Volunteering at Elephant Valley Project | Full Day, 2D/1N, 3D/2N | from SEN MONOROM, CAMBODIA

Overview: 

Set off on an eco-adventure like no other at Elephant Valley Project (EVP)! Dive deep into the core of ethical elephant conservation while observing rescued Asian elephants roaming freely in their natural home. EVP operates a hands-free policy, allowing elephants the time to be themselves free from the whims of tourists. Take your pick from various volunteering options, ranging from full-day adventures to overnight stays, and fully immerse yourself in the world of ethical elephant conservation. Every moment at EVP presents a chance to connect with nature and make memories that will last a lifetime. If you’re keen on supporting these incredible creatures and making a difference while you travel, EVP is the place for you!

Itineraries:

HANDS-OFF! 🚫✋🐘 Elephant Valley Project does not allow tourists to touch the elephants. 

Full Day – Do Gooder (Morning Elephants & Afternoon Volunteering) – Cost: $65USD

• Perfect for those on a budget!
• Spend the morning with one group of elephants in their natural forest habitat (3-4 km of hiking).
• Roam alongside the elephants, observing as they graze, play, and explore their home.
• Enjoy a Khmer buffet lunch at base camp at midday plus free drinking water refills.
• Volunteer alongside locals, staff, and other volunteers to support sanctuary operations.
• Volunteer activities may include reforestation, farming for elephant food, and small building projects (not involving elephants).

2 Days/1 Night – Taste of the Jungle – Cost: From $150USD 

• Ideal for those with more time!
• Two elephant experiences with 3-4 km of hiking each time.
• 1 night’s accommodation (choose from shared room or private bungalow).
• Experience two days and one night in the jungle.
• Enjoy watching the sunset over the forest with a beer in hand.
• Wake up to the serene sounds of the jungle in the morning.
• Two sessions of volunteering at the sanctuary. Volunteer activities may include reforestation, farming for elephant food, and small building projects (not involving elephants).
• All Meals (LD,BL) included, as well as free water refills.

3 Days/2 Nights – Elephant Immersion – Cost: From $285USD 

• Perfect for elephant conservation enthusiasts!
• Spend a full day with the elephants on the first day.
• Contribute to the project by spending half a day with the elephants and half a day volunteering on the other two days.
• Volunteer activities may include reforestation, farming for elephant food, and small building projects (not involving elephants).
• Fall asleep to the sounds of the jungle and be immersed in the life of the elephant sanctuary.
• Experience four different elephant encounters, with 3-4 km of hiking each time.
• Participate in two volunteering sessions at the sanctuary.
• Two nights of accommodation, either in a shared room or a private bungalow.
• All meals included ( 2xB, 3xL, 2xD) as well as free water refills.

Children – 12 yrs and under get a 50% discount (3 years and under go free). If you are a family with children, please contact us via the additional information box.

Accommodation

Elephant Valley Project offers two accommodation options for overnight visitors:

Private Bungalow (sleeps two people):

• Perfect for couples looking for a more comfortable experience!
• Built in traditional Bunong style.
• Basic but comfortable furnishings including a double bed with mosquito net, tables, and chair.
• Ensuite with cold water shower and western toilet.

Shared Room:

• Ideal for budget-conscious solo travelers or those who want to socialise!
• Located in a beautiful hillside setting.
• Dorm-style rooms.
• Access to shared bathrooms (cold water shower) nestled among forest surroundings.

Food:

Elephant Valley Project treats guests to a fusion of local and Western flavors, expertly crafted by skilled local chefs. Enjoy your meals in the open-concept kitchen and dining area, boasting stunning valley vistas. The menu features a diverse array of dishes like stir-fries, curries, salads, soups, and stews, all accompanied by fresh, seasonal fruits.

They can cater to dietary preferences and restrictions, whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or have specific intolerances like gluten or lactose, or allergies to peanuts. Please leave a note when booking. 

EVP offer complimentary water refill stations, and sodas and local beers are available for purchase.

What’s Included

Includes:

• Return transport from Sen Monorom to EVP and back
• Meals as stated
• Drinking water refills
• Accommodation
• Elephant experiences
• Volunteering sessions

Does Not Include:

• Fizzy/alcoholic drinks
• Snacks

FAQs

• What does the volunteering involve? Examples of previous projects include building water towers, trail maintenance, digging trenches, constructing guesthouses and working on bamboo, pineapple and banana farms. Volunteering work will usually involve manual labour and you will get sweaty and dirty! However, all of the volunteering projects help to keep the sanctuary running so your contribution is invaluable.
• What should I wear? Good walking shoes, sun hat, long trousers and long sleeves.
• What should I pack for an overnight trip? All of the above, plus reading material, flashlight and warm jumper for the evening.
• Where does my money go? Day-to-day running costs of EVP, elephant care and treatment, elephant research, community vet care, forest protection and community support. 
• Is there a malaria risk in Sen Monorom? Yes, Mondulkiri is in a malaria zone and it is recommended you take antimalarials. These can be purchased in your home country or at pharmacies in Southeast Asia. All visitors should practice bite avoidance and wear repellent, ideally with DEET content. 
• What are the prices for children? Children under 3 are free, children under 12 half price. Please let us know if you are a family with children in the additional information section when booking.