5 independent reviews for Volunteer with elephants in South Africa
Reviews for Volunteer with elephants in South Africa
Jane Stoyles review 1 Jul 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Being so close to such amazing animals and being accepted by them. Preparing the enrichment birthday treats was fun and creative and then feeding it to an individual elephant was wonderful. Standing out in the field on a warm sunny day observing the herd , not quite such good fun at 5 o clock on a wet and windy morning but still very memorable!2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take your own waterproof things ,in sensitive colours. We took too many every day clothes ,trousers and the t shirts provided are worn most of the time.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The experience certainly benefits the elephants and the scientific study. By eating in the local restaurants and visiting other places must benefit the local people.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
My husband and I ,both 66 years old had a great time ! The physical work was fine and we enjoyed the company of a real mix of other volunteers. Pick your time of year depending on how hot or wet you expect it to be. It was good!Darina Brejtrova review 7 Sep 2014
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The elephants. The whole experience was very good (the organisation of the trip, the travelling itself, the people...) but of course being able to spend time with these amazing animals was the highlight of the holiday and possibly of my last few years as well.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Do as you're told by the operator! They know what they're doing and all their advice is helpful and useful. Even if it may not make sense at the time of the booking. Just do it :).3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I hope it did.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Fantastic!Ailish Scanlon review 7 Aug 2014
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Meting the elephants for the first time2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Go for it. I was a bit worried at first; I could foresee all sorts of problems. e.g. would I be physically able for the work? Would I cope with travelling so far alone? Could I afford it? But when I got there it was brilliant and we were assured that we didn't have to do anything we found too difficult. One of our duties was filling hay bags which caused me to get hayfever. The following week I was allowed to do other tasks that didn't involve hay. There were so many people at the elephant park it was impossible to get lonely. There was so much to do in the general area that even if one was on a tight budget they'd have plenty to do so money was not an issue. Also volunteers hung out together which saved on taxi fares. I felt that Plettingburg was very safe.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. The work with the elephants was invaluable. I do feel though that my trip benefitted local people; our lovely taxidriver Johann, the many restaurants and bars, the other tourist attractions in the area. Most of the other volunteers like myself spent an extra few days in the country.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Most exciting holiday everMelisa Dora review 18 Nov 2013
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
I was very lucky to have worked closely with a baby elephant whilst volunteering for a month. Unfortunately her mother rejected her at birth so staff and volunteers looked after her every day.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be prepared to be overwhelmed!:-) you will learn so much and will find it so hard to leave.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I believe it did. Everyday tasks really helped the parks conservation. We also visited a school once a week nearby to help out for an hour and to show our passion about wildlife and ellies!4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Amazing! It was my dream to work with elephants. It really was a trip of a lifetime. I learnt so much and made a few great friends out there which I still keep in contact with now.Hannah Grigson review 8 Jan 2013
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Getting the chance to spend time with the elephants both observing them and helping out with their daily care. It was a real privilege to be able to interact with these magnificent creatures and gain an insight into their lives.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
If going in winter remember to take lots of layers and wellies, although a hassle to pack, were very useful! Also do as much as you can with your free time as this is a wonderful part of the world and there is so much to see and do.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The research we undertook as part of the project will hopefully help elephants who for various reasons cannot live in the wild.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
The holiday was the most amazing experience and I would definitely recommend it. I had an incredible time working with the elephants, the staff at the Park and the other volunteers. I also had the opportunity to do some fantastic trips and excursions in my free time culminating in a tandem skydive which was amazing!Holiday Reviews
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