Over 50s: All Inclusive Elephant Volunteering Trip in South Africa
A once-in-a-lifetime adventure – volunteer with rescued elephants in South Africa and create lasting memories!
Step into the heart of South Africa’s stunning Garden Route for an unforgettable volunteering adventure designed especially for over 50s. Work alongside a dedicated research team, helping rescued elephants heal and thrive in their natural sanctuary. From observing these gentle giants up close to exploring breathtaking beaches, forests, and local culture, this trip combines meaningful conservation work with a truly enriching holiday experience.
Over 50’s trip
Duration: 1 or 2 weeks
Arrival & return day: Sunday
Upcoming start dates:
2026: 1st March & 18th October
2027: 7th of March & 3rd of October
Click here for availability calendar
Share with friends...
Highlights
-
Walk side-by-side with an elephant as the sun rises over the South African mountains – a truly unforgettable moment!
-
Discover their unique personalities – meet the cheeky one, the shy one, and even the mischievous show-off of the herd!
-
Witness pure elephant joy as they roll in mud baths, forage freely and snuggle together under the stars at night.
-
Share evening braais (BBQs) and delicious meals with a like-minded group of over travellers, making memories and friendships that last a lifetime.
-
Explore South Africa’s stunning coast, with optional whale watching, wine tasting, surfing, safaris and golden beach trips on your days off.
The elephant population in South Africa has faced devastating declines due to poaching and the loss of natural habitats. In areas where these magnificent giants once roamed freely, many are now gone. This unique project is giving rescued elephants a second chance at life – saving them from captivity, circuses, hunting farms, and culling programs, with the goal of returning as many as possible to the wild.
As part of this exclusive over 50s volunteering experience, you’ll join a passionate team caring for a resident herd of 10 rescued elephants. These gentle giants now live in safety across 110 hectares of beautiful South African parkland, free from chains and cruelty. This is the world’s first research centre dedicated to improving the welfare of captive elephants – pioneering work that is transforming elephant care across Africa.
There’s no elephant riding, no tricks, no forced interactions – only ethical, respectful care and observation. You’ll help gather vital data on elephant behaviour, witness their incredible personalities up close, and support research that studies the impact of tourism on elephants. Since 1994, this project has successfully released 33 elephants back into wilder, freer environments – and you can play a part in shaping the future for many more.”
This exclusive Over 50s trip is designed to give you a hands-on elephant experience, a chance to make a genuine difference, and plenty of time to relax and enjoy South Africa with like-minded travellers. Over one or two unforgettable weeks, you’ll join expert carers and researchers in supporting 10 rescued elephants as they recover and thrive in their natural sanctuary.
What’s Involved in Volunteering?
Your activities may include:
-
Observing and recording elephant behaviour as they roam freely, graze, play, and interact with each other in their beautiful 110-hectare home.
-
Preparing hearty elephant meals – they eat a lot, so there’s plenty of chopping, mixing, and feeding to do!
-
Helping care for their accommodation, ensuring their sleeping areas are clean, safe, and comfortable.
-
Creating fun enrichments (like puzzle feeders or new foraging spots) to keep the elephants active and stimulated.
-
Taking part in day and night observations, learning how these incredible creatures behave around the clock.
-
Visiting a nearby game reserve, where some elephants have successfully been released after rehabilitation.
-
Joining a magical sunrise walk, strolling alongside the herd as they start their day in the fresh morning light.
-
Taking part in a cooking class, where the in-house chef will teach you how to make a delicious South African dessert.
-
Relaxing and socialising with your group over evening braais (BBQs), sharing stories and laughs under the stars.
-
Exploring the local town and beach during free afternoons, tasting local cuisine or simply enjoying the stunning coastline.
This trip is carefully planned to give you meaningful conservation work without being too physically demanding, perfect for mature travellers looking for something adventurous yet comfortable. You can even choose to upgrade to a luxury private room for extra indulgence during your stay.
Volunteering with elephants in Africa’s first and only research park involves closely monitoring the elephants daily. The elephants graze as they please in this controlled free-range park and volunteers help to collect data on their movements, their interactions and their reactions. In this time you can form a very real bond with these magnificent creatures.
