countries around the world. Volunteers are of-fered full support, training and language prepa-ration, as well as an unforgettable volunteer experiences.

Photo Credit: frontier.ac.uk


CHAPTER 3 : Getting ready to volunteer in Namibia

Photo Credit: fimrc.org

Once you have been accepted into your volun-teer program it is time to start on your pre-trav-el planning. From securing a visa to finding a cheaper air ticket, this chapter has lots of use-ful information to guide you through this stage.

Visa

Volunteering in Namibia requires a visa, Contact the Namibian consulate in your home country to check on the exact requirements in place, how long the process will take, the current cost and if you need a temporary residency permit too. For further regarding visas and the application process visit http://www.namibianembassyusa.org/

Passport:

To enter Namibia all non-African nationals need a passport with 6 months validity from the date of entry, proof of accommodation and of an on-ward journey. It is recommended that you have at least 3 blank pages in your passport for entry and exit stamps. Check the exact passport regu-lations as they apply to your nationality with the relevant embassy, as they can change suddenly.

Vaccination

Taking relevant health precautions is vital when travelling to a developing country. Before you leave your home country leave enough time to have all the immunizations, vaccinations and medications required for you to minimize the effects of any serious illness or diseases while away.


Important vaccinations to have are: tetanus, mumps/measles and rubella, chicken pox, polio, typhoid, hepatitis A&B and your flu shot. When traveling to Namibia it is also highly recom-mended that you are protected against malaria – ask your doctor about the various options avail-able.

Follow the link below for more information on health and safety while traveling and volunteer-ing in Namibia.http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/namibia

Air ticket

Flights into Namibia can be quite expensive so once you have been accepted into your volun-teer project you should start searching for your flight. Here are a few tips for finding the best airfare:

▪ Namibia’s main airport is Hosea Kutako Inter-national, however it may work out cheaper to fly into another African country first, and then take another plane to Namibia. Check different flight paths to see which works out the best and most convenient for you.

▪ Check which airlines fly into Namibia from your country and sign up for their newslet-ters so you can receive regular updates on flight deals.

▪ Search online booking engines to compare airlines and fares. Some example sites are cheapflights.com, airfarewatchdog.com and kayak.com.

▪ Book in advance and be flexible with your travel dates.

▪ Check airline booking conditions regarding fees you will be charged in case of cancella-tion, a date change or for excess baggage.

Raising Funds

If you need to generate some funding for your Namibia volunteer project there are lots of ways to raise fund. Here are a few ideas:

▪ Ask for donations from family, friends, neigh-bors or work colleagues

▪ Set up an online campaign which will pro-mote your cause and raise money for your volunteering experience. These are easy to set up, promote, manage and receive online donations for. (Plus if you are too shy to ask for cash directly this will be a greathelp.)

▪ Organize a garage sale, or sell some of your unwanted or used items on online auction sites like eBay

▪ Host a charity event such as a dinner, perfor-mance evening, film night, party or fashion parade

Some online campaign sites are:

http://www.gofundme.com/https://www.crowdrise.com/volunteering-for-charity

Suggested Reading

If you want to gain an insight into the culture, customs, history and people of Namibia here are some recommended books to read before you go. ▪ This is Namibia by Gerald Cubitt & Peter

Joyce ▪ Namibia: African Adventures Guide by Oliver

and Oliver ▪ Namibia: The Beautiful Land by David Bris-

tow ▪ Lonely Planet: Botswana & Namibia Travel

Guide

Packing Advice – Tips for Packing

▪ Travel documentation – passport, visa, vac-cination booklet, travel insurance papers, flight confirmations, important contact details

▪ Travel adaptor/converter for a three pin type outlet

▪ Comfortable lightweight clothing for during the day, and warm sweaters and long pants for the cooler evenings. If travelling in win-


ter than bring some warm layers. ▪ Comfortable walking shoes ▪ Camera, memory cards, charging cables,

spare batteries ▪ Medications (including malaria tablets) and

personal first-aid kit ▪ Toiletries ▪ Sunblock, moisturizer and insect repellant ▪ Wet wipes, tissues and toilet paper ▪ Torch or headlamp ▪ Gifts for Project ▪ When you volunteer in Namibia it is a really

nice idea to bring a few small gifts for your project and host family. Small memorabilia type gifts from your home country or town, such as a t-shirt, cup, keyfob or photobook are ideal. If you are working with children then educational resources, such as games, toys and books are recommended, along with stationery supplies.


