Become a part of the elephant families of Southern Africa
Join a team of committed conservationists at an elephant park in South Africa, home to a family of twelve resident elephants. The elephants roam freely and safely in the extensive park, recovering from any stress or trauma that their previous lives dealt them.
Immediately an important member of the team, you spend your days out with the elephants, helping with important research and conducting educational tours. With the elephant population in rapid decline, specifically in this part of South Africa, both research and spreading the word are key in reversing this tragic trend. Help to make the public aware of the threats that the elephants face from poaching and loss of habitat, spend your days working with elephants first hand to examine the relationship between them and humans, and form a very real bond with these magnificent creatures.
The elephant park is situated about 15 minutes drive from Plettenberg Bay on South Africa's scenic Garden Route. Plettenberg Bay is a popular tourist resort based with excellent beaches, restaurants and nightlife.
What will I be doing?
These very gentle giants live in a controlled free range environment. The elephants walk in the fields as they do in the wild but are under the constant eye of experienced guides as they are living amongst humans. They are never asked to perform tricks or behave in a manner that is not natural to them.
As a volunteer at the park, you get involved in feeding and caring for the animals, as well as helping with educational and research work. Typical tasks include:
- Preparing food and milk bottles (for baby elephants)
- Feeding the elephants
- Assisting the handlers with daily tours and attending to visitors when there are high numbers of visitors
- Assisting with vet care
- Doing research projects, following and observing the elephants and recording their behaviour, taking samples of dung and plants etc.
- Producing educational or advertising material (e.g. leaflets or presentations)
- Helping with maintenance work around the park
The great thing about this project is that it gets you close to the elephants in a way that you would never be able to experience on safari. You will get to know them and, incredibly, find that they also get to know and trust you as well. It is perfect for anyone who has a passion for these magnificent animals and wants to help safeguard their future.
'It is as if they sense what you are thinking'. - Tim July 2010
Getting there
You fly in to George (GRJ), a quick connection away from Capetown (CPT), located along the stunning Garden Route. From George you will be met from your flight and taken up to the elephants.
Oyster can book flights for you or you may prefer to book them yourself.
Alternatively you can travel by car or train. The distance is about 230 miles by road and will take about 5 hours along the stunningly attractive Garden Route.
Highlights - what will I get out of this?
- Developing a very real and very moving bond with these proud animals.
- Sharing your passion for elephants with others whilst savouring the stunning countryside.
- Making great, and sometimes lifelong friends, from your volunteer group.
- Gaining confidence and skills with animals as well as a fantastic experience for your CV.
- Seeing animals in their natural home, and having the opportunity in your time off to visit the famous beaches, go surfing, whale watching, and consume great beer and food.
- Being part of an exciting conservation program and understanding at first hand the extraordinary intelligence of these species.
Accommodation and food
Your accommodation is right at the heart of the park, sharing with other volunteers and staff. Each room has two to three beds, so depending on the number of volunteers, you may have their own room or be sharing with one of two others. There are ensuite and shower facilities for each room.
The lounge area is very comfortable with and the kitchen is fully equipped. Each room has lockers for the safekeeping of your belongings. Laundry facilities readily available and internet access is available at all times
The nearest supermarket is 8 km away and we organise weekly shopping trips to town so that everyone can re-stock on supplies.
Cost and what support is provided?
£739 for two weeks with additional weeks £157. Discount for longer periods.
Prices increase for projects after May 1 2013 to £797 for 2 weeks, with extra weeks £184 p/w.
What is Provided?
- Phone or face-to-face interview and detailed briefing
- Pre-departure information covering medical, safety and placement advice
- Advice on visa requirements
- Help and advice from our UK office before departure and whilst away
- Pre-arranged voluntary work at the park with accommodation.
- A warm meet and greet at George airport and transfer to accommodation
- Accommodation with ensuite facilities and kitchen/lounge and.internet access
- Oyster will prepare you thoroughly before you leave and support you while you are out there.
- Linen
- Optional flight with flexible return date (modest fee levied by airline for date changes).
- ATOL financial protection (if Oyster books your flight)
- Transport to town on a weekly basis to buy food. (approx £15.00 per week)
What do I need?
- A passport valid for 6 months beyond the end of your placement
- Insurance - we recommend you a policy
- Pocket money - eating out, telephone cards etc - recommend £200 max for one month.
- Warm outdoor clothing for the evenings
- Funds for any independent travel
One more thing...
The African elephant is now just one step away from being an 'endangered species'. This is vital work.
