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Elephant Care and Research - South Africa - Volunteer reviews
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Jill – 2012
“The experience was a once in a lifetime fantasy. While there was hard work, there was also fun, and friendship to be had with other volunteers from all over the world. Observing the elephants was magic, and getting to know their personalities was one of the many rewards. Unfortunately, two weeks seemed too little time with them. The team/management was professional, friendly and supportive. How lucky I was and the elephants are to have the dedicate staff. Sunrises, sunsets - even rainy cold weather contributed to a brilliant experience that I would absolutely recommend.
Typical day: After grabbing a quick cup of coffee at 5:30, we met at the boma at 6 as we awaited any briefing and the eles to leave the boma for the day. Duties were changed each day so that all were able to experience the many delights and chores of the day. Duties included assisting with boma upkeep, collecting dung, following/observing/recording the eles for a 2-hour period before given a break by other volunteers coming onto the shift. Sometimes we were assigned an elephant to observe for the two hours. We also had responsibilities relating to inputting the data into the computer. In the evenings, we were assigned turns to give the elephants the "browse" -- branches with leaves for the elephants once they were in the boma. We generally cooked our own dinners unless we arranged to join together with another volunteer. And then evenings were filled with good conversation and sharing.
Most rewarding part of the project: The opportunity to meet and observe the elephants-- and understand the project values. Next I would say the wonderful acquaintances made during the assignment.
Most challenging part of the project: Sometimes the physical work was challenging to me. It wasn't often but occasionally we all needed to pitch in to clean and refresh the boma. It was hard work!
What advice would you give to others considering doing this project? Bring work gloves. Dress appropriately - I was there in winter and prepared for the cold and rain. Many days, however, were lovely and not that cold.
Why do you think others should volunteer abroad? It amazed me how many of the volunteers came from all over the world. I saw, and experienced a broadening of perspective about others from an international view, but also a recognition that we are all a part of the greater whole....and thus were brothers and sisters no matter our origin.
Why did you choose PoD and would you recommend us to others? I love elephants and saw the opportunity on the internet. PoD was the agency that I worked through as a result of my search. PoD was very very good to work with and answered any questions that I had. I would recommend - and have recommended PoD.
Thank you for a life-long dream fulfilled in many ways.”
Sam – 2012
“The experience was better than I had anticipated. Erin at PoD had given me more than enough information to prepare me for the trip and the people at the elephant park were very welcoming. Although the early mornings were tough at the beginning, appreciating that I was waking to spend the day helping to care for the amazing elephants soon made things easier to deal with. It was hard work, physical work that I am not used to but it was worth it. The whole experience, meeting the people, the location, the work and especially the animals made it 2 weeks I will never forget. My trip was made better by the group of volunteers I had for the duration - I couldn't have asked for a better team to be a part of.
Typical day: 6:30am start in the Boma (stables) - assist with the cleaning out/re-laying of the elephants sleeping quarters. Break for breakfast The rest of the day was divided into various tasks from assisting with data collection (in the field with the ellies recording their behaviour etc), assisting in any work that needed to be done in the boma, data input on the computers etc
Most rewarding part of the project: Although the hardest thing was the early morning work helping to clean out the elephants pens - it was nice to be involved in the process and see how as a team we were able to complete the task and make it all clean and tidy before the elephants returned to change it all!
Most challenging part of the project: The general change from my normal office based job.
What advice would you give to others considering doing this project? There are t-shirts provided for working in so there is no need to pack work tops! If you are planning to do any travelling or site-seeing its best to arrange transport etc before you go! There is only 1 bus (backpackers - Buz Bus) available or taxi's, nothing within walking distance. Always mention you’re a volunteer when booking things - there is quite often discount given!
I am certain I will be booking something again...watch this space! Thanks again for all your help before/during and after!”
Jane – 2012
“It was a real privilege to be able to stand in the field and watch the elephants playing, fighting, eating... and to get to know each one as an individual.
Typical day: Up at 6, out in the boma at 6.30 either collecting dung for monitoring, or helping to clear away the branches. Off for a quick breakfast, then up in the field for 2 hours monitoring the elephants’ behaviour. Back to put the information into the computer. Get lunch, then perhaps another session in the field, or helping with the garden, or cutting up fruit. Sometimes a short session in the evening to bring in the branches for the elephants to eat overnight.
