Here at N/a’an ku sê volunteers create a new home in the heart of Africa where they stay any length of time from 2 weeks to 3 months. All funds from the volunteer programmes are ploughed back into the projects, enabling the N/a’an ku sê Foundation to grow and become even more successful in achieving their vision. With no previous experience or qualifications necessary to participate in the program, the projects offer people the opportunity to make a lasting and tangible difference to the lives of the vulnerable San community and Namibia’s wildlife. In return you are provided with a once in a lifetime experience of living and working in the real Africa, meeting a variety of people from different backgrounds as well as gaining a unique opportunity to take a hands on role in conservation, rehabilitation and humanitarian work. As volunteers, you come for various reasons and from all walks of life. Whether they are wildlife and nature enthusiasts, pre-veterinary or medical doctors, teachers, conservationists, gap year students or simply those with a taste for adventure and a desire to make an impact in Africa, volunteers will find that while at N/a’an ku sê they will grow as a person in mind, heart and soul.

With the help of our dedicated volunteers and staff, the N/a’an ku sê Foundation continues to work toward an improved Namibia through the implementation of various projects that operate in 4 different sites around the country. These projects include wildlife work such as rehabilitation and captive care at the N/a’an ku s sê Wildlife Sanctuary as well as carnivore conservation research at Neuras and Kanaan, the two sites operating in the South of Namibia. Other projects and activities focus on aiding the San community and include the Lifeline Medical Clinic in the east of Namibia as well as voluntary participation at our Clever Cubs School for San children at the Wildlife Sanctuary.

VOLUNTEER OPTIONS:

Wildlife Conservation Volunteering:

• At the N/a’an ku sê Wildlife Sanctuary (Clever Cubs School available here as an activity or project) near Windhoek, volunteers will focus on caring for animals in rehabilitation or permanent captivity
• At Kanaan Desert Retreat & Neuras Wine and Wildlife Estate in the Southwest of Namibia, volunteers will focus on researching free-ranging populations of carnivores to aid in N/a’an ku sê’s role of mitigating human-wildlife conflict through research and understanding of these animals as well as relationship-building and cooperation with local farmers to reduce the motivation for persecution of predators.
• At Mangetti in the North East of Namibia, volunteers will focus on researching free-ranging populations of African Wild Dog and African Elephant to aid in N/a’an ku sê’s role of mitigating human-wildlife conflict through research and understanding of these animals as well as relationship-building and cooperation with local farmers to reduce the motivation for persecution of these species.

Medical Volunteering:

• At the Lifeline Clinic in the East of Namibia (Epukiro), volunteers will work with the local San population to provide healthcare

Volunteers may choose to combine various projects and activities and rotate amongst the different sites or may choose to focus on only one project or area of interest for the duration of their stay – the experience can be tailored to suit the needs and desires of each volunteer. The pre-booking of project itineraries in advance is advised but can also be adjusted upon arrival subject to project availability.

DATES:

The retreat runs year round.

Start dates for the wildlife programs are Mondays and Thursdays with pick-ups from the airport or Windhoek included in the cost. If a you arrive on a different week day, then a N$ 500 fee will be incurred. Start dates for the medical project are any day prior to departure to the clinic at no additional cost.

Transfer dates to, between and from Neuras and Kanaan (the 2 southern research sites) occur on Saturdays, where as our Mangetti (the northern research site) occur on Sundays . Most volunteers choose to combine time at the wildlife sanctuary with time at their research sites.

ACCOMMODATION AND FOOD:

Upon your arrival at the Hosea Kutako International Airport, one of their drivers will welcome you with a sheet indicating your name. When you arrive at the sanctuary, you will be welcomed by the Volunteer Liaison Manager and you will be allocated to your accommodation and a brief orientation.

They have two options of accommodation at the Wildlife Sanctuary; volunteer rooms with up to four people (same gender) sharing each room, or large tents with a living and bedroom area to be shared by up to two people (same gender or a couple). The rooms are basic but the single beds are comfortable with bedding provided (duvets and pillows). Showers and toilet facilities are communal and hot water is supplied by solar energy and therefore sometimes restricted. Power sockets for electrical items are available in communal areas.

Three balanced meals are provided per day on a self-serve basis. On weekends they often have a braai (barbecue). Vegetarian options are available upon request. Please advise us of any special dietary requirements prior to arrival at the project.

A kiosk is available at the sanctuary for beverages and snacks. We accept Namibian Dollar and South African Rand currency for the purchases.

