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Namibia stays in the hearts of those who visit it. With such stark contrasts throughout the vast landscapes of the country, a visit to the Southern Kunene region is an absolute treat of its own. Being the home to one of only two free-roaming desert elephant populations in the world; spending time tracking, watching and protecting these gentle giants is a privilege that very few get to experience. Elephant-Human Relations Aid (EHRA) launched it’s Family Wildlife Volunteer Project in 2013, which is a child-friendly variation of our popular Elephant Wildlife Volunteer Project and includes age-appropriate activities.
The people living in the remote parts of Namibia are friendly and welcoming, and the children are a delight. Most families come from an underprivileged household, which is why your contribution will add great value to the community. EHRA’s Family Volunteer Project is split into two parts; the first part which is a building project, and the second part which involves elephant tracking, monitoring and identifying the different herds. Trips like these are precious and can create a deeper understanding and appreciation of the planet we live on and the care we need to take of it. You and your family will undoubtedly make new friends and strengthen valuable bonds between yourselves.
ABOUT OUR FAMILY VOLUNTEER PROJECT
Elephant-Human Relations Aid (EHRA) exists solely to conserve Namibia's free-roaming desert elephants and to ensure the safety and security of the communities who live alongside the local elephant herds, and your contribution goes directly to this cause. Volunteering with EHRA is about providing immediate and practical support to communities, whilst learning and benefitting wildlife conservation. Together with the EHRA team and our Community Liaison Manager, Hendrick Munembome, you and your family will spend 10 days in the wilderness of Namibia.
Activities begin with the building project, which is based at our partner school, Okongue Primary School, in the Omatjete region. The village and school are unique in terms of how closely they live with elephants, and thanks to the anti-conflict work at the school and the surrounding farms, there is a big shift in mindsets towards the desert elephants. The children that attend the school are living on farms where elephants are roaming, which is why they need to grow up empowered with the skills and knowledge to live alongside elephants amicably. The project can vary depending on the needs at the time of your visit, but previous Family Wildlife Volunteers have created an elephant-proof vegetable garden, set up an irrigation system, and helped with renovations at the school and boarding house.
The last few days are spent on patrol; tracking and identifying the elephants and herds, whilst also spotting additional Namibian wildlife. For those who are keen bird enthusiasts; the wetlands, river system and desert are home to some beautiful birds, various birds of prey, and some stunning owls. We include some enjoyable and creative activities - all with a focus on nature and teamwork. Whilst fun and entertaining, there is no cuddling of animals, but real hands-on efforts to alleviate human-wildlife conflict. Your family will safely get to experience the real wild African outdoor environment. Hendrick has been part of the EHRA family for over 10 years, and he leans on his extensive experience in conservation and wildlife to create an interesting, life-changing experience for you and your family.
FAMILY WILDLIFE VOLUNTEER PROJECT DETAILS
EHRA’s ethos of ‘community’ is evident in all aspects of the experience. From working together during the building project to cooking and sleeping together under the stars; our Family Wildlife Volunteer Project is aimed at creating stronger bonds and special memories for families. All cooking is done over the fire and we work in groups taking turns to be on kitchen duty, which includes providing ‘coffee-in-bed’ in the mornings, breakfast, lunch and dinner.
To read about how previous EHRA volunteers have enjoyed the experience please check out our blog. If you are interested in speaking to a former EHRA volunteer for a first-hand review, please let us know.
Project Details
22 July - 31 July, and 5 - 14 August 2024
10 nights
7 - 16 people
Minimum age: 8 years old
Tented and/or outdoors camping
Southern Kunene region, Namibia
All meals included
Camp fire - any dietary requirements are catered for
YOU & YOUR FAMILY’S IMPACT AS VOLUNTEERS
Play a vital role in upgrading living standards at a local school in Namibia.
Help secure a more safe and clean environment for the school children living in elephant areas.
Learn about Namibian culture by interacting with local children through play, arts and crafts and fun renovation work.
Partake in elephant tracking, monitoring and documenting important updates to their behavioural and movement patterns.
Create a difference in the lives of local communities and Namibia’s free-roaming desert elephants.
DETAILED ITINERARY
Your adventure begins with a briefing in Swakopmund on the Sunday evening before your trip begins. It is a great idea to be here at least a day or more before we meet, so you have time to acclimatise and explore this friendly and safe seaside town.
+ Day 1 - Swakopmund to Base Camp
Everyone will leave around lunchtime and drive to camp, which is approximately 4 hours away. We will get unpacked and settle in on the banks of an ephemeral river a short walk away from Okongue Primary School, where the family groups will be working for the next few days. In the evening Hendrick will give a briefing about the week ahead and how to stay safe out in the bush.
+ Day 2 & 3 - Build Project
The build project starts. Early in the morning we will get to the school and participate in the morning’s assembly and meet the teachers and pupils of Okongue School. The project involves the repainting of dormitories or classrooms. Throughout the time at the school there will be a chance to participate in lessons and interact with the pupils after school hours during sports activities and EHRA art and craft sessions.
We will get organised and start the project work after assembly. Then, during the mid-day heat, we take a long lunch break back at our camp. Work starts again around 2pm until 4.30pm.
EHRA’s involvement with the school provides an opportunity to try and promote the elephants in a positive light. The fact that EHRA has assisted in the school’s development and renovation work over the past 14 years encourages the community and pupils to engage with us and see that the drive to conserve elephants is a benefit to them.
+ Day 4 - Base Camp
Today is the last day of the school project. We will then head back to EHRA base camp to unwind after a job well done!