As a volunteer at the park, you could help with a whole host of conservation jobs – and the longer you stay, the more chance you have of getting involved with a wider range of tasks! These may include but are not limited to:
- Monitoring elephant behaviour and interaction as they roam
- Preparing food for the ellies – they eat 5% of their body weight each day, so there is a lot of munching going on!
- Clearing out the elephant sleeping areas
- Creating and implementing enrichments to encourage wild behaviour
- Helping with educational work
- Helping to make dung paper for fundraising initiatives
- Inputting the research collected into a large database
- Dung collection and analysis (useful to check the health of the ellies)
- Conducting night time research, gaining an insight into what goes on when the lights go out!
- Wildlife conservation projects- helping to maintain the park and improve the elephants’ home
No day is the same and specific tasks are centred around the needs of the elephants at that given time, full details are therefore provided during orientation. But the framework for a daily itinerary could look like this:
🌅 06:30 – Sunrise Walk with the Elephants
Rise early and stroll alongside the herd as the day begins, takepart in volunteer exchange programs and even morning dung sample collections!
🥞 09:00 – Breakfast
Enjoy a hearty breakfast and great conversation with your like‑minded over‑50s crew.
🐘 10:00 – Morning Volunteering Tasks
Prepare elephant food, freshen sleeping areas, and create enrichments to encourage natural behaviours.
🥗 12:30 – Lunch Break
Relax and refuel on site.
📋 14:00 – Research & Data
Observe the herd in their natural habitat, record their behaviours, and help input your notes into the research database.
🍮 16:00 – Free Time
Head to the local beach or town, or on selected days visit a nearby game reserve where rehabilitated elephants have been released.
🥂 18:00 – Evening Braai (BBQ)
Unwind around the fire, share stories, and enjoy the stars.
🌙 19:00 – Optional Night Observations
On some nights, assist with after‑dark monitoring to see what happens when the park goes quiet.
🍽️ Selected Evenings – Trip to Town
On two evenings this week, you can head into town for dinner – this is optional and at your own expense, but a fun way to try local cuisine and see more of the area!
Your home during this all-inclusive South African adventure is the welcoming on-site volunteer lodge, surrounded by stunning scenery and just steps away from the elephants’ sanctuary. It’s the perfect base to relax and enjoy every moment of this unforgettable experience.
Accommodation:
-
Standard twin-share room included in your package. Clean, comfortable, and sociable – ideal for connecting with your fellow travellers.
-
Luxury private upgrade available if you prefer a spacious en-suite room for added privacy and indulgence during your stay (early booking recommended, as this is a popular option and upgraded rooms are limited).
Food:
-
All meals included, freshly prepared and served in the on-site restaurant. Enjoy 4 dinners, 4 lunches, 5 breakfasts, 1 brunch, and 3 afternoon teas during your week-long stay.
-
Traditional evening braais (BBQs) bring everyone together for good food and great company under the African night sky.
-
On two evening trips, the group heads into the local town, where you can try some authentic South African cuisine (meals at your own expense).
-
Cooking class with the in-house chef, where you’ll learn to make a delicious local dessert to recreate at home.
Volunteers can join this programme for 1 or 2 weeks, starting on any of the dates on the availability calendar
Travel arrangements
Airport: George airport (GRJ)
Arrival day: Sunday. You will be collected from the airport and driven the 60 minute drive to the park.
Departure day: Sunday. You will be dropped off to the airport in time for your flight.
Supporting You
The fantastic team on the ground at the park will pick you up from the airport, help you settle in and get you trained up on the project. They are your main support network whilst you are in South Africa and can offer a great insight into the ellies – as well as some good tips on things to do in your spare time.
Included
- Access to your own personal ‘My Oyster’ account – our online portal where you can find out much more about the program and manage your booking
- Dedicated contact time with an experienced destination manager to discuss the project, answer any of your questions and for us to find out more about you
- Help and advice from our UK office before arrival and whilst you are away
- Pre-departure information covering medical, safety and project advice
- Gold level, 24/7 Pharos crisis management and incident support cover
- Financial protection: ATOL (if we book your flights).
