Volunteer in Elephant Conservation in South Africa

Elephant Conservation in South Africa

The largest land mammal in the world, the African elephant, lives in South Africa. A newborn elephant calf weighs “only” 100 kilograms. In comparison, the measurements of the full-grown African elephant are even more impressive.

Fully-grown male elephants have a body weight of up to seven tonnes, a height of four metres, and ears which grow up to 2 metres in length!

Despite the formidable size of this animal, elephant conservation in South Africa is very important, because the “gentle giants” have largely disappeared from the area. Ivory poaching and habitat destruction have removed many elephants from their former breeding-grounds in South Africa. Volunteer in elephant conservation and help protect the gentle giants in South Africa!

Volunteer in the Elephant Sanctuary

In our elephant conservation project in South Africa, you will mainly support your co-workers in an elephant sanctuary. As a volunteer at this elephant sanctuary on the Garden Route, about 30 minutes north of Knysna by car, you will work in various projects, helping with elephant conservation in South Africa. 

You can choose to volunteer for 2 or 4 weeks at this project. If you choose the 4-week programme, your stay will most likely also include a several-day visit to the Addo Elephant Park, about one hour inland from Port Elizabeth by car.

Arrival in South Africa

You can either fly directly to George or begin your stay in Cape Town, from where you can take a bus along the Garden Route to Knysna (a nine-hour trip). The bus trip offers you a chance to see some incredible South African landscapes. On location, a member of our partner organisation will pick you up and bring you to the volunteer house.
You will receive an introduction to your placement and tasks, and our partners will take you on a short tour of Knysna and several projects in the townships.

Elephant Conservation Project Accommodation

You will live together with other volunteer workers in a rustic shared room in the volunteer house in Knysna at the project site, or in a tent, if you are working in the Addo Elephant National Park. The volunteer house is equipped with a kitchen, community room, WLAN, a terrace, a grilling area, and a nice garden. From here, you can enjoy a gorgeous view over the mountains. You will receive full board – meals will be prepared for you, and you will serve yourself for several meals.

At the weekend, you can go on excursions in the area. For example, you could travel along the beautiful Garden Route, visit ostrich farms, go on safari, or go diving with sharks - there is much to discover in this corner of the world!

Volunteer in Elephant Conservation in South Africa

• Activities: As a volunteer in elephant conservation in South Africa, you will help to observe and count the animals, clean out stalls, and support research projects, working up to 8 hours per day.
• Free Time: At the weekend.
• Duration: 2 or 4 weeks.
• Application: As early as possible, at least 2 months before departure, as the number of places in this programme is limited.
• Starting Dates: 15 Jan., 29 Jan., 12 Feb., 26 Feb., 12 Mar. (only 2 weeks), 2 Apr., 2 July, 16 July, 30 July, 13 Aug. (only 2 weeks), 3 Sept., 17 Sept., 1 Oct., 15 Oct., 29 Oct., 12 Nov., 26 Nov. (only 2 weeks) and 3 Dec. 2011 (only 2 weeks).
• Visa: Free tourist visa upon arrival, passport and return ticket necessary. You will also need to obtain a police background check in order to take part in this programme.
• Practical Experience: Not necessary, but welcomed.
• Other: Physical fitness, good health, and a love of animals are essential when you volunteer in elephant conservation in South Africa. Patience, adaptability, independence, and travel experience are very important. You should bring along sturdy shoes and appropriate clothing (no bright colours).