Jack likes to joke around almost as much as he loves elephants. The best ways to appreciate both the dry sense of humor and the majestic creatures worthy of this man’s devotion are to either stay a few nights at the new tribal-inspired yurts or volunteer to help care for the Elephants.
On a day trip, you will be picked up from your lodging or Middle of Somewhere at around 7:30am and brought a to The Elephant Valley Project a few kilometers out of town, where you will meet the team. When you volunteer there you really could be doing anything, from helping change the oil on a truck to helping build a house. Jack is able to find work for all skills and abilities. Even if you don’t know what you’re doing, with a positive attitude and open ears you will receive the guidance you need to pitch in.
Meals are cooked in house and are chock-full of nutritious fruits and veggies with vegan friendly options. There are also plenty of hammocks and a few small cabins if you wish to stay and help for a few days. The highlight is of course getting to hang out with the elephants and “letting them just be elephants”.
When to Go
You can go anytime of the year, just be prepared for the weather since you’ll be outside most of the time. Dry season is the most comfortable, you’ll catch more butterflies in the jungle at that time, but fewer blossoms. The elephants are active at both times.
Getting There
By moto or with pick-up from EVP. If you sign up to go at middle-of-somewhere with Bill he’ll hook you up with a ride from your lodging in the morning.
Need to Know
- What is It? A protected Elephant Sanctuary in remote eastern Cambodia
- Nearest Town: Just outside Sen Monorom, capital of Mondulkiri, which is a day’s drive from the captial of Cambodia, Phnom Penh.
- Don’t Miss: The Elephants bathing in the afternoon heat! Or as Jack likes to say, “The elephants just being elephants.”
- Trivia: The caretaker of the elephant is called the mahout.
- Opening hours: Monday thru Friday by appointment.
- Entrance fees: $25 if you volunteer for half a day, $50 if you don’t.
- Address/website: elephantvalleyproject.org