- Thorough orientation on arrival
- In-country support
- Accommodation (see the ‘accommodation’ section above for details)
- Advice on visa requirements
- Oyster plants a tree in Africa with TreeAid to help reduce the impact of global carbon emissions
- Airport transfers
- Bed linen
- Weekly laundry
- Accommodation of your choice
- All meals
- Evening trips to town
- Elephant activities
- Cooking class
- Traditional braais evening
On your return:
- Welcome home pack
- Certificate of Recognition (on request)
- References (on request)
Not Included
- Flights – as an ATOL bonded company, Oyster can book flights for you
- You need a valid passport that meets the requirements of the country you will be travelling to
- Insurance (covering your time with Oyster and any planned independent travel)
- Any costs associated with changing your return flight date if you need to
- Independent travel costs
- Home country travel costs
- Spending money for additional trips, food and entertainment
- Food inclusion is optional in the second week
FAQ's
-
🐘 Meaningful Connection with Wildlife: Spending time with rescued elephants, learning their personalities, and seeing them thrive in a safe environment is truly life-changing.
-
🌿 Giving Back to Conservation: Volunteers leave knowing they’ve contributed to research and welfare that directly improves the lives of elephants in Africa.
-
🤝 Shared Experience with Like-Minded People: Travelling in a small group of over-50s creates instant friendships, shared memories, and a sense of community.
-
🌅 Unique, Once-in-a-Lifetime Moments: From sunrise elephant walks to night-time observations, these experiences aren’t available to regular tourists.
-
🍴 Authentic South African Culture: Evening braais, a local dessert cooking class, and dinners in town give a real taste of the country’s hospitality.
-
🧳 Stress-Free Travel: With an all-inclusive package, airport transfers, on-site accommodation, and expert guides, everything is taken care of so you can just enjoy the adventure.
-
✨ Safe but Adventurous: Perfect for mature travellers who want something more meaningful than a traditional holiday, without roughing it or backpacking.
Whilst late-availability is possible, we would advise booking as soon as you can to guarantee your ideal dates and give you time to prepare. This also makes payment more manageable, as we can break your fee down into smaller parts, spaced out between when you book and when you travel. More on our booking process here.
Another thing to bear in mind, is that the upgraded luxury accommodation gets booked up very quickly, so if you know that you would like to upgrade, time is of the essence!
This project is built around ethical, responsible eco-tourism, where the elephants’ welfare always comes first. The goal is to give rescued elephants the space, care, and dignity they deserve, while educating visitors about their plight and how we can protect them.
-
🐘 Elephant Care & Rehabilitation: Many elephants here were rescued from circuses, hunting farms, or culling programmes. The park provides a safe, natural environment where they can heal physically and emotionally, free from harm or exploitation.
-
📚 Education for Change: Visitors to the park learn about elephants’ individual stories, the challenges they face in the wild, habitat destruction, and the devastating impacts of the illegal ivory trade. This awareness helps build a more ethical future for elephants worldwide.
-
🔬 Research-Led Conservation: The volunteer programme is the backbone of the park’s efforts, gathering vital data on elephant behaviour, welfare, and how human interaction affects them. This research is shaping elephant care practices across Africa.
-
🚫 No Elephant Riding or Tricks: The park is strictly non-exploitative. There are no rides, shows, or unnatural interactions – only observation, care, and respectful proximity to these magnificent animals.
By joining this programme, you’re part of a positive, sustainable approach to eco-tourism, where your time, energy, and support directly benefit elephants and their long-term protection. 🌍✨
Oyster assesses projects carefully to ensure that they offer high standards of animal welfare and environmental practice. We also check that volunteers understand key points of good practice before working with animals. To find out more, see our animal welfare policy.
This is an all-inclusive trip, so you won’t need a large daily budget. All your accommodation and meals (except two dinners out per week) are already covered in the package price.
We recommend budgeting £50–£75 per week for:
-
🍽 Meals in town on the two evenings where dining out is at your own expense.
-
🛍 Souvenirs or local crafts to take home.
-
🚐 Optional outings such as whale watching, wine tasting, or exploring nearby attractions during free afternoons.
If you plan to do any big-ticket excursions (like shark cage diving, extended safaris, or bungee jumping before/after your volunteering trip), you should bring additional funds to cover these extras.
There is really easy access to cash machines in the local town so you do not need to take all your cash with you.
No visa is necessary for under 90 days from UK and most western European countries. You will receive a tourist stamp upon arrival allowing you stay in the country for free for up to 90 days.
