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Namibia Desert Elephant Conservation

From £699, 14 days, Namibia

  • Volunteering
  • Adventure 3 out of 5
  • Relaxation 1 out of 5
  • Culture 2 out of 5
Namibia Desert Elephant Conservation

Trip Highlights

 

  • Track and monitor beautiful desert elephants through the Namibian desert
  • Get a real sense of achievement as you help building walls to protect water sources for local people
  • Sleep out under the amazing African sky
  • Take part in pioneering conservation work
  • Get back to basics as you camp out
  • Volunteer in one of the oldest deserts in the world

Trip Summary

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What's included?

  • All accommodation except in Swakopmund
  • All meals except in Swakopmund
  • Briefing upon arrival
  • The volunteer project
  • Full support and assistance

What's not included?

  • Travel insurance
  • All flights
  • Accommodation in Swakopmund
  • Transfers from Windhoek or Walvis Bay
  • Weekends in Swakopmund
  • E-mail/Internet and telephone calls
  • Soft drinks, wines and spirits

Help to ensure the survival of the beautiful desert elephants of Namibia alongside the local landowners and farmers. You’ll get a full-on African experience as you camp out every night under the starry skies.

 

Play an active role with conservation in Namibia as you help local people to protect their vital water sources by building walls and barriers whilst helping them to understand the importance of helping this small population of elephants to survive and stay in their native habitat.

 

As well as getting your hands dirty and building your strength up, you will also have the unique opportunity to track elephants through this inspiring landscape to research their movements, distribution and compile identikits on herds and individuals.


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When do I want to go?

Showing all departures (84)

Dates of Departures Duration Price (Land Only) Trip Status
Sun, 12 Feb 201214 days£699AvailableBook now
Sun, 12 Feb 201228 days£1,299AvailableBook now
Sun, 12 Feb 201256 days£2,599AvailableBook now
Sun, 12 Feb 201284 days£3,799AvailableBook now
Sun, 26 Feb 201214 days£699AvailableBook now
Sun, 26 Feb 201228 days£1,299AvailableBook now
Sun, 26 Feb 201256 days£2,599AvailableBook now
Sun, 26 Feb 201284 days£3,799AvailableBook now
Sun, 11 Mar 201214 days£699AvailableBook now
Sun, 11 Mar 201228 days£1,299AvailableBook now
Sun, 11 Mar 201256 days£2,599AvailableBook now
Sun, 11 Mar 201284 days£3,799AvailableBook now
Sun, 25 Mar 201214 days£699AvailableBook now
Sun, 25 Mar 201228 days£1,299AvailableBook now
Sun, 25 Mar 201256 days£2,599AvailableBook now
Sun, 25 Mar 201284 days£3,799AvailableBook now
Sun, 8 Apr 201214 days£699AvailableBook now
Sun, 8 Apr 201228 days£1,299AvailableBook now
Sun, 8 Apr 201256 days£2,599AvailableBook now
Sun, 8 Apr 201284 days£3,799AvailableBook now
Sun, 22 Apr 201214 days£699AvailableBook now
Sun, 22 Apr 201228 days£1,299AvailableBook now
Sun, 22 Apr 201256 days£2,599AvailableBook now
Sun, 22 Apr 201284 days£3,799AvailableBook now
Sun, 6 May 201214 days£699AvailableBook now
Sun, 6 May 201228 days£1,299AvailableBook now
Sun, 6 May 201256 days£2,599AvailableBook now
Sun, 6 May 201284 days£3,799AvailableBook now
Sun, 20 May 201214 days£699AvailableBook now
Sun, 20 May 201228 days£1,299AvailableBook now
Sun, 20 May 201256 days£2,599AvailableBook now
Sun, 20 May 201284 days£3,799AvailableBook now
Sun, 3 Jun 201214 days£699AvailableBook now
Sun, 3 Jun 201228 days£1,299AvailableBook now
Sun, 3 Jun 201256 days£2,599AvailableBook now
Sun, 3 Jun 201284 days£3,799AvailableBook now
Sun, 17 Jun 201214 days£699AvailableBook now
Sun, 17 Jun 201228 days£1,299AvailableBook now
Sun, 17 Jun 201256 days£2,599AvailableBook now
Sun, 17 Jun 201284 days£3,799AvailableBook now
Sun, 1 Jul 201214 days£699AvailableBook now
Sun, 1 Jul 201228 days£1,299AvailableBook now
Sun, 1 Jul 201256 days£2,599AvailableBook now
Sun, 1 Jul 201284 days£3,799AvailableBook now
Sun, 15 Jul 201214 days£699AvailableBook now
Sun, 15 Jul 201228 days£1,299AvailableBook now
Sun, 15 Jul 201256 days£2,599AvailableBook now
Sun, 15 Jul 201284 days£3,799AvailableBook now
Sun, 29 Jul 201214 days£699AvailableBook now
Sun, 29 Jul 201228 days£1,299AvailableBook now
Sun, 29 Jul 201256 days£2,599AvailableBook now
Sun, 29 Jul 201284 days£3,799AvailableBook now
Sun, 12 Aug 201214 days£699AvailableBook now
Sun, 12 Aug 201228 days£1,299AvailableBook now
Sun, 12 Aug 201256 days£2,599AvailableBook now
Sun, 12 Aug 201284 days£3,799AvailableBook now
Sun, 26 Aug 201214 days£699AvailableBook now
Sun, 26 Aug 201228 days£1,299AvailableBook now
Sun, 26 Aug 201256 days£2,599AvailableBook now
Sun, 26 Aug 201284 days£3,799AvailableBook now
Sun, 9 Sep 201214 days£699AvailableBook now
Sun, 9 Sep 201228 days£1,299AvailableBook now
Sun, 9 Sep 201256 days£2,599AvailableBook now
Sun, 9 Sep 201284 days£3,799AvailableBook now
Sun, 23 Sep 201214 days£699AvailableBook now
Sun, 23 Sep 201228 days£1,299AvailableBook now
Sun, 23 Sep 201256 days£2,599AvailableBook now
Sun, 23 Sep 201284 days£3,799AvailableBook now
Sun, 7 Oct 201214 days£699AvailableBook now
Sun, 7 Oct 201228 days£1,299AvailableBook now
Sun, 7 Oct 201256 days£2,599AvailableBook now
Sun, 7 Oct 201284 days£3,799AvailableBook now
Sun, 21 Oct 201214 days£699AvailableBook now
Sun, 21 Oct 201228 days£1,299AvailableBook now
Sun, 21 Oct 201256 days£2,599AvailableBook now
Sun, 21 Oct 201284 days£3,799AvailableBook now
Sun, 4 Nov 201214 days£699AvailableBook now
Sun, 4 Nov 201228 days£1,299AvailableBook now
Sun, 4 Nov 201256 days£2,599AvailableBook now
Sun, 4 Nov 201284 days£3,799AvailableBook now
Sun, 18 Nov 201214 days£699AvailableBook now
Sun, 18 Nov 201228 days£1,299AvailableBook now
Sun, 18 Nov 201256 days£2,599AvailableBook now
Sun, 18 Nov 201284 days£3,799AvailableBook now

