Elephant protection project in the Namibian desert
📍Namibia Get involved in protecting wild desert elephants and support local communities in northwestern Namibia.
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.
12 days from €1100
Get free advice now!What to expect
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Get free advice now!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.
How does the accomodation look like?
At the base camp everyone sleeps in a large tree on a wooden platform! There are also showers and long-drop toilets here.
You will leave base camp and be camping in the African wilderness for the duration of your time on each project. There are no washing facilities on either build or patrol weeks but you can enjoy a shower at the base camp when we return for the weekend in between the two weeks. Occasionally, if there is enough water available at the build site, we may set up a basic shower at the build project camp.
Tents can be provided, alternatively we all sleep on mattresses on a large tarpaulin under the stars. As the camp on build week is in the same spot for the duration of the build project, we can set up a private long drop style toilet. However, the camp locations change every night on patrol week - a true wild camping experience using the bush toilet! Your helpful staff will be sure you are comfortable and will explain how to do this safely and in an eco-friendly way.
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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 meals
Get advice now!
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