Interview with Rachel - CEO of the Desert Elephant Conservation charity in Namibia
Project & Pod News / 02 October 2026
We chatted to the incredible Rachel who lives in Swakopmund in Namibia and runs the Desert Elephant Conservation charity to help wild desert elephants and communities live together side by side. Her passion for elephants and conservation is contagious and she’s the driving force behind their incredible award-winning volunteer program!
How did you end up in Namibia helping to establish the Elephant Conservation charity?
It's a bit of a story! I was working for the charity side of Capital Radio in London, and one of the best parts of the job was running overseas fundraising expeditions. The very first one I went on was to Namibia, and that's where I met my first husband. A few years later he started the charity, and I thought, why not? So I packed up and moved over to help get things going. I haven't looked back since!
Tell us about the first time you saw the elephants in the wild.
Oh, I'll never forget it. When we first started working in the area, the elephants were really nervous of people and would often mock charge when they saw us. So I won't pretend those early years weren't a bit scary! But they were also full of wonder. What amazed me was how quickly the elephants learnt to trust our vehicles, and it didn't take long before things really changed. I'd never seen an elephant before, let alone these huge dry riverbeds. It honestly felt like stepping into another world, and I fell in love with how beautiful it all was.
What's the best part of your job?
Knowing we're making a difference on so many levels: for the people who live alongside elephants, for the elephants themselves, and for all the volunteers who come to stay with us. It's amazing to watch what the project does for our volunteers. People arrive as strangers and leave as friends, and I love seeing those friendships blossom. There's really no better way to make friends and get close to nature at the same time.
What's your favourite elephant fact?
Elephants can pick up low-frequency rumbles from other elephants through the ground, partly through their feet. Isn't that fascinating?
What's your favourite local food?
You can't beat a proper Namibian braai! But I have a confession: I'm a massive salad lover. In fact, I'm a bit famous for my salads around here!
What are some of your favourite things to do on your days off?
Ha, days off are pretty rare! After a stretch out in the field, though, my favourite thing is simply to stay home, put my feet up and relax.
Do you have any hobbies or passions?
I love my dogs and beach walks. I also love camping and cooking especially over the fire.
What's a country you haven't visited yet but would love to travel to, and why?
I'm actually eyeing up the Kenyan coast for a holiday at the moment. It looks warm, exotic and absolutely gorgeous.
