Concerned about being the oldest group member?

Mitch | UK | Volunteer Project

Thanks to Mitch from the UK for his feedback, enjoy reading about his time with EHRA!

Describe the level of work from you during patrol week, compared to what you expected.

What a baptism of fire! Hot hot hot hot. Well organized camp site with everything you need, (except a shower). Chucked it down with rain for a few hours of relief. Hard but rewarding work.

Describe the best, worst and most unexpected aspects of EHRA.

An experience that was well worth the effort. A few weeks of maybe making a small difference to the lives of people we have no connection with and asking nothing in return.

What surprised you the most about your EHRA experience?

I learnt that this is really a matter of education. By making a simple intervention like wall building it can benefit both local communities and wildlife.

When you arrive home and your family or friend says ‘how was your trip?’ What will you say?

I will say that it was a fantastic experience and that I felt that I’d made a small difference. Living outside in beautiful surroundings with exceptional up close encounters with elephants.

Describe the best, worst and most unexpected aspects of being on kitchen duty.

Best – eating

Worst – washing up

What were you most worried about before you came? Should you have worried about this?

Being the oldest in the group was a concern as a lot of volunteer projects seem to be a “gapyear” for younger people. Not a problem.

What was your favourite experience during your time with EHRA?

Finishing a wall, hard building day. Close elephant encounters

Describe your experience of camping during Patrol week.

Great locations with everything we needed. Getting up early (I’m normally a slow riser) and going to sleep under the stars.

Can you share some of the best/funniest moments you shared with the other members of the group?

I loved the multiculturalism of the group. Being English had its advantages, but communicating with other nationalities was fun, due to misunderstanding through language.

What are the most important things you learnt during your experience?

To respect the wildlife and environment. Give the animals plenty of space.

Describe the experience of cooking outside over a fire.

Hot and smoky

What advice would you give to the next team about to start their adventure?

Relax, you’re on “Africa time”!

List your top 4 best memories during your time here.

Base camp, Living outside/sleeping under the stars, Elephant encounters, Finding Lions in the Huab

How would you describe your time with EHRA to a friend considering to join the project?

A well run organization worth their time and money. Do it!

If you would like to receive any additional information or if you have any questions, please contact Rachel@desertelephant.org