Environment Volunteering in Namibia

I enjoyed some of the activites , but not others. The rivre walk and the walk to the koppies was 10/10. No intrenet was challenging , so 7/10. Jane , Precious , Patrick and Lucas were 10/10. I woul recommend this project to anyone who needs a detox from Social media.

We are finally back after being bumped off our flight on the way home and having to stay another day in Windhoek. What an amazing trip! This project was phenomenal and everyone in our group got something differently positive about it. The team were super inclusive and accepting of Finn's additional needs and actually celebrated him and what he could do which was really special. We had some very close elephant encounters and although we experienced the death of a calf, this meant that we got to have hand-on experience of working with the vet and facing the reality of the challenges. Namibia felt super safe and very easy to get around although the distances are vast and the terrain often bumpy. We'd definitely recommend this trip to any other family but be prepared not to wash for many days at a time!

I would rate this 5 out of 5. There were frequent reminders and emails which ensured I was doing everything on time. It was very easy to follow guidance Kate gave me and my trip wouldn’t have been possible without her! Overall it was an amazing experience and a highlight was building the wall for the local village.

New culture, new people, New Life. When we exchange our perspectives, ideas and plans to make a world better place for everyone. It's good to go different places it helps me view life in many directions

Hice 5 años en haiti, me se su idioma, se toda su cultura, me gustaría volver y apoyarlos en todas las dificultades que tienen, ya que ameritan mucha ayuda de todos nosotros, para ellos poder sobrevivir

Super support from initial enquiry right up to departure. Kate was attentive and patient with my enquiries. Super friendly and great customer service. I would recommend Oyster & the Elephant conservation in Namibia

I would really like to volunteer. I am passionate about charity and showing kindness to the world. Please, give me a chance. Kindly provide Certificate of sponsorship too since I'm not able to provide for myself at the moment. Kindly put my request into consideration.

This project allowed me to discover new things, both about the country’s culture and the animals at the farm and reserve. It also boosted my confidence and introduced me to a new way of traveling while being helpful. The encounters and memories will stay with me forever!

This project meant a lot to me personally, as it was my first solo and eco-volunteering experience. I learned a lot about myself and gained confidence. It brought me closer to my lifelong passion for animals. Professionally, it confirmed my desire to find a job more aligned with my values. Even though my field isn’t related to wildlife, I plan to do more wildlife eco-volunteering or get involved with animal protection organizations.

This project gave me a new perspective on my daily life, allowing me to see things from a different angle. I had the chance to participate in many varied and enriching tasks, such as exploring the reserve, supporting the local community, helping at the camp, and accompanying the anti-poaching unit. I highly recommend this mission because it’s a unique experience. The people I met there moved me deeply on an emotional level. Freepackers were exceptional in their support from start to finish. Their involvement was total, and I have nothing but praise for their constant support and professionalism.

Throughout this project, I got the experience of feeding the animals, maintence of enclosures, and other activities with the animals. I learned so much from this mission. You leave with a changed mind. The way of life is completely different from the one I am used to in Europe. Each person has their own story and lessons to learn from when you listen. I met so many amazing people and learned a lot. I would definitely recommend this project for its beautiful scenery, for the animals, and for meeting wonderful people. Also, I definitely recommend Freepackers as they offer a wide range of options for volunteering in locations, each more majestic than the last.

Throughout my project, I did various missions such as cleaning the carnivore enclosures, building enrichment elements for the animals, walking in the sanctuary and researching how to spot animal tracks, taking the baboons, and walking with the cheetahs. I also prepared the animals' food and learned anti-poaching methods. This project was amazing and taught me a lot about myself. If you are thinking about traveling alone...DO IT. I am very proud of myself for being able to go alone. It was a challenge at first as it was my first solo trip, but I was able to fulfill one of my dreams with an organization that is extremely dedicated to animal welfare. I grew confident in myself, my English, and my career. I would 100% recommend this program. It was an extraordinary and truly unique experience. Volunteering rather than tourism brings a whole new dimension to this trip. I've never seen a lion or cheetah so close! This mission with the rangers will remain etched in my memory forever. I met wonderful people who are passionate about protecting and defending wildlife. Not only that, but Freepackers was very professional and attentive. They were always available when needed, which was really reassuring, especially for my first volunteer experience alone.

Elephants are awesome. I travelled from the UK to Namibia by myself at just 17 years old which was awesome and I went from home sleeping to sleeping under the milky way. The first elephant herd I saw was headed by the matriarch Mathilda, and she was confident and one can never underestimate the power and beauty of nature in a perpetually hectic urban life. You don't have to go,but if you want to do something great and at the same time inspire yourself I thoroughly recommend it.