Most rewarding part of the project: Being able to watch the elephants and get to know something about their personalities and behaviour
Most challenging part of the project: Early starts and the more physical aspects - but also enjoyed getting to grips with both after years of office work!
What advice would you give to others considering doing this project? It was great to learn so much about elephant conservation, to learn about the elephants themselves and to be involved in the whole project, but remember that you will not build as close a relationship with the elephants if you are only there for a few weeks.
Why do you think others should volunteer abroad? It is a great opportunity to really begin to understand another environment and to get to know people from all over!
Why did you choose PoD and would you recommend us to others? Yes, because it is non-profit making. Great service! Thanks very much. Hopefully will do it again!”
Alice – 2012
“How’s life at the park? It's amazing here. Can't complain about the weather here either, although working in it takes some getting used to!
Everyone here is lovely and really friendly and the elephants are just amazing. When I arrived here I realised I've actually been here before! I came here with my family 3 years ago.
I was away for 2 months working with 12 amazing elephants at the Elephant Care and Research project in South Africa. The elephants are basically your neighbours. The access to them is amazing. The volunteer work was based on their welfare and conservation. The work consists of being out in the field studying the elephants’ general and social behaviours. I went in South African summer. The weather is extremely warm, a complete contrast to a cold and wet English winter I left behind. The park is a short taxi ride away from the Plettenberg Bay which has a lovely long white sandy beach. It's a lovely place to go on time off which consists of Friday afternoons and weekends. There are places around the park that offer cheap volunteer entry for those who want a change from huge, wrinkly grey animals. I would recommend this for anyone who is willing to work hard and have a love of elephants!
Typical day: The day starts at 6.30am in the Boma; a sleeping house for the elephants. Dung is collected for research purposes and then clearance of the pens start. This involves clearing out the branches that the elephants have eaten the night before and transferring them to a bit in a wheel barrow. The manual jobs can be as hard graft as you are capable of. The day consists of taking and entering data. The shifts are 2 hours long and observations of the elephants are carried out throughout the day, come rain or shine! There will be other activities that need doing. The two main ones are sawdust and enrichments. The sawdust is carried out every 2/3 weeks and involves clearing out pens and replacing the old sawdust with the new. Again, this can be as hard graft as you are able. On the enrichment side, these are for the elephants to 'work' for their food. These are generally buckets filled with pellets, hung from the top of the Boma. This is a great thing to watch when Browse is done. The last shift ends at 6.30pm, however there is an extra shift called Browse at the end of the day at 8.30pm. This is alternated throughout the volunteers throughout the week. Browse is branches that are fed to the elephants in the Boma. Their food consumption is extremely high and since they are in the Boma they need some help to get food.
The most rewarding part for me was to get to know the elephants. Elephants aren't animals to give you immediate respect and attention. When they do, it shows that they trust you and it's an amazing experience to have.
The most challenging thing for me was the sudden change in my routine! I was on student times, which meant getting up past 12pm and going to bed late. It doesn't take long to get into it though. The early mornings weren't a problem a week in.
What advice would you give to others considering doing this project? If you are going for a holiday which happens to have elephants in it, this isn't for you. To get the most out of it you need to be willing to work hard. They are long days, but you also get 2 hour shift breaks in between field shifts (observations) or other activities. The project is close to the beach and other animal reserves. The people who run it are extremely welcoming and if you are wanting to use you're weekends to travel around they are willing to tell you what is worth seeing.
Why did you choose PoD and would you recommend us to others? I didn't really know where to start on the volunteering aspect around the world. I looked up volunteering online and PoD came out with the best reviews. Thank you for helping me arrange it all. It was an amazing experience and one I would recommend to anyone.”
Hilary – 2012
“Being so close to the elephants was truly amazing. When I first met them I wondered how I was going to put names to each one but that very quickly happened and I soon realized that they all had their own personalities. Spending time in the field with them meant that I learned a lot about elephant behaviour and activity within the herd. If I had any questions the guides or one of the staff were always around to give me answers. My time spent at the park was a great learning experience.
