Volunteer Accommodation and Food

Home About The Volunteer Program Volunteer Accommodation

AERU volunteers live with us, and the elephants, at the Knysna Elephant Park situated between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay in the Western Cape. Many members of staff live within the park boundaries, which are fenced and gated at night, and thus it is very safe.

Volunteers are housed either in the Bunkhouse (next door to the admin building) or the main house Annex (a short 5 minute walk from the main buildings). The rooms sleep 2-3 people per room with en-suite bathroom with a toilet and shower.

Fully-equipped kitchens are available at both houses – including fridges, ovens, stoves, microwaves, kettles, toasters, etc. Communal lounge / dining areas and outdoor patios allow for ample area for volunteers to relax after hours, with books, TV, or just cuddling with our house cats!

Due to varying dietary requirements, we do not include food in the cost of the volunteer programme. The kitchens are fully equipped for volunteers to do their own cooking and weekly shopping trips are done to allow volunteers to buy their own supplies. Each volunteer is allocated space in the kitchen and fridges, to store their supplies.

We take volunteers shopping on the day of their arrival, so that they are able to stock up for the week to come.

The Indlovu Café is our on-site restaurant; and is located next to the Bunkhouse. It is open daily between 08h00 and 17h00 and serves delicious burgers, pizzas, deli rolls and is famous for its yummy cakes and chocolate brownies!

All linen is provided and changed weekly. Laundry facilities are provided for volunteers to do their own personal washing.

Important Notice About Alcohol

For safety and welfare reasons – we DO NOT allow volunteers to drink alcohol on the park property under any condition. We ask that volunteers use their after-hours free time and weekends to socialise and enjoy the night-life at local restaurants and bars in town.