3 independent reviews for Elephant conservation volunteering in Thailand
Reviews for Elephant conservation volunteering in Thailand
Kelvin Simnett review 14 Jul 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
I can’t recommend this operator enough. Not only were the elephants themselves breathtakingly beautiful but our points of contact, Phoebe and Mint were very knowledgeable and lovely company! The whole village were very welcoming and made us feel like part of their community for the short time we were with them. We never went hungry, with the villagers always making sure we had a good meal, there was always a variety to choose from at meal times and it all tasted delicious! The mahouts were always laughing and trying to communicate with us using the little bits of English they knew, which put us at ease really quickly. You could see the great bond they had with their elephants which was a heart warming sight. After seeing elephants like this in their natural habitat I don’t think I’d ever like to see them any other way again. There is not a shadow of a doubt in my mind that these elephants are well looked after and where they need to be to get the most for-filling and natural life possible. There were plenty of chances to take great pictures from a safe distance and we were pleasantly surprised by the accommodation both in the village and in the jungle were above expectation, very homely with a lot of the comforts of the western world. I am so pleased I got to have this experience and I will remember the Karen villagers, the mahouts, the elephants and the foundation staff with the fondest of memories. Can’t praise highly enough.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
I would certainly recommend learning a few local phrases in order to communicate with the villagers. Pheobie gave us an excellent phrase book which we used to say hello, goodbye and thank them for the lovely food and hospitality. They were hugely appreciative of us talking in their language.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Without a doubt, the money we spent on this experience went to a good cause. The Villagers love very basic lifestyles and it was heart warming to know that both they, the elephants and of course us were benefiting from our visit.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Absolutely 10 out of 10, we couldn’t fault it. I was a bit sceptical at first as I have never done anything like this before, however I am so glad I did it and will be hoping to return in the not so distant future.Sally Hillyer review 7 Dec 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Elephant Conservation Project with Hill Tribes trip and walking with elephants. Enjoyed every minute of it from being picked up from my hotel in Chiang Mai up to having to say good byes to the hill tribe family and the team ... The Karen hill tribe village stay was insightful and they were so welcoming. Walking with elephants was truly amazing, they are so happy. The camping in the forest was great fun and the food was excellent. The views from the village and in the forest couldn’t be better!2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Have a great time - I so did :)3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, every part of the trip.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Just amazing, the best experience ever! The team are wonderful, passionate about their individual roles, the location is beautiful and the elephants are enjoying life to the full.Cindy Fung review 17 May 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Every moment was worth it. Unforgettable experience, just following the elephants every day as they forage and bathe and drink and eat in their natural home, the forests. I think that's the most unique part of going on this tour with the Elephant Community project - every day is different, because every day's "itinerary" is decided by the elephants . The highlight for me was watching the elephants drink from a stream/ mini waterfall. It was amazing to be able to be so close to them.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
There is a fair amount of hiking up and down steep slopes so remember to bring your hiking shoes or boots. There will also be sudden downpours from time to time so it's a good idea to bring a raincoat. Fitness-wise, if you hike regularly you'll be fine but those who aren't used to it may find it strenuous. You will be pretty much hiking all day minus meal times but there will be plenty of breaks throughout the day whenever the elephants decide to stop and eat/ drink/ play. I think just generally be open-minded and be willing to immerse yourself in the local culture is important.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes I am told that the donation I made to the charity for this trip helps pay the mahouts' salaries so hopefully this type of community-based tourism gains more traction and makes a difference to their livelihood in the long run. The charity definitely does a lot to support the conservation of Asian elephants in their natural habitat so I am glad I joined them on this tour.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Fantastic. Came home with a ton of amazing pictures and videos. I am planning to do this again :)Holiday Reviews
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