The rise of agriculture to support a growing population in Sri Lanka has led to a dramatic reduction in the land available for elephants to live freely. As a result, these majestic creatures increasingly venture into farmland, causing significant destruction by feeding on crops. In fact, one elephant can undo months of a farmer’s hard work in just a single night.

This volunteer project focuses on protecting the boundaries between humans and elephants to create a sustainable future for both species. It emphasizes the importance of integrating humans and elephants, empowering local communities to reconnect with their country’s iconic wildlife.

Without the efforts of this volunteer initiative, the future of wild Asian elephants in Sri Lanka remains uncertain. Join us in our mission to promote coexistence and ensure a brighter future for both elephants and the communities that share their habitat.

Located in the heart of Sri Lanka’s central forests, you can expect a diverse climate with temperatures ranging from a cool 14 degrees Celsius during the wet season to soaring highs of 34 degrees Celsius in the dry season. On average, temperatures typically hover around 25 to 32 degrees Celsius, with unexpected rain showers occurring throughout the year.

Here’s a breakdown of the seasonal weather patterns:

• Rainy Season: Generally from October to January, characterized by increased rainfall and cooler temperatures.
• Summer Season: Typically from February to May, bringing warmer weather and rising humidity.
• Dry Season: Lasting from June to September, offering sunny skies and minimal rainfall, ideal for outdoor activities.

Understanding these climate variations is essential for planning your activities and ensuring a comfortable experience while volunteering in Sri Lanka.

No specific skills or prior experience are required to volunteer in Sri Lanka’s elephant conservation projects. However, participants should be prepared for the heat and high humidity typical of tropical jungles and must be willing to walk up to 7 km per day.

Volunteering takes place against the stunning backdrop of diverse ecosystems, including forests, wetlands, woodlands, jungles, and grasslands. While the terrain can be varied and sometimes challenging, these experiences add to the adventure of working in such a beautiful environment.

We simply ask that you bring motivation, enthusiasm, and adaptability to the team, as your positive attitude will greatly enhance the conservation efforts.

While Sri Lanka is one of the most westernized countries in South Asia, it’s essential to adhere to local cultural etiquette when volunteering with elephants. To ensure respect for local customs, please follow these clothing guidelines:

For Males:

• Wear knee-length shorts or trousers.
• Acceptable tops include T-shirts with high necks and short sleeves (please avoid vests).

For Females:

• Knee-length shorts, skirts, or trousers are required.
• T-shirts must have high necks and short sleeves (please refrain from wearing vests or spaghetti strap tops).

We kindly request that you do not pack any clothing that doesn’t align with these guidelines. Additionally, please avoid bringing clothes or gear in camouflage colours, as this is not culturally appropriate.

These are wild elephants and as such no interaction is allowed on this Sri Lanka elephant conservation programme. Oyster assesses projects carefully to ensure that they offer high standards of animal welfare and environmental practice. We also check that volunteers understand key points of good practice before working with animals. To find out more, see our animal welfare policy.

Volunteers should expect to spend around £30- 50 per week to include snacks, drinks and any trips.

You should make sure to take all of the money that you need with you, as there are no ATMs near the project site. There are not many opportunities to do any shopping whilst on the project site, so you should make sure that you have all that you need with you.

You will need to apply for a visa prior to departure. This is an easy process online and we will advise you on how to do this.

You need to make sure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months from when you arrive in Sri Lanka.

The project is located in an area considered to be a malarial risk zone. You should consult your doctor or travel nurse on advice on what precautions to take. Your routine vaccinations will need to be up to date, it is likely you will need Hepatitis A and Typhoid, and possibly Hepatitis B and rabies. Please follow your doctor’s advice.

Check below for where the closest hospital to the project is – your doctor may ask to know this so that they can provide information on rabies.

For any more information, including entry requirements related to Covid-19, please see the Fit for Travel website or the UK government’s travel advice page for Sri Lanka.

The closest medical facilities are 20 minutes drive from the project site. There is also a local doctor living in the neighbouring village who can offer initial medical support and treatment for minor illnesses and injuries.

Sri Lanka is a charming island nation, comparable in size to the Republic of Ireland, celebrated for its friendly locals who genuinely welcome visitors. As you explore the streets, don’t be surprised to be greeted with countless smiles and warm welcomes.

Colombo, the capital city, is a vibrant metropolis that stretches along the picturesque coastline. You will be staying just 2 kilometres from the coast in a cozy hotel with attentive and friendly staff. If your flight arrives early enough, you may have the opportunity to discover the city’s unique charm. Just remember to exercise caution when crossing the streets, as traffic can come from all directions!

The next day, your adventure begins as you are collected from the hotel and taken to the train station. You will embark on a scenic train journey to Kandy, renowned for its stunning landscapes. Upon arrival in Kandy, a bus will take you to the project site.

The project house is nestled in a beautiful valley near a local village. You’ll be accompanied by dedicated volunteer coordinators who live on-site and actively engage in fieldwork with you. Given that you will be working with elephants during the day, it is crucial to pay close attention to health and safety briefings and adhere to all guidelines for a safe and fulfilling experience.

The project house is located in a small village about 4 hours from the city of Kandy. There are smaller villages closeby with limited shops for snacks and drinks.

There is access to wifi at a nominal fee at the project house, but it can be intermittent.

There is good phone reception here.

Sri Lanka time is 5 and a half hours ahead of GMT (GMT +5:30)

In Sri Lanka, a mixture of British plugs and Sri Lankan plugs are used.

Supervision will be fairly intensive during the first few days, when you will receive a thorough induction and work-related training. Once you are comfortable with things, you might not always have a supervisor working alongside you, but there will always be staff and other volunteers around to help, and you will always be accompanied for any high risk activities.

Staff at Oyster’s head office and in-country will be responsible for your safety and welfare while you are at the project. This will start from the moment you are picked up from the airport until the day that you leave the project at the end of your stay. Before and after these times, you will be outside Oyster’s responsibility and should make sure that you act safely and avoid risk. This is also true if you choose to leave the project during your time off. We will give you plenty of guidance and advice about this.

Please note, in contrast to your time on the project, whilst you are in Colombo you will not be under direct supervision. We expect you to make sensible choices and follow our advice on staying safe.