Elephant conservation volunteering in Namibia

Namibia's wild desert elephants are in severe danger of disappearing. The prevalence of poaching and hunting over the past decades have brought the desert elephant population to the brink of extinction - and they are now only found in two countries in the world. This project aims to protect and preserve the small number of wild desert elephants that still survive in Namibia.

What is this project about?
Life in the desert is difficult for both animals and humans alike. With restricted access to water and food, competition for survival is paramount. You will be working with a local NGO to preserve the relations between communities and their local elephant neighbours, ensuring the survival of this ancient and fascinating species. This involves both monitoring the elephants and doing construction work within the community.

What will I be doing?
You will be getting involved in a vital conservation volunteering project, helping to preserve and protect the dwindling wild elephant population. The project is two-fold, combining working to help protect the farmers’ water sources and tracking the desert elephants to learn more about their movements- and which farms might be considered at risk.

First week: You will spend your time helping to build walls around farmers' water sources. This will allow the elephants to drink safely without destroying the farmers' land and water.

Second week: You will be helping to track the elephants through the desert. This will involve collecting data on their movements, identifying the elephants and speaking with locals.

Volunteers staying for longer than 2 weeks will alternate this schedule.

Project highlights include:

• Camping out under the Namibian stars each night, miles from other civillisation
• Witnessing elephants in their natural habitat
• Alternating programme: spend a week helping to build walls around water sources and spend the next week helping to track the elephants in the wild.
• Meeting local people, and learning how they survive in this arid environment
• Living a once in a lifetime experience with other like-minded people

Accommodation and food

• Camping in the desert - you need to bring a sleeping bag, pillow and mosquito net
• Cooking over camp fires - all food is provided, but you learn to cook it
• You will have access to showers and composting toilets at the weekend, whereas during the week you will be using the bush toilet