This journey is known as “Half Volunteering, Half Tourism”.
The trip will be led by Lana from arrival at the airport to the final return, along with a group of participants sharing a meaningful and unique experience.
Yes! You can volunteer with the largest land animal on Earth – the elephant – during this one-week program.
In South Africa, you’ll join the research team to study elephant behavior through daytime observation. Volunteers will also assist in general maintenance, farming, cleaning, and preparing food for the elephants.
Requirements:
✔ Intermediate English proficiency
✔ 18+ years old
✔ Individuals and couples are welcome
Volunteer Tasks (25 hours/week):
✔ Working in the research lab
✔ Data entry
✔ Elephant observation
Sunday:
Arrival at George Airport → Transfer with sanctuary vehicle → Grocery shopping → Transfer to the sanctuary
Monday to Friday (morning):
Workdays start at 7:00 AM and end at 5:30 PM (Friday ends at 10:30 AM)
Tasks include:
✔ Elephant care: preparing and feeding, enrichment toys
✔ General maintenance: painting and repairs
✔ Cleaning the sanctuary and elephant sleeping areas
✔ Behavioral research & paper production using elephant dung 😄
Monday & Thursday:
Spiritual sessions or special activities
Friday:
✔ Bungee jump from the world’s 3rd highest bridge (not included in the fee)
✔ Lunch in Storms River Village
Saturday:
✔ Guided tour of a big cat & white lion sanctuary
✔ Guided visit to the Monkey Kingdom
✔ Shopping in Plettenberg Bay
Sunday:
Return to George Airport → fly home
✔ 18+ years old
✔ Intermediate English
✔ Social and communicative
✔ Full respect for Lana & local team
✔ Commitment to work schedules
✔ Openness to different cultures, living, and working conditions
✔ Physical ability for outdoor work
✔ Love for animals and willingness to learn
✔ Represent Palestine and HomeAwe proudly
✔ Responsibility for a valid passport and visa
🚫 Any violation or misconduct results in immediate removal with no refund
✔ Airport pickup and drop-off
✔ Kitchen access (we cook together)
✔ Shared room bed
✔ Work t-shirt and jacket upon arrival
✘ Food
✘ Flight tickets
✘ Travel insurance
Friday:
✔ Bungee jumping
✔ Guided animal orientation tour
✔ Group dinner
✔ Overnight stay near the lion enclosure
Saturday:
✔ Breakfast at Tenikwa
✔ Shopping in Plettenberg Bay
Stay at The BunkHouse on the sanctuary grounds – safe and fenced, near the elephant sleeping area
Rooms:
• 5 rooms (2–3 people each)
• Each has a private bathroom, large closet, shared kitchen, lounge, outdoor BBQ area
• Wi-Fi in all rooms
• Weekly laundry
• Volunteers are responsible for cleanliness
• Shared accommodations: separate rooms for men and women
• Meals not included in the program fee
• Groceries purchased on day one with the staff
• You may cook in the kitchen or eat at the sanctuary restaurant (open 8:30–17:00)
• Summer: December – March
• Autumn: April – May
• Winter: June – August
• Spring: September – November
A jacket is recommended for cooler evenings—even in summer
Register through the program link
You’ll receive a confirmation email with a payment link
Note: Registration is not valid without payment
After payment, you’ll be invited to an intro session to explain all details
Q: How much is a flight from Palestine?
A: $800–$1,200 depending on booking time
Q: How do I get to the sanctuary?
A: From your country to Johannesburg, then a domestic flight to George, where the sanctuary team will meet you
Q: How much pocket money do I need?
A: $200–$500 depending on personal expenses
Group cooking is more budget-friendly
Q: Are vaccinations required?
A: Not legally required but highly recommended
Just inform your clinic that you’re traveling to The Garden Route in South Africa, and they’ll guide you on the necessary vaccines