You need to make sure your passport is valid for a minimum of 30 days after you leave South Africa.
Absolutely! This trip is perfect whether you’re travelling solo or bringing a friend or partner along:
-
🌍 Travelling Solo: Many of our participants join the Over 50s trip on their own. You’ll be part of a small, friendly group of like-minded travellers, sharing meals, volunteering tasks, and adventures together – it’s a great way to meet new people and make lasting friendships.
-
🤝 Travelling With a Friend or Partner: If you’d like to bring someone with you, that’s no problem – even if they’re under 50, we can accommodate them in your group (just let us know when booking). You can also request to share a room with your travel companion or upgrade to a private luxury room for extra comfort.
This trip is designed to feel welcoming and inclusive, so whether you come alone or with a friend, you’ll never feel out of place.
Yes – absolutely! Many of our participants join this trip as an alternative holiday, looking for something more meaningful than a typical resort stay.
It’s important to remember, though, that this is a volunteering adventure, not a sun-lounger getaway. You’ll be hands-on helping care for the elephants, joining research activities, and sometimes getting a bit muddy in the process! Most travellers head home tired but incredibly fulfilled, knowing they’ve made a real difference.
If you’d like some extra relaxation or sightseeing time to balance the experience, we recommend adding a few days before or after your volunteering trip to explore South Africa’s beaches, wine regions, or famous safaris.
This is a holiday that combines fun, friendship, wildlife, and purpose – perfect for travellers who want to do something truly special. 🌍✨
For any more information, please see the Fit for Travel website or the UK government’s travel advice page for South Africa.
Hospitals and medical facilities are located in Plettenberg Bay, about 20 minutes from the park
The park is extremely safe, situated just off the Garden Route, which is one of the most touristy stretches in South Africa. The accommodation is on the park site and you will be living with other volunteers and the volunteer coordinators. A safe is provided for valuables and drawers under your beds can take padlocks to lock up your possessions too. Health and safety is of course a priority when working wtih these gentle giants, and as such you will always be with a volunteer coordinator or an elephant ranger when working out in the field. You receive full briefings on this.
Plettenberg Bay is 10 minutes drive and Knysna is 20 minutes. Both towns offer all amenities and can be reached easily by taxi.
Wifi is available at the park for free, however you will need a device to connect to it on. There are some computers on site which are used by the team for recording data, but out of working hours you are more than welcome to use these. There is a wifi connection available at the accommodation.
There is good phone reception here.
South Africa is 2 hours ahead of GMT (GMT +2)
In South Africa, a mixture of European plugs and South African plugs are used.
Your elephant adventure doesn’t have to end when your volunteering week is over! If you’d like to extend your time in South Africa, there’s so much to explore nearby:
-
🏖 Plettenberg Bay: Relax on unspoilt golden beaches, stroll the dramatic rocky peninsula, or take a boat trip to see whales (in season). The area is rich with lagoons, rivers, and indigenous forests waiting to be explored.
-
🌊 Coastal Adventures: Try sea kayaking, diving, fishing, canoeing, skydiving, mountain biking, or even a motorcycle tour along the stunning Garden Route coastline.
-
🎨 The Crags: Just a short drive from the park, this vibrant area is filled with arts and crafts studios, polo fields, and a theatre. The famous “Cruise the Crags” route is perfect for browsing unique local creations.
-
🌲 Storms River: Nestled among the Outeniqua and Tsitsikamma mountains, this charming hamlet offers towering forests, teeming birdlife, and – for the brave – the world’s highest bungee jump!
Whether you’re after relaxation, culture, or adrenaline-filled adventures, there’s no shortage of incredible experiences to add on before or after your time with the elephants.
Oyster has personally hand-picked some of the best volunteering projects out there. With so much amazing choice, it can be hard to make a decision. So we have written a guide to help you to choose the best animal volunteering project for you. In addition this, we are always more than happy to answer any questions you may have.
Project Reviews
“We had an amazing time in South Africa and it has definitely been one of our favourite holidays. The main thing I would say is that we massively over packed! We didn’t need to take any T-shirts for work as they give you 1 to wear as uniform (we cot 2 as we were there for more than a week)....