Oyster Worldwide responded to this reviewDecember 18, 2024

So glad that you enjoyed your experience Dan! What an adventure :) The Oyster Team xx

This an increasingly popular way for individuals to make a meaningful impact in communities around the world. With numerous organizations offering volunteer programs, it's essential to review and research these opportunities to ensure a safe and rewarding experience. *Pros:* 1. *Cultural Immersion*: Living and working with local communities provides an immersive cultural experience. 2. *Skill Development*: Volunteers can develop new skills and gain experience in areas such as teaching, conservation, and community development. 3. *Networking Opportunities*: Volunteers can connect with like-minded individuals from around the world. 4. *Personal Growth*: Volunteering abroad can be a transformative experience, fostering personal growth and self-awareness. *Cons:* 1. *Cost*: Many volunteer programs come with a hefty price tag, which can be a barrier for some. 2. *Safety Concerns*: Volunteers may face safety risks, such as health concerns or political instability, depending on the destination. 3. *Cultural Differences*: Adapting to local customs and way of life can be challenging for some volunteers. 4. *Quality of Programs*: Some volunteer programs may lack structure, support, or meaningful work, leading to a disappointing experience. *Recommendations:* 1. *Research Thoroughly*: Investigate the organization, program, and destination to ensure a safe and rewarding experience. 2. *Read Reviews*: Look for reviews from past volunteers to gain insight into the program's quality and challenges. 3. *Choose a Reputable Organization*: Select an organization with a proven track record, transparent policies, and adequate support for volunteers. 4. *Prepare Yourself*: Culturally, emotionally, and physically prepare yourself for the experience to ensure a smooth transition. By being aware of the pros and cons, doing thorough research, and choosing a reputable organization, volunteers can have a safe, rewarding, and life-changing experience abroad.

As a Social worker i often meet with clients to assess their needs, provide counseling, and develop individualized plans to address their challenges. This could involve sessions with individuals, families, or groups.

I have recently come back from my gap year and while I was there I spent a month working on the relationships between humans and elephants. So why would I recommend Oyster? I am so glad I picked to do this project with Oyster because they made me feel very well taken care of and looked after me before and during the project. They talk you though everything you need to know before the project takes place and what clothes and necessities you may need to pack. So what does the project consist of? I would do this project a million times if I could, and if you don’t believe me lots of people who were doing the project had already done it before and had come back because of how much they enjoyed it. So the project is on a two week program and you have the option to stay from two weeks to 3 months. The first week is amazing because you build walls for the local community. Some days some of the locals will come and help, or a few kids will come and keep you company, that is amazing because you feel so immersed, it’s definitely a once in a lifetime experience. The second week is spent tracking elephants. This was my favourite out of the two because you learn all about the elephants foot prints. We also managed to see a two day old elephant which we were lucky enough to name !!! So why pick this project? I think this project and Oyster have a lot of selling points. For starters Oyster takes very good care of you and help you organise yourself before the project starts so it doesn’t feel overwhelming. Secondly you are in the middle of the desert, I don’t think you could get anymore rural than that. You don’t really have much service so it’s lovely to disconnect for two weeks. You get to spend some time with lovely people who you may not meet on a day to day basis, people from different countries, locals, and different ages. You camp under the stars which is also amazing. Overall I would always recommend this amazing project, such a special experience!!

I thought my experience was great with Oyster. I thought it was an amazing project and I would definitely recommend to family and friends. The only thing I would note is adding more information about the project on the website for example we slept under the stars every night that was amazing and may encourage more people to join! I loved the projects connection with the community and seeing the benefits that our work with the company has on the locals. I thought the communication and project organisation was brilliant and it made arriving in a different country a lot easier.

We all really enjoyed the project, the best part of our trip to Africa. We felt prepared for the time there although the list of what to take was a bit out of tune with what was actually needed, so took some things around for several weeks unnecessarily. Like mosquito nets as not sure when or if they get mosquitoes, although in the summer I think it is useful for all mopani flies! Snacks .. we took snacks from UK but actually the local supermarkets have lots of biscuits, nuts and most things you would like. Otherwise the kit list was great! Out of our travels away it was the part we all enjoyed the most and yet before we left the UK it what we were most apprehensive about. All the people we corresponded with were helpful. When we met Rachel for a pre-departure info slot she was so helpful and responsive to my daughter and her worries, changing plans to accommodate her which made a real difference to her enjoying the trip. Fabio was so informative and ran the project to give us the best experience of the elephants and the habitat they were in. We learnt a great deal about the people, country and animals. All in all a fantastic, memorable time!

I probably had one of the best experiences of my life in Natuwa for a month, feeding the many animals that live there, taking care of them, discovering a different way of life than mine, more minimalist and peaceful. Rodolfo is an extremely understanding man who cares about the well-being of his voluntarios. We had the chance to do several extra activities outside the centre, such as snorkeling near to Isla Tortuga, or swimming at night with bioluminescent planktons, which were dazzling. The workteam is really friendly and allows you to feel integrated quickly and easily. However, you have to expect to work hard sometimes, for example planting trees, doing work to maintain the infrastructure, but this is only a part of the day. outside the centre

The time I spent in Dubai, Oman and Abdul Dhabi, I have a wonderful and experiential Joy with the people and I was able to showcased my skills and the people explore my knowledge to their satisfaction Little details of my experience Dubai Falcon Ballroom Hotel which was so great. Even more perfect was the fact that they had thought of everything in advance, I didn’t need to remind them I needed a fresh bed shread in the room (which I did have to do twice at the local hotel I stayed in my country, more on this later) as they had already taken care of that prior to our arrival. The bed, oh the bed! It was dreamy in every way, the most comfortable place I’ve ever laid in, and the most restful sleep I had had in years, and sometimes teary nighttime awakenings. some things can’t be helped…oh, the joys of travelling with flight Emirate is spectacular. A night between those bed-sheets really restores and rebalances you. I had excellent views directly facing the Mall of the Emirate and part of the pool below (if you stretched your neck). Everything in the room was spotlessly clean and looked brand new. The desk was comfortable for planning my daily routes on our my map.