CHAPTER 4 : Information You Must Know About the Project

Photo Credit: frontier.ac.uk

Volunteering can be an exciting yet nerve-wracking experience, but knowing exactly what is expected of you, getting to know a bit about your host family and connecting with the local support team before you embark on your adven-ture will help give you some peace of mind.

Get detailed information about project and what is expected of you

Before you leave it is important to find out the following:• The name and address of your project• Your roles and responsibilities• Day to day duties and tasks• Expected hours of work – start time, finish

time and any break times

• Who you will need to report too• How many people you will be working with

or looking after• Any guidelines or protocols which you need

to follow • Any equipment or specific clothing that you

will need to take with you• Where your project is in relation to your ac-

commodation and how you will get there

Learn more about host family

Getting to know your host family before you meet them is a really good idea. Making a con-nection will help you settle in faster and feel more comfortable in what could be an awkward situation at first. Ask your organisation to help you find out:


• How many people live in the family home, and their names, ages and genders

• The address of your host family and where they are located in relation to your project

• What each member of the family does• Whether you will have a shared or private

room• If you will have free access to other areas of

the house, such as the lounge or kitchen)• If there is a laundry you can use• Their religious beliefs• If they have hosted any volunteers in the

past • Whether you are able to invite guests over• If they have any house rules you need to

know about• If they offer any cultural immersion pro-

grams that you can take part in

Get Connected with Local Support

Once you begin your volunteer placement it is important that you have regular contact with your local support team. Keep them updated about how your project is going and inform them straight away if there are any issues with your project or host family. The local support staff are a valuable resource for assistance with volunteering issues, but also for local tips and recommendations of places to go and things to do. Before you leave your home country make contact with your local support team so you have a relationship in place when you arrive.

Make the final call before leaving

Before you leave your home country and arrive in Namibia it is important to make a final call to your organization. Take this opportunity to get answers to any last minute questions and ensure that everything is in place for your smooth ar-rival into Namibia.

• Check the organization has all your flight details, (airline, flight number, arrival date and time)

• Get the name and contact number of the

person who will be picking you up, the meet-ing location and ask how you will be able to identify them

• Check that no changes have been made to your project

• double check you have the correct and up to date contact details for the project, your host family and local support teams

• Ensure that the organization has all your cor-rect contact details too


CHAPTER 5 : Arrive in Namibia and Volunteering

Photo Credit: africanimpact.com

Once you arrive in Namibia you may feel over-whelmed by all the unfamiliar sights and sounds of your new environment. Your volunteer expe-rience will take you on a journey like no other, and these useful tips will help you make sure it is truly rewarding.

Research and Consideration

When you choose to volunteer in Namibia it is important to remember it’s a developing country, so living conditions, the environment and the health and education systems will be completely different from what you are used to. Researching the destination and gaining an insight into what you can expect to experience will help you adjust faster once on the ground.

Have realistic expectations – don’t expect miracles

When volunteering in a developing country you may not see any obvious immediate progress in the community or environment you are working in. Changes are often gradual, so take pride in being part of something that will lead to long term gains rather than expecting radical results.

Enjoy your experience and take pride in giving back

The most rewarding volunteer placement is one which you really enjoy. Getting to know the people you work with and those in local com-munities makes for a richer experience, as does


being dedicated and enthusiastic about the work you are doing. You will get a great sense of pride from knowing that you are having a positive impact on improving quality of life in Namibia.

Raise concerns

If you run into any issues or have any concerns while volunteering in Namibia it is important that you notify your local support team as soon as possible. Resolving any problems in a fast ef-ficient manner lets you continue to enjoy your volunteering experience, rather than letting concerns or misunderstandings grow into some-thing bigger.

Understand what is expected of you in your project

Making sure you clear understand your role and responsibilities while on your volunteer place-ment is important as this will help you under-stand how you should act, behave and interact with the people you work with both on the pro-ject and in the community. Knowing this helps to ensure a rewarding volunteer placement.

Safety while volunteering in Namibia

Although Namibia is still developing country and is ranked as one of the poorest countries in the world it is politically stable, and gener-ally a safe country to travel in. Of course there is still some level of criminal activity, particu-larly in the large cities, so like anywhere else in the world it is important to be aware of your surroundings and remember some basic safety precautions.

Here are some tips for helping you to stay safe while volunteering and traveling in Namibia.

