🌟 About the Program – Please Read Carefully
Requirements:
✔ Intermediate level of English
✔ Age 18+
✔ Individuals and couples are welcome
Volunteer Duties (25 hours/week):
✔ Work in the research lab
✔ Data entry
✔ Observing elephants
The workday starts at 7:00 AM and ends at 5:30 PM.
There are 4.5 working days per week (Fridays end at 10:30 AM), and you may occasionally be asked to help over the weekend.
You can use your weekends to relax or explore the area.
During your stay, you’ll participate in all behind-the-scenes activities at the sanctuary, including:
✔ Helping care for elephants and preparing their food and toys
✔ General maintenance work (repairs, painting)
✔ Cleaning the sanctuary and elephant sleeping areas
✔ Participating in scientific research about elephant behavior
✔ Assisting in funding efforts by making paper from elephant dung 😄
No previous experience is needed – everything will be taught and supervised by the team.
• Days off: Two per week
• Minimum volunteering period: One week (priority given to longer stays)
The sanctuary is located in Plettenberg Bay, South Africa.
Volunteers stay in a building called “The BunkHouse” inside the sanctuary, right next to the elephants’ sleeping areas and volunteer staff housing.
The area is safe and fenced with electric barriers.
“The BunkHouse” has 5 rooms, each with 2–3 beds and a private bathroom and closet.
There is a shared kitchen, lounge with TV, and an outdoor BBQ area overlooking the sanctuary.
Wi-Fi is available in all rooms.
• Shared rooms and bathrooms – males and females in separate quarters
Meals are not included in the program cost.
Volunteers are responsible for buying and preparing their meals with other volunteers and cleaning the kitchen afterward.
The kitchen is available for your use at any time.
You may also eat at the park’s restaurant (open 8:30–17:00).
05/01/2025 – 12/01/2025
16/02/2025 – 23/02/2025
30/03/2025 – 06/04/2025
11/05/2025 – 18/05/2025
22/06/2025 – 29/06/2025
13/07/2025 – 20/07/2025
03/08/2025 – 10/08/2025
14/09/2025 – 21/09/2025
26/10/2025 – 02/11/2025
07/12/2025 – 14/12/2025
13/01/2025 – 03/02/2025
03/02/2025 – 24/02/2025
24/02/2025 – 17/03/2025
17/03/2025 – 07/04/2025
07/04/2025 – 28/04/2025
28/04/2025 – 19/05/2025
19/05/2025 – 09/06/2025
09/06/2025 – 30/06/2025
30/06/2025 – 21/07/2025
21/07/2025 – 11/08/2025
11/08/2025 – 01/09/2025
01/09/2025 – 22/09/2025
22/09/2025 – 13/10/2025
13/10/2025 – 03/11/2025
03/11/2025 – 24/11/2025
24/11/2025 – 15/12/2025
15/12/2025 – 05/01/2026
05/01/2026 – 26/01/2026
• How much is the flight from Palestine?
Between $800–$1200 depending on the time of booking
• How do I get to the sanctuary?
Fly to Johannesburg, South Africa, then take a domestic flight to George.
From there, a pickup service is available for R1800, or you can arrange a private taxi.
Arrival/departure for 1-week volunteers is on Sundays; for 3-week volunteers, on Mondays.
• What can I do on my days off?
The sanctuary is in the beautiful Garden Route area. Activities include:
Visiting Monkey Land
Swimming with seals
Visiting Tenikwa Big Cat Sanctuary
Hiking or mountain climbing
Bungee jumping from the world’s highest bridge
Visiting the local market
(It’s recommended to go out in groups and inform the team beforehand.)
• Are vaccinations required?
Not legally required, but highly recommended.
You don’t need to know the vaccine names — just tell the clinic you’re going to “The Garden Route – South Africa,” and they’ll provide the appropriate shots.
Click the booking button and enter your basic information. After registration, you will be redirected to the payment page
You will be redirected to the deposit payment page. A payment link will also be automatically sent to your email
After paying the deposit, the program leader will contact you to complete the remaining details such as flight booking and additional information related to the program
After paying the deposit, you will be contacted to complete the remaining details and pay the remaining amount before the trip
In this type of travel, you’ll head out alone from your home country without a group or a team leader — but it won’t be a lonely trip. Instead, it’s a rich and vibrant experience surrounded by volunteers from all over the world.
🔹 You’re not alone out there!
Although you’ll begin the journey on your own, you’ll join a group of volunteers from diverse cultures and backgrounds. You’ll live, work, and learn with people who share your passion for personal growth and positive impact.
🔹 The ideal duration? At least two weeks
Participation length varies by program, but it typically requires a minimum of two weeks. The longer you stay, the deeper and more transformative the experience becomes on a personal level.
🔹 An experience that will change your life
We believe this kind of journey is one of the most powerful ways to invest in yourself, face your fears, and break away from societal routine. That’s why we wholeheartedly encourage you to take the leap — your life before and after the experience will never be the same.
🔹 We’re more than just a travel platform
From the moment you sign up to the moment you return, we’re with you every step of the way: offering emotional and logistical support, preparing and guiding you throughout your entire journey.
💡 Important note:
If you’re feeling hesitant or afraid to take this step, you’re welcome to join a personal, motivational workshop led by project founder Yazan Badarna — specially designed to help you overcome fear and doubt and take that first step.
✨ Thousands have gone before you
Hundreds of people have already taken part in this journey with HomeAwe — and each one returned with a unique story, a stronger heart, and a renewed outlook on life.