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A day on the project
We leave Swakopmund at lunchtime on the Monday arriving at EHRA base camp around 5pm. This evening there is a full briefing on the project as well as further information on living in the desert for 2 weeks!
After a hearty meal cooked on the open fire and a good nights rest in the tree platforms, we head out to our project site early the next morning.
The project is likely to be based at a local village or farmstead where the water point needs protecting. Here we set up our mobile camp for the week and then begin the task of constructing an elephant proof protection wall! We wake early and start work before the heat of the day beings. We take a long lunch and siesta before continuing our wall construction in the afternoon. The evenings are spent around the camp fire eating, talking and relaxing! On the Saturday morning we head back to EHRA base camp and relax for the rest of the weekend.
It is likely you will be busy building a wall around a local farmers windmill, although we also work on other projects such as teaching farmers wives to make paper using elephant dung, doing work on our base camp, helping community members build a tourist camp or fix a rural school.
We head to camp for lunch and siesta. You could be tasked to update data forms, be on kitchen and camp duty for the day. The evenings are spent around the campfire, eating and talking about the day’s events. We live closely in the desert camp
The weekend is spent relaxing at base camp in the Ugab River. we then head off on patrol for the next week. Patrols are lead by at least one experienced guide on our very specialised 4x4 vehicles, again with minimum of equipment, setting up camp at a different site every evening. You will be experiencing areas of Damaraland and surrounding desert that no safari or overland tour will ever venture into, tracking and observing our local desert-adapted elephant herds. Volunteers will help with herd identification and data collection projects
The second week is spent out on elephant patrol. We pack some basic camping equipment in the 4x4, and set off looking for the illusive elephants. On patrol we camp wild, and sleep under the stars. We follow elephants on foot, sometimes for hours under the desert sun, and sit patiently observing from some rocky outcrop whilst they laze away in the shade!
This the life few ever have the privilege to live.
What we need you to be
This project is real spearhead conservation work. It is not about cuddling baby animals, or being an observer of conservation from the comfort of a game drive vehicle.
You need to have an open mind, a willing heart and be prepared to put in work for something bigger than yourself. Every project is different so whilst we give an indication of what to expect, when you are here things may not be quite the same - perhaps weather conditions have affected it, an urgent project is underway - whatever the reason you need an adaptable approach to not only get the most out of it for yourself but to ensure that your wholehearted effort is put into for the benefit of others too.
This is about true adventure with likeminded people that care. This is about teamwork and tolerance. We live close together, close to the ground, and close to the animals.
Your project manager is there to make your time in the bush educational and safe, but it is up to you to make a success of the expedition. We ensure that you have the means to be comfortable and well fed, and would teach you how to be that.
You need to have an average degree of fitness, as lot of the work is manual, and we could spend a lot of time in high temperatures on foot. A bit of training beforehand would make your time more comfortable.
But don’t worry, anyone is capable, and we would be there for you every step of the way.
You need to be able to speak English. If you understand this, no problems.
It is important to mention that this project is entirely funded by the volunteers, there is no outside funding whatsoever and do not ask for any compensation from the communities they help. The work each volunteer will be doing is having a direct impact on the lives of local communities and wildlife.
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