+ Day 5 - Explore Base Camp
The group can relax and explore the area surrounding base camp. In the afternoon, there is an option to go on a nature walk (+- 3kms) with Hendrick. This is an opportunity to learn about different survival skills and edible plants from the desert.
Today’s challenge is to make a chocolate cake – cooked on the fire!
In the evening Hendrick will give the group a briefing on patrol, covering the aim of the next few days including the elephants we need to track and specific information on safety whilst in close proximity to elephants.
The aim of each patrol can vary, at the time of writing our focus is twofold; one is to have a presence in the area where elephants are under threat and check that all herds are together and without injuries, and secondly, we need to start compiling identification files of ‘new’ herds of elephants in the northern reaches of the area, as these elephants are causing a lot of damage to farms. On each patrol we also spend time speaking and interacting with local farmers and community people.
+ Day 6-8 - Elephant Patrol
We pack the patrol vehicles and head out early in search of the elephants.
Throughout the week you can expect to see other wildlife. Whilst the black rhino is rare, there is a small population in the area which are often spotted as well as springbok, oryx, kudu, giraffe and zebra.
Nights are spent sleeping under the stars - an incredible experience for all! On each day of patrol we will include some walking so that the children don’t get bored sitting in the cars for the whole day. If we manage to head down into the wetland areas of the river system we may even have a fishing competition!
Hendrick will explain how to track the elephants and the group will have the chance to put their tracking skills to the test.
+ Day 9 - Base Camp
Today is the last day of patrol. Around lunch time the group will head back to EHRA base camp, for a refreshing shower among the rocks and enjoy a last night around the fire before going to sleep in the tree house!
+ Day 10 - Return to Swakopmund
After a leisurely breakfast we will pack up the Toyota Quantum and head back towards the coastal town of Swakopmund, along the Skeleton Coast. We aim to be back around lunch time. We can help with bookings for various activities in and around Swakopmund. There is lots of fun to be had by everyone including sandboarding, quad biking, desert tours, dolphin cruises and kayaking, to name a few!
Project Location
DATES AND COSTS
The next dates are 22 July - 31 July, and 5 - 14 August 2024.
If these dates do not work for you , please contact us and we will try our best to help you. The cost is £950 per adult, and £900 per child.
Prices include return transfers from Swakopmund to the EHRA Base Camp, all meals and drinking water, and camping equipment (excluding sleeping bag). We look forward to inspiring you and your loved ones with a journey towards a better future for all.
Ready to book?
ABOUT NAMIBIA
EHRA is one of the only organisations focusing on human-wildlife conflict mitigation, and we believe it is possible for both to coexist amicably. The majority of the work that we do is concentrated in the North West region of Namibia, known as the Southern Kunene region, which is considered one of the most stunning areas in the world. Its free-roaming desert elephants are among the most special wildlife you will ever see, and their ability to survive in the harsh conditions of the Namib Desert showcase nature at its best. Namibia is a beautiful and friendly country, which is easy to navigate and well worth exploring. Most families have chosen to go on a self-drive tour around Namibia whilst they are here, and we can also help you with these arrangements. We hope you choose to join us in the desert, a place where your mind can expand with an abundance of space and heart grows a special tie to Africa!
Questions?
FURTHER INFORMATION
Our focus is on both the protection of the Namibian desert-adapted elephant and the families that live amongst them, and your contribution goes directly to this cause. Your family will safely get to experience the real wild African outdoor environment. They will experience the thrill of spotting an elephant, in its’ natural habitat. They will meet other children, who live in a very different environment to yours, with the biggest and most endearing smiles and a friendly nature. EHRA’s projects work with the communities and try to create situations where people feel better equipped to live safely alongside the elephants and begin to accept them. We would like the adults and children in the area to feel protected and have a better understanding of the elephants, which may prevent unfortunate 'problem animal' declarations. And you can help us!
+ Living conditions
Besides your accommodation in Swakopmund, the trip is all outdoor camping with everyone sleeping on a large tarpaulin on the ground, in the tree-house or in a tent, if necessary. Project locations will be set up with private long drop style toilets, but there are no set showers along patrol. EHRA Base Camp offers the picturesque relief of more permanent eco-friendly toilets and outdoor private showers.
+ Transfers & Accommodation
We will arrange all transfers for you and your family once you have let us know your travel details. You will be met at either airport by somebody ready and waiting for all of you.
We will book your accommodation in Swakopmund atDesert Sky Backpackers, unless you specify an alternative choice.
Flights, accommodation in Swakopmund and transfers are at your own cost.
*A transfer from Windhoek is currently N$540, and from Walvis Bay it is N$250 per person.
A dorm at Desert Sky is N$220, or N$450 for a single. A quote will be provided. (*Rates may change without notice.)
+ Dietary Requirements
Please let us know if you have any particular dietary requirements including food sensitivities. We can accommodate varying needs including vegetarians and gluten or lactose intolerance.
+ Flights
Volunteers can fly into either Windhoek Hosea Kutako International Airport or Walvis Bay International Airport. There is a 5-hour drive between Windhoek and the coast, so it is best to arrange that you land before 12pm on the Sunday, to be able to make it onto the road in time for the briefing in Swakopmund. Alternatively, Walvis Bay is only 30 minutes away, and we can arrange a shuttle for you.
For your return flight you will need to book no earlier than the Thursday after your return to Swakopmund, and not leaving from Windhoek earlier than 2pm. Please view all available details and forms on our Info Kits page.
+ What to Bring
This information is available to view and print from our Info Kits page.
Ready for an adventure? Let’s talk!
