Namibia's capital city may be the largest in the country, but at 200,000 it still retains a tranquil, uncluttered feel. This multicultural centre lies within a beautiful valley, bordered by the Bros and Anas Mountains, and has plenty of colonial reminders, with modern office blocks merging with restored German architecture.
The city was founded in its present position in 1892, and the Germans settled here until the town was captured during World War One by the South African army on behalf of Britain. Traditionally the city was named after the hot springs which caused the early settlement in the first place, but the name was changed by the Afrikaaners to Windhoek, windy corner.
A strong German influence remains, with plenty of German restaurants and although the official language of Namibia is English, most people can also speak German.
During the day the city has a European café culture, but there is of course lots of Namibian influence in the multitude of meat on offer (this is a seriously carnivorous country). For a great night out you have to head out of the town centre, and venture into the Katakura or Khomasdal areas, which are a little rougher round the edges, and not always safe, but with a good guide you can have the time of your life here and party well beyond dawn.
Windhoek has a real cosmopolitan flare despite its size, and it has the only international airport in the country, so it's lucky that it's so well connected- situated almost exactly in the centre of Namibia, the capital city is the perfect base for travelling around.
This distinctive programme offers the opportunity to help the cheetah by clearing the sickle bush, allowing them to exist and hunt in their natural habitat. You will also track and monitor both cheetahs and leopards as well as enjoy being in close proximity to these incredible creatures.
This conservation project in the Namib desert is about getting out into the field and really making a difference at the forefront of elephant conservation. This is your chance to get involved in vital elephant conservation in Namibia.
Volunteering on this programme gives you an exciting and rare opportunity to work with and care for the animals of Africa on a daily basis. You will look after numerous species, ranging from baboons and meerkats to lions and cheetahs, helping to feed, care and clean them, while also maintaining the centre’s enclosures and grounds.
Set off on the adventure of a lifetime through Africa’s wide and varied landscape! Get up close to big game, take a trip to Kruger National Park and help to preserve the continent’s most iconic wildlife. Zimbabwe - Namibia - South Africa.
This family run farm dedicates its time to establishing the most suitable and secure home possible for neglected or orphaned wild animals in the African Savannah. Volunteers are trained to care for the injured or orphaned animals.
Janet Horsley had an incredible time on her tailor-made gap year, blazing a trail through Africa, Asia, Australia and Latin America, read her story here.
Gap Year for Grown Ups have many Career Break Voluntary Projects in Africa for grown up gappers. Because Gap Year for Grown Ups is the leading authority and only specialist source of ideas and options for grown up gap years, it has the widest range of volunteering programmes in Africa. These include animal/wildlife conservation, teaching English in Africa, community volunteering in Africa and Voluntary work with children in Africa.
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