Elephant Conservation & Research
South Africa
Walk alongside gentle giants, supporting research, conservation, and community outreach in South Africa’s Garden Route.
Overview
Duration
1-12 Weeks
Minimum Age
18+
Start Dates
Every Sunday of every month
Fees From
$674 USD
UN SDGs
This program supports SDG 15: Life on Land through elephant welfare research, habitat restoration, and biodiversity protection. It advances SDG 4: Quality Education via school-based conservation outreach and SDG 14: Life Below Water through coastal clean-ups. All efforts align with SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, uniting volunteers, communities, and conservation experts to protect ecosystems and inspire change.
What You'll Be Doing
Your work will be varied, immersive, and deeply rewarding. Activities may include:
- Elephant Welfare & Behavioural Research: Learn and apply scientific observation techniques, collect and record behavioural data, and contribute to ongoing welfare studies.
- Husbandry & Enrichment: Assist in preparing elephant food, creating environmental enrichments, and maintaining their habitats.
- Environmental Conservation: Participate in alien vegetation removal, habitat restoration, vegetation mapping, and biodiversity monitoring (including zebra and bird counts).
- Community Outreach: Help deliver environmental education programs in local schools and support grassroots conservation initiatives.
- Marine & Coastal Protection: Take part in organised beach clean-ups to safeguard coastal ecosystems.
Why It Matters
In a changing world, the survival of elephants depends not only on protecting their habitats but also on understanding and meeting their welfare needs. By studying semi-captive elephants, we can improve the way humans care for them, influence conservation policy, and build public awareness that drives long-term protection.
Your contribution helps refine elephant care practices, strengthens the connection between local communities and wildlife, and creates a ripple effect of conservation awareness that reaches far beyond the sanctuary’s boundaries.
A Day in the Life
Your week will follow a structured but varied schedule, typically running from 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM with regular breaks.
A typical weekday may include:
- Morning: Your day begins early with a briefing and an update on the elephants’ activities overnight. You might head straight into the field for behavioural observations, prepare enrichment items, or assist with feeding and habitat care. These first hours are often when the elephants are most active, giving you incredible opportunities to witness natural behaviours.
- Midday: After a short break, you’ll dive into research or conservation tasks. This could include data entry, lab work such as dung sample processing, vegetation surveys, or alien plant removal. On some days, you might visit local schools to deliver engaging environmental education sessions.
- Afternoon: You’ll return to the field for more observations, biodiversity monitoring (zebra or bird counts), or community outreach projects.
- Evening: As the sun sets, you’ll join your fellow volunteers for dinner, storytelling, and relaxing on the deck. Some evenings include special activities such as night-time elephant observations or a South African braai.
Fridays are typically half-days, with weekends free for exploring the Garden Route, from local markets and wine farms to bungee jumping, hiking, or relaxing on the beach.
Your Impact
By the end of your placement, you’ll have:
- Contributed directly to one of Africa’s most comprehensive elephant welfare research projects.
- Improved the daily lives of the elephants through your enrichment and husbandry efforts.
- Supported environmental restoration and biodiversity conservation in the surrounding ecosystem.
- Helped inspire the next generation of conservationists through school outreach and community projects.
- Returned home as an ambassador for elephants, equipped with knowledge and stories that inspire others to take action.
Where You'll Be Staying
You’ll be based in South Africa’s world-famous Garden Route, between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay. Surrounded by forests, beaches, and mountains, the area offers endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. The sanctuary grounds are secure and peaceful, providing a unique setting to observe elephants in a semi-natural environment while having easy access to nearby towns for weekend activities.
Accommodation & Meals
You’ll stay in an on-site bunkhouse within the sanctuary grounds. Accommodation features:
- Shared rooms (2–3 people) with en-suite bathrooms
- Bedding provided
- Fully equipped communal kitchen, dining area, and lounge with library, television, and Wi-Fi
- Laundry facilities (small additional fee)
- Outdoor deck and braai (barbecue) area
Meals are self-catered. Weekly shopping trips are organised, and the on-site restaurant is available daily for those who prefer prepared meals.
Who Can Join
This program is open to anyone who is:
- At least 18 years old (applicants aged 15–17 may be accepted with parental consent)
- Proficient in English (spoken and written)
- In good physical health with a reasonable level of fitness
- Passionate about wildlife, conservation, and community engagement — no prior experience needed!
Whether you’re a gap year student, career breaker, or simply looking to make a difference, you’re welcome here.
Program Pricing
Your program fees directly support the operations of our local team in South Africa and the services we provide to ensure your experience is meaningful, safe, and well-supported.
Outreach Overseas Offer
- Pre-departure support
- Volunteer information pack
- Assistance with trip logistics
- Emergency assistance
- Program quality assurance
- Certificate of participation
What's Included
- Shared accommodation
- Fully equipped kitchen
- Volunteer uniform (shirt, fleece, & cap)
- Weekly shopping trip for groceries
- On-site orientation and training
- Weekly conservation/cultural excursion
What's Excluded
- Flights
- Travel and health insurance
- Visa fees (if required)
- Airport transfers (available at extra cost)
- Personal spending money
- Weekend excursions
All program fees exclude a one-time $199 confirmation fee, which is payable upon acceptance into the program. Your remaining balance (program fees and any optional add-ons) is only due 60 days before your start date. This can be paid in instalments or as a lump sum.
| Duration | Program Fee |
| 1 Week | $475 |
| 2 Weeks | $950 |
| 3 Weeks | $1,230 |
| 4 Weeks | $1,640 |
| 5 Weeks | $2,050 |
| 6 Weeks | $2,460 |
| 7 Weeks | $2,870 |
| 8 Weeks | $3,280 |
| 9 Weeks | $3,690 |
| 10 Weeks | $4,100 |
| 11 Weeks | $4,510 |
| 12 Weeks | $4,920 |
Ready to Make a Real Impact?