The facilities at their research sites are very similar to the ones provided at the sanctuary, with accommodation being either in guesthouse rooms or in large tents. They will provide you with three meals per day.

OTHER ACTIVITIES:

During your time at the Wildlife Sanctuary, you may enjoy activities such as a nature walk across the farm, swimming in the pool, playing football or paintball, followed by a sundowner and braai (barbeque). Saturday afternoons are comprised of a fun activity, and on Sundays you may have the opportunity to go into Windhoek or go for lunch or even an overnight stay at their luxury lodge. You may also have the opportunity to visit the Ancient San Skills Academy to learn about signs and tracks of the veldt, fire making with traditional San fire sticks, making bows and arrows, jewellery and craft making, and hunting in the traditional San way.

Another option as an add-on to your stay at the Wildlife Sanctuary is to book a tour to see more of the country. In Namibia, a beautiful country of changing landscapes, there is much to see and experience. Optional tours include a safari to Etosha National Park, a visit to the coastal town of Swakopmund, a chance to sand board on the iconic red dunes of Sossusvlei and many more options, with which we can assist you.

At Kanaan and Mangetti you may enjoy nature walks, swimming in the swimming pools, sundowners and a braai.  At Neuras you can enjoy optional day trips to our iconic Sossusvlei and or Naukluft Mountain Hike at a surcharge. At Neuras you can enjoy a leisurely stroll

At the Lifeline Clinic you may spend some of your free time visiting the local San Bushman village, playing football with the local children or visiting nearby villages to learn more about the San community.

THE VENUE:

The N/a’an ku sê Wildlife Sanctuary

Conveniently located just 45 km from Namibia’s capital of Windhoek and 35 km from the airport, yet nestled in the African bush surrounded by the sights, sounds and smells of nature, N/a’an ku sê’s main site is home to the Wildlife Sanctuary and Clever Cubs School. On this project, volunteers will have the rare and exciting opportunity to actively participate in the conservation, rehabilitation, care and research of African wildlife. The sanctuary, which is the heart of N/a’an ku sê operations, currently provides a safe refuge for orphaned, injured or ‘problem’ wildlife including several lions, leopards, cheetahs, wild dogs, caracals, warthogs, antelope and baboons as well as a host of birds, smaller African mammals and farmyard animals.

The Wildlife Conservation project may also entail volunteering with the San children and assisting the teacher at their Clever Cubs School, located on premises at the N/a’an ku sê Sanctuary. This Pre-School provides vital free education to the San Bushman children whose parents work on site and who would otherwise not have access to education.

Wildlife Conservation Volunteering at Neuras, Kanaan & Mangetti

N/a’an ku sê provides volunteers with the unique opportunity to visit one or all of their carnivore research sites in Northern Namibia: Mangetti Elephant and Wild Dog Research Project OR Southern Namibia: Neuras Wine & Wildlife Estate and Kanaan N/a’an ku sê Desert Retreat. At these projects, you will have the chance to monitor large carnivores and other animals in the area, contributing to invaluable research that will help mitigate human-wildlife conflict in Africa.

Both Neuras and Kanaan run on a seven-night schedule with transportation to and from the Sanctuary on Saturdays, as well as between sites. Mangetti also runs on a seven-night schedule with transportation to and from the Sanctuary on Sundays. Conservation volunteers have the option of spending one or more weeks at all or either sites as part of their trip, where they will focus on the research of free-ranging animals. Due to space limitations, it is recommended to reserve a spot at Neuras, Kanaan and Mangetti in advance of arrival, preferably at the time of booking although it may be possible to add this to your itinerary upon arrival at the Sanctuary pending availability.

Neuras Wine and Wildlife Estate

Set amongst the stunning scenery of the Southern mountains, ancient canyons and caves, fascinating geological formations and five natural fountains, Neuras is truly a unique research site and is home to one of N/a’an ku sê’s carnivore research programs – in addition to being one of only three wineries in Namibia.

At Neuras, volunteers will get ample field experience and be involved first hand with all aspects of their research programme which includes monitoring wild carnivores such as leopard, cheetah and hyena. Activities here also include data collection and processing, checking camera traps, game counts, mapping and exploring the terrain and environment. As an additional optional day activity, you may also get the opportunity to visit the world famous red sand dunes at Sossusvlei or go on a beautiful morning mountain hike at the Naukluft Mountains that is bordering to the north of Neuras. Daily activities usually entail easy to intermediate hiking in the vast outdoors of this semi-desert landscape of Neuras, which extends southwards from the top of the majestic Naukluft Mountains, forming an unbelievable oasis on the edge of the Namib desert. You should not miss this fantastic environment.