What will I be doing?

  • Volunteer Role (2 to 12 Weeks)

  • The Building Project (2 to 12 weeks)

  • The Trekking and Patrol Project (2 to 12 weeks)

Volunteer Role: 2 to 12 Weeks

Next Leg

Destination info

 

The Desert Elephant Project is based in the north west of the Namib Desert in what is locally known as Damaraland, one of the most scenic areas of the country. With rugged untamed semi-desert landscapes, it is just inland from the isolated beaches of the Skeleton Coast.
 
Namibia is known for its contrasting landscapes. The desolate Namib Desert is said to be the oldest in the world, with its high dunes and awe-inspiring sense of space. The central plateau, with its thorn bush savannah and rugged mountains, rising abruptly from the plains, gives way to the majestic Fishriver Canyon in the south. 
  • Location: Damaraland

 

This project works directly with the local community in protecting vulnerable structures from damage done by the elephants in search of water.
 
Tracking and monitoring the herds is another important function performed by the project, enabling us to compile identikits of local herds and bulls and to map their movement patterns. Through this knowledge we are able to assist the Ministry of Environment and Tourism with solving problems the elephants create.
 
Our volunteer project is real, pioneering conservation work, consisting of building defensive measures around vulnerable structures as well as joining our members out on patrol helping monitor the elephants. 
 
The Desert Elephant project is made up of two parts based upon 2-week rotations.
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The Building Project: 2 to 12 weeks

Next Leg

Destination info

 

The Desert Elephant Project is based in the north west of the Namib Desert in what is locally known as Damaraland, one of the most scenic areas of the country. With rugged untamed semi-desert landscapes, it is just inland from the isolated beaches of the Skeleton Coast.

Namibia is known for its contrasting landscapes. The desolate Namib Desert is said to be the oldest in the world, with its high dunes and awe-inspiring sense of space. The central plateau, with its thorn bush savannah and rugged mountains, rising abruptly from the plains, gives way to the majestic Fishriver Canyon in the south.
  • Location: Damaraland
You will first join a team in building walls around vitally important water sources for Damaraland homesteads. The walls are built to protect water pumping facilities, a borehole, solar panel and pump or windmill. The elephants are given access to the water at certain points, thus preventing them from damaging the pumping mechanics and allowing the farmers access to the clean, fresh water. 
 
You will spend one week at the building site working on the wall, which is made from local stone and cement brought in by the project. Facilities are very basic, with only the minimum of equipment and supplies for the week. You will be camping and all cooking is done over the fire, with everybody sharing camp duties. It is extremely intense work in the heat of the African sun doing hard physical labour, but you will undoubtedly finish the week with a great sense of achievement. The weekend is then spent relaxing at the base camp in the Ugab River. 
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The Trekking and Patrol Project: 2 to 12 weeks

Destination info

 

The Desert Elephant Project is based in the north west of the Namib Desert in what is locally known as Damaraland, one of the most scenic areas of the country. With rugged untamed semi-desert landscapes, it is just inland from the isolated beaches of the Skeleton Coast.