Typical day: Start 06.30 in the boma. Usually two field trips per day lasting 2hrs Helping get the boma ready for the elephants coming back in the evening. Weighing & cutting fruit. Data breaks between.
Most rewarding part of the project: Being so close to the elephants.
Most challenging part of the project: Computer work.
What advice would you give to others considering doing this project? Take the opportunity and enjoy and learn.
Why do you think others should volunteer abroad? We can learn so much the people the culture and the animals. We can, in a small way, give help to the project we are involved in. Also meeting new friends along the way is great.
Why did you choose PoD and would you recommend us to others? Yes, PoD had a selection of projects and I found the right one for me.”
Joan – 2012
“How’s life at the park? What was I worried about? "LOVE IT" Everyone is very nice, the Ellies are soooo sweet, fallen in love with Keisha & Thato, Mashudu & Shungu are so funny & cheeky. The weather has been pretty good quite hot today, some of the volunteers have gone to the beach, I am going horse riding this afternoon with Hilary & some others. Well! Got to go & make the most of this sun, & check the Ellies out, how mean am I?!
The Elephant Care and Research project was wonderful, the Elies were so well looked after & loved, I felt so comfortable & everyone made me feel very welcome, the staff were always patient, & willing to explain more than once, when necessary, what was needed. Weekends we had time off to do as we pleased, At Plettenburg there is a fabulous beach & good restaurants. I cannot praise them highly enough. Loved every second of my time there, it flew by. A big thank you to all concerned!
Typical day: Start work 6.30am, clean out the boma or orchard, 8.30 breakfast then collect data on Ellies for 2 hours, sometimes cut fruit, & then enter data on to computer, finish 5.30, cook evening meal, shower early night. :-)
Most rewarding part of the project: Spending time with the Ellies
Most challenging part of the project: The heat
What advice would you give to others considering doing this project? Take the right gear; especially correct footwear, also strong sun factor & hat
Why did you choose PoD and would you recommend us to others? Yes, they had the project that I required.”
Sarah and Luciano – 2011
“Our time spent at the park was truly amazing. As a volunteer you are involved in all aspects of the elephants care and well-being. It gave us a true insight into the herd dynamics and psychology which we would never have gained any other way. Truly recommend this project!
Typical day: The next day’s rota is put up the night before and consists of 6.30am Boma Duties, Clearing Orchard or Gardening, 8.30am -5.30pm Field Studies (Nearest Neighbour, Herd Activity, SDB, AB) or Filming, Gardening, New sawdust in Boma, Enrichment Program, Cutting Fruit, Weighing fruit, Dung collection, Adhoc projects 7.45-8.00pm Evening Browse
Most rewarding part of the project: Being so close to the elephants everyday
Most challenging part of the project: Getting up at 5.30am five days a week - it was well worth it though!
What advice would you give to others considering doing this project? If you want to learn more about elephants and you are not afraid to get your hands dirty or to do physical hard work, then book this project it is so rewarding.
Why did you choose PoD and would you recommend us to others? Yes. We just wanted to say thanks for all your help and that we had the most amazing time. Now I just have to save up for the next trip!!!”
Amanda and Graeme – 2011
“Unlike most of the other participants on our project, who were students on longer term placements, we were simply taking our annual two week holiday so we had some trepidation about whether it would actually 'work' as such. In many ways it turned out to be a perfect break, allowing us to completely de-stress and to focus our efforts on something worthwhile, forgetting about our normal petty workplace issues. The opportunity to work closely with the elephants and to spend time with people who genuinely care was incredibly rewarding.
Typical day: Start work at 6.30am, usually either cleaning out the Boma and taking dung samples after the elephants had been moved onto the property or following the elephants and recording behaviours according to a series of predefined charts. Break for breakfast around 8.30am then either back in the field recording behaviour or working in the garden or working with the facility's staff eg preparing fruit for the elephants or entering the data that had been collected into the facility's pcs for the rest of the day. Typically breaking for lunch and mid afternoon, on average we spent approximately half of each day in the field recording behaviours and the rest of the time was spent working on other functions.
