Conservation with Desert Elephants in Namibia

Global Vision International

Get involved with real spearhead conservation work. This GVI project takes you to the northwestern regions of the Namib Desert, traditionally known as ‘Damaraland’. This harsh tribal wilderness area runs parallel to the Skeleton Coast national park, and is home to a small population of desert-adapted elephants. This project is not about being an observer of conservation from the comfort of a game drive vehicle. Volunteers will spend days out in the desert on patrol, camping wild and living close to the earth, elephants and people. The majority of the work is with the local subsistence farmers, building protective walls around their water points, and teaching them the skills needed in managing the conflict with the resident elephant populations. You will also be assisting the project staff to monitor elephant movements. All work takes place in the vicinity of the GVI rustic base camp in the Ugab River, at the foot of the majestic Brandberg.

Highlights
Gain hands on experience of untamed Africa as part of a unique wildlife research expedition with Global Vision International. During your time spent with us, we will teach you all about camp craft (cooking over a fire, setting up a bush camp, safety and hygience), bush craft (tracking, approaching animals on food, animal behavior, navigation etc), compiling identification kits on elephants and traditional building skills. You will camp out in countryside so vast and beautiful it will take your breath away.