GVI

Volunteer on an Elephant Conservation Program in Namibia

Namibia
Share |

Location
Namibia: Rural Areas

Program Duration
5-8 weeks

Typical Duration of Program
5-8 weeks

Dates
Please visit the website for upcoming start dates.

  • Description

    Join Global Vision International in Namibia and venture to 'Damaraland' in the Namib Desert. This tribal area runs parallel to the Skeleton Coast, and is home to a small population of desert elephants who need your help. Unfortunately competition for water and grazing land has brought them into conflict with the surrounding communities. Get hands on with this volunteer project as you help conduct research and compile observations about these wonderful elephants. As a volunteer on this project you will spend days roaming the desert on patrol, camping in the wild and keeping close to the elephants you are observing. With regard to community work, you will help build protective walls around windmills and water points, as well as educate subsistence farmers on managing their conflicts with the elephants.

    How this program makes a difference?

    A common point of conflict arises when desert elephants damage unprotected windmills, which happens often, and leaves entire communities without access to water. Because of this, the locals often see the elephants as a problem and frequently kill them. This problem can be solved for both the community and the elephants by simply building a wall around the windmill to protect it while still allowing the elephants to drink.

  • Highlights

    * Live and work in the desert of Madagascar
    * Aid in desert elephant conservation
    * Work hands on with these great animals
    * Become familiar with the Madagascar desert
    * Sleep out under the African Stars!

  • Travel Types

    • Off Road / 4X4 Driving
    • Camping
    • Eco Tours
    • Ecology
    • Nature Tours
    • Safari
  • Qualifications

    No special training or qualifications are required as you will receive training in the field.

  • Languages

    • English

  • Cost in US$:

    From USD 1,280 for 2 weeks

  • Program Fees Include:

    The Volunteer contribution includes all your food, accommodation, training materials and project equipment.

  • Experience Required

    no

  • Volunteer Types

    • Academic Reinforcement
    • Agriculture
    • Animal Welfare
    • Biological Research
    • Community Development
    • Community Organizing
    • Conflict Resolution
    • Consciousness-raising
    • Conservation
    • Cutting Wood
    • Digging
    • Eco-tourism
    • Environment
    • Fixing Fences
    • Natural Resources
    • Volunteering
    • Wildlife Surveying
  • Age Range

    18 - 65

  • This Program is open to

    Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals.

  • Participants Travel

    Independently

  • Typically Participants Work

    in Groups of 14 maximum

  • Application Process Involves

    • Online Application plus Application Assessment
  • Typically The Application Process Time is

    1-2 weeks

  • GVI's Mission Statement

    Global Vision International aims to promote the advancement of sustainable development through the creation of partnerships, promotion of local and global education, opportunities and via direct financial support. GVI remains committed to its local partners by ensuring they receive full credit for any research undertaken or achievements reached.

  • Year Founded

    1998

Back to Top
Ask a Question

Fields with * indicate required fields.

  • Captcha picture
Program Photos
Testimonials

In 2005 I took a career break and decided to travel around Central and South America with some friends. I researched destinations and decided to spend some time in Guatemala as I was fascinated by ...

More
Victoria Grant

Did you participate on a program with GVI?
Share your thoughts!

Institution Affiliates
World Youth Student & Educational Travel Confederation