Kindred Spirit Elephant Sanctuary

Volunteering at our program is a fantastic way for travelers to have an amazing and memorable experience. During the week, you'll get to join in on exciting activities like morning hikes to see elephants up close in their natural home. This close connection with these incredible animals makes your time here much more than just a typical travel adventure.

Apart from the wildlife part, you'll also be part of the local community, engaging in community events and getting to know the area. Weekends are free for you to explore, allowing you to learn more about the local culture and way of life. Choosing to volunteer here means not just a trip but a unique journey where you get to enjoy nature, experience new cultures, and make a positive impact on both wildlife and communities.

Our team is composed of dedicated individuals passionate about wildlife conservation and community engagement. We understand the importance of creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for our volunteers. As for me, Cristina, I'm the Director of Kindred Spirit Elephant Sanctuary in Northern Thailand. Originally from the north of Spain, I have a background in Human Resources, biodiversity and conservation, tourism, and education. Since 2015, I’ve been dedicated to working with captive elephants, after an eye-opening experience that exposed the harsh realities they face. Since then, I’ve collaborated with NGOs, advised all kinds of elephant projects, and visited dozens of centres across Southeast Asia. I’m passionate about animal welfare, sustainable living, organic farming, and yoga (I’m also a certified teacher!). At KSES, we work closely to make sure everyone feels at home and leaves with unforgettable memories and meaningful experiences. We do our best to create a welcoming, supportive, and inspiring environment for all who join us. Volunteers can expect to be treated with respect and kindness throughout their time with us. Our staff is here to support and guide volunteers in their tasks, ensuring that they feel comfortable and confident in their roles. We foster a collaborative atmosphere, encouraging open communication and the sharing of ideas. Whether you are a seasoned conservation enthusiast or a first-time volunteer, our team is here to provide guidance, share knowledge, and create a positive and enriching experience for everyone involved. We believe in the power of teamwork and the collective impact of our efforts toward wildlife conservation and community well-being.

Top Host
This host receives a lot of worldpackers and has a high average rating.

Reviews

5.0
(29 reviews)29

Staff & Host

5.0

Hours & Tasks

5.0

Hostel

5.0

Learning & Fun

5.0

France

5

Une expérience vraiment incroyable en tout point de vue, que ce soit les humains rencontrés, le projet et l'investissement des locaux, la