EHRA seemed to offer what I was looking for. An ethical, non-profit organisation who dealt with real wild animals, unrestricted by parks or reserves, where, with like minded volunteers, I would get dirty, sweaty and live in the open, doing tangible work to assist people live in harmony with our disappearing wildlife.
My soul is looking forward to another EHRA trip this year. No showers, no wifi, no stress, with time and space to clear the mind.
Read MoreWhen we encountered Voortrekker on his own feeding on the trees, it really hit me of how incredible they are, it was truly a once in a lifetime experience and one I will never forget. Seeing how passionate the team is to the cause, their enthusiasm is contagious and you can see how hard they are working to try to mend relations between the community and elephants.
Read MoreWe witnessed the almighty species, the ones that we actually came to see – THE ELEPHANTS! It was a beautiful sight. Even National Geographic would have been jealous of it.
Read MoreI chose to volunteer with EHRA because it was rugged and not as “pampered “ as some of the other organisations I researched to volunteer at. I was looking for an environmentally based Elephant volunteer organisation in Africa. EHRA fit perfectly with my personality, interest and dreams. I was really gravitated towards the team spirit feel and camaraderie that would be gained while volunteering there.
Read MoreSee what Chris - Field Operations Manager has to say about one of his favourite Patrol Weeks at EHRA. Chris has been with EHRA since the end of 2011. Chris is a qualified Field Guide (FGASA) and has previously worked in the Kruger National Park, South Africa, training other students to complete the qualification. He has specialised wildlife experience and keeping groups of people safe during encounters.
Read MoreThe feeling of living a more slow paced life where Mother Nature is ruling and very present is something I will never forget. Here you have wildlife how it should be, not in a zoo and not in a national park but free.
Read MoreIncredible experiences - To wake up at 3am at the base camp to elephants eating the branches in the tree house. I couldn’t believe my eyes.
Read MoreThe students organised lovely activities; face painting, arts and crafts, letter writing and singing using sign language and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the experiences designed as self-esteem promoting for the children as opposed to academic work.
Read MoreI didn’t know which was going to be harder: Raising money for some elephants in a desert in another country (amidst an economic recession), or hiking 120km in the Damara desert . . . Both turned out just fine, and I will most definitely be doing the same next year!
Read MoreI had an amazing month as a volunteer with EHRA. I totally admire the work you do and did so far over the past few years. It is well organized and full of admirable projects (like the PEACE project).
Read MoreWhat were you most worried about before you came?
Being the oldest in the group was a concern as a lot of volunteer projects seem to be a “gapyear” for younger people. This was not a problem. Hard but rewarding work!
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