Experiences of volunteering with elephants

The arrival at the base camp

After my arrival at the hostel in Swakopmund, I first got to know the other volunteers and on Monday we went to the base camp of the elephant project. Once there, there was a meeting for the following days and then we slept under the stars.

Everyday work in the elephant project

The next morning came and we made our way to the farm where we should build our wall, because the elephants sometimes destroy the farmers' water containers on their search for water, which then has less water and becomes afraid of the elephants. The work was hard but still fun because the scenery is worth the effort.

At the weekend we took a trip to the town of Uis where we stocked up and swam in the pool. The following week we set off in two cars to find the desert elephants in the wild. But we not only found the elephants and other animals, but also beautiful sunrises and a clear Milky Way in the sky.

My conclusion about volunteering with elephants

In conclusion, it can be said that you can have a lot of fun in Namibia if you get involved with the project and the people and are not afraid to get a little dirty. A lot of effort is made with the volunteers (we went to a shop to see the soccer World Cup final because the wish was expressed). You experience an incredible amount and grow together with the other volunteers into a family with whom you sit around the campfire in the evening and tell stories.

I can only recommend everyone to make their own experiences, to be open and to get involved with everything, because then you can have a wonderful time in Namibia that you will never forget.

Experiences from volunteering with elephants, by Lena-Maria M., August 2018