Namibia is known for its contrasting landscapes. The desolate Namib Desert is said to be the oldest in the world, with its high dunes and awe-inspiring sense of space. The central plateau, with its thorn bush savannah and rugged mountains, rising abruptly from the plains, gives way to the majestic Fishriver Canyon in the south.
  • Location: Damaraland

 

Volunteers head off on patrol for the next week. Patrols are lead by at least one experienced guide on specialised 4x4 vehicles, again with the minimum of equipment, setting up camp at a different site every evening. You will be experiencing areas of Damaraland and surrounding desert that no safari or overland tour will ever venture into, tracking and observing our local desert-adapted elephant herds. 
 
You will help with herd identification and data collection projects. This project is a perfect opportunity for people to really return to basic levels of living, learn simple camp-craft and survival skills and get back in touch with nature whilst becoming directly involved in trailblazing conservation work. It is a chance to experience hard but rewarding work, witness amazing natural phenomena and escape the highly-strung world and its day-to-day routine. 
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Trip Notes include a full itinerary, country guides and travel advice on visas, money, insurance and the local weather. By filling in your details you'll also be kept updated on all the latest news, offers and stories on this particular trip. Happy reading!

Additional Information & FAQs

Minimum age

Minimum age 18 years old, maximum dependant on participant's health.

 

Accommodation

 

This project is a great back-to-basics programme, experiencing the natural setting of the African bush. We set up our mobile base camp at each project site, which we make as comfortable as possible! You will be sleeping out under the amazing African sky. Washing facilities are limited and toilet facilities will be in the form of enclosed and private African long drops. Whilst on patrol, we camp wild and sleep under the stars on our bedrolls. 
 
There are no showers or toilets, so you will need to prepare yourself to rough it a bit! 

 

Meals

You will receive three meals each day on this project, prepared by you on a rotational basis, over the open fire and eating around the campfire as a group. We supply you with basic but very balanced food with adequate vegetarian options.

 

Advice & Safety

Throughout your programmes you will have the support and guidance of the programme co-ordinator and team. You will be provided with competent assistance and help with any questions or advice you may need during your stay.

You will be assigned a personal travel adviser who will co-ordinate your programme with you. Feel free to contact them at any time before you go, or when you are on your travels.

In addition, you will have access to a 24 hour emergency contact number so you can contact one of our UK staff at any time should you need to.

 

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What will I see in Damaraland?

16 photos

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What other travellers thought

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Charlotte Mcmurray, 16th Jul 2011 - 12th Aug 2011

Please rate your overall experience
(9/10)
What were the highlights of your trip?

Meeting like-minded people, getting to know the elephants, sleeping under the stars. I didn't want to leave!

What top 3 tips would you give other travellers?

Stay in Namibia a few more days after the Project is over - you can make plans with other volunteers to do more things, travel more. Bring lots of books for siesta :) Take clothing that are duller colours. Elephants find bright, vibrant colours, including black and white, curious.

Would you recommend Real Gap?

Yes

Camilla Pudney, 31st Jul 2010 - 13th Aug 2010

Please rate your overall experience
(10/10)
What were the highlights of your trip?

Living under the stars for 2 weeks Watching a herd of wild elephants walk past metres from us having tracked them for days Cooking on an open fire Being able to see how worthwhile our work was to the local farmers Meeting such an amazing group of people

What top 3 tips would you give other travellers?

Be prepared to smell! Take loads of baby wipes Just enjoy the whole experience, it will undoubtedly be one of the best things you will ever do

How would you sum up your trip in 10 words?

unbeatable, unforgettable, fantastic people, the most beautiful place ever

Please rate your pre-departure service
(7/10)
Please rate your in-country service
(10/10)
Please rate your accommodation
(10/10)
How worthwhile was your trip?
(10/10)
Would you travel with Real Gap again?

Yes

Would you recommend Real Gap?

Yes

Louise Davis, 10th Apr 2010 - 7th May 2010

Please rate your overall experience
(10/10)
What were the highlights of your trip?

It was all absolutely fantastic. The people were great, Neil, the guide, was awesome, the whole trip was well thought out (eg food, and activities and the work). Highlights were seeing the elephants, and living out in the remotest parts of the desert.

What top 3 tips would you give other travellers?

Take a headtorch Travel as lightly as possible

How would you sum up your trip in 10 words?

Life changing, made some friends who will be my friends for a long time, magical.

Please rate your pre-departure service
(10/10)
Please rate your accommodation
(10/10)
How worthwhile was your trip?
(10/10)
Would you travel with Real Gap again?

Yes

Would you recommend Real Gap?

Yes

Book now Get Trip Notes

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