Report from the elephant project in Namibia

Before leaving for Namibia, the exciting question: How would I go, so completely without contact home (no wifi), without electricity, just completely different than anything I've met so far?

The answer: great. It took me a little to get used to the new environment and then I didn't miss anything. After a few weeks in the project, I found it almost annoying when a shower was available again, or the internet. I really noticed how much time you "wasted" with that.

The daily work in the elephant project

The employees in the project were all super nice, helpful and passionate about their work. They respond well to the questions and wishes of the volunteers and really appreciate taking part in the project.

The base camp, where you spend a large part of the project, is a beautiful place. I felt comfortable and at home right from the start. In the middle of nature, very simple and still with some comfort; and everything is lovingly designed and well thought out. Sleeping on a platform in a tree with nothing above you but trees and stars is an indescribable feeling and the transition back to "normal life" was not easy for me afterwards.

This also doesn't change during the construction week and the "patrol week" - most of the time we just slept on a tarpaulin. Cooking is done over fire, which is a lot of fun. It's always quite time-consuming, but delicious and healthy (there's always fresh fruit and vegetables, even in the middle of the desert).

The work itself hardly ever felt like “work” to me. I really enjoyed learning a little about building walls and doing some physical work. Actually seeing the elephants was an indescribable feeling, and some moments I will never forget for the rest of my life... for example when an elephant passed the camp almost within reach at night.

My conclusion to 6 weeks in the elephant project

Each week is different because you never know what the animals will do and where you will find them, so each week is also unique - as is the whole project. I was very sad when I had to leave (after 3 x 2 weeks!) and wanted to smuggle myself back on the bus to ride again!

Not to forget the great cooperation with the other volunteers from all over the world! I met so many great people and we had so much fun together! Sitting by the fire in the evening and telling stories and building walls and watching these magnificent animals during the day is what connects us.

Report from the Elephant Project in Namibia, by Annika S., March 2019