Wildlife Conservation in Namibia

Wake up in Windhoek, Namibia’s capital city. Dive into expedition life, assign some team roles and discuss your plans with the ground team. You’ll need to buy food supplies and a SIM card for the team phone, so head to the market and get to grips with the local currency, you’ll use both Rand and Namibian Dollars here. Jobs done, it’s time to explore. Stroll past green parks, shiny high-rises, German castles and the beautiful Christuskirche (Christ Church), a reminder of Windhoek’s colonial past. You’ve also got the option to visit the National Museum at Alte Feste (Old Fort) or explore the Katutura township, the heart and soul of the city.

Pile into the transfer vehicle and head west to a unique wildlife reserve. Here, animals are released and protected so that numbers can thrive. Working with local experts, you’ll help out with important data collection and monitoring to track wildlife and support the conservation initiative.

Learn how to set camera traps, carry out game counts and monitor GPS data from collared carnivores. You might even get a chance to release some wildlife. Living in the reserve is an experience in itself, you’ll experience real bush life and get immersed in a side of Namibia most tourists never see.

Brace yourself for a big adventure. You’re about to trek around the Spitzkoppe mountains, one of Namibia’s top landmarks. Hardcore rock climbers come here from around the world to tackle the highest peak (1,728m). Step forward as team leader and set the pace through the rocky landscape. Trekking across the sun-baked terrain can be tough, so keep hydrated and support each other as a team. As you trek, look up to spot African hawk-eagles and peregrine falcons soaring through the sky. You’ll also see ancient bushman paintings of giraffes, rhinos and zebra, animals that still roam here. And check out the bizarre rock formations created more than 100 million years ago by a collapsed volcano. At night, you’ll fall asleep with a zillion stars twinkling above your tents.

And relax, you’re off to the adventure capital of Swakopmund on Namibia’s west coast. It’s up to you how you spend your time here, so chat to the ground team and make a plan. You could splash out on a sandboarding trip, or a dolphin and seal cruise from Walvis Bay. Swakopmund is also a great place to buy handicrafts, or try some local food. Pick a seaview restaurant and tuck into typical Namibian cuisine, like oshifima (millet) with stew.

Pack down camp and watch everyday life through the window as you travel inland to Windhoek. Back in the capital, notice how much your confidence has grown since you first arrived here. Those crazy sounds and smells will feel familiar now, and you’ll be navigating the streets with ease. When the sun sets on your last day, celebrate everything you’ve achieved with a final team meal. Share your favourite stories and set your friendships in stone.

After the best two weeks of your life, it’s time to travel home. Cram everything into your backpack and head to the airport. Check in, sit back and let it all sink in. You’ve just experienced something incredible. Namibia has opened your eyes and challenged you more than you ever imagined. You’ve fast-tracked your life skills and connected with locals; you’ve led your team and made new friends for life. These experiences will shape who you are and put you on the path to becoming a true global citizen. Prepare to return home forever changed.