Volunteer to Work with Desert Elephants in Namibia

When you think of elephants you either think of circuses and zoos, or your think of savannahs and jungles. However, elephants are also found in the deserts of Namibia. This small population of desert elephants has been featured in numerous documentaries with wildlife personalities like Steve Irwin, Steve Austin and Jeff Corwin. If you are interested in learning more about these amazing, unique and large mammals, then consider volunteering your time.

Earthwatch's Desert Elephants of Namibia

There are a lot of different desert elephant research expeditions that you can join. The first is the one offered by Earthwatch. This 15 day adventure starts in Windhoek, Namibia. After you meet up with your research guides, you will go to the Outjo base camp. You will spend two days here being briefed about the expedition. You then will move into the bush where you will rough it for 11 days. Food, drink and basic necessities will be provided for you. Your responsibilities will include assisting Dr. Keith Leggett, taking field data on the elephants and the environment and tracking the elephant's movement via a GPS tracking device. After the 11 days you will return to base camp for a couple of days of comfort. In addition to research, a side trip may also be planned for the Etosha Natioanl Park.

There are five different research trips held throughout the year. One in May, one in June, one in July, one in August and one in September. Each group is limited to five people. The cost will be around $3,150 plus air fare and travel insurance.

Enkosini Eco Experiences' Desert Elephant Project

Another organization that offers a research project that you can volunteer for is the Enkosini Eco Experience Company. Their desert elephant project is year round, and works on two week rotations. If you want to stay with the project for two weeks then your cost will be about $1,400US and if you want to stay for four weeks then you will pay about $2,000. This money covers your meals, accommodations, education and training and supervision. It also helps to fund the research project as well.

This is a more hands on, in the field project. You will learn skills needed for camping such as cooking over an open fire, setting up a tent and searching for fire fuel; you will learn bush skills like tracking; you will learn research skills such as creating a kit to future researchers to identify members of the elephant herd; and you will also be taught tribal skills.

Volunteering for a Desert Elephant Expedition

There is a lot to think about before you volunteer for wildlife research projects. First you will need to realize that these are not wildlife vacations. You will not be pampered and you will be expected to pull your weight. The living conditions are basic, meaning you will spend more time in a tent or sleeping under the stars than you will sleeping in a bed. You will be exposed to the elements, to rough terrain and to wildlife that is not contained behind bars or a fence. If you are up to these challenges, then these expeditions can be a great way to contribute to the survival of desert elephants and a great way to develop your understanding of the largest land animal on Earth.