Before you go:

• Register your travel and volunteer details with your local embassy in case you or your family need to be contacted in an emer-gency. Some embassies now have online sites where you can register these details.

• Australians - https://orao.dfat.gov.au/pag-es/default.aspx

• New Zealanders - https://register.safetravel.govt.nz/login

• US Citizens - https://step.state.gov/step/• Buy a good travel insurance policy• Make sure you have had all your required

vaccinations and have packed any vital medi-cations

• Make sure you have a valid visa• Make copies of your important documents

and give them to a family member or good friend

• Notify your bank of your international travel to Namibia in case there are any issues with your card while away

• Obtain all important contact details for your organization, local support team, host fam-ily, consulate and emergency services in Namibia

When in Namibia

• Be aware of your surrounding environments at all times

• Don’t stick out in the crowd, dress appropri-ately and conceal any valuable items

• Be particularly wary with using ATMS and be suspicious of people trying to ‘help you’

• Don’t travel alone, especially in the evenings • Always keep an eye on your credit card as

there have been reports of copying and skim-ming

• Only use registered taxis• Carry around a copy of your passport and

visa at all times and leave the originals in a safe place at your project or accommodation base


Do’s and Don’ts in Namibia

DO

• Pack some warm clothes as the nights can get quite cool in the desert

• Carry water with you and keep hydrated • Always maintain a safe distance from wildlife• Take lots of photos• Ask before taking photos of people• Get to know you host family, the people you

work with and the local community• Explore the country and immerse yourself in

the cultures• Visit an indigenous tribe• Go on a wildlife safari

DON’TS

• Give money to beggars as this only encour-ages them to continue. It’s better to offer some food instead.

• Wander off alone in the cities, deserts or national parks. In the dunes there are no obvious landmarks to help navigate if you get lost; in national parks you may encoun-ter dangerous wildlife, and in the cities you need to be mindful of crime.

• Disrespect the cultures, religions or beliefs• Use unregistered taxis• Trust everyone – there are many scam artists

and fraudsters around the cities• Disrespect the local customs and beliefs, or

dress inappropriately/too casually - espe-cially at your project

• Lose sight of why you are volunteering• Get too close to the wildlife

Cultural Shock

Culture shock is a common experience when you send time in a new environment and are trying to integrate into a new community, especially when you move to a developing country where your comforts from home no longer exist. Al-though these feelings are entirely natural when

adapting to a new environment it’s possible to reduce their effect. Here are a few tips to help prepare you to overcome the feelings that are associated with culture shock when in Namibia.

Be informed

Researching your destination and finding out as much as you can before you go can help avoid any major surprises.. Research the customs and traditions, religions, history, economic and so-cial situations. Also read blogs and reviews from past volunteers who have worked on projects in Namibia to gain invaluable first-hand insight into the country.

Get to know the locals

Part of overcoming culture shock involves get-ting to know your new living environment and integrating into a community. One of the best ways to do this is to get to know the locals. They are the best source of knowledge about culture, traditions, and the local community.

Remember why you are volunteering in Namibia

Namibia is a developing country which needs the helping hands of volunteers for develop-ment and support in areas of need. The reason you decided to volunteer in Namibia is prob-ably because you feel passionate about creating change, and want to have a positive impact on the lives of those in less fortunate situations. Keeping this in mind, especially when things feel overwhelming, can help counter culture shock.

Things to do in Namibia

• Visit Etoscha National Park to see the majes-tic wildlife of Namibia including: elephants, zebras, leopards, giraffes, cheetahs and os-triches – all living in their natural surround-ings

• Head to River Fish Canyon – 160kms in length and 27 km wide, the canyon offers spectacu-lar views and many photographic opportuni-


ties• Relax in the hot springs at Ai-Ais• Meet the locals of Himba and Herero. The

women of Herero will capture your atten-tion with their colorful and traditional attire, while the Himba people’s culture, customs, traditions and way of life are endlessly fasci-nating.

