A Journey Into The Wild

The Wilderness Therapy Namibia (WTN) programme began in 2008 as an alternative approach to reaching troubled adolescents between the ages of 16 and 20 years old. The WTN programme aims to destigmatise therapy and counselling through an adventure-based, physically challenging wilderness experience. Its purpose is to inspire and motivate participants to willingly change behavioural patterns by focusing on discovering their strengths and potential. The WTN programme offers a powerful learning experience designed to facilitate change, while providing a platform of support and assistance through which participants ultimately discover their full potential.

A welcome intervention

During the most intensive part of the programme, referred to as the Intervention Phase, participants are removed from their everyday environment and placed in a challenging, yet neutral and supportive setting for ten days. Throughout this time, participants embark on a transformative eight-day backpacking hike across the stunning landscapes of remote locations such as the Naukluft Mountains or the Fish River Canyon, covering more than 120 kilometres. Each day brings new challenges and breathtaking scenery, as rugged trails wind through dramatic cliffs and expansive vistas. Participants carry backpacks stocked with food and supplies for the entire eight days.

This wilderness adventure offers a unique setting that encourages deep introspection and unexpected self-discovery. Over the first four days, participants are challenged to examine their behaviours, thoughts and perceptions. By day five, they are guided to let go of old patterns and begin embracing new, more constructive ways of being. A participant, all the way from Cape Town, joined the Naukluft group in May 2024. It was his first time hiking with Wilderness Therapy Namibia and the experience left a lasting impression.

“I had been curious about the trail for a few years, but I honestly had no idea what I was getting myself into,” he recalls. “Eight days of climbing up and down mountains pushed me to my limits physically, emotionally and spiritually.” Out in the wilderness, with only your team beside you and no easy way out, something shifts. “There is no turning back and no quitting. It is just you, your backpack and the next step. It taught me to trust God completely and showed me that we are stronger than we think, even in life’s toughest moments.”

Looking back, he speaks with a deep sense of pride. “The joy of seeing what we accomplished together, especially the participants who weigh half of what I do, is just incredible! This hike changes your perspective. It takes you from thinking I might be able to do this to knowing I can, with help from above.”

Committed for the long haul

But the journey does not end in the wilderness. WTN’s Mentoring Programme continues to support participants as they reintegrate into daily life after the intervention phase. Mentors play a vital role in helping individuals stay true to the positive changes they have made, even within the familiar dynamics of their home and social environments. Upon returning from the wilderness, each group is assigned a mentor who walks alongside them for the next twelve to eighteen months. During this time, participants meet weekly to discuss everyday challenges and receive consistent emotional support. This ongoing mentorship strengthens their personal growth, builds resilience and ensures that transformation extends well beyond the initial experience. WTN also has a dedicated social worker on staff, who conducts individual counselling sessions with participants who need them.

Furthermore, the structured nature of mentoring creates consistency and reliability, reinforcing a sense of accountability and belonging. By building trust, mentors help participants develop self-confidence and emotional intelligence, making it easier for them to face obstacles and pursue their goals. Overall, the emotional support provided through mentoring not only aids with immediate challenges but also equips individuals with tools for long-term success and fulfilment.

This programme concludes each September with a graduation ceremony, where participants receive certificates recognising their committed attendance at Wilderness Therapy Namibia events. To date, WTN has successfully worked with 656 participants and conducted 82 hikes over 17 years, impacting the lives of at least 40 young people each year.

The road ahead

Wilderness Therapy Namibia hosts at least three capacitybuilding events annually. These events share information and knowledge on everyday topics, and participants and alumni are encouraged to attend with their families and friends.

Originally introduced as Parental Capacity Building, the initiative was designed to offer guidance and insight into the emotional challenges, hardships and responsibilities that often stem from irresponsible sexual relationships and teenage pregnancies. Over time, WTN recognised the need to expand the programme’s scope to address a wider range of pressing issues affecting both participants and alumni. These include substance abuse, depression, anxiety, suicide, gender-based violence and the importance of nurturing both spiritual and emotional wellbeing.

Career guidance

Wilderness Therapy Namibia recognises that many young learners are ill-prepared for life after school. Uncertainty about study choices and the harsh realities of job hunting are common concerns. To address this, the programme launches each year with a dedicated Career Guidance Week: a four-day workshop focused on career planning, CV writing, interview preparation and job search strategies.

In June, the learning continues with a career excursion that introduces participants to Namibia’s vocational landscape. This tour includes visits to three vocational training centres and several businesses, offering first-hand insight into various career paths and the requirements for acceptance into vocational programmes. For many, the experience is not only educational but unforgettable, especially for those seeing the ocean for the very first time!

Paying it forward

Wilderness Therapy Namibia believes it is better to give than to receive. Through community projects, a spirit of giving and sharing is encouraged. Each group involved in the programme participates in a community project, learning to recycle or upcycle materials to create something useful. Giving back offers perspective on one’s own struggles. It is important for each group to contribute to their communities during their time with WTN, as this helps empower those communities to progress further.

Emilia Shuudifonya joined Wilderness Therapy Namibia back in 2012 after hiking the Fish River Canyon – an experience that, as she puts it, changed her life. “At the time, I used to isolate myself a lot,” Emilia shares. “After losing both my parents, I honestly felt like no one loved me.” But something shifted during her time in the programme. “Wilderness Therapy taught me how to open up and be free and to speak about things I had always kept inside,” she says.

More than a decade later, Emilia remains connected to the programme that helped her find her voice. “I’m really grateful for the opportunity I got from Wilderness Therapy Namibia. I’m in a much better place now and working at a financial institution.”

Her story is one of resilience, transformation and hope, the kind that Wilderness Therapy Namibia continues to nurture. One hike at a time.

Be part of something life-changing

Join Wilderness Therapy Namibia in guiding young people toward healing, growth, and a brighter future, one step at a time.

Visit www.wtnamibia.org - We'd love to hear from you!