Elephant conservation volunteering in Namibia

Description of Elephant conservation volunteering in Namibia

Help to track, monitor and conserve wild desert elephants in Namibia - one of the last places in the world that these elephants can be found. They are under threat, and this project works with local people to understand and protect them.

Life is tough for both humans and wildlife that live in this area of the world. The annual rainfall only brings short respite to the limited natural water sources for farmers' animals and wildlife alike. With humans and elephants competing for the same water, conflict has developed over the past few decades, resulting in the wild elephant population decreasing. This decline is nothing short of tragic, as in only two places in the world can desert elephants be found.

Your time spent on the project will be two-fold:

1) Alongside a dedicated team of volunteers, you'll take on meaningful building projects to protect farmers' water sources from wandering elephants. These projects support local families, preserving their water supplies and livestock on farms located around Base Camp. By working together, you'll gain practical building skills and the satisfaction of contributing directly to the livelihood of these rural communities.

As a volunteer, you’ll construct sturdy, 1.5m-high walls around windmills and water pumps, preventing elephants from accessing and damaging these critical water sources. Guided by skilled builders, you’ll learn how to set foundations, mix cement, and select the best stones for wall stability. By the end of the week, you’ll have a hands-on understanding of wall construction and have built something solid and impactful. There’s nothing quite like watching your progress day by day and celebrating each completed wall with a cold drink among friends.

2) The second component is to track and monitor elephants in the wild. The patrols help the authorities to best understand and protect these gentle giants, whilst also gaining an insight into where the elephants will go next, and which farms water sources will need protective walls. You'll learn tracking skills, like identifying footprints and signs of recent elephant movement, all while experiencing the excitement of spotting elephants in their natural habitat. Once located, you’ll gather key data on elephant sightings, health, and behaviour. This data fuels conservation projects across Namibia and helps identify farms needing protective walls around water sources. This fieldwork is essential for understanding elephant movements and protecting local communities. Dive into a rewarding experience where you’ll gain hands-on conservation skills, contribute to Namibia’s elephant protection efforts, and create memories with a purpose!

Accommodation

One of the most exciting parts of this trip is to really get stuck in to desert life. You will be camping in the desert with your group, cooking around camp fires and going to sleep under a thick blanket of stars.

Best time to go

Winter: June – August. Daytime temperatures can reach 25 degrees Celsius, although nights become very cold.
Summer: November – March. Daytime temperatures can reach 37 degrees. There can be short sharp rain showers at this time of year – which carpets the desert in flowers and plants.
Shoulder seasons: March to May and September to November. The most temperate time to visit the project, and spaces at these times of year can fill up fast.

Departure information