Gap Year Conservation: Volunteer with elephants in South Africa Profile

Gap Year Conservation: Volunteer with elephants in South Africa

Ever fancied really getting to know the gentle giants that roam South Africa's plains? Get up close and personal with African elephants as a volunteer in a stunning park along the popular Garden Route.

General Info

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.

Tell me more!

The park was established in 1994 to offer a safe environment to elephants that were victim to human cruelty. The elephants are in two families, with a total of 12 of the gentle giants roaming the plains. These 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.

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.

What will I be doing?

Immediately an important member of the team, you will help to prepare the elephants food, feed the baby elephants, assist with vet care and help with maintenance around the park. Research and educational tours are another essential volunteer task. You will help to raze awareness amongst the general public of the issues elephant populations are facing from the threat of poaching and loss of habitat. The research involves working with elephants first hand to examine the relationship between them and humans. You will inevitably form a very real bond with these magnificent creatures.

What can I do in my free time?

Your accommodation is right at the heart of the park which 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.

Benefits:

2 weeks = £739 (excluding flights)
Additional weeks = £157 p/w

Full support is provided throughout and accommodation is included at the elephant park.