Fact Sheet

Summary

Volunteering with an elephant conservation charity in the Namibian desert. 2 part project combining building work and elephant tracking and monitoring.

Project location

Damaraland, Namibia.

Length of project

From 2 weeks – 12 weeks.

Group/individual basis

You will travel as an individual, but join a group of other volunteers from around the world.

Support

Help and advice from our UK office throughout. Local support from nominated staff member at the project.

Includes

• Volunteering project with wild desert elephants
• Pre-departure information covering work issues and advice about life in Namibia
• Pre-arranged airport transfers and accommodation in Swakopmund (at your expense)
• Accommodation and food whilst on the desert projects
• Full orientation and induction before you begin

Not included

• Flights
• Travel and medical insurance
• Any home country transport (eg. taxis and buses)
• Pre-arranged airport transfers
• Last night bed & breakfast

Accommodation

Camping at purpose-built permanent camp site and temporary desert camps. First and last night accommodation pre-arranged in a guest house in Swakopmund for an extra cost for the last night. Please note, wifi and telephone reception only accessible at weekends. All camp equipment provided except sleeping bag and mosquito net (advised).

Travel arrangements

Volunteers can fly into Walvis Bay (WVB) or Windhoek (WDH). Walvis Bay 20 minutes from the start location whereas Windhoek is 4 hours away.

Pre-departure information

You will receive thorough information on My Oyster covering project expectations, preparation, health and safety, responsible travel and arrival arrangements at least 4 weeks before departure.

Medical

Vaccinations may be required. We recommend that you visit your doctor or travel nurse as soon as possible to discuss what you might need to have. Please be aware that Oyster staff are not able to give advice on your medical background or the type of vaccinations that you might need. You can get useful medical advice relating to your destination on the ‘Fit For Travel’ website – http://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/.

You must inform Oyster of any pre-existing physical or mental health conditions. Oyster staff may ask for you to provide a letter from your doctor before continuing with your booking.

Insurance

You must take out a full travel insurance policy as soon as you can before departure. This must cover you for personal accident, medical, cancellation, emergency evacuation, lost luggage etc. We strongly recommend that you organise your travel insurance upon booking your place. We can introduce a policy with Global Travel Insurance to UK citizens, details of which can be found in your My Oyster account, once you have completed your booking. If you are not eligible for this insurance, please read through it to have an idea of what you need to be covered for.

Any risk factors

Elephants are wild and can present a risk to humans. The project has strict safety protocols in place. You will receive detailed briefings on arrival and before each section of your trip takes place. This covers health and safety, life in the desert and other important matters. The camps are in safe locations and volunteer groups of up to 14 people will be with at least two members of staff on site at any one time.

Other potential risks include poorer road safety and sunburn. Our pre-departure advice covers staying safe and making wise choices. There is risk of infectious disease, so appropriate vaccination is essential. Please consult the Interhealth website as above.

Downtime

Participants will be able to travel independently during their time off, as long as they accept that they will be outside Oyster’s jurisdiction, make appropriate insurance provision and inform others. It is important to let staff know when you are due to return and keep them updated if your plans change.

Accessibility

This project could accommodate those with minor physical disabilities. Please discuss with destination manager before booking.

Financial Security

When you book with Oyster you can rest assured that your money will be protected and you will not be stranded abroad in the very unlikely event that our company becomes insolvent.  If your booking includes a flight arranged by us, your whole trip will be subject to ATOL protection.  If we have not booked your flight then your trip will be just as safe, since it will be insured through International Passenger Protection Ltd.