Most rewarding part of the project: Time spent in close proximity to the elephants and getting to recognise their very different personalities.
What advice would you give to others considering doing this project? Just do it. Go ready to muck in and do whatever has to be done at the facility and also be ready to get along with a relatively small group of predominantly young people whose fun and enthusiasm is infectious - you cannot do this placement if you intend to keep yourself to yourself. Yes the boarding facility is closer to a hostel than a five star hotel but there are only two people per room and each room has ensuite bathrooms so there is no great sacrifice. You do need to be in reasonably healthy condition but certainly not 'fit'.
Why do you think others should volunteer abroad? It was a great break from our normal routine which brought a genuine sense of fulfilment, we weren't doing anything particularly special in the volunteering sense but it was a whole lot more gratifying than lying on a beach.
Why did you choose PoD and would you recommend us to others? There are many alternatives to PoD, but our 'net research presented PoD as having placements and an approach that accommodated people like us with only limited time available. Having signed up through PoD their close communication and follow up, their obviously genuine personal knowledge of the placement and their sense of caring about the specific project, proved our choice to be the right one.
We can all criticise and have our own views of how things could or should be done but we have no complaints or issues with our placement. Perhaps the most reassuring element was that PoD's presentation of the facility and the placement was absolutely correct. Nothing was overstated or misrepresented in any way and consequently we had no misconceptions about where we were going or what we were going to do - we got exactly what we signed up for.”
Amrit – 2011
“Reading reviews written by other people is often a bit “blah”, and you really cannot write about an experience and describe it well enough to justify its glory. So I thought I would tell a story... 'A beautiful, awesome girl gets one train, three flights and one car ride to this ridiculously faraway place in South Africa. By the time she gets there she is exhausted (but still looks lovely)! Once at the park, in the Boma, it was like a fog had been lifted. Seeing Keisha, Shaka and Thato (they were the closest to her) for the first time made her so happy. Just plain happy. That feeling of contentment is often hard to find, but watching those elephants made her be at peace. Her time spent at the park involved much staring, “awe noises” and occasional worshipping of the elephants. There was work and research to be done, but as long she had her elephants it was cake. Oh and also at some point she had some human interaction and met some cool people'.
Typical day: Wake up at 6:30am, go check the notice board for the schedule. Then head off to the various tasks. Boma: Cleaning, cutting fruit, making dinner, making enrichments. Garden: Cleaning up the weed mountain! Field duty: herd activity, activity budget, nearest neighbour, self-direct behaviour, filming.
Most rewarding part of the project: Just watching and spending time with the ellies. Their personalities were wonderful.
Most challenging part of the project: The early starts!
What advice would you give to others considering doing this project? Just do it!
Why do you think others should volunteer abroad? It gives the person a good feel for the country rather than booked tour. You also get to spend time with people you would not usually associate with.
Why did you choose PoD? Reasonable price and good locations.”
Kelly – 2011
“Having just returned from my placement in South Africa I can honestly say that it was one of the most rewarding and satisfying experiences of my life.
I only had enough time to do a two week placement at the elephant park, and was apprehensive as to whether this would be enough time to fully achieve anything or feel part of the 'team'. My worries were completely unjustified, and I would not hesitate to repeat the experience as soon as possible. Although my time was short, I managed to achieve a lot and felt like I really did do something to 'make a difference'. I would however, if possible, recommend some extra time to 'see' more of South Africa - it is a stunning country with lots to offer.
Typical day: 6.30am start in the boma to help clear up after the elephants, followed by two-hourly shifts until you finish around 5.30/6.30pm. 'Shifts' included activities out in the field whilst observing the elephants, gardening, painting fences, trips to the local school to help with their tyre garden, enrichments for the elephants and data collection to name a few!
Most rewarding part of the project: The positive interactions with the elephants and getting to know more about the species through the incredibly knowledgeable staff and keepers.
Most challenging part of the project: The power supply to the volunteer house.
What advice would you give to others considering doing this project? Remember to pack warm clothes (if you are there over the cooler months) and be prepared to push yourself out of your comfort zone.
