Join the team in Namibia's remote Khaudum region. Work on real conservation projects, live in the bush and make a contribution that outlasts your stay.
the programme
This is not a tourist experience dressed up as volunteering. OWA KORA places you in an active conservation operation on the edge of Khaudum National Park — unfenced, raw and genuinely remote.
You will work alongside our rangers and local team on water infrastructure, wildlife monitoring and anti-poaching patrols. In the evenings you eat together, talk about what you saw and learn from people who have lived with this land their whole lives.
Minimum stay is one week. Most volunteers choose two to three weeks. The programme runs year-round with rotating groups of up to twelve participants.
what you’ll do
water & infrastructure
Building and maintaining water infrastructure is the single most impactful thing we do. Volunteers dig, repair and monitor wells that serve both wildlife and local communities across our 2,500 hectares.
science
Track, record and analyse animal movement data alongside our rangers. Camera trap downloads, spoor tracking, species counts and mapping help us understand and protect the wildlife corridors on and around our land.
protection
Join foot and vehicle patrols with trained rangers. Volunteers assist with observation, reporting and equipment. No prior experience required — full briefing and safety protocols provided before any patrol.
habitat
Clearing invasive species, planting indigenous trees and maintaining fire breaks. Physical, satisfying work with an immediate visible result — and you learn to read the landscape while you do it.
community
Work alongside the Mpareke family and our local partners on shared projects: school garden maintenance, building materials, skills exchange. Conservation that includes the people who live here.
education support
When school groups visit, volunteers assist as guides and facilitators. Help young Namibians connect with their wildlife heritage — and discover your own ability to teach what you’re learning.
life at camp
Days at camp follow a loose rhythm shaped by light and temperature. Early starts, working hours in the cool morning, long afternoons around the fire.
Bush tents or simple cabins. Basic but comfortable. Running water, composting toilets, solar power. Immersed in the environment, not insulated from it.
Three meals a day, mostly cooked over fire. Local ingredients where possible. Vegetarian options always available. The best meal of the week is always Sunday dinner.
Limited mobile signal. Satellite internet for emergencies only. We encourage you to be genuinely present. Most volunteers say this is one of the best parts.
pricing & what’s included
standard
3-week programme
family & groups
availability & booking
Select a week below to see details and request your place. Weeks fill up — we recommend booking at least 6 weeks in advance.
apply
Fill in the form and we’ll get back to you within 48 hours to confirm availability and next steps.
your guides
on-site director · namibia
conservation lead
community & local knowledge
faq
No. We welcome volunteers with no prior field experience. Curiosity, fitness and commitment matter far more than qualifications. You will receive full briefings and training for every activity before you participate in it.
18 years for the standard programme. Participants aged 16–17 may join with written parental consent and a parent or guardian present for at least part of the stay. Our family programme is designed for families with children aged 10 and above.
Reasonably fit. Activities include walks of up to 10km in heat, manual digging and carrying equipment. You do not need to be an athlete but you should be comfortable being physically active for several hours a day in temperatures that can reach 35°C.
Safety is our highest operational priority. All activities involving dangerous wildlife are led by trained, armed rangers. Volunteers are always fully briefed and never placed in avoidable risk. Incidents do occasionally happen in genuine wilderness — we are transparent about this — but our safety record across all programmes is excellent.
Malaria prophylaxis is strongly recommended for the Khaudum region. Yellow fever vaccination may be required depending on your country of origin. We recommend consulting a travel health clinic at least 6 weeks before arrival. Full health guidance is sent upon booking confirmation.
Yes — comprehensive travel insurance including medical evacuation cover is mandatory. The nearest hospital with surgical capacity is in Rundu (approx. 250km). We strongly recommend World Nomads or equivalent adventure-activity-inclusive cover.
Fly into Windhoek (Hosea Kutako International Airport), then connect to Rundu or Grootfontein. We provide a transfer to camp from both airports. Transfers are coordinated to coincide with Sunday arrivals. Full logistics instructions are sent once you are confirmed.
Absolutely. Groups of 4 or more can apply together and will receive adjusted pricing and, where possible, a dedicated slot. Schools, universities and corporate teams are welcome — contact us directly for group bookings.
The conservation contribution portion of your programme fee is tax-deductible for German residents, as OWA KORA Wildlife Conservation e.V. is a registered German non-profit. We issue a donation receipt (Spendenquittung) on request. Regulations vary for residents of other countries — please check with your local tax authority.