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!

Volunteer in elephant conservation in South Africa

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 the elephant sanctuary. As a volunteer at the elephant sanctuary about 30 minutes north of Knysna by car, you will care for ill and orphaned elephants, helping with elephant conservation in South Africa.
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.

Elephant Conservation Project Accommodation

During the week you will live in a rustic shared room on site at the elephant conservation sanctuary. Full board is provided. At the weekend, you will move into the volunteer house or a hostel in the city of Knysna. Here, you will also receive full board.

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, remove non-native plants, film and photograph tourists in the elephant sanctuary, and develop the results. Up to 12 hours per day.
• Free Time: At the weekend.
• Duration: 2 or 4 weeks.
• Application: As early as possible, at least 2 months before departure.
• Starting Dates: 17 & 31 July; 14 Aug.; 18 Sept.; 2, 16 & 30 Oct.; 13 & 27 Nov.; 4. Dec. 2010.
• Visa: Free tourist visa upon arrival, passport and return ticket necessary.
• Practical Experience: Not necessary.
• 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.