Astrid Behrendt, Germany

There are moments that can change a life. Mine definitely changed 13 years ago when I was watching a German TV program showing baboons and lions jumping around in the kitchen of a Namibian family who dedicated their life to wildlife conservation. I had to see that with my own eyes!

Many things have changed until today.

One thing never did: the passion for the animals – no matter how big or small, how beautiful or ugly they may be or how much work they will bring.

I was told “Once you got sand from Africa in your shoes, you’ll always come back to refill it”. For me it turned out to be “Once you felt the passion of Harnas, you’ll always come back to relive it.”

Harnas is not just a farm – it’s an attitude. In a charming way not perfect – but 100% genuine.

You may find a nosy ostrich at the pool, a grumpy vulture or a leopard that needs a lift to the Windhoek hospital. Probably you will soon find out that baboons are more clever than you ever thought – and surely cleverer than you! You will find strange combinations of animals which proof that friendship can conquers all and be amazed by the majesty of God’s creation.

But Harnas is also about people.It´s about teamwork, trust, contribution and challenges. It doesn’t matters from which part in the world you are, the animals will look straight into your heart. You will realize that not every animal can be saved – but that every animal is worth it.

You might feel exhausted lying in bed after a long day of hard work, but the lions will sing a smile onto your face with their roaring lullaby, saying thank you for making the difference and helping us to make our vision come true.

Harnas memories last for a lifetime.

So expect the unexpected!