Volunteering Experiences at
Harnas Wildlife Foundation
If you want to travel to make a difference, Harnas is the place for you. Harnas’ volunteer program started in 2006 and has established itself as one of the most impactful volunteering programs in the world. If you come to Harnas with an open mind, ready to learn, ready to have fun, and ready to help, we guarantee a life-changing experience.
Our volunteers quickly become part of the family and are our most loyal supporters. We value every volunteer who comes to Harnas, and our volunteers help sustain our organisation.
You can choose from two exciting programs:
Structured program for all age groups, with a wide array of volunteer work activities: Help us take care of our sanctuary animals, assist with conservation and humanitarian work at the Lifeline Clinic and Cheeky Cheetah School and learn about the ancient San culture.
Aimed at volunteers aged 40 and above, this program offers a gentler rhythm to your volunteering activities, along with added comforts - from guest room accommodation to restaurant meals. It is an exciting mix of volunteering and leisure activities.
Below is a first quick overview of both programs. You can find out more about our volunteering program by emailing us at harnasvol@naankuse.com or by completing the below enquiry form.
Harnas Wildlife Volunteering
Embark on an adventure reminiscent of ‘The Lion King’ – the activities are endless and hands on. The excitement includes animal food preparation, feeding the smaller sanctuary animals such as the banded mongooses, meerkats, crocodiles, vervet monkeys and chacma baboons, enclosure maintenance, feeding the magnificent carnivores including cheetahs, lions, leopards, caracals and African wild dogs.
Help us keep enclosures clean and comfortable. Join our research team for important conservation work like game counts and vegetation surveys and ensure, together with our Anti-Poaching Unit and their powerful K9s, that our wildlife is safe. This includes adventurous foot patrols and an exciting sleep out at our Ranger Camp.
But wait… there’s more! Harnas is also a haven for Namibia’s San communities, the oldest culture in the world. Join the traditional San on a nature walk and learn about survival in the bush, traditional medicines, hunting techniques and animal tracking. Discover just how they lived thousands of years ago.
Apart from that, you can also learn about the San’s life and challenges in modern times by visiting the Lifeline Clinic. Here they are supported with free medical care, education, meals as well as housing at a brand-new Eco Village for the local population.
The Cheeky Cheetah School, nestled at the sanctuary itself, is a kindergarten wonderland for the children of Harnas, a place where volunteers can interact with the little ones and be inspired by future generations.
For those looking for a diverse experience that combines wildlife, conservation, culture and community impact, this program offers a truly rewarding opportunity.
Harnas… for the love of animals and people.
Carnivore Feeding
Observe and feed the magnificent carnivorous residents of Harnas Wildlife Sanctuary, including cheetahs, lions, leopards, caracals and African wild dogs.
Small Animal Care & Feeding
Not only our carnivores but also our smaller animals deserve nothing but the best care. Ensure that they all receive healthy meals.
Food Preparation
Prepare nutritious meals for our baboons, vervet monkeys and various other animals, tailored to their dietary needs.
Research
Help with important conservation activities like game counts, collecting camera traps, and vegetation surveys.
Junior Rangers
Learn from the Harnas Anti-Poaching unit what it takes to protect our wildlife and join them on patrols and a night out in the bush.
Lifeline Clinic
Assist with the important humanitarian work at Lifeline Clinic where San people are provided with free healthcare, meals and education.
Harnas Exclusive Wildlife Volunteering
The Harnas Exclusive Wildlife Volunteering Program welcomes participants aged 40 and above to an unforgettable 14-day journey of purpose and discovery. It combines wildlife care and conservation with community engagement and cultural exploration.
In small groups, you’ll help care for wildlife, learn about protection efforts from our Anti-Poaching and K9 units, assist with research, and connect deeply with the Namibian landscape and its people. Beyond wildlife, you’ll discover the humanitarian heart of Naankuse -from the Lifeline Clinic to the Harnas Cheeky Cheetah School - and share in the ancient wisdom of the San people, whose traditions remain closely tied to nature.
The Exclusive Program offers a gentler rhythm to your volunteering activities, along with added comforts - from guest room accommodation and freshly prepared meals in our restaurant to sundowners and braai nights under the stars.
It’s the perfect blend of purpose, relaxation, and authentic African adventure.
Food Preparation
Are you ready to nourish a hungry group? Prepare nutritious meals for our various Sanctuary animals, tailored to their dietary needs.
Carnivore Feeding
Feed our majestic hunters under the watchful eyes of our activity coordinator. Observing these powerful predators is an unforgettable experience.
K9 Experience
Learn about our anti-poaching unit and gain insights into the training of specialized K9 dogs crucial in deterring rhino poaching
incidents.
Project Work
Roll up your sleeves and help us maintain water holes, clean carnivore enclosures or repair fences and roads.
San Bushmen Experience
Learn from the San about their traditional skills like kindling fires, tracking animals and experience their ancient songs and dances.
Game Drive
Enjoy the luxury of a very personal experience and get close to Africa’s most incredible
animals.