“We had an amazing time in South Africa and it has definitely been one of our favourite holidays. The main thing I would say is that we massively over packed! We didn’t need to take any T-shirts for work as they give you 1 to wear as uniform (we cot 2 as we were there for more than a week). They also give you a lovely warm fleece and a cap. That said, we had the most amazing time and would definitely recommend the experience to others and book another volunteering holiday in the future.
“The most exciting part of my holiday was the elephants. Definitely felt we helped in the welfare of the elephants, and got a greater understanding of changes for animals in the wild. It was amazing! Highly recommended. The team were lovely and made us feel part of the family. If doing again (likely), I’d stay at least 2 weeks. 5 stars!”
“Wow this was such an incredible experience with the elephant research team! It was so amazing to get up close & learn about these animals & their conservation. It has been one of the best things I’ve ever done, thanks to the Oyster team for their support throughout. Communication was great & always very responsive. The local team were great, it was really good. Thank you for all your help & support when I had my pre trip jitters!”
“The team, (including the elephants) couldn’t have been more welcoming and understanding. I had a fantastic week. Such a wonderful group of people and elephants of course, so attentive in addressing my requirements and nothing was too much trouble. Thank you so much”
“If anyone is considering this experience, don’t hesitate, it’s brilliant. I had never done anything like it before, and had never visited Africa, but I enjoyed every second and hated having to leave. (And by the way, I’m 68 and found everything completely do-able). But it was really good to be able share the experience with a group of older people, as well as mixing with the younger, longer-term volunteers. Please organise more trips like this!”
“This has been an extraordinary trip from start to finish. The staff were thoughtful, kind, intelligent and passionate about their work. They all went above and beyond to make sure we were cared for and integrated into their team. Seeing how elephants interact in a group and being part of a research project has been such a great privilege that I want to return. So many highlights! Getting up to watch elephants through infrared binoculars under a starry sky. Who would believe that walking with elephants waiting to catch dung samples would be such fun. Dung stalking is a new hobby! New friendships which already feel deep. I don’t believe you have lived until you have heard an elephant rumble and felt it’s breath”
“Sorry for not replying I haven’t really been checking emails and I’m so busy out here! Oh I’m loving every second and have actually extended my trip by two weeks! Everyone here is absolutely lovely and the project is so interesting and fun. The elephants are just beautiful and seeing all their different personalities shine out and getting to observe and interact with them is wonderful. This experience is better than I ever thought it would be. Thanks for all your help with it. Phoebe 🙂 ”
“I am having a brilliant time here. The staff are lovely and the elephants are amazing. I’ve been on a horseback ride at one of the reserves and was able to get quite close to lots of the animals. Thanks for all your help getting me here.”
“I am having an amazing time- best decision ever. This was my first experience with Oyster, and it was possibly the most rewarding experience of my life! I was able to see South Africa while participating in an amazing research opportunity! I highly, highly, highly recommend Oyster and the park!!! ”
“I am now into my second week so I am beginning to understand what is going on now! All the initial information was overwhelming but the staff all said it would get better – and I am beginning to believe them!”
“This was by far the best thing I have ever done in my life. I made some incredible life-long friends and of course, the elephants were unforgettable. This has completely opened my eyes to some of the career possibilities that are available and has helped me in making some major life decisions that I’m really excited about.”
“It’s been absolutely wonderful down here so far. It’s a beautiful country with amazing landscapes and very nice people. The project is very fun, I enjoy every minute of it. The elephants are magnificent and the staff and other volunteers are helpful and friendly. It’s a lot of hard work but it is completely worth it and I love it here.”
“It was amazing to get so close to the elephants. The work is amazing and the elephants are well look after which was great to witness. All the staff were so friendly, made you welcome and shared knowledge and stories. The other volunteers were great too. Thank you for all your help.”
“Everything is just fantastic. We had a very warm welcome when we arrived. The next day, we first had an induction tour and then met the elephants – they are so gentle and cute and just amazing. Wednesday was followed by some more training and on Thursday we could already get stuck into properly helping out.”
“All was great while I was away. Everyone was very helpful and the staff made it easy to slot into life at the park. Thank you for helping me to arrange this amazing experience. You have made it an ‘easy’ process to do something out of the ordinary, by guiding me through and giving advice when needed.”
