Namibian Desert Elephants Conservation Project
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The project runs in two week blocks and volunteers can stay for a minimum of 2 or a maximum of 12 weeks.
The first week is devoted to building. Volunteers work mainly to build walls around water pumps which are the main source of water for farmers and communities, as well as water tanks and windmills, so that the elephants are able to access the water but cannot damage the infrastructure. Elephants often pull up pipes or put their tusks through water tanks when struggling to drink.
The building week is fairly hard work and can be physically challenging, but the aim is to work together as a team and only do as much as you are capable of. This week is very satisfying and groups tend to bond and adapt to bush life very quickly, taking it in turns to cook over the fire and deliver the first cup of coffee to everyone in bed!
The second week is spent on patrol. The aim of this week is to track the various resident herds in the area to record movement patterns and information such as new births, deaths and other important events such as mating.
The elephant's movements are recorded through their GPS positions which are then plotted onto online maps on our database. This information then shows which farms the elephants visit to drink water and therefore where the project needs to build protection walls. Data on elephant numbers is incredibly important as this project is the only organization providing accurate figures to the government on the elephants in this area.
This really is an incredible volunteer project to get involved with - something which you will remember for many years to come!
The first week is devoted to building. Volunteers work mainly to build walls around water pumps which are the main source of water for farmers and communities, as well as water tanks and windmills, so that the elephants are able to access the water but cannot damage the infrastructure. Elephants often pull up pipes or put their tusks through water tanks when struggling to drink.
The building week is fairly hard work and can be physically challenging, but the aim is to work together as a team and only do as much as you are capable of. This week is very satisfying and groups tend to bond and adapt to bush life very quickly, taking it in turns to cook over the fire and deliver the first cup of coffee to everyone in bed!
The second week is spent on patrol. The aim of this week is to track the various resident herds in the area to record movement patterns and information such as new births, deaths and other important events such as mating.
The elephant's movements are recorded through their GPS positions which are then plotted onto online maps on our database. This information then shows which farms the elephants visit to drink water and therefore where the project needs to build protection walls. Data on elephant numbers is incredibly important as this project is the only organization providing accurate figures to the government on the elephants in this area.
This really is an incredible volunteer project to get involved with - something which you will remember for many years to come!
Highlights
Construction - This week involves construction tasks taking place on the build-site. These include the building of protection walls around water sources and alternative water-points for the desert elephants and the region's newly-released black rhinos!Elephant Tracking and patrols - The 'patrol week' is spent tracking the resident herds of desert elephants in the area, to record movement patterns and information such as new births, deaths and mating. The elephant's movements are recorded through their GPS positions which are then plotted onto online maps on a global collective database.
Local school visit - During your time here, you will also get the chance to visit one of the local schools in the area which is a fantastic experience!
Qualifications
No skills or qualifications are required to join - just a willingness to get stuck in and get your hands dirty!Volunteer Types
Animal welfareWhat`s Included
•A monetary contribution to the project itself•Full orientation and support from the project managers
•Accommodation and meals (three per day)
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Program Locations
swakopmund, Namibia
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Program Details
Provider:
The Great Projects
Location
- Namibia: swakopmund
Terms:
Throughout the year
Program Duration:
1-3 months
Languages:
English
Participants:
American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African, Worldwide
Cost:
£710.00 +
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