Elephant Conservation in Namibia

  Namibia

Rural Areas

Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks and 3-6 months
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: Every other Monday.

Description: This pioneering elephant conservation project will take you to volunteer in an area regarded as one of the last true wildernesses left on earth, the Namib Desert. In this unique environment volunteers will track desert elephants, work with local communities towards elephant conservation, sleep under the African stars and live close to the earth, elephants and people. By volunteering in Namibia on this worthwhile programme, you will ensure the survival of these amazing animals into the future, whilst experiencing all that the spectacular Namib Desert has to offer!

This exciting Yomps adventure takes you to volunteer in Namibia for 2, 4, 8 or 12 weeks and contribute towards the preservation of the Desert Elephant population in Africa. Over recent years a conflict has emerged between the resident elephant and humans populations of the Namib Desert, as both fight for the area's depleting natural resources. Your volunteering efforts will concentrate on achieving elephant conservation, through first-hand pioneering conservation work that is focused on research, education and development.

Volunteers work in the North-Western regions of the Namib Desert (traditionally known as 'Damaraland')  an area that runs parallel to the Skeleton Coast National Park  where small herds of secretive, desert elephants reside and traverse vast wilderness areas. Here you will track these incredible animals, experiencing the remarkable sights, sounds and environment of this harsh tribal wilderness. Volunteers operate from mobile base camps in the vicinity of Brandberg along the Ugab River, and go each day to help with elephant conservation work and explore the spectacular Namib Desert. You will contribute towards the survival of the elephants by helping them to peacefully co-exist alongside the local landowners and farmers, building protection around vital resources and carrying out important field research and observation on these majestic mammals.

As you roam the Namib Desert and work towards elephant conservation, you will experience Africa first-hand in a way that no overlanding tour or safari could ever offer. Therefore choosing to volunteer with Yomps in Namibia is an ideal and constructive choice as part of a gap year, career break or adventurous overseas adventure!

Qualifications: No previous experience is required to join this programme, as this trip is designed to give volunteers all the necessary skills and knowledge they need to volunteer inElephant Conservation in Namibia. The volunteering is open to anybody of at least 18 years of age. All volunteers must be willing to work hard as part of a team, be enthusiastic, adventurous, have a good sense of humour and be respectful of the host country's environment and cultures.

Cost in US$: 1100

Experience Required: no

Age Range: 18+

This Program is open to American, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Namibia Independently Or in Groups

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 6 to 16

Application Process Involves:

• Written Application

Year Founded: 2006