Pauline Gooding, 53
Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary Volunteers

Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary Volunteers

In total, how long were you away from home?
I was away for 6 weeks.

What was your motivation to take a break?
It was something I had been looking into doing for a couple of years, and I felt I needed to do it before I was too old to enjoy it!!

How did you feel before you joined the programme?
Mixed emotions - I did feel quite apprehensive about it all, but at the same time I was really looking forward to it.

What was the accommodation like?
Very basic, up to 3 people sharing, no wardrobes or drawers, but you soon learnt how to live out of a suitcase!

What was the most memorable moment of your trip?
There were so many, but if I had to pinpoint a couple it would be spending a week trying to track cheetahs and leopards which had been released, and having to climb mountains in order to try to pick up a signal from their collars and also being able to go in the enclosures with the tame and semi-tame cheetahs.

What did you feel you accomplished during your trip?
I felt I indulged in my two greatest passions in life – travel and animals. But probably most important of all, I did it all on my own!

How have you benefited from your experience?
I now know I could go anywhere and try anything on my own and make lots of new friends along the way. Also how it is possible to survive on very little money.

What advice could you offer someone considering this programme?
My advice would be to go with an open mind and no preconceived ideas, also to make the most of the time they are away as it goes so fast but it will be an experience they are not likely to forget.

Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary Volunteers
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