“I am having a great time here in South Africa! I have been getting to know the guides and learning where they’re from and what language they speak – they’re desperately trying to teach me some Xhosa which they find hilarious! We are very busy on the weekends as there is so much to do here! Thank you so much for sorting this trip for me, I’m loving it more and more each day!”
“The experience of being in the park will be unique to everyone, and it’s difficult to set expectations about how it will make you feel. For me, it was a chance to escape everyday life, be out in the open and be part of something I feel passionate about. I learnt so much and also felt that I contributed to their work and research.”
“Working so closely with elephants, as well as gaining insight into each one of their personalities, was a highlight. It is such an unbelievable experience. This is a perfect experience for anyone who loves elephants, as you work so closely with them during your research.”
ver forget the feeling of touching an elephant for the first time. Time spent with the guides on the field was another huge highlight. Being able to watch the reunion between Harry’s herd and Sally’s herd under an incredible sunrise was also so special. Finally, jumping out of a plane at 10,000 ft over Plettenberg Bay was unforgettable.”
“The fact that we get to interact with the ellies on a daily basis is extraordinary, and I would definitely place this as one of the best things I’ve ever done in my life. The park is fantastic and highly esteemed in the elephant and animal conservation research community, making the roles and responsibilities of the volunteers very important. The work we do actually makes a difference.”
“I had a fantastic time with the elephants. The group of volunteers here have been great. We have all been doing some fun stuff on our weekends. Some of us just got back from swimming with the seals, which was totally awesome, and some went diving to see the Great White sharks. I am so happy to spend some time with these magnificent animals and their caring and informative guides.”
“I just can’t describe how wonderful it all is. It’s true that it’s hard work, sometimes physical and long days, but so worthwhile. We are lucky enough that our group of volunteers are like a family and we cook together, go down to the beach and we all went on the most fantastic safari. The co-ordinators are extremely friendly, as are all the guides. My memories will last for a lifetime.”
“I honestly had the best month of my life. I settled so quickly and became very close to the other volunteers. Getting so close to the ellies and spending so much time with them every day was priceless. I can’t thank you enough for all of your help with this project; you made the planning so easy and I definitely wouldn’t have gone if I didn’t have you to talk me through it.”
“Being able to observe the elephants every day and learn about their relationships was amazing. They’re beautiful, intelligent creatures which we can learn from. It is an amazing experience that will stay with you for a lifetime. The park is very concentrated on research and welfare management of the elephants, and it’s fulfilling to know that you have contributed to this.”
“The friends I made really stand out as a highlight for me. The independence it gave me was also brilliant – before, I hated the idea of staying away from home. The elephants too, of course. That’s what I went there for!”
“I have loved every minute out there and would go back without hesitation. Thank you for all your guidance throughout the time of me booking my trip. My only regret is that I couldn’t do it for much longer. I have had the best experience of my life and only wished I’d done it years ago. Thank you so much for all of your help Anne.”
“I had an incredible time, and really really enjoyed myself. I loved the elephants and all the amazing people I met, so it really was a great trip. Thanks a lot for helping me to organise it all!”
“I had an amazing time. I absolutely loved it and am really missing South Africa and the ellies. I’m looking at hopefully going back next year!! Just want to say a big thank you to you and everyone else at Oyster for helping me with everything, you’ve been a great help 🙂 I’ll hopefully be in touch soon to arrange my next trip!!!”
“To anyone who is volunteering with elephants, you will have a fantastic time. It’s such a beautiful place and the people out there are so lovely! For me it was a life changer and I’m planning on returning. This time for a lot longer as two weeks wasn’t enough for me. Enjoy people! Thank you Oyster for helping me with this amazing experience!”
“I knew that the project would be an excellent experience, but as I had never done anything similar before, I approached it with an open mind with few expectations. I was not disappointed!”
“My time overseas was absolutely amazing – genuinely the best month of my life and I’m so glad I was able to do it! I miss waking up to the sound of elephants trumpeting and having them just there all the time. All of the guides and staff treat the elephants so well, I’m really glad I could help out. This place is absolutely beautiful – thank you very much for organising my trip! :)”
“The elephants are amazing. It’s been so rewarding to learn about their different personalities and places within the herd. The volunteer staff, including the park management such as the elephant guides, are so friendly and helpful with day to day activities. It is also nice to know that the daily data concerning elephant behavior, which we take, is put towards the elephants’ welfare at the reserve.”
