Location
  • Laos
Length
1 week

Program Details

Language
English
Age Min.
18
Timeframe
Short Term
Housing
Lodge
Groups
Small Group (1-15)

Pricing

Starting Price
490
Price Details
Each cost is all-inclusive of your visit to our center: Transport to/from Luang Prabang, All of your food, Shared Accommodation in our Lakeside Bungalows, English-speaking volunteer leader available 24/7. Every room has mosquito protection.
What's Included
Accommodation Activities Equipment Meals Transportation Wifi
What's Not Included
Airfare Domestic Airfare Airport Transfers SIM cards Travel Insurance Visa
Sep 23, 2024
Sep 23, 2024
1 traveler is looking at this program

About Program

Join the Elephant Conservation Center's volunteer program in Laos for an enriching eco-volunteering experience! While direct interaction with elephants is not part of the program, your contributions will be crucial to our conservation efforts. Immerse yourself in our projects, gaining hands-on experience and insights into elephant care and Lao culture. The program begins with an exciting 3-day 'Exploration' phase, followed by a variety of tasks based on the center's current needs. You'll explore the lush forest surroundings, guided by local and international experts, and make a direct impact on our conservation initiatives. Be part of our mission to protect these majestic creatures and their habitats while embracing the spirit of conservation work in Laos!

Video and Photos

Program Highlights

  • Live in the Land of Elephants
  • Participate in Crucial Elephant Conservation Projects
  • Create Lifelong Memories
  • Become a Part of the Team

Related Programs

Program Reviews

4.75 Rating
based on 4 reviews
  • 5 rating 75%
  • 4 rating 25%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Impact 4.75
  • Support 5
  • Fun 4.75
  • Value 5
  • Safety 5
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
Default avatar
Corina
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Early Days

I spent time at this program 7 years ago, so my information may not reflect everything they are doing now.
I traveled around the world for 5 months visiting different elephant programs. I am a Chiropractor with a specialty in animals, so in many of these other programs I was working on the elephants.
This program was a more hands off, but be involved. They had some interesting observational opportunities.
I appreciated how much they tried to let the elephants be as natural as possible.
There was a small staff group then, but they were dedicated heart and soul. Very passionate about what they were doing.
I would love to get back to visit and see how much they have done in 7 years.

What would you improve about this program?
Hopefully they have incorporated some volunteer on going projects. I love something to do and help with so I was always asking if there was something else I could do. Even basic things like building and repairing fences.
Pros
  • Beautiful country
  • Lovely people
  • Elephants:)
Cons
  • none
24 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Maïa
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

An amazing experience

I volunteered in the ECC last year for one week.
This place looks and feels like paradise. All the people you will meet here is very invested and passionated about animals and nature. During my stay, I have learnt a lot about elephants but also about Laos culture. I have spent time with amazing elephants and people. Also, the food was delicious
At the time I was there, the volunteering activities were not hard, mainly gardening tasks to bring some food for the elephants.
Thank you very much to the guides, Mr Lar, Mr Ken and Mr Sou !

What was your funniest moment?
Walking behind an elephant on a up-hill track, when he decided it was the good time to do number 2 ! Luckily we were far enough !
28 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Isabelle
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Des expériences inoubliables: Unforgettable experiences

Mon premier séjour fut en 2019 comme bénévole. Découverte d'un lieu exceptionnel où les équipes donnent le meilleur afin que les éléphants se sentent bien ( après des traumatismes divers et varié )
Mes autres séjours furent en 2020, puis 2023 et 2024.
ECC est une grande famille où l'on a aussi le plaisir de rencontrer des personnes engagées pour la cause animale mais également très enrichissant sur le plan culturel.
J'ai un profond respect pour le fondateur du centre ainsi que pour toute l'équipe mobilisée.

In English:
My first stay was in 2019 as a volunteer. I discovered an exceptional place where the teams give their best so that the elephants feel good (after various and varied traumas)
My other stays were in 2020, then 2023 and 2024.
ECC is a big family where we also have the pleasure of meeting people committed to the animal cause but also very enriching on a cultural level.
I have deep respect for the founder of the center as well as for the entire team involved.

What was your funniest moment?
Le jour où après la baignade de l'après midi une éléphante avait décidé de prolonger son bain alors que les autres éléphants étaient sortis de l'eau. Son mahout s'évertuait à lui tendre des branches de bananier pour l'attirer en dehors de l'eau mais rien n'y faisait. Il avait fallu mettre le moteur du bateau en marche pour qu'elle daigne se tourner vers la rive et de réaliser qu'il était peut-être temps de sortir de l'eau.
Pros
  • Découverte de la culture locale avec les guides
  • La cuisine
  • La nature à l'écart des bruits
29 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Romain
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Life changing experience

My two weeks at the ECC now almost 5 years ago remain a vivid memory and an exceptional moment. It was intense, rewarding, useful, and at the same time a very fun experience. The location and atmosphere around the camp was great, the staff both international and Lao very helpful and interesting to talk to, and most of all their approach to being close to the elephants whilst respecting their boundaries made it a genuinely heartfelt experience. I’ve enjoyed the long conversations with the head researcher there and hope to get involved more with the great work that they do. I keep thinking of going back and hope to do so soon.

What was your funniest moment?
Playing pétanque with the mahouts, visiting the lone bull in the jungle after a long trek, witnessing veterinarian care to a young wounded female, swimming at dawn in the lake with the other volunteers, there sending off party for the veterinarian intern… hard to pick just one moment!
28 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers