Life as a N/a’an ku sê wildlife volunteer

Working as a wildlife volunteer at N/a’an ku sê was a dream come true, writes volunteer Ali Turner from Ireland.

In fact it did not feel like ‘work’ at all, it was far too enjoyable. N/a’an ku sê is a part of paradise, and is an experience that everyone should get to enjoy. Your life will be more complete, although never the same once you’ve been there! If you’re looking for the experience of a lifetime, N/a’an ku sê is the place for you. There is never a dull moment. At least one of the many animals is always providing some form of entertainment.

The wildlife volunteer day begins at approximately 7am (it may sound very early, but don’t worry, once you’re there you’ll have no problem getting up with the birds). At 8am all volunteers attend a brief meeting with the wonderful co-ordinators to determine the allocation of the workload. This workload includes a mix of food preparation & feeding of the animals, caracal walks, spending time with the meerkats & Lucky (the lovely three legged cheetah), border patrol (a two hour spin in a golf buggy, with the chance to encounter wild animals and breath taking scenery), enclosure patrol (a two hour walk checking all of the animal enclosure fences, so a great opportunity to see the lions, leopards, cheetahs, wild dogs and caracals), baby baboon walks, and big baboon walks.

The morning is broken up with a 15 minute break in which you get some of the lovely Kltilde’s (our chef) homemade cake. After the break it’s back to ‘work’, until 13:00 when you get a lunch break of 1 and half hours. Lunch and dinner are prepared for the volunteers by Klotilde, and are always very good! Following lunch, it’s time to feed the animals again, including the carnivores (lions, leopards, cheetahs, wild dogs & caracals). It’s then down to project work, which is currently the building of a new baboon enclosure.

At 5:30 pm you’re finished for the day. Time for dinner and relaxation with your fellow volunteers (which could include a few beers if you so wish…). You could also use some of this time to visit the lions or caracals, as long as it’s before 7pm. As the baby baboons on the farm are all orphans, it is necessary for them to be cared for by the volunteers. This includes showering, feeding and sleeping with them, which is such a fantastic experience and opportunity! It depends on how many babies & volunteers are on the farm as to how often you will sleep with one. A rota is done so that everyone has their fair share. It really is a truly magical experience.

Life at N/a’an ku sê is full of opportunities for those who wish to take them. As well as the daily tasks, you will also have the chance to spend time with the farms tame cheetahs, which is something that words cannot describe!! To hold the head of one of these magnificent animals in your hands, and to hear their intense purr, is truly amazing.

If you love animals, aren’t afraid to get your hands dirty and want the experience of your life, then N/a’an ku sê wildlife sanctuary is for you. Once there, you should take every opportunity given to you, enjoy every experience and just savour every precious minute. You will also meet some truly amazing people and form wonderful friendships, and leave with unforgettable memories that you will cherish forever…….


Get involved

To experience your own life changing African adventure and volunteer at N/a’an ku sê visit www.volunteersnamibia.com or email bookingsnaankuse@iway.na We hope to see you soon!
N/a'an ku sê relies on voluntary donations and sponsorship to fund their work with animals and the Bushman community. To make a donation to support this vital work email donationsnaankuse@iway.na .