Dive into a hands-on adventure that combines wildlife conservation with community work – right in the heart of Namibia’s breathtaking desert! Experience true adventure: up-close conservation work, sleeping under the stars, cooking over an open fire, and teamwork in one of the world’s most fascinating landscapes.

14 days from €1100

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What to expect

nachhaltiger Tourismus/sustainable tourism

Week 1

Day 1: Arrival in Swakopmund

You should arrive in the coastal town of Swakopmund on the Sunday before your volunteer project begins in order to take part in the briefing.

Day 2: From Swakopmund to the Base Camp

Around midday, we’ll depart together from Swakopmund and head into Damaraland. After approximately four hours of driving, we’ll reach the desert base camp, picturesquely located on the edge of the Ugab River. There, we’ll settle in, enjoy a shared dinner, and receive a further briefing for the days ahead.


nachhaltiger Tourismus/sustainable tourism

Days 3–6: Building Week

On Tuesday morning, we pack all the essentials. Together as a group of volunteers, we head to the project site, where we set up camp and begin constructing the protective wall. Tasks range from laying the foundation and collecting materials to mixing cement. The week is marked by hard but rewarding work, where teamwork and individual contributions are equally important.

We start our days early to beat the desert heat. At midday, we take a break to rest and recharge. As the temperature drops, we continue working until we wrap up the day with dinner and a relaxed evening around the campfire beneath the stunning African night sky. Accommodation is in tents—or for the adventurous, directly under the stars.


nachhaltiger Tourismus/sustainable tourism

Woche 2

Day 7: Return to Base Camp

On Saturday morning, we break down the camp, making sure to leave no trace, before heading back to the base camp. There, a well-deserved shower with a spectacular view awaits us.

Day 8: Rest Day in Uis

Today, we visit the old mining town of Uis, located in the middle of the desert. While our staff stock up on supplies for the patrol week, you’ll spend the day at Basil’s Brandberg Rest Camp. Here, you can enjoy meals at the restaurant, relax by the pool, and connect with the outside world via Wi-Fi. After a relaxing day, we return to the base camp for the night and discuss the details for the upcoming patrol week in the evening.


nachhaltiger Tourismus/sustainable tourism

Days 9–12: Elephant Patrol Week

On Monday morning, we load the Land Cruisers and set out on the elephant patrol. Together with the experienced trackers, we follow the elephants, document births, deaths, and new arrivals, and collect GPS data, ID photos, and important notes.

Each night, we spend under the starry sky at a new location, far from other people and deep in nature—an experience many call the highlight of their stay.

Day 13: Return to Swakopmund

After saying goodbye to the base camp, we begin the journey back to Swakopmund.


nachhaltiger Tourismus/sustainable tourism

Impact

The goal is to find long-term and sustainable solutions to the growing challenge of peaceful coexistence between subsistence farmers, community members, and elephants adapted to the desert. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of the Ministry of Environment and Tourism (MET), the Integrated Rural Development and Nature Conservation (IRDNC), the Save the Rhino Trust, and other NGOs over the past 20 years, the population of desert-dwelling elephants in the region has increased from 52 to an estimated 150 animals today.

While the return of the elephants is generally seen as positive, it also poses challenges for the people living in the areas they now inhabit. A number of volunteer programs, funding initiatives, and the community-focused PEACE project have been established to address these challenges.


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All expeditions include the following services: * Accommodation at our campsite in the heart of the desert * All activities * Transfers to and from Windhoek * Full board

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FAQ

Who can participate?

This project involves real conservation work—it’s not about comfortably watching animals from a safari vehicle or petting them. You need an open mind, a willingness to work, and a commitment to something bigger. This adventure focuses on teamwork, tolerance, and close connection to nature. The project leaders ensure a safe and educational experience, but your success depends on your effort. We provide the essentials and teach you how to navigate life in the bush.


How fit do I need to be?

The work requires a certain level of fitness, as it is mostly manual and can involve high temperatures. For safety reasons, the group size is limited to 14 people, with participants of various ages and backgrounds. People aged 17 and older (with consent) are welcome; there is no upper age limit.

This project is for anyone ready to make a difference, seeking adventure, wisdom, and the satisfaction of giving back to nature. It is real conservation work—immersing yourself in nature, completing rewarding tasks, and returning with a deep connection to Namibia and a desire to come back.


Will I see elephants?

As a volunteer, you will spend your time in areas where elephants live and roam. During the first week, you will build protective walls around the local communities' water infrastructure, as elephants have visited these areas and caused damage. In the second week, you will join experienced elephant trackers who observe the elephants. Namibia’s desert-adapted elephants are wild and free, so we cannot guarantee that our teams will always find them, but it is highly unlikely that you won’t encounter elephants during your time as a participant.


What happens in an emergency?

Our project leaders are trained in first aid and have years of experience handling medical issues on-site. Namibia has top-quality medical facilities and emergency services. Volunteer teams always carry a satellite phone and GPS. All volunteers must ensure they have comprehensive insurance covering emergency evacuation by air and land, as well as repatriation. You need to make sure you are insured for manual work (without power tools) and for travel in safari or wildlife vehicles. We also ask you to complete our medical form.


nachhaltiger Tourismus/sustainable tourism
nachhaltiger Tourismus/sustainable tourism
nachhaltiger Tourismus/sustainable tourism
nachhaltiger Tourismus/sustainable tourism
nachhaltiger Tourismus/sustainable tourism
nachhaltiger Tourismus/sustainable tourism
nachhaltiger Tourismus/sustainable tourism

Register now

All expeditions include the following services: -Accommodation at our campsite in the heart of the desert -All activities -Transfers to and from Windhoek -Full board meals

Get advice now!
nachhaltiger Tourismus/sustainable tourism

About socialbnb

socialbnb offers accommodations and experiences worldwide with social and ecological impact. By visiting social and ecological projects, you learn more about their work and directly support them through your stay. Since 2021, socialbnb has offered a wide variety of stays and experiences at social and ecological projects in over 45 countries and has been recognized by several international organizations, including the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

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