Before coming out I thought 5 weeks was a long time, but half way through my stay I realised that it certainly isn’t. I made some amazing friends from all across the globe. The ellies are phenomenal – I will always remember the first time I saw them. It was amazing to understand their individual personalities the longer I stayed. Definitely a trip I will never ever forget.”
“It is very strange being home – I can’t believe how much I adapted to South Africa in a short space of time. I had an awesome time with the Ellies. My only regret is not staying longer. Anne, thanks again for arranging my placement, I feel so lucky to have been so close to the elephants, and fulfilled one of my bucket list wishes.”
“I really did have a wonderful time. I miss the ellies so much!! It is hard for me to understand that I am now back to reality, sigh! If people want to have a good time, be constantly surrounded by animals and animal lovers, they should do it for sure.”
“My time was fantastic, although definitely far too short! It was lovely getting to meet all the ellies, and see the work that was being done with them. I learnt so much about elephants in my short time there. It is also a great opportunity to experience a different culture.”
“I have had the most amazing two months in South Africa, I enjoyed every single second! I miss all the elephants more than anything, and I miss all the staff, the guides, the volunteers and the country as a whole. It was just amazing. Can’t wait to go back!! Thank you so much for all your help, I couldn’t have done it without you!”
“My time in South Africa was just amazing, I can’t really put it into words and I already miss all of it so much. I’m now thinking about studying Animal Behaviour – Africa has made me want to have a career change! Thanks for all your help.”
“I had a great time in South Africa. The people I met and the country was beautiful. The elephants were breathtaking. It’s a huge shame I could only go for 2 weeks as I had to come back to work.”
“It’s a very rewarding experience to feel like you’re contributing to such a worthwhile project, and the park feels like home after a few days. Spending time with the elephants every day was great, as well as meeting new people and forging new friendships.”
“My time is South Africa was incredible. I had no idea I would fall in love with the country, the ellies, the people. I’m missing the ellies so much – they were so amazing to observe and hang out with. It’s made me realize that I really enjoyed researching animals and I’m going to start looking into something similar as a career.”
I am truly, truly thankful for this incredible opportunity to volunteer my time and energy towards working with elephants. Working with the ellies was absolutely incredible, it was so hard to leave this morning! I miss them all already!”
“It’s a great trip for elephant lovers – you learn so much and really get to bond with the animals. The area is beautiful and the staff are all so friendly. It’s just an eye opener to different cultures and ways of living. It was the best time of my life.”
“I’m missing South Africa enormously, and the ellies even more. I had the most incredible time and met some wonderful people who I have stayed in touch with since I got back.”
“Honestly, it was the most amazing experience of my life, I only regret not staying longer!I miss the ellies so much, it’s so strange waking up and not being able to go and visit them.”
“Best month of my life! I’ve learnt so much and done more than I could have imagined, not to mention being with the elephants everyday. I’ve gone out of my comfort zone-I did the world’s highest bungee jump, jumped out of a plane, swam with seals and more! Thank you everyone who’s made this experience so incredible!”
“I think this experience was in a word: phenomenal. Every day was a new adventure and everyday I fell in love with the elephants again. There are so many reasons for people to do this. You have to look after yourself and become independent, and then you have responsibilities for these great creatures.”
“I absolutely loved every minute with the elephants and will definitely be going back.Thank you so so much for all of your help with organising the elephants project, you’ve been fantastic and it was even better than I imagined.”
“South Africa was amazing and two weeks was definitely not enough! I just wanted to say thank you for your support and answering my million questions! It was my first trip alone so it was very useful that I had someone to help me plan my trip! Working up close with elephants and meeting like minded people was just amazing!”
“Thank you so much for all your help. I had such a great time! I would love to go back to South Africa and the project at some point!”
“Elephants are such amazing animals and I could spend all day long observing them, which I did, even on some of my days off. Taking essential data may well help these elephants and help us to have a better understanding of them. I like to think that I have contributed something, even if only in a small way. I loved it. It was the best thing I have ever done and I can’t wait to plan another trip.”
