Food, Lodging and Travel
There are 3 accommodation options for volunteers; Lakeside Shared Bungalow (shared bathroom), Forest Lodge (private bathroom), or Deluxe Cabin (private bathroom and aircon) and a Shared Dorm Cabins (for 4 people/groups with shared bathroom).
The elephant sanctuary accommodation is similar to an eco-resort. Our environment is precious and our philosophy is to be low impact. It is set in a remote location, and facilities are simple, however, you will get exceptional views of the lake from your private veranda, friendly staff and natural outdoor conditions. Currently, there are 12 lakeside bungalows; 6 twin beds and 6 double beds. Bathrooms, showers and toilets are outside of the bungalows and on a shared basis. For families, couples or groups, we have a forest lodge with 4 private rooms (2 rooms have 2 double beds and the other 2 rooms have a double and single bed) and a private bathroom available and 2 of the rooms have a private balcony and the other 2 have an adjoining balcony. We also have two deluxe cabins with aircon and private bathroom. We do have several locations, as well as toilets outside the dining room, so facilities are convenient and suitably available when needed.
Wifi is available on site – it is available in our communal areas, in the Forest House & Deluxe Lodge (Not in Private bungalows). Electricity is also available in all bungalows.
There is a staff bungalow amongst the guest bungalows, so there are English-speaking staff on call 24 hours if needed. All visitors eat together in the dining room, this has a great atmosphere, and you can purchase drinks, alcoholic and non-alcoholic, as well as snacks and it is also one of the places you can relax between activities. Food is local and tasty and cooked on site with fresh ingredients from either our vegetable gardens or the market. For vegetarians and vegans, or anyone with food restrictions, we can adapt meals on request. However, we are in quite a traditional rural location and ingredients for vegetarians and vegans are quite limited, so you may wish to bring some breakfast spreads or extra snacks.
Please see below for a video highlighting the accommodation facilities at the sanctuary:
Travel in Laos
We advise volunteers to fly into Luang Prabang, arriving the night before your project start date (we can advise you on suitable places to stay). You will then need to travel to our pickup location by 7.30 AM, where you will be transferred by minivan to the town of Sayaboury. From there you will take a boat to the sanctuary. When you finish your programme, we will drop you back to Luang Prabang at about 5 PM. The journey between the two towns takes about 2.30-3 hours.
Volunteer Requirements
We do not require participants to have any previous experience or qualifications, as long as you are interested in learning about elephant conservation and welfare. However, you should be flexible, willing to experience a new culture and capable of working in a hot climate in basic conditions. Individual volunteers should be aged 17+, but we can accept families with children of any age.
