Family Volunteering Adventure in the Namibian Desert

Ready for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure with your family? Head into the heart of northwestern Namibia, to the wild and beautiful Damaraland region — a land of open skies, red sands, and desert-adapted elephants. This is where families come together to make a real difference for people and wildlife.

The project is part of a long-term effort to help local farmers and desert elephants live side by side in harmony. Families have been joining since 2013, and each 10-day trip is designed especially with kids in mind — combining hands-on conservation work, cultural experiences, and plenty of fun along the way!

What You’ll Get Up To

You’ll roll up your sleeves and:

• Help raise elephant awareness at local schools

• Learn how to track elephants — and put your new skills to the test in the wild

• Check on the health of elephant herds (from a safe distance!)

• Chat with local farmers and learn how people live and farm in the desert

• Help identify new elephant herds in the northern areas

• Spot wildlife like giraffes, springbok, black rhino, and zebras on patrol

• Meet the friendly local communities who call this amazing place home

The project is led by an experienced head tracker and community liaison manager — an elephant expert with incredible stories that bring the desert to life.

When You’re Not Volunteering…

There’s still plenty to discover! Go on nature walks, learn desert survival skills and which plants are safe to eat, or simply relax at base camp under a sky full of stars.

It’s a truly unforgettable family adventure — full of connection, laughter, learning, and a deeper understanding of the wild beauty of Namibia.

Family requirements:

• Have a sense of adventure with an open mind
• Ability to take part in community duties (cooking) during your stay
• Willingness to sleep outdoors, surrounded by nature, with basic facilities
• Have an average degree of fitness (you could spend a lot of time in high temperatures)
• Ability to speak and understand English
• Children need to be min 6 years old.

This project is real spearhead conservation work.  It is not about cuddling baby animals, or being an observer of conservation from the comfort of a game drive vehicle.

You will live close together, close to the ground, and close to the animals.  Your project manager is there to make your time in the bush educational and safe, but it is up to you to make a success of the expedition.  They ensure that you have the means to be comfortable and well fed, and would teach you how to be that.

Family Volunteering Detailed Itinerary – Namibian Desert

This 10-day adventure has been designed with children in mind, combining conservation work, cultural experiences, and fun activities for the whole family.

Days 1–4: Base Camp & School Project

• Arrive at camp on the banks of an ephemeral river near Okongue Primary School.
• Meet the children and teachers, join morning assemblies, and help with painting and classroom improvements.
• Participate in arts, crafts, and sports activities with the pupils.
• Learn about elephant safety and community co-existence programmes led by our head tracker.
• Families take turns on “kitchen duty,” preparing healthy meals over the fire and learning traditional cooking together.

Day 5: Nature & Survival Skills

• Explore the surrounding area with guided walks, learn desert survival skills and edible plants.
• Enjoy a fun chocolate cake-making challenge on the fire.
• Evening briefing on upcoming patrols and elephant tracking.

Days 6–9: Elephant Patrols

• Head out early in patrol vehicles to monitor elephant herds, track new herds, and check their health.
• Spend nights under the stars at patrol camps.
• Activities include walking to keep children engaged, birdwatching, and even fishing competitions in wetland areas.
• See other wildlife such as giraffes, zebras, springbok, oryx, kudu, and occasionally black rhino.
• Engage with local communities along the way.

Day 10: Return & Adventure Options

• Return to Swakopmund on the Skeleton Coast.
• Optional activities for the family include sandboarding, quad biking, desert tours, dolphin cruises, and kayaking.

This programme offers a unique opportunity for families to connect with wildlife, local communities, and each other in a truly unforgettable Namibian adventure.

For more info, you can download the detailed itinerary here:  Desert Elephants Family volunteering itinerary

Any further questions, please contact us at info@workingabroad.com