If you’ve ever dreamed of walking alongside elephants, contributing to real conservation science, and living in one of the most beautiful parts of the world, this program is for you.
Choose your next step:
Apply Now to start your application and secure your spot in the program.
Enquire Here to get all the details you need from our team before you commit.
Good to Know Before You Go
What date should I arrive, and how do I get to the program location?
Volunteers are welcomed every Sunday throughout the year. Arrivals and departures are planned for Sundays to ensure a smooth handover and full program immersion.
The closest airport is George Airport (GRJ) in South Africa’s Garden Route. Popular flight routes connect via Cape Town (CPT) or Johannesburg (JNB) with short domestic flights to George.
Airport transfers can be arranged at an additional cost. We recommend arriving in the afternoon (between 3:00 and 5:00 PM) to settle in before orientation. Departures are on Sunday mornings, with onward flights from George after 1:00 PM.
What is the accommodation like and who will I be staying with?
You’ll stay in a comfortable on-site bunkhouse within the sanctuary grounds. Rooms are shared (2–3 volunteers per room) with en-suite bathrooms, and bedding is provided. Facilities include a fully equipped communal kitchen, dining area, lounge with library and television, Wi-Fi, and a deck with a braai (barbecue) area.
You’ll be living alongside other international volunteers and some staff members, creating a friendly, supportive community. Meals are self-catered, with weekly shopping trips to nearby towns.
What does a typical volunteer week look like?
Your week follows a structured but varied schedule, generally from 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM with regular breaks. Activities include elephant welfare research, enrichment preparation, habitat restoration, community outreach, and environmental monitoring. Fridays are half-days, and evenings may involve social activities or occasional night observations.
Weekends are free for exploring the Garden Route, from bungee jumping, ocean safaris, and hiking, to relaxing at local markets or wine farms.
Are there any requirements to join this program?
Anyone aged 18 and older is welcome (participants aged 15–17 may join with parental consent). You’ll need a moderate level of physical fitness, as some tasks involve walking, bending, and working outdoors for extended periods. No prior experience is required — just a passion for wildlife, a willingness to learn, and respect for local cultures and environments.
Is it safe to volunteer and travel in South Africa?
Yes. The sanctuary grounds are secure, with on-site staff available for support. The surrounding area is generally safe, and volunteers receive a full safety briefing on arrival. Medical facilities are accessible in nearby towns, and program staff can assist in emergencies.
What vaccinations or health precautions should I take?
While there are no mandatory vaccinations required to enter South Africa or participate in the program, we recommend consulting your doctor or travel clinic before travelling. Common vaccines for South Africa include:
- Hepatitis A and B
- Tetanus
- Typhoid (optional, depending on travel plans)
No COVID-19 or yellow fever vaccines are required unless you’re arriving from a country with a risk of yellow fever. The Garden Route is not a malaria area, so malaria prophylaxis is not required. Drinking water is safe, and insect repellent is useful year-round.
Can I join with a friend, family memeber or partner?
Absolutely! Friends, couples, and groups are welcome to apply together. We do our best to accommodate shared room requests, but placements depend on availability. Solo travellers will be matched with a same-gender roommate, and the program’s communal environment makes it easy to make friends quickly.
How much does it cost and what's included?
Program fees start from $674 for 1 week, including all essential program costs and the one-time $199 Outreach Overseas confirmation deposit. Outreach Overseas keeps costs low by partnering directly with grassroots organisations and operating as a small, purpose-driven team. Our pricing supports both volunteers and the project on the ground.
Your fee includes:
- Shared on-site accommodation with bedding
- Volunteer uniform (shirt, fleece, cap)
- On-site orientation and ongoing training
- Access to all research and conservation activities
- Weekly shopping trip and cultural/conservation excursion
- On-site support from experienced staff
Not included: flights, insurance, visa (if applicable), airport transfers, weekend excursions, and personal spending money.
Will I have time to travel or explore during my stay?
Yes! Weekends are yours to relax or explore the Garden Route. Options include wildlife safaris, beach days, forest hikes, wine tastings, bungee jumping, skydiving, and cultural tours. Staff can help arrange activities and transport.
When is the best time of year to join this program?
The program runs year-round.
- Summer (Nov–Apr): Warm to hot days (24–30°C), perfect for outdoor activities and coastal trips.
- Winter (May–Oct): Mild days (17–24°C) with cooler nights — great for hiking and wildlife observation.
There’s no bad time to join. Just pack for the season and prepare for a truly immersive experience! Elephant behaviour and research activities take place throughout the year, so you’ll have a meaningful experience whenever you join.
How to Apply
Step 1: Choose Your Program
Explore our programs and find the one that fits your passion and goals.
Step 2: Submit an Application
Complete our quick and easy online application form to start the process.
Step 3: Confirm Your Spot
Pay your $199 confirmation deposit upon your acceptance.
Step 4: Make an Impact
Travel to your destination, join your team, and begin your volunteer journey.
Explore Similar Volunteer Opportunities
African Wildlife & Big Cat Conservation
- 2-12 Weeks
- 16+
- $1,534 USD
Wildlife Conservation
- 2-12 Weeks
- 18+
- $1,264 USD
Wildlife Conservation & Community Outreach
- 1-12 Weeks
- 17+
- $869 USD
Stay in the Loop
Want to know when new destinations and programs launch? Sign up for updates and be the first to hear about our opportunities to travel with purpose.