Overview
Volunteer on an elephant conservation program in Namibia

This GVI project takes you to ‘Damaraland’ in the northwestern regions of the Namib Desert, Namibia. Running parallel to the Skeleton Coast, this tribal area is home to a small population of desert-adapted elephants, whose competition for water and land to graze on has brought them into conflict with the resident human population.

This volunteer project is not about being an observer from the comfort of a game drive vehicle. As a part of conducting research, volunteers will spend days on out on patrol in the desert, camping wild and living close to the elephants that they are observing. In terms of community work, volunteers will help to build protective walls around windmills and water points, as well as teaching subsistence farmers to manage their conflicts with the elephants.

View Film Footage, images, blogs, volunteer stories from the field, volunteer video diaries and more at the programs media centre

The environment - working in a desolete area, making friends with the local kids, taking it all in at night, seeing animals up close and personal - made it possible for me to really find myself. Sounds corny, but I really loved it. I haven't been the same since

Paul Porter, 2008 Volunteer

What Difference Does This Project Make?

Desert elephants often damage unprotected windmills leaving communities without access to water. This angers locals and makes it easy for elephants to be labelled as a problem and then shot. Volunteers solve this problem through a simple solution – a wall is built around the windmill which protects it but still allows the elephants to drink. The patrol week is important as you will GPS herd movements which display which farms are visited and require protection. The research provides invaluable information for the government on Elephant numbers and identifications - all integral to the successful management of the Desert elephants

Highlights

Learning to cook delicious food over an open fire. Living in a small community where everyone respects and looks after each other. Sleeping out under the African Stars. Feeling the achievement of placing the last brick in the wall. Sitting and watching a herd of elephants communicate and possibly tracking them on foot. Seeing some of the most stunning areas of Namibia - without the presence of tourists.

Location

The project is located in Damaraland, one of the most scenic wilderness areas in Namibia. Containing prehistoric water courses, spectacular open plains and grassland, massive granite koppies and rugged distant mountains; Damaraland is a gem for the adventurous volunteer that wants to go to a place like no other. As well as the desert elephant, expect to find black rhino, ostrich, springbok, giraffe and kudu and hear the roar of desert lions!

Field Conditions

Throughout your experience the accommodation will be group living and of a basic standard. The food will be simple but nutritional. There is no electricity at our bush camp and field safaris will involve camping in two man tents for up to 4 days at a time-there are no toilets out there.