Naankuse Foundation

From rescuing orphaned animals to providing free education and healthcare, Naankuse is working hard to protect both wildlife and people in Namibia. Here’s how they’re doing it.

Naankuse Wildlife Sanctuary – A Safe Space for Animals

Ever wondered what happens to orphaned cheetahs or injured baboons? Naankuse Wildlife Sanctuary is their second chance. Since 2007, Naankuse has been rescuing, rehabilitating, and when possible, releasing animals back into the wild. The sanctuary also looks after animals that can’t survive on their own, giving them a safe and loving home.

It’s not just about cuddly critters, though. Naankuse is serious about research. They track big carnivores like cheetahs and leopards, studying their movements and figuring out how to reduce human-wildlife conflict. It’s a win-win – safer for people, safer for animals.

Naankuse Primary School – Learning with a Purpose

What if school wasn’t just about reading and writing? At Naankuse Primary School, the curriculum includes conservation and sustainability too. Located right at the sanctuary, the school was set up in 2009 to give kids from the San community a free, quality education.

Visitors can even swing by the school to meet the kids and see firsthand how their donations are making a difference. And if you really want to get involved, you can volunteer – from helping with homework to teaching fun activities.

Helping Hands Project – Big Hearts, Bigger Impact

Over in Windhoek, Naankuse is lending a hand to kids who need it most. The Helping Hands Project includes two day care centres and a rehabilitation centre for children with special needs. They’re giving these kids a safe place to learn, play, and just be kids.

It’s all about making sure every child, no matter their circumstances, gets the support they need to thrive. And it’s funded through donations and Naankuse’s eco-tourism ventures – talk about giving back.

Lifeline Clinic – Healthcare on the Frontline

Imagine living so far from a hospital that you can’t get help when you need it. That’s life for many San communities in Namibia. Naankuse’s Lifeline Clinic is stepping in to change that. Located in the eastern Omaheke region, the clinic treats around 3,500 patients every year, focusing on issues like tuberculosis and malnutrition.

They even have a 4x4 ambulance to reach remote villages, bringing much-needed medical care to people who’d otherwise go without. And while they’re there, they run feeding programs and teach communities how to grow their own food – practical solutions that save lives.

Eco-Tourism – Travel that Gives Back

Staying at Naankuse isn’t just a holiday – it’s a way to support conservation. The lodge, bush camp, and luxury villas all help fund the foundation’s projects. So whether you’re sipping sundowners on a game drive or enjoying a candlelit dinner, you’re also contributing to the work Naankuse does.

It’s travel with a purpose – and an experience you’ll never forget.

Why It Matters

Naankuse is proof that conservation isn’t just about saving animals – it’s about people too. From the wildlife sanctuary to the Lifeline Clinic, every project is designed to make a lasting impact on Namibia’s people and ecosystems.

Want to learn more or get involved? Ask us how you can help make a difference.