
Wasgamuwa National Park, Sri Lanka
Wild Elephant Conservation & Research Program
Trip Highlights
- Be a volunteer and help to monitor/record the behavior of the elephants at the Wasgamuwa National Park in Sri Lanka
- Spend your days amidst the wilderness, soaking in the freshness of nature
- Plenty of opportunities to view the elephants on a daily basis from up close in the jeeps when they are grazing in the grass, and also from viewing spots like specially designed treehouses
- Work with a team of researchers and local staff in the natural habitat of these endangered wild elephants
- Meet some amazing travelers from different parts of the world
Overview
Overview
Be a part of the Elephant Conservation Volunteer Program in Sri Lanka with Volunteering Solutions and live a life amidst nature's lap! Volunteers will get the rare opportunity to work alongside local conservationists, educators, community partners and local villagers deep in the heart of the Sri Lankan wilderness. This is a true conservation project where wild elephants are not touched or interfered with at all as they are in their natural habitat.
Wild elephants (and other wildlife) are under threat in this part of the country particularly because of heightened levels of human-elephant conflict created in recent times due to a range of issues. It is a genuine research-based project involving elephant tracking, monitoring, observations, and education to the local communities, including running campaigns and awareness programs.
No matter whether you are a high school student who's an animal lover, or a gap year traveler looking for meaningful work experience - this project will be perfect for all. Even for those who are looking for an interesting family volunteering opportunity - what can be better than exploring this Southeast Asian island, soaking in the authentic vibes while working for these gentle giants!
Program Requirements
Program Requirements
Volunteers must be 18 years or older at the time of joining the project. 16 & 17-year olds can participate with parental consent. Children below 16 years must be accompanied by an adult or parents. All participants need to have an open mind and flexible attitude for working in a new and different environment. The volunteers should bring energy and enthusiasm to make a difference and have a keen interest in wildlife conservation. Participants should have no criminal convictions and should provide a clean criminal background check.
Volunteer Roles & Responsibilities
Volunteer Roles & Responsibilities
- Gather information on elephants and other wildlife and tropical ecosystems, often watching them from strategically placed treehouses
- Collect essential environmental and socio-economic data and maintain logbooks to help develop community-based conservation programs
- Participate in discussions with local villagers to help identify practical solutions to human-elephant conflicts
- Observe, assess and document human-elephant conflicts
- Teach environmental education to local school children from time to time
- Build and mend fencing to protect agricultural crops and homes from damage by wild elephants
Note: The majority of the work is conducted in the field, hence casual comfortable clothing (t-shirts, shorts, loose pants, sneakers, sandals, flipflops, hats, etc.) is recommended as participants are out in the open for significant periods of time. Sunscreen highly recommended as the sun can be strong during the day, and mosquito/insect repellents are advisable to bring as well.
Volunteer Work Schedule
Volunteer Work Schedule
All volunteers working in this project would have the following schedule -
Sunday: Arrival in Sri Lanka. A member from the local team will pick you up from the Colombo Airport and drive you straight to Wasgamuwa in a car/van. The journey takes approximately 6-7 hrs by road.Volunteers should plan to arrive before 12 noon on Sunday as it's advisable not to drive in the forest after dark. In Wasgamuwa, the local project team greets the participants and take them to the field house (where the volunteers live). Training and orientation are conducted that evening (or the next morning) and project activities begin the next morning.
Monday - Friday: Working on the project along with the local team and other volunteers.
Local transportation to and from the project is provided each day. Participants are supported throughout the duration of their stay by the local conservation and support team, who live and work in the field house with them.
Participants work for 4-6 hours during the weekdays. 2 shifts of 2-3 hours each, one in the morning and one in the late afternoon.
Weekends are free for the volunteer.After completing the program duration, participants are provided with Private transfers back to the airprort.Private transfers will also be provided between Wasgamuwa and Galle and vice versa for any combination projects and tours done in our Galle project location.
Living
Living
Airport Transfers
On arrival, participants are picked up from Colombo airport by our driver and taken straight to Wasgamuwa (i.e., project site) in a car/van, which is roughly a 6-hour journey. Participants should plan to arrive before 12 noon on Sunday as it's advisable not to drive in the forest after dark. Private return transfer from Wasgamuwa to Colombo airport is also included on completion of the project. In some cases, participants may choose to volunteer at another project at our Galle location in which case private transfer for that too is provided by us.
Orientation
Before the program begins, you’ll be provided with a brief orientation by the local team in Sri Lanka. You’ll be told about the project, your work and everything else, that you need to know while you’re there.
Accommodation
Volunteers stay in a field house, located amidst the lush forests of Sri Lanka. You are surrounded by a ring of striking mountains where you will look out onto a large reservoir where elephants love to bath!
The house is just 15 minutes from the Wasgamuwa National Park. The accommodation is basic with dorm-style beds (with mosquito netting) and shared bathrooms. Rooms will be allotted on the same-gender sharing basis. It’s big enough to accommodate up to 40 people at the same time, where you will stay is very spacious with a high roof, which helps to cool the property as gentle breezes blow along from the neighboring lake.
All of the essentials are provided for you, such as mosquito nets, electric fans, pillows, and clean bedsheets. However, towels & toiletries are not included - make sure to carry your own.
Meals
Volunteers will be provided with all the meals - Breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You can expect some of the following meals:
- Breakfast – Cereals, toast, fresh fruits
- Lunch – Salads, fresh fruits
- Dinner – Chicken, fish, vegetables, rice
Meals are usually a mix of local Sri Lankan dishes. Vegetarians can be catered for.
Free Time
You’ll mostly be free on the weekends, to explore and soak in the beauty of this tropical island. There are several day trips that you can do in the vicinity, but most of the volunteers simply like to explore the beautiful area around the park, and relax in the jungle along with other fellow mates.
Dates
Dates
2023
2024
January
07
14
21
28
February
04
11
18
25
March
04
11
18
25
April
01
08
15
22
29
May
06
13
20
27
June
03
10
17
24
July
01
08
15
22
29
August
05
12
19
26
September
02
09
16
23
October
07
14
21
28
November
04
11
18
25
December
01
09
16
23
January
06
13
20
27
February
03
10
17
24
March
02
09
16
23
30
April
06
13
20
27
May
04
11
18
25
June
01
08
15
22
29
July
06
13
20
27
August
03
10
17
24
31
September
07
14
21
28
October
05
12
19
26
November
02
09
16
23
30
December
07
14
21
28
Past Date
Available
Unavailable
Filling Fast
Costs
Costs
Please Note: -An application fee of $229 is charged over and above the program fee as an application payment. (A 4% international banking fee is charged at the time of payment)
What are you Paying for?
- 24 hrs Assistance and support from Staff
- Comprehensive Pre- Departure Information
- Airport Pickup on Scheduled Days
- Accommodation in a Field House near the Project
- Orientation on arrival
- Meals
- Guaranteed project placement
- Private vehicle transfers from airport to project and back
- Dedicated staff support at the Project
- 24/7 local emergency support
- Travel & Medical Insurance (Available at an extra cost)
- Certificate Of Completion (Upon Request)
What's NOT included?
- Visa Fee
- International Airfare
- Vaccinations
- Any personal expenses
- Additional Local Excursions and Trips
Reviews
Reviews
Frequently asked questions
FAQ's Application and Program Details
Flights and Visa
Health and Safety
Accommodation and Living
Connect with Past Volunteers
More projects in Sri Lanka
Still have Questions?
We're always here to help.
Get in touch whatever way works best for you.