“I would say a particular highlight is the fact you are so up close with the elephants on a daily basis – there really are not many places in the world at all where you can be so close to elephants. I also loved my night in the elephant lodge, you could hear them all through the night, it really was amazing to sleep next door to elephants.”
ributed greatly to the research and data of the South African elephant project. It’s an experience that I shall never forget and it gives a better understanding of elephants. I would definitely recommend booking with Oyster. They were extremely helpful and provided me with any information that I needed and required!! Book for 3 weeks at the least!”
“This is great if you want to just get away – it’s such a different place, culture and environment from the one at home… The elephants are amazing and you learn so much about their life, their behaviour, and how they interact. I have come back a different person and for this I am most grateful for having had the opportunity to go on this project!”
“I had an amazing time in South Africa. One of the best experiences! I had lots of highlights. The main one would be walking with the elephants at sunrise and meeting new people. Enjoy yourself and get involved with all the activities, and get the most out of your free time!”
“I just wanted to say a huge thank you for everything you and Oyster have done for me in helping to organise this trip. I expected I would enjoy the experience, but it surpassed my expectations. Take Oyster’s advice on booking flexible flights back – I wish I had done that! It will be the trip of a lifetime, guaranteed!”
“It was an absolutely incredible trip and one of the most rewarding and memorable experiences of my life. I loved the other volunteers and the lifestyle out in South Africa, everyone is so much more laid-back and friendly. You get to see a whole different culture and different way of life and it’s fantastic. Do it for one extra week than you think you want to. Gutted I only did it for 2!”
“I have one more week of my three week stay here, and I am making the most of every moment. What a fantastic and memorable opportunity.”
“It was amazing being around elephants all day, being part of the research team, watching the elephants at night and the people I met were great. It was ABSOLUTELY AMAZING and would recommend that people book for longer – I wish I did!!!”
hould do this placement because the elephant park provides the experience of a lifetime. It is an experience that gives you a chance to work closely with these majestic creatures. It also offers you a look into a different culture. This placement was the greatest experience I have ever had, and it is my proudest accomplishment. This placement is a huge part of who I’ve become.”
“I loved the whole adventure and was very excited by the trip. Just sitting out in a field monitoring the elephants was such a highlight. The people I met from around the world were amazing. I also think that I got to meet people who were like myself, and at the weekend I got to do other things in the area with others who shared my likes. This was by far the best thing I have done in my life.”
“I had an amazing time. It was incredible to be able to spend time with the elephants and work so closely with them. I also thought the team at the park were great and I made some great friends with the other volunteers. There was also so much to do in the area, which we took advantage of at weekends. One particular highlight for me was going skydiving.”
nteering at the Elephant Park was a huge highlight. Learning the elephants by name and getting to know their personalities was something special. This was the first solo trip I’ve ever taken…and it was the best thing I could’ve done for myself. I challenged myself every day. Best experience of my life thus far.”
“Being able to get so close up to the elephants at the park was awesome! The guides acted like brothers to me which was amazing. If I could, I would take all my friends and family out there just to experience it!”
leaving South Africa and the elephants. It took me a little while to settle in, but everyone was so fantastic- thank you for all your help and support, I really appreciate it! I love it here with the elephants!”
me as a whole was very good. All questions in the UK were answered very promptly. Highlights included spending most of the day around the elephants and observing them for research purposes, which helped gain a real insight into each elephants’ characteristics. It was very hands on.”
he elephants and working closely with them. I met some amazing people and did things that I never thought I would do, such as going paragliding!”
th the ellies for 8 weeks, which felt more like 8 days as time flies by. My best thing about the park was meeting new people, co-volunteers and the guides alike. My time here exceeded my expectations and I would recommend volunteering here to anyone.”
that I have spent with the elephants have been among the best I’ve ever had! I decided to go as I have always loved elephants 🙂 and wanted to do a small bit of traveling before starting university in October. I wish I had been able to spend more time there, but the time I did have was amazing. I will 100% be coming back in the future!!”
“Everybody here; volunteers and staff alike have been so friendly and I’m going to miss them. There are far too many memories for me to write down, but I am proud to have helped with the research– particularly involving the GnRH vaccine. My only regret is that I only spent 4 weeks here – it’s really not long enough!”Would you like to chat to Kate, who manages this programme? Just call +44 (0) 1892 771 973 or email: – [email protected].
Ask a Question