Why do you think others should volunteer abroad? I did not realise how much of a positive impact it would have on my outlook of life. I will try to volunteer again next year.
Why did you choose PoD and would you recommend us to others? My brother was already booked onto one of your programmes. I would recommend you, and already have!”
Ricky – 2011
“This placement was certainly worthwhile. I settled in so quickly that 2 weeks flew by - I would've loved to have stayed longer. Both the volunteers I stayed with at the time and the park staff was so friendly that it felt like home within a day or so. The work can be hard at times but is definitely rewarding, especially if you put as much into it as you can. Such an amazing experience!
Typical day: Wake up at 6ish - down to the boma to help the staff clear the elephant beds and collect dung for research then out to the field to observe elephants or cut fruit or perhaps even prepare branches for the evening.
Most rewarding part of the project: Seeing that I was making a difference and providing much appreciated help.
Most challenging part of the project: The heat at times.
What advice would you give to others considering doing this project? Be prepared for hard work but the more you put in, the more you'll get out. Be open with people and you can walk away with some amazing new friends!
Why do you think others should volunteer abroad? Because it opens your eyes to the work that other people do in other cultures and it is your chance to get involved and give back in a constructive way....and its fun!
Why did you choose PoD and would you recommend us to others? Found PoD through google and I would definitely recommend them to others as the support/communication was brilliant throughout.”
Nicky – 2011
“Once in a life-time!!!! The Elephant placement was brilliant! I was a little worried prior to arrival that as I am over 50 it might all be a bit too much hard work as many volunteers are much younger. And yes, it is quite physical, and the days do start early, but the team were really appreciative of us (I went with my sister) and adjusted a couple of things to accommodate any restrictions / barriers we encountered. Though no change to the early start time each day!!! That is dictated by the elephants!!! And they are more than ready to be out of the Boma and out in the park!!
Brilliant. Fantastic to get away from your own reality and feel involved and appreciated at another place.
All the travel arrangements went very smoothly, no delays, someone there to meet us and take us to the park. Very, very friendly staff, who made us one of the family: in a very short time and were so generous with their knowledge and time. Plus the elephants. What can I say? Awesome, gentle giants, who allowed us a brief entry to their world. I cannot explain how their presence and energy affects you! The 2 weeks just flew by.
Here I am back home in NZ, looking out at snow covered mountains, and wondering if it was all a dream!!! I have talked with lots of people about this special holiday. How can you improve on being with 12 beautiful elephants every day for 2 weeks?!! With so many projects to choose from, no one should ever have to lie on a beach surrounded by a thousand other folk for 2 weeks, Go PoD!! And thanks.
Typical day: 7am- meet in the Boma (where the big stalls are for the elephants to sleep and stays secure for the night) clear out all stalls of all dead branches (browse given through night) collect dung samples from specific elephants and label accurately before storing in a freezer 8.10- walk out to join guides with the elephants in the park and be ready to start data collection. 8.30- data collection til 10.30. 10.30-return to base, have breakfast and get your data entered the computer 12:10- return to elephants ready to take over the data collection at 12:30. 12.30-return to camp with your own data and get it entered. 2.10- back out with elephants for another 2 hour data collecting stint and enter data in computer if able. 4;30-5:30 follow elephants back to Boma and complete data collection until they are all safely in their stalls. Help feed them, and generally get them all settled and comfortable Make you food, complete any outstanding data entry Back out to the Boma for last "browse"--this involved dragging lots of branches into the Boma to make sure they all have something to keep them stimulated and not go hungry through the night shower and bed!!!! zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Most rewarding part of the project: Spending so much time up close with the elephants and learning so much from the guides and the research team.
Most challenging part of the project: The LONG journey home!!!!
What advice would you give to others considering doing this project? If you could stay for longer then do it! I think 3 or 4 weeks would be a good length of time minimum!
Why do you think others should volunteer abroad? Why NOT!!! Sure beats lying around getting bored on a beach, or doing crazy stunts for a few moments ‘high’ or getting drunk every night! Even though you are only there for a short time, you are collecting valuable raw data for the research.
