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Elephant & Community Water Access Project in Namibia

by: Kaya Responsible Travel

Add first reviewVerifiedSince 2008

Have the opportunity to see elephants in their natural habitat in this volunteer program abroad! The Elephant and Community Water Access Project in Namibia mostly involves helping surrounding communities in Damaraland come up with solutions to the existing elephant-human conflict. At the same time, you will develop bush and wildlife skills as well as undergo health and safety training. There is an ongoing struggle between these majestic creatures and the people living in rural communities as water supply becomes scarcer due to erratic rainfalls and desertification. This project works to improve the lives of both the local people as well as the elephants by creating sustainable solutions so that they can live side by side. It also aims to monitor elephant behaviors so they can live harmoniously alongside communities. Volunteers on this project must love the outdoors and have a passion for wildlife. You should be able to work as part of a team and have a spirit of adventure. Please note that being clean shouldn’t be a priority with no access to shower facilities from Tuesday to Friday. The placement is in a rural setting, so a reasonable level of fitness is essential.

Program Highlights

See wild elephants up close in their natural habitat.

Live in beautiful Damaraland and explore its breathtaking rugged scenery.

Participate in adventure sports together with the locals and other volunteers.

Learn about elephant behavior in the natural environment and their impact to surrounding communities.

Gain an insight into water issues in Namibia and help provide solutions.

Quick Details

Locations:
  • Rural Areas, Namibia
Availability
Duration:
  • 2-4 Weeks
  • 5-8 Weeks
  • 9-12 Weeks
Age Requirement: 18+
Types & Subjects
Causes:
  • Conservation
  • Water Projects
  • Wildlife
Guidelines
Nationalities:
  • American
  • Australian
  • Austrian
  • Belgian
  • British
  • Canadian
  • Cypriot
  • Czech
  • Danish
  • Dutch
  • English
  • Finnish
  • French
  • German
  • Greek
  • Hawaiian
  • Hungarian
  • Icelandic
  • Irish
  • Italian
  • Liechtenstein
  • Lithuanian
  • Maltese
  • Manx
  • Polish
  • Scottish
  • Slovak
  • Slovenian
  • Spanish
  • Swedish
  • Swiss
  • The Vatican
  • Welsh
See all program details
Last Updated: Jan 15, 2026

Awards

Innovative New Program – Volunteer Abroad Finalist 2022

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Rural Areas, Namibia

Types and Subjects

  • Causes
  • Conservation
  • Water Projects
  • Wildlife

Availability

Duration:
  • 2-4 Weeks
  • 5-8 Weeks
  • 9-12 Weeks

Age Requirement

18+

Guidelines

Nationalities:
  • American
  • Australian
  • Austrian
  • Belgian
  • British
  • Canadian
  • Cypriot
  • Czech
  • Danish
  • Dutch
  • English
  • Finnish
  • French
  • German
  • Greek
  • Hawaiian
  • Hungarian
  • Icelandic
  • Irish
  • Italian
  • Liechtenstein
  • Lithuanian
  • Maltese
  • Manx
  • Polish
  • Scottish
  • Slovak
  • Slovenian
  • Spanish
  • Swedish
  • Swiss
  • The Vatican
  • Welsh

This Program is also open to Solo, Families, Group

Program Cost Includes

  • Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
  • Weekday Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
  • On-Site / In-Country Staff Support
  • Pre-Departure Orientation
  • In-Country Orientation
  • Training

Accommodation Options

  • Other

Qualifications & Experience

      Accepted Education Levels

    • Any/All Education Levels Accepted

    Application Procedures

    • Online Application

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is the layout of the volunteer project?

    The project is split into 2 project focuses;

    1. Build Week - mixing cement and collecting rocks, sand, water and building walls.
    2. Patrol Week - gather details and watch the elephants of the park

    How should I prepare for this project?

    For the most part of this project, volunteers will be outside, so consider sun protection such as hats, sun lotion, hand sanitizer and extra tissues. The days can be tiring since the project has a lot of manual labor, so volunteers should have a reasonable fitness level.

    What is the accommodation look like?

    You will be staying in a beautiful base camp, sleeping on a large platform within a huge Ana Tree. Beds and roll mattresses are provided for you. To fall asleep whilst gazing up at the clear African sky and stars really is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. There are two elephant drinking dams nearby, so be prepared to wake up to some beautiful sights.

    Will I be safe in volunteering in Namibia?

    Namibia has an abundance of wildlife and that can be unnerving for some people, but don't worry! Kaya has helped hundreds of volunteers discover the natural treasures in Namibia. Their experienced professionals who operate on the ground are well equipped with safety best measures and first aid!

    Are meals included in the project?

    Yes, 3 meals are provided each day! Volunteers will take turn preparing and cooking dinner for everyone under the stars. What better way to get to know people from all over the world than cook and eat together each night!

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    Ready to Learn More?

    Have the opportunity to see elephants in their natural habitat in this volunteer program abroad! The Elephant and Community Water Access Project in Namibia mostly involves helping surrounding communities in Damaraland come up with solutions to the existing elephant-human conflict. At the same time, you will develop bush and wildlife skills as well as undergo health and safety training. There is an ongoing struggle between these majestic creatures and the people living in rural communities as water supply becomes scarcer due to erratic rainfalls and desertification. This project works to improve the lives of both the local people as well as the elephants by creating sustainable solutions so that they can live side by side. It also aims to monitor elephant behaviors so they can live harmo...

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