Volunteer with Elephants in South Africa

We had an amazing time in South Africa and it has definitely been one of our favourite holidays. The main thing I would say is that we massively over packed! We didn't need to take any T-shirts for work as they give you 1 to wear as uniform (we cot 2 as we were there for more than a week). They also give you a lovely warm fleece and a cap. That said, we had the most amazing time and would definitely recommend the experience to others and book another volunteering holiday in the future.

Wow this was such an incredible experience with the elephant research team! It was so amazing to get up close & learn about these animals & their conservation. It has been one of the best things I've ever done, thanks to the Oyster team for their support throughout. Communication was great & always very responsive. The local team were great, it was really good. Thank you for all your help & support when I had my pre trip jitters!

The most exciting part of my holiday was the elephants. Definitely felt we helped in the welfare of the elephants, and got a greater understanding of changes for animals in the wild. It was amazing! Highly recommended. The team were lovely and made us feel part of the family. If doing again (likely), I'd stay at least 2 weeks. 5 star!

This is a big thank you for introducing me to this project, I had the best time in my life what a beautiful place it is and the girls was so amazing and helpful to me and the elephants wow stunning they are. So again thank you so much! Was so taken back most wonderful people in the world so helpful and made me feel so welcome learning so much about what they do for elephants. I will definitely be returning there in the future.

Hi I had the most amazing time what a beautiful place and the elephants Wow was so taken back with the unit, the most wonderful people in the world so helpful and made me feel so welcome learning so much about what they do for elephants and all the information they help other sites who save elephants. I will definitely be returning there in the future.

I took my son, who needed support for his epilepsy and learning difficulties to the Private Game reserve near Port Elizabeth, South Africa as part of his residential for his DOE Gold. We had a fantastic time with many great activities in the reserve and the local school. We met many young volunteers from around the world. Kate was very helpful and arranged some separate accommodation for us and the staff and management were very welcoming. I would definitely come back for a longer period

The team, (including the elephants) couldn’t have been more welcoming and understanding. I had a fantastic week. Such a wonderful group of people and elephants of course, so attentive in addressing my requirements and nothing was too much trouble. Thank you so much.

If anyone is considering this experience, don’t hesitate, it’s brilliant. I had never done anything like it before, and had never visited Africa, but I enjoyed every second and hated having to leave. (And by the way, I’m 68 and found everything completely do-able). But it was really good to be able share the experience with a group of older people, as well as mixing with the younger, longer-term volunteers. Please organise more trips like this!

Wow. Where do I begin. After never having travelled outside Europe before let alone travelling on my own, travelling to South Africa was the biggest adventure of my life. Oyster worldwide had all the information so well organised. I really cannot fault them. Anytime I had a problem or a worry, no matter how small, I always had a quick reply and in detail. Excellent work. I would highly recommend