Why did you choose PoD and would you recommend us to others? My sister found out about PoD, but ever since I have been telling all my friends and colleagues and they have been interested and I will be looking to do another project in the future.”
Tony – 2011
“Having just completed two of three years of a degree in Zoo Animal Management; I came to the project for some hands-on experience. The opportunity of working so closely with elephants and being part of a research team was too good to miss. My timing was perfect; during my stay the four big bulls were given a testosterone suppressing vaccine (chemical castration) in order to reduce aggression and I got assigned the role of ‘camera-man’ so got one of the best views (close to the action).
The highlights from my trip include touching elephants for the first time (Thato was the first one I touched and I will never forget how amazing it felt to be so close to such a huge mammal), riding on Namib (The second largest bull at the park) and getting to know the other volunteers and staff at the project.
Nearby attractions allowed me the opportunity to enter the enclosures of wolves, see Southern right whales, walk a cheetah, help to assist feed a poorly penguin and to hold a meerkat whilst she received antibiotics. These are all experiences that, together; have made this a trip of a lifetime =)”
Verity – 2011
“Spending time in South Africa with the elephant park was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. Waking up each morning and being able to watch the elephants was lovely. Every day was spent doing work to help either the research unit or the elephants themselves allowing me to contribute to the project. The guides and park staff were all very friendly, giving helpful advice all the time. The location of the park allowed many weekend trips including whale watching, walking cheetahs, birds of prey flying displays, encounters with wolves, holding meerkats, days on the beach in Plettenberg bay and much more!
I found that the people in the park were very kind and welcoming, offering help or advice whenever needed.
Typical day: Wake up at around 6:00, start work at 7:00. Generally at this time we help in the Boma cleaning out the pens and collecting dung samples. After this, at around 8:30, we have a two hour break and then go out into the field to either monitor herd activity or do activity budget on one specific elephant. Time in the field is generally in two hour shifts. Other types of shift include, helping in the garden, helping to prepare elephant food in the boma, chopping fruit, weighing fruit baskets and any other general organising or cleaning that may come up.
Most rewarding part of the project: Being able to touch the ellies and to get to know their personalities! Being able to observe and document the elephants’ natural behaviours, getting stuck into work in the boma and learning about all the various cultures of the staff, guides and volunteers from around the world.
Most challenging part of the project: Most challenging, was perhaps meeting so many new faces, but i quickly settled in and now I’m back I miss it!
What advice would you give to others considering doing this project? My advice would be to definitely go to South Africa and stay at the park as you won't regret it! This experience has been amazing with wonderful days with the ellies and evenings spent with volunteers and guides. If anyone is thinking about staying here, I would recommend it in an instant as it has been better than I ever imagined and will be something that I will remember and cherish for years! Also.... take some warmer clothing for the evenings as it gets chilly at night.
Why do you think others should volunteer abroad? It’s very rewarding and you get the chance to learn about different cultures!
Why did you choose PoD and would you recommend us to others? I chose PoD because the website was easy to find, navigate and use. Also, the information provided by PoD was very descriptive. Finally I would like to say a HUGE thank you to all the staff, volunteers and guides at the park for making my trip so wonderful and memorable!”
Kathryn – 2011
“The whole experience was beyond amazing; the most amazing experience of my life!
How’s life at the centre? I’m having an AMAZING time!!! I’ve had my first week here already and I never want to leave! Thankfully I’ve got three more weeks. Thanks so much for helping me out with all of this!
I arrived after a long and tiring flight to George airport in the afternoon. As I walked out of the doors I immediately saw a man holding a sign waiting for me. We drove back to the park while he explained as much as he could about what the park and placement was like. Once we arrived I was driven to the local grocery and given time to get some food for the following week. I was surprised how many things I was able to find so easily. Being a vegetarian I was unsure of how many options I would have, but there were more than enough! The next day I was given a tour of the park and an introduction to the ellies. From then on I was given a schedule from 7am to 5pm Monday through Friday. Weekends we were able to do anything we wanted to and arranging transportation was very easy. By my last week I was not ready to leave. I wanted to stay a few weeks longer! Saying good bye to my new family was difficult but I know that I will always have the memories in my heart.
