Volunteering with elephants in Sri Lanka

Travel in Sri Lanka for a life changing experience !

Sri Lanka is one of the most popular tourist destinations of Asia and known for its beautiful beaches.

Become an international volunteer and discover Sri Lanka for a life changing experience while looking after elephants in Asia.

This elephant sanctuary welcomes volunteers all year round.

International volunteers enrolled on this project support mahouts in their everyday tasks.

Together, they strive to offer the best environment to rescue elephants that have been orphaned, previously abused or exploited, giving them a second chance in life!

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Info & details

The volunteer program in Sri Lanka !

Local time in Sri Lanka:

Sri Lanka elephants programme

Volunteer in Sri Lanka - Globalong

This volunteer programme starts every Monday and lasts for 2 to 12 weeks.

You will be picked up at Colombo International Airport the day before (Sunday) and taken to your project site.

You will have an induction meeting on the first day of your programme to learn more about local culture and customs, which may prevent misunderstandings with the locals.

You will also be given information about your volunteer assignment, accommodation, living conditions as well as the Buddhist way of life. Your local coordinator will always be available in case any doubts or questions arise.

It is important for international volunteers to be aware of the local culture, to be respectful and understanding, both in their behaviour and in the way they dress. Volunteer elephants sri lanka globalong

If you take part in the volunteer programme in Sri Lanka, you will receive a lot of details about the country, the mission and some helpful tips before going abroad.

These elephant sanctuaries are actually homes for elephants who have strayed from their flocks, either naturally or because they were captured and then abused, injured by landmines or these could be formerly exploited elephants who have "retired".

Throughout their programme, volunteers help the mahouts (professional guides) with their daily tasks : cleaning shelters, feeding the animals, guiding them to the river for two daily baths. You can also help with the renovation of the park, etc.

You could combine a programme at the elephant sanctuary with a social programme in Sri Lanka.

For further information, feel free to contact us at info@globalong.com.

Meals and accommodation in Sri Lanka !

Volunteer in Sri Lanka globalong

You will have 3 meals per day, which you will share with fellow volunteers and the local team.

Meals are usually traditional Sri Lankan dishes (rice, lentil soup, vegetable curry, etc.) but Western dishes may also be served.
A vegetarian option is available.

Throughout your programme, you will share a room and a bathroom with other volunteers at the Volunteer House located on your project site.

You will stay in either:

The Volunteer Bungalow: a nice house with a view, the bungalow is surrounded by natural beauty! You will share a room (4-7 people) and an en-suite bathroom with Western toilets.
The Volunteer "Cabins": wooden houses of 5 bedrooms with 3 beds, a large communal shower and separate Western toilets.

The two units are equipped with:

Kitchens with refrigerators, freezers and a kettle
Free wi-fi
Outdoor seating area
Books and board games available
2 outdoor showers (the preferred choice of most participants!)
Drying racks (clothes are handwashed)

There is no air conditioning, but the rooms are equipped with fans.

Bed linen, pillows, towels and mosquito nets are provided on site, but you can bring your own if you wish.

During your breaks or free time, you may use hammocks to rest or watch films on a DVD player.