Are you passionate about wildlife conservation and seeking opportunities to truly make a lasting impact? Look no further, than Tanzanian Elephant Foundation Volunteer Program. A place you can take part and contribute to worthwhile initiatives that support elephant conservation and community empowerment for sustainable development.
Our volunteer program is designed to make sure volunteers are practically exposed into the conservation programs, creating benefits for both volunteers, elephants and communities served.
To be the premier organization in elephant conservation and human-elephant coexistence in Africa.
Promoting elephant conservation and coexistence between people and elephants.
Tanzania is one among the home of the largest elephant population in Africa, and the largest in East Africa comprising about 60% of East Africa’s elephants. Elephants are highly intelligent and social animals and play an important role as ecosystem engineers. Elephants are one of the charismatic species that make Tanzania such a popular destination for wildlife tourism. Furthermore, elephants are of conservation concern as they have experienced significant population decline in Africa and in Tanzania due to poaching for ivory. African savannah elephant populations are also threatened by human-elephant conflict and habitat loss. African savannah elephants were recently classified as endangered which further signals that elephant population is in trouble.
Recognizing the significant threats facing elephants and communities living alongside elephants, TEF collaborates with a variety of partners to achieve long-term elephant conservation and fostering coexistence between people and elephants. Based on the challenges facing elephants and communities living alongside elephants, TEF’s activities are divided into three interrelated categories: applied elephant research and monitoring, enhancing human-elephant coexistence and nature conservation education.
Beehive fence construction
maintenance and repair
Beekeeping training and honey harvesting
Honey processing and packaging
Elephant research and monitoring
Conservation education and outreach programs
Visit www.tef.or.tz for more information on our projects
Our Volunteer program welcomes individuals who are dedicated, and passionate about wildlife conservation, and willing to engage with local communities in hands-on conservation projects. Your involvement in our projects will directly impact conservation initiatives and contribute to the overall wellbeing of both elephants and the people living alongside elephants.
Whether its academic, carrier break or just a vacation, dedicating your time, energy and skills to our volunteer program will be an absolute enriching way to spend your time, as you will be creating positive change and a lasting impact to our precious wildlife, their environment and throughout the communities.
• Age Limit: 18-65 Years
• Experience: Passion for Wildlife and Conservation
• Duration: 2-12 Weeks
Our beehive fence projects are located in Tingatinga village (Longido District) adjacent Enduimet Wildlife Management Area, Kisiwani village (Same District) adjacent Mkomazi National Park, Kisaki village (Morogoro District) adjacent Nyerere National Park and Kisemo village (Morogoro District) adjacent Wami-Mbiki/ Nyerere Wildlife Corridor.
Our Research and monitoring projects are conducted in Enduimet Wildlife Management Area, Arusha National Park, Mkomazi National Park and Tarangire National Park.
Conservation and outreach programs are conducted around our project areas.
Our office is located in Moshi town which is where you will stay for the duration of your volunteer weeks. Moshi is located in the Kilimanjaro region of Tanzania and is the place where most Kilimanjaro adventures begin. Not only will you be able to explore local restaurants and markets, there are plenty of outdoor activities to engage in. Moshi is home to the Materuni falls and coffee plantations, as well as Chemka hot springs. Moshi is right at the base of Kilimanjaro treks and is close to many national parks where you can book safaris. Swahili is the main language spoken in Tanzania, although many people speak some English as well.
We consider our volunteers part of our team, this means volunteers are obliged to follow our working policies including maintaining privacy of any organizations’ information, care for any tools or equipment’s entitled to, treating collogues and community members with respect and maintain good image for the organization.
“I really enjoyed my time with TEF especially during the week of elephant collaring. The mission and vision of TEF really stood out to me as they work hard to support and uplift local communities in elephant conservation. Participating in beehive fences and the conservation soccer game really demonstrated the importance of getting people excited about wildlife! Collaring a wild elephant was an incredible thing to participate in, in order to research elephants and how they move about Mkomazi National Park. It was so meaningful to pour water on the elephants ear to keep her cool! I really enjoyed research work and using camera traps in the field, to see where elephants are moving through Mkomazi and Arusha National parks. Overall, I loved being part of such a community focused conservation organization! Thank you TEF! Team TEMBO!” (Madison Ort)