Namibia gained independence from South Africa in 1990, making it one of the youngest countries in Africa. Sandwiched in between South Africa, Botswana and the Atlantic Ocean, Namibia also touches Angola, Zambia and Zimbabwe with its borders. Covering a huge and vastly unpopulated area, the country’s topography boasts the awe-inspiring Skeleton Coast, vast tracts of arid deserts, densely wooded bushveld and mighty dune fields- with some impressive colonial towns constructed in between. In addition to its famed outback areas, Namibia also boasts some fantastic surfing and adventure sports in and around the town of Swakopmund.

Due to forward-thinking legislation promoting the co-existence of wildlife and people, Namibia is now one of the best countries in the world to support wildlife actually living in the wild. In certain areas of the country, wild elephants, lions, zebra, springbok, cheetah, hyena and leopard will all roam free.

In addition to its progressive attitude towards its natural resources, Namibia remains predominantly untouched by the huge swathes of tourists that have flooded neighbouring countries. Whilst this is a huge surprise to all those who have had the pleasure of visiting the country, we at Oyster Worldwide are also all delighted to keep it as one of the world’s best kept secrets.

If you are looking to adventure and immerse yourself in a way of life which has all but disappeared elsewhere in the world, come to volunteer in Namibia. Whether you are on a gap year, career break or simply looking for a holiday with a difference, volunteering in Namibia will be one of the most exciting things that you can do in this time. The volunteer programme in Namibia combines elephant conservation with building, promoting the survival of elephants living in some of the harshest conditions in the world.