Desert Elephant Conservation Volunteer Project, Namibia

Join a well established volunteering project tracking desert elephants and working on a community construction program in Damaraland.

Elephant Human Relations Aid (EHRA) conducts a volunteering in Africa project which has been running for the last 8 years in Namibia. People from all walks of life have joined EHRA's volunteer project and made a huge difference to the elephant conservation programme. In fact many volunteers return every year for some more action! So why not join us and find out how satisfying and great fun volunteering in Africa with EHRA can be!

The volunteer program is structured in 2 week rotations and you can sign up for a maximum of 12 weeks. Volunteer group size is maximum 14 and people of all ages and from all walks of life join the program, as part of travel plans during a gap year, working holiday or career break through Namibia and Africa.

Highlights

EHRA exists solely to conserve the desert elephants and ensure safety and security for the communities who live with the local herds.

It's hands on conservation, EHRA is a not for gain organisation so you can be assured your money goes directly to the cause and the volunteers are the most cruicial element in our conservation work.

The volunteer project is back to basics living, cooking over the camp fire, sleeping under the stars all in with one of the world's most beautiful deserts as its background.

You are situated in true wilderness and its highly unlikely you will see any tourists during your time with EHRA.

You will learn all about the desert elephants of the region and witness them in their own habitat with highly knowledgeable, fantastic project managers.

We have a very special eco-base camp on the banks of the Ugab River which is also a favourite hang out of the desert elephant. Amazing people, amazing elephants, amazing landscape, amazing fun! - life changing!

Activities

Week One - Building Week

Tuesday morning we travel to the local Namibian farm or homestead where you will spend building week, building protection walls around water sources or building alternative water points for the elephants and even the areas newly released black rhinos.

You rise early to beat the Namibian heat and then stop around 12 to travel back to camp for a traditional African siesta and lunch. In the afternoons you start work after 2.30pm and work for a couple of hours, before the time comes to head back to camp in time for the obligatory sundowner. Evenings are spent talking and relaxing around the camp fire, listening to the sounds of Africa.

Building walls is sweaty, hard work but each volunteer does what they are capable of, and you work as a team to complete the project.

Base Camp

Saturday morning you pack up the camp and travel back to the EHRA Base Camp for a much deserved shower and relaxation. The next two days are yours to explore, read, relax, take a swim in the elephant drinking dam and enjoy yourselves!

Week 2 - Elephant Patrol

On Monday morning volunteer teams pack the Landcruisers and leave on Elephant Patrol. This is an amazing week where you join the EHRA trackers on a (mostly) vehicle based patrol where you travel through the area to track the local herds of desert elephants. This week is your reward for all the hard work on building week. 

The aim of this week is to track the elephants, record data on births, deaths and new elephants, GPS their positions and take ID shots and notes about each and every elephant.

Location

Swakopmund is a great little town, safe, by the sea, surrounded by sand dunes and with lots of activities to keep you entertained, from skydiving, kayaking, dolphin watching, sand boarding to name a few. There are lots of cafes,interesting shops, restaurants, a few bars and even a cinema! For anyone traveling onwards through Namibia we can also help you to plan your trip and recommend the best agents, car hire, places to stay and see.

What difference does this project make?

This project is part of a long-term initiative to find solutions to the ever-growing problem of facilitating the peaceful co-habitation between the subsistence farmers, and the desert adapted elephants. 

We aim to help local communities live with local herds of desert elephants who often cause damage to waterpoints leaving whole communities or farms with out access to water. The volunteers help build protection walls around these water points which allow the elephants to drink but not damage the infrastructure. Volunteers also join EHRA staff on twice monthly elephant patrols where we track the elephants, take identification photos and gps their movements.

Field Conditions

Volunteer teams will be living in mobile base camps in the vicinity of the homesteads and elephants. Tents are provided this week and soon you will make the camp home! All cooking is done over the fire and you work in pairs taking it in turn to be on kitchen duty, which includes providing the first cup of coffee to everyone in bed, to breakfast, lunch and dinner. We have great recipes and we can also cater for vegetarians.

Qualifications

None at all and all ages are welcome!

How to Apply?

For more information about availability, dates and prices, please fill in our volunteer enquiry form. Your enquiry will be passed directly to the local team who will contact you shortly.

Dates & Costs

GBP 600 per 2 weeks

All projects run from the Monday morning on the starting date, to the Friday afternoon of the finish date. Participants can book a minimum of one two-week slot, or multiple slots, up to three months (six slots) maximum.

SPECIAL DISCOUNT FOR BOOKINGS WITH STARTING DATES UNTIL 31 MAY 2012
GBP 550 per 2 weeks