Rhino conservation in South Africa

Assist a veterinarian and conservation manager as they dart a rhino, take measurements of the sedated rhino for research, and monitor the rhino to ensure its safety

About this project

This charity relocates mistreated elephants to their sanctuary where they are cared for by permanent staff, including veterinarians. Your stay contributes to the cost of the elephants’ upkeep and welfare.

Main volunteering activities:
  • Preparing the elephant’s vitamin balls
  • Tracking their feeding patterns
  • Assisting the vet on their daily checks
  • Washing the elephant
  • Cleaning their beds
  • Maintaining the gardens
Key information:
  • The typical number of days on this fulfilling project 2-3, but you can spend longer
  • It involves 7-8 hours of helping each day, starting at 7:30am
  • November to April is recommended, but you can help anytime
  • This volunteering project blends well with activities in central Sri Lanka, including Kandy and the rest of the Cultural Triangle
elephant volunteering sri lanka
Successes to date:

The foundation has cared for over 80 elephants. There are currently nine elephants being cared for at the sanctuary.

One of the resident elephants was the first in the country to be born in captivity.

The Foundation’s mahout training program is the only one to be recognized and accredited by the Sri Lankan Department of Wildlife.

This project is for you if:
  • You are looking for a project that enables you to learn an enormous amount about elephants 
  • You would like an experience that has a variety of activities
  • You are happy rolling up your sleeves and don’t mind getting dirty

Nearby activities:

  • Exploring the fascinating Cultural Triangle
  • The Tea Country hill stations
  • Leopard spotting in Yala National Park

Suggested Itinerary for Sri Lanka

in Sri Lanka

Price: US$6,000 per adult, $3,800 per child under 12

This adventure enables you to bond as a family by conserving critically endangered sea turtles, plus you get to explore the wildlife highlights of Sri Lanka

Trip Highlights

  • Rolling up your sleeves and caring for elephants
  • Jeep safari to see elephants in the wild
  • Awesome views and the engineering marvel that is Sigiriya Rock
  • Bustling Kandy and the Temple of the Tooth
  • Epic train ride
  • The waterfalls and scenery of Horton Plains
  • The beauty of the Tea stations
  • A working tea factory

Price Includes

  • Luxury accommodation throughout
  • Private transfers
  • Expert local guides
  • Breakfasts and meals as specified
  • Volunteering costs
Note: Price excludes international flights

Day by Day Sample Itinerary

    • Day 1: Arrive Colombo, stay at The Wallawwa
    • Day 2: You are driven to your first stop in the Cultural Triangle: Sigiriya. Stay at Vil Uyana. Explore the village (B, L)
    • Day 3: Jeep safari to one of three national parks, whichever is best for wildlife, including elephants  (B,L,D)
    • Day 4 Visit Sigiriya Rock and Dambulla caves with your private guide (B)
    • Day 5 Transfer to Kandy, visit Temple of the Tooth, and Peradeniya Botanical Gardens. Stay at Rosyth Estate (B)
    • Day 6-7 Elephant Conservation volunteering (B,L)
    • Day 8 Take the epic scenic train ride from Kandy to Badulla, and continue on to Thologolata (B)
    • Day 9 Early morning trip to Horton Plains when the view is best. Relax and explore the tea country (B, L)
    • Day 10 Visit a tea factory. Relax and explore further if you wish (B,L)
    • Day 11 Transfer to airport and fly home (B)
    Note: This is a sample itinerary only, and we delight in crafting unique itineraries to meet your family’s exact requirements

Note – this is a sample itinerary, designed to give you a flavor of Sri Lanka, and we delight in crafting trips to your exact preferences.

You can customize this trip to suit your specific requirements, in fact any aspect of the itinerary can be altered, from excursions to accommodation.

Got a crazy request, or an off-the -radar place you have longed to visit? Just let us know – we delight in delighting you!

Here are some suggestions to customize this itinerary:

  • Head to Minneriya and witness the Elephant Gathering
  • Relax on the gorgeous beaches 
  • Spot the giants of the ocean: Blue Whales
  • Explore fascinating colonial Galle

Discover more about Sri Lanka 

If you like this adventure, get in touch to make it a reality