Elephant Sanctuary Cambodia is a joint project developed in cooperation with Cambodia Wildlife Sanctuary, which spans one million acres and is home to several endangered species, including tigers, elephants, banteng, Eld’s deer, sarus crane, crocodile, and several turtle species. Once densely forested and rich in biodiversity, this area has been significantly impacted by illegal logging and poaching. The project is focused on protecting and restoring 25,000 acres of jungle, located an hour north of the famous Angkor Wat temple complex.
Volunteers work alongside locals, helping to reforest the area by keeping records of identified species, collecting seeds, and planting saplings. You also have the chance to help care for injured and orphaned animals who have been rescued so that they can be rehabilitated and returned to their jungle home. The elephants at this project are free to roam the sanctuary during the day, affording volunteers the special experience of observing these extraordinary animals foraging for natural vegetation and socializing with each other.
Volunteers also help care for the domestic animals who have found a home there, including dogs, cats, and cows as well as lending a hand with the sustainable farming of vegetables and fruit. Other important activities include teaching English at a local school and working with the local community to establish educational outreach programs for children. The ongoing support of volunteers is vital to ensuring the project’s continued success in protecting and regenerating this important natural habitat so that it can sustain a diverse range of wildlife for generations to come.
Join our eco-volunteer program and play a vital role in helping to protect and regenerate a beautiful natural habitat so that elephants and other native species can repopulate the wildlife reserve
Volunteer Activities
- Observe the elephants interacting and foraging in the forest
- Take regular walks with the elephants through the jungle
- Help reforest the area by collecting seeds and planting saplings
- Care for injured & orphaned animals until their release back into the wild
- Care for the domestic animals at the sanctuary
- Teach English to local children and develop educational programs
- Help with sustainable farming, making trails & minor construction projects
- Enjoy delicious vegetarian Thai dishes freshly prepared daily
Volunteer Project Details
Number of Guests: 20
Number of Elephants: 3
Tour Type: One Week Volunteer (maximum stay of 4 weeks)
Fitness Level: Moderate
Age Suitability: Adults 18+
Volunteer Project Price
Adults 18+: US$400 / 13,000 Baht per week
What’s Included
- Transportation from hotel / guesthouse in Siem Reap or Chong Sa-Ngam border crossing to project and back
- Clean on-site accommodation in bungalows
- Three freshly prepared vegetarian buffet style meals per day, bottled drinking water, tea & coffee
- Qualified English speaking guide
- Free t-shirt and reusable water bottle with holder
About Your Volunteer Program
Start: Monday – 8:30am–9:00am – minivan pick-up from accommodation in Siem Reap or from the Chong Sa-Ngam border crossing, Si Saket Province.
Travel Time: Around 2 hours from Siem Reap and about 45 mins from Chong Sa-Ngam border crossing.
Return: Sunday – after lunch you will be transported to Siem Reap or to the Chong Sa-Ngam border crossing, Si Saket Province.
Duration: Most volunteers choose to stay for one week but volunteer stays of up to 4 weeks are welcomed. Volunteer positions start on Monday.
Accommodation: Clean on-site accommodation in bungalows with beds and mosquito nets, possibly sharing with up to two or three other volunteers of the same gender.
Baggage / Luggage Allowance: One standard check-in sized rucksack / suitcase / bag & one day pack per person.
What to Bring: Overnight bag with change of clothes for 7 days, long pants and long-sleeve shirt, gloves, hat, sunscreen, sandals/flip flops, change of clothing for river bathing, towel, walking shoes, camera, insect repellent, flashlight & personal medication. *Bring clothing and items suitable for wet weather if visiting in the rainy season (June – Oct). If visiting in the cool season (Nov – Feb), bring some clothing suitable for cold weather. If you would like to bring items for the local school students such as pens, coloring pencils, notebooks, games, toys, etc. they will be much appreciated.
Travel Insurance: Volunteers are required to have travel insurance covering medical expenses and emergency repatriation.
Vaccinations: Please contact your doctor or a vaccination center for details on recommended vaccinations.
Operational Months: All year round.
Age Suitability: Adults over 18 years old.
Fitness Level: Moderate – daily walks through the jungle.
Topography: Jungle, grasslands & river.
Location: 100km north of Siem Reap, home to the ancient Angkor Wat temple complex, Cambodia.
Nearest Airport: Siem Reap (REP) – we recommend you stay in Siem Reap on Sunday night before your volunteer week begins.
Visa Requirements: Cambodia currently offers a 30 day visa on arrival. If you intend to stay longer, you must apply for an extension – travel agents also provide this service. The over-stay fine at the time of writing is US$6 per day.
Booking Details: Bookings close 3 days before you are due to visit this project. When booking online a 30% non-refundable deposit is required to secure your booking. The balance (US$280 per person per week) can be paid in US dollars only at Elephant Sanctuary Cambodia on Monday morning – the day your volunteer stay commences. On arrival at the project you will be required to complete an insurance form and provide a copy of your passport.
Ethical Elephant Tours
This is a small ‘Saddle Off!’ volunteer project with a limited number of guests. Our model is based on ensuring the well-being of the elephants, which means no riding or other unnatural activities.