Kanaan N/a’an ku sê Desert Retreat

Approximately 2-3 hours further southwest of Neuras and bordering the Namib Naukluft Park lies N/a’an ku sê’s newest research project site, Kanaan Desert Retreat. Red sand dunes, vast open grass plains and imposing mountain ranges make up the serene surroundings of Kanaan. Home to cheetah, brown hyena, spotted hyena, leopard and an array of other desert-adapted wildlife, Kanaan encompasses 352 km2 of desert scenery in which volunteers will perform vital research.

Wildlife Conservation volunteers at Kanaan may be involved with mapping the terrain, assisting with capture and releases, tracking, game counts or horse back game count, camera traps, maintenance and security on the reserve as well as night drives and sleep-outs. During free-time, volunteers may choose to enjoy sundowners in the beautiful Namib desert while taking in the breath-taking scenery of Kana.

Mangetti Research Project

The Mangetti Elephant & Wild Dog Research Project is located east of Etosha National Park. The Mangetti research covers an area of approximately 3000 km² to engage Namibian landowners and livestock farmers on the topic which provides the greatest challenge to the conservation of endangered species: Human-Wildlife Conflict. The impact of human activities on native wildlife has never been more apparent than it is in respect to two of Africa’s iconic species; the African Painted Dog (or wild dog) and the African Elephant both of which have endured decades of suffering through habitat fragmentation, hunting and persecution.

Volunteers will assist our researchers in documenting the movements and activities of elephant and wild dog. Using GPS and VHF monitoring technology, motion-sensitive trail cameras and traditional spoor (footprint) tracking techniques, come and delve into the lives of the World’s largest land animal and one of Africa’s most endangered carnivore species.

Medical Volunteering 

The clinic provides primary healthcare to around 4,200 people each year, the majority of whom are San. They examine and treat patients at the clinic and transport those who need further medical treatment to the hospital, over 120km away. The patients live in Epukiro (or Pos 3 as it’s commonly known) and come from the surrounding villages and settlements, often travelling 50-100km to attend our clinic. At the primary healthcare clinic they consult with each patient, examine and assess their ailments, establish a diagnosis and treat accordingly. Around 40% of all our patients are children.

Whether you have no medical experience or you have worked in the field for 40 years – the activities of the Medical Volunteer program vary and will be tailored to each person depending on prior experience.  Volunteers will participate in and assist the doctor and nurse with the running of the Lifeline Clinic and help provide primary healthcare to the local community.

The project at the clinic runs on a 12 night schedule with transfers to the clinic departing every second Sunday and arriving back on the farm on the Friday of the following week. Depending on the day you arrive, you may also have the opportunity to work with the animals if you choose to combine your time with our Wildlife Volunteer program.

ABOUT YOUR HOSTS:

Marlice van Vuuren, one of Namibia’s most well-known conservationists, and her husband Dr. Rudie van Vuuren, with the support of long-term friends Chris Heunis and Jan Verburg, started N/a’an ku sê Foundation in 2006. The aim of the foundation is to protect and conserve the vulnerable land, cultures and wildlife of Namibia and rescue species threatened by an ever-shrinking habitat. N/a’an ku sê, meaning “God will protect us” in the beautiful clicking language of the San, carries out the vital work of improving the lives of African wildlife as well as those of the marginalized San Bushman community.

The N/a’an ku sê Foundation continues to grow and thrive with several projects taking place for volunteers to participate in while making a real difference. These projects include wildlife conservation, rehabilitation and research as well as work with the San community at our school and medical clinic.

The N/a’an ku sê Foundation is renowned amongst conservationists worldwide, has received global awards and has even received the support of celebrities such as Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie.

COST:
Rates start from R950 per person per night, all inclusive.

A NOTE ON VISAS:

A work visa is required to volunteer at Naankuse. We work with an agency in Windhoek. Please contact us for more details. Please be informed that a work visa is a necessary requirement prior to booking arrival. This process can take six to eight weeks to be completed.

PAYMENT AND CANCELLATION:

The full, non-refundable payment is due to us 4 weeks prior to your start date. In case of a cancellation before the 4 weeks prior to start date, we can use any payment already made toward credit for your next booking. In case of cancellation within the 4 weeks prior to start date, there will be no refund or credit, and payment is due in full; however, they will honour your booking for a future placement (i.e. a change in date) if desired.