A typical day starts at 7am. Everyday your daily schedule is different and may begin in the boma or out in the field. In the boma you help clean up the elephant night enclosure with the boma guys and collect dung samples for the lab. If you start out in the field you follow the ellies out in the field with the guides. About every two hours you get a break for breakfast, lunch and data. In the field you may be assigned to do Activity budget on a specific elephant. For this you follow the elephant for two hours and note all her/his behaviours such as walking, feeding, drinking, touching tourist and so on. This helps the research team know how much time each elephant spends on daily activities. After 5pm the ellies are put into the boma for the night and you are free to do whatever you want. A few nights a week you are responsible for pulling browse into the boma at 7:45 with a few other volunteers.
Most rewarding part of the project: Being with the elephants everyday and getting to know so many people from different cultures.
Most challenging part of the project: Waking up early on weekdays and choosing what to do on the weekends. There is so much to do!
What advice would you give to others considering doing this project? Make sure to bring warm clothes if you go during the winter. Also don’t stress on bringing a lot of stuff because you can buy anything you need there for much cheaper anyways. Pack light!
Why do you think others should volunteer abroad? It shows you new perspectives on life and teaches you how to help the world around you.
Why did you choose PoD and would you recommend us to others? PoD was very helpful and answered any questions I had. I plan to do another project next July if possible through them and would recommend them to everyone of all ages.”
Sarah – 2011
“How’s life at the centre? I'm really enjoying myself, just getting the hang of who's who on the Elephant front! Can't believe it's Friday already, these past few days have flown by! I think I'm going to enjoy the rest of my time here very much :)
Wow! Time flies when you're having fun! The 4 weeks I spent at the park were so amazing, but went by so incredibly fast! I wish I could've stayed longer! I really enjoyed my time at the park and I am so glad I got this opportunity. I met some lovely people here, and had a lot of laughs. And not only did I get to work so closely with one of my favourite animals, but I also got to do things I'd never dream of! I still can't quite believe I did the highest bungy jump in the world... Twice! I will always remember my time at the park, and would love to go back again in the future!
Typical Day: Start the day at 6:30am, where you'll either be helping out in the boma, or following the elephants out into the field to start the days research. You're out in the field for about 2 hours at a time, then have breaks where you may do data entry, personal projects or have free time.
Most rewarding part of the project: Getting to know all of the elephants and their individual personalities.
Why do you think others should volunteer abroad? You get to do amazing things, and meet amazing people. It's so much fun!
Why did you choose PoD and would you recommend us to others? I found PoD by accident but I'm glad I did, and I'd definitely recommend it to others.”
Georgina – 2011
“Volunteering with elephant research was and will be an everlasting experience. This experience provides a rich wealth of knowledge gained through direct field experience, learning from the elephant handlers and gaining insight plus the unconditional support from Dr. Debbie. A truly rich and three-dimensional experience.
Typical Day: 6am wake-up and meet in the Boma at 6:30am for a group meeting to kick off the day. Can start with mucking out the pens or go direct into the field to track and monitor elephant behaviour and interactions with the herd or with tourists. Ending the day with a braai and good conversation!
Most rewarding part of the project: Being part of every aspect of conservation and research from mucking out pens to field study to learning from those who live and breathe the elephants. Being with the elephants and their handlers. Having the big bull elephants walk past you, just inches from your face, leaving you to feel completely small and vulnerable as these pre-historic like mammals move by with grace, softness, power and majesty!
Most challenging part of the project: Saying goodbye and leaving a part of you behind.
What advice would you give to others considering doing this project? It's very important to make the most of your time on project by getting to know the people outside of your immediate circle of volunteers. Be open and you will receive much. Get out of your comfort zone!
Why do you think others should volunteer abroad? Volunteering - if you let it - stretches your personality and builds character. You learn and gain deeper perspective on life and where you come from. You come back with so much more than what you originally expected.”
Paige – 2011
“How’s life at the centre? I’ve now settled in nicely thank you. The people here are very friendly, especially my roommate, we get on very well. The work i am doing is very much like what i would be doing at Seaworld, which is my dream job, so its all very exciting for me. There are a few dull moments when all an elephant is doing is eating - ha they do so much of that! But it’s very relaxed and safe here.