• Go hot air ballooning over the Namib Desert• Sleep under the stars in the desert• Enjoy all the action, adventure, photograph-

ic opportunities and solitude that the sand dunes offer

• Experience the eeriness of Kolmanskop, a ghost town outside of Luderitz

• Hire a car and enjoy a self-drive tour• Go see the Spitzkoppe, which rises 1728

metres high like a mirage above the Namib plains

• Make the most of all the adventure activities on offer throughout the country, including skydiving, sand-duning, hiking, windsurfing and wildlife safaris


CHAPTER 6 : Completion of Project and Follow-Up

Photo Credit: realgap.co.uk

Once you return from volunteering in Namibia it is likely that you will want to share your vol-unteer and travel experiences. One way is to start a blog about your volunteering experience in Namibia, captivating the reader’s attention with photos of the landscapes, the people and your projects and stories about the country as seen through your eyes. This could also include your thoughts on the impact you had on creating positive development and both your highlights, and lowlights of volunteering in a developing country. This is a good way to share your story and also to raise awareness for your project and its cause.

Providing your organization with feedback is a really useful way for them to continue to grow and develop high quality, successful volunteer

programs. It is also beneficial for future volun-teers if you write a review about your experi-ence, providing insight into the experiences they might have on the project. You can also join online volunteering forums and communi-ties and offer advice and information to those looking to volunteer.

If you are still passionate about supporting your project when you return but don’t have the time or money to work with them again in Namibia there are other ways in which you can help. You could send useful resources and sup-plies, or host fundraising events then donate the money raised to the project. There are also online campaign sites you can set up which al-low anyone interested to give cash and support your project. Some sites for this are mentioned below.


CHAPTER 7 : Most Frequently Asked Questions From VolunteersHow will I get from the airport to my host family/volunteer house?

On arrival in Namibia you will be greeted by a local representative from your organization, who will then take you to your accommodation. Make sure your organization confirm they have all your flight details to avoid any confusion on arrival days and times.

Will there be support from staff in country?

Yes, in most circumstance local support is available if you have any questions or concerns about your project, host family or volunteer experience in Namibia.

How many other volunteers will be participating with me?

This will depend on how many applicants the project accepts at any one time, and also the season you decide to volunteer in.

If I volunteer with my friend can we be placed in the same project and housed together?

Yes, in most cases you and your friend can be accommodated in the same project and host family. If you plan to do this than it is advisable that you let your organization know as soon as possible so suitable arrangements can be made.

Are meals and housing provided?

In most circumstances your program fees will include accommodation and 2-3 meals a day, (if place with a host family). If you are placed in a hostel or hotel than you may need to arrange your own meals. Check with your organization for full details on your situation.

Will my host family be able to speak English?

As Namibia has adopted English as its official language most people can speak at least enough to communicate, however you should be aware that this may not be the language they generally choose to speak in their homes.

Can I travel to other cities during my days off?

Most definitely. In fact you’ll be encouraged to do so. Exploring your destination country is a great way to maximize your volunteering experience. Just be sure to check that your travel plans don’t interfere with your volunteer work schedule.

Do I have to bring my own bedding and mosquito nets?

When accommodation is provided with a host family bed linen and a pillow will be supplied. You may however want to take a sleeping sheet or bag if you intend on travelling, especially if camp-ing. Mosquitoes can be both annoying and dangerous to your health, so you may also want to take a


mosquito net just in case.

What if I don’t speak the native language?

This will not be a problem in Namibia. English has now become the official language and you will find many people speak or at least understand the language.

How will I get to my project every day?

This will depend on where your project is located in relation to your accommodation. Check with your organization for details on your situation.

Can I speak with a volunteer who has completed a placement on the project I am interested in?

Many organizations have online forums or communities where previous and prospective volunteers can communicate. If this isn’t the case for your agency you could ask for a few email addresses and make contact directly.

What kind of food will I eat while I’m there?

When staying with a host family you will be served traditional Namibian dishes. Namibia has many different ethnic regions, each with their own traditional cuisines, but German influenced dishes, meat barbecues and spicy stews with chicken many of the local dishes comprise of pasta, meat and vegetables.

How many hours per day will I be volunteering? Volunteers normally work between 4-6 hours a day; however some projects may be slightly different. Check with your organization for your specific placement.

How much money do I need to bring?

With accommodation and most meals being provided you will only need to budget for small expens-es such as bus fare or bottled water, any socializing you will do, and cash to cover any travel plans you make.

This free eBook is just written to help volunteers. So please use this book just as a general reference or source

of information. We cannot guarantee the validity of information as changes in the field can be sudden. As it is

impossible to provide a definite or authoritative guide it is vital you verify information directly with a relevant

and up to date source. We cannot be held liable in any way for damages caused should you choose to overlook

this advice.

A Guide to Volunteer in Namibia

Travel

Transcript of A Guide to Volunteer in Namibia