Wildlife Rescue Centre
The tented accommodation at the Wildlife Rescue Centre is shared between 2-4 people (same gender). The accommodation is basic, but our single beds are comfortable with bedding provided (duvets, pillows and linen). Showers and toilet facilities are shared and hot water is supplied by solar energy and therefore sometimes restricted. Please be aware that there may be a water shortage during the dry season. In general use water sparingly and have short showers. There is also a swimming pool and power sockets for electrical items in the communal areas. Laundry services are available on selected days.
Bring warm clothes for sleeping during the winter months, it can get cold at night and there isn't heating in the tents.
Research Centres
The facilities at our research sites are very similar to the ones provided at the Wildlife Rescue Centre, with accommodation either in guest house rooms or in large tents.
Timbila
Comfortable volunteer area with a breathtaking view over the reserve
Lapa area with barbecue facilities
Three meals served daily (dietary requirements catered for)
Swimming pool
Laundry service
Twin share rooms (same gender sharing)
Linen and towels provided
Shop available, cell-phone reception, Wi-Fi available
Solar powered electricity, may not be strong enough for devices needing a lot of energy
Kanaan
Twin or quadruple share rooms (same gender sharing)
Linen and towels provided
3 meals provided per day, most dietary requirements can be catered for
Laundry service
Pool
Bar/shop for drinks, snacks, limited cell-phone reception,
Free Wi-Fi available at certain times
Coastal Conservation
Twin, triple and quadruple share rooms (same gender sharing)
Linen and towels provided
3 meals provided per day, most dietary requirements can be catered for
Laundry service
Cell phone reception,
Wi-Fi available
Harnas
Triple share cabins (same gender sharing)
Linen and towels provided
3 meals provided per day, most dietary requirements can be catered for
Laundry service
Pool
Bar/shop for drinks & snacks, Cell phone reception,
Wi-Fi available
Solar powered electricity, may not be strong enough for devices needing a lot of energy
Arrival
You will be met at Windhoek International Airport and taken to the project.
Arrival Day: Any day (Transfer to research site Depend on project chosen)
Transfer to the Research Centre
For Kanaan Desert Retreat / Timbila Nature Reserve
Transfers to, from and between these sites occur on Saturdays. The starting point is the sanctuary. Depart 07:00 from Sanctuary Saturday morning. Return 18:00-19:00 back at Sanctuary the following Saturday
Please ensure you arrive at the Sanctuary at least one night prior to your early morning Saturday departure to site and that your departing flight after your Saturday evening return from site. You will be based on the Sanctuary for any additional nights that you are not at the research sites.
For Harnas Wildlife Sanctuary
Transfers to, from and between these sites occur on Monday . The starting point is the sanctuary. Depart Mondays at 12:00 from the Sanctuary. Return the following Monday - 13:00 back at Sanctuary
Please ensure you arrive at the Sanctuary at least one night prior to your early morning Monday departure to site and that your departing flight after your Monday evening return from site. You will be based on the Sanctuary for any additional nights that you are not at the research sites.
For Coastal project
Transfers to, from and between these sites occur on Friday. The starting point is the sanctuary. Depart Friday 11:30 from Sanctuary. Arrive Friday 14:00-15:00 to Sanctuary
Please ensure you arrive at the Sanctuary at least one night prior to your early morning Friday departure to site and that your departing flight after your Friday evening return from site. You will be based on the Sanctuary for any additional nights that you are not at the research sites.
Departure
You will be taken to Windhoek International Airport to catch your departure flight.
At the Wildlife Rescue Centre, Timbala, Harnas, Coastal conservation and Kanaan three balanced meals are provided daily on a self-serve basis. Breakfast consists of cereals, fruit, yoghurts, toast and spreads. Lunch varies from cold to hot meals (for example wraps, salads, pasta dishes, sandwiches). Dinner is a hot meal such as stews, chicken dishes etc. On weekends we often have a braai (barbecue). Tea and coffee will be available, while all other drinks are at your own expense. You can buy snacks in the several grocery stores located nearby. There are refrigerators available for volunteers’ personal food and soft drinks. Vegetarian options are available upon request and all dietary resrtiction can be accommodated for provided you inform us prior to arrival.
Insurances & Flight Tickets
Travel insurance is compulsory. You are also required to present a copy of your return flight itinerary when entering Namibia.
What to Bring
The type of clothing you should bring depends on the time of year. In any case bring old work clothes that you don't mind getting worn and dirty, you will be handling meat during food preperation. Proper boots or shoes with closed toes, as well as work gloves to protect your hands. If possible, please mark your clothing with your name prior to arrival. Lots of hiking is involved, so comfortable walking shoes needed.
Internet Access
There is no WiFi at the project due to the poor reception so we suggest you purchase a Namibian SIM card and load data on it. You can purchase a SIM card at the airport upon arrival or once you get to the project.
ATMs
There is an ATM at the project, but it's not always functional due to signal problems. We therefore suggest that you get cash at the ATM at the airport upon arrival.
Shops/Grocery Stores
You can book a transfer to the city centre with your volunteer co-ordinator to purchase any essentials or additional food items at an additional cost of NAD250 per trip.
Winter in Namibia
May to September is the winter period and can be very cold at night and in the early mornings and daytime temperatures can vary. Please make sure to pack enough warm clothes if you plan your trip in that period. A sleeping bag is recommended! October to April is the summer period and the rainy season is from November-February. Whilst during this time it is generally hot during the day it can rain and become chilly in the evenings so do pack a jumper or fleece and waterproof jacket.