About The Volunteer Program
Working with elephants is a humbling and awe-inspiring experience. As a volunteer you will contribute to all aspects of elephant research, education, husbandry, and conservation practices. We ask all our volunteers to be enthusiastic, dedicated, willing, able, and keen to get involved with anything.
The participation of dedicated and hard-working volunteers is integral to AERU’s success, and their contribution is invaluable – we could not do the research we do without them! AERU welcomes volunteers from all over the world. There are no prior qualifications needed to volunteer other than a love of animals and a desire to help.
Walking With Giants Programme (3 week+)
Stay longer. Contribute more. Make it count.
Our main programme is designed for volunteers who want to make a real difference. With a minimum stay of three weeks, you’ll receive in-depth training to help you confidently observe, record, and understand elephant behaviour for both research and welfare purposes.
This isn’t surface-level volunteering — it’s meaningful, hands-on conservation work. Your data directly supports the ethical care and management of captive elephants in South Africa.
Volunteers who give more time gain more responsibility, deeper insight, and a lasting sense of purpose.
You’re not just helping elephants, you’re shaping their future care.
Everything Elephant Programme (1-2 weeks)
Our 1-2 week Everything Elephant experience is designed for those who can’t commit to a longer stay, but still want to connect meaningfully with our elephant family.
In just one week, you’ll be introduced to the core elements of our research and care work — from behavioural observation to the basics of ethical elephant management.
While it doesn’t go as deep as our core programme, it offers a rich and rewarding glimpse into the world of elephant welfare — perfect for passionate individuals with limited time.
Come curious, leave inspired!
Elephant Husbandry
Prepare food, refresh bedding, and clean boma spaces — the hands-on care that keeps our herd healthy.
Nursery Project
Restore biodiversity by growing indigenous plants and removing invasive species, with some plants also used for local community support.
AERU Shop Production
Craft goods sold to support AERU’s research and enrichment efforts.
Elephant Enrichment
Create fun, stimulating experiences that challenge and delight the elephants’ minds and senses.
Camera Trap Monitoring
Help track the secret lives of wild animals in our forested areas, contributing to biodiversity research.
Environmental Education
Inspire young minds through nature-based learning and the message of coexistence.
Conservation Exchange Days
Join field trips that expand your conservation perspective — exploring the broader web of life through hands-on learning with other species and ecosystems.
Volunteers are intrinsically involved in the monitoring of elephant welfare and behaviour through different research projects. Longer staying volunteers are exposed to deeper depth of research training:
- Monitoring elephant behaviour – Following and observing elephants in the field, recording behaviours such as grazing, drinking, playing, dusting, and walking.
- Recording social interactions between elephants – how they relate to, and communicate with, each other using their trunks and bodies.
- Night-time observations of elephant behaviour – what is a good night’s sleep for an elephant?
- Recording and monitoring interactions between elephants and tourists
- Botanical surveys of the park – relating plant diversity to grazing patterns and elephant distribution
- Studies of feeding behaviour and plants eaten by the elephants
- Collection of dung and other samples for physiological analysis
- AERU laboratory work – processing of dung samples
- Data input and analysis
Many of these projects involve long hours of data collecting in the field and the project is not for the faint-hearted. However, one is well rewarded, especially if the elephants begin to recognise you and trust you over time, becoming part of the herd! The data collected by volunteers contributes to the research projects being conducted on site and guides the elephant management of KEP.
Ready to Join Us?
Booking your spot is easy — and essential!
Just choose the programme that suits your schedule and goals (1–2 weeks or 3+ weeks) and we’ll guide you from there. There’s no maximum stay — so if you fall in love with life among the elephants, you’re welcome to stick around.
Come and Live Among Giants and contribute to their welfare
- 1-2 weeks Everything Elephant programme R9500 per week.
- 3 weeks+ Walking with Giants programme R8650 per week.
What’s Included?
Your volunteer package covers:
On-site accommodation at Knysna Elephant Park
Bedding
Weekly shopping trips
AERU-related outings
Kitchen facilities
An AERU T-shirt, fleece, and cap — your uniform for life with the herd
What’s not included:
Airport transfers (but we’re happy to help you arrange one!)
Food and personal weekend/after-hours activities
Laundry (on-site facilities available at your own cost)
We welcome new volunteers every Sunday — it’s the perfect way to ease into the week with elephants!
Airport transfers aren’t included in the programme cost, but don’t worry — we’re happy to help arrange them for you. To keep things simple, you can even have the transfer added to your invoice:
R1100 one-way
R2200 return (per cab, not per person — so sharing saves!)
We recommend booking flights that arrive between 11:00 and 15:00, when our trusted taxi drivers are ready to greet you and spare some time for buying groceries before bringing you safely to Knysna Elephant Park. Once arriving, please report to reception and one of our friendly AERU staff will come meet you, help you unpack, and settle you in.
In case of delays or missed flights, just let us know as soon as possible so we can help you rearrange your transfer. If you’re paying the driver directly, please have cash ready at the airport.
Bus services are also available between Cape Town and Plettenberg Bay. These can be booked online. Please book according to our arrival dates and times.
Our proximity to Plettenberg Bay lends itself to collection in town (only by prior arrangement).
Volunteers check out on Sundays at 10:00am, allowing time to say farewell to our herd before leaving.
Flights should be booked from 13:00pm onwards as flight check in requires one hour prior to departure and the airport is 95km away.
Earlier departures can be arranged to accommodate alternative travel needs, but please plan in advance and discuss with our AERU admin if any support is needed in securing transport.
For those who prefer to make their own bookings some recommended taxi services are provided below.
Flexible Start Dates especially for You
We know travel plans can be a juggling act, that’s why we’ve made it easier for you to join us!
AERU now welcomes new volunteer arrivals every Sunday, so you can begin your elephant journey when it best suits you.
Got questions or ready to book?
Email us at volunteer@aeru.co.za — we’re here to help!
As a volunteer with AERU, you’re more than just part of our team , you’re an ambassador for elephant conservation and a valued part of our community. That means treating everyone you meet, from visitors to Park staff , with respect, kindness, and professionalism.
Before you begin, we’ll walk you through a clear Code of Conduct so you know exactly what to expect and how to contribute positively during your stay. It’s all about creating a supportive, safe space for people and elephants alike.
During work hours, we ask that you stay tidy, wear your AERU uniform (which we provide), and keep focused on your research tasks.
When you’re out in the field, your role is to observe respectfully, so our research flows smoothly without disrupting the elephants or operations.
But don’t worry, you’ll have plenty of free time to get up close and personal with our herd when you’re off duty.
Some important aspects to be aware of when volunteering with AERU:
- Neutral coloured pants (black, khaki, brown, olive or dark blue) of an appropriate working style, are to be worn while on duty.
- You must always be accompanied by a member of staff whenever interacting with the elephants.
- Although social interactions are welcome, but no loud parties are permitted on site.
- The responsible consumption of alcohol is permitted after work hours.
Please Note:The Knysna Elephant Park is open to visitors for feeding experiences and magical sunrise/sunset walks. As a volunteer, you’re part of the AERU team and the bigger Park family, so while you’re soaking up the elephant life, please be mindful and respectful of guests and staff. A little kindness goes a long way!
One of the most meaningful roles our volunteers play in our ongoing research is observing how elephants interact with visitors. Your insights help us understand the impact of tourism and guide us in protecting elephant welfare while promoting positive, respectful experiences for elephants and people. It’s welfare in action, and it starts with you.