It was perfect. My placement was fantastic, I learnt a lot about elephants and the career path I wish to enter. I made a lot of friends and the support I had from PoD couldn’t have been better.
Typical Day: Cleaning the boma, activity budget, herd activity, nearest neighbour and braai!
Most rewarding part of the project: Boma duty at night when helping with enrichments
Most challenging part of the project: Waking up early
What advice would you give to others considering doing this project? Bring clothes to suit all weather - be prepared for long days
Why did you choose PoD and would you recommend us to others? It had the perfect volunteer role for me, and of course!”
Melanie – 2011
“It was very nice to be so close to the elephants. Every day we observed one elephant the whole day. We wrote every minute what he is doing, his behaviour to other elephants, go guides, tourists...After that we put the data into the computer and did diagrams and graphs.
Most rewarding part of the project: To be very close to the elephants. On my last day I could ride on an elephant.
Most challenging part of the project: It was not easy to know each elephant but after two weeks I knew everyone and from some animals their behaviour.
What advice would you give to others considering doing this project? You should be very interested in elephants. There are no other animals at the project.
Why do you think others should volunteer abroad? It’s a good experience to meet other people and the local people. The Garden Route was very nice for travelling!!”
Valerie – 2010
"My 4 weeks as a volunteer with the elephants have been more than wonderful. Having the chance to work every day with 12 elephants is something that I will never forget. It is truly touching to realize that after a few days, they begin to recognize you. During my 4 weeks I had the chance to do several things; feed a 2 and a half year old elephant with a bottle, spending whole days with the herd in the field to study their behavior, preparing some of their daily meals, helping to prepare their fruit, informing tourists about the elephants .. and much more! I'm happy because I learned a lot during my stay in South Africa, and I take with me millions of unforgettable memories!
Typical Day: The day begins at 6hr30. We will join the elephants that are kept inside for the night. Then, depending on the day’s activities, we will follow only one individual or the whole herd. Following the elephants means taking notes on their daily activities, their relationship with the other elephants, their relationship with the tourists or guides. You need to note everything that the elephant does. During the day we usually have 2 or 3 breaks of one and a half hours to enter our data into the computer and get some food. Then depending on the number of volunteers we prepare the evening meal, or prepare fruit or we return to the fields with our elephants. The day ends at 5hr30 when the elephants return inside for the night. We also have the chance to watch them eat and sleep all night if we want it! Otherwise we can spend our evening on the internet or go play soccer with guides or watch TV .. it was our choice!
Most rewarding part of the project: When the elephants recognise you and to take part in the research
Most challenging part of the project: The hot African sun!
What advice would you give to others considering doing this project? If you do activity budget with one of the bull...you will walk a lot in your day! But it's not that bad, you have a lot of break :)
Why do you think others should volunteer abroad? Because it's amazing to have the chance to work with an other culture in an other country. You learn so much about everything.
Why did you choose PoD and would you recommend us to others? Because you have an elephant research project and I could afford it. Thanks!"
Stephanie - 2010
"It was an unbelievable experience and I enjoyed it a lot! I loved meeting amazing people who work to improve the lives of the elephants."
Emmanuelle - 2010
"I loved following the elephants. The elephant ride was one of the highlights of my trip as it was the first time I had ever experienced that. I especially enjoyed working in the boma and giving Thato her milk."
Emma-Lisa - 2010
"The elephants are awesome! I felt I contributed extensively to the collection of research data for the Park."
Michael - 2010
"Some of the most enjoyable aspects of my stay were the amazing staff and the wonderful guides; and being so close and learning so much about the elephants."
Iris - 2010
"I really enjoyed my volunteer placement – especially being out in the field with the elephants, getting to know the locals and the staff and hanging out with the other volunteers."
Kellyn - 2010
"I will always remember being able to be so close to the ellies – touching them and feeding them. They are amazing animals!"
Click here to go to the South Africa Elephant Care and Research page
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We are passionate about volunteering and are dedicated to providing well supported projects where there is genuine 2 way benefit.
