2 independent reviews for Over 50s volunteering with elephants, South Africa
Reviews for Over 50s volunteering with elephants, South Africa
Mark and Louise Shaw review 30 May 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
There were so many memorable and exciting parts there is no way I could narrow it down to one! Meeting the elephants for the first time was amazing, but then walking with them, spending time with them and getting to know their personalities was really special. Activities off the park were also really eye opening and memorable including a birding activity, volunteer exchange day with the ORCA foundation (Ocean Research Conservation Africa) and spending time at a community soup kitchen and school raising awareness about conservation.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
1/ Don't pack too much! If you have a pair of trousers that you can zip off to turn into shorts these are the only trousers you will need for work. AERU will give you a branded T-shirt (2 if you are staying for more than a week) and a lovely warm fleece that they want you to wear as uniform. They also give you an AERU branded cap. If you are going in winter you will want another layer to keep the wind and rain out, wooly hat and waterproof trousers. They have wellies.Take good sturdy footwear for in the field and sandals/flip flops for when you get back to the bunk house. The amount of casual clothes you take will depend on how much you want to go out at evenings and weekends but you may find that you just chill out at the bunk house after work through the week - especially if you are going in the winter months as it gets dark fairly early and the volunteer day starts early too! 2/ If you are allergic to cats take antihistamines with you as there is a cat in the bunk house that sits on all the soft furnishings! If you are very allergic get in touch with AERU before you book. They may be able to rehouse the cat for the length of your stay - they did for our second week. 3/ Most importantly, go with an open mind and get stuck in! It is a wonderful place with a great team of knowledgable and welcoming people.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
AERU do an outreach program to a local soup kitchen and school where they encourage the children learn about different conservation topics.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
This has been one of my favourite holidays and has really sparked an interest in trying other volunteer experiences.Bridget Pavitt review 2 Dec 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The elephants.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
The sanctuary provides volunteers' uniforms, so don't overpayment. Also, the restaurant takes orders up to 6.15, so don't buy too much food to self-cater.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Definitely felt we helped in the welfare of the elephants, and got a greater understanding of changes for animals in the wild.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Amazing! Highly recommended. The team were lovely and made us feel part of the family. If doing it again (likely), I'd stay at least 2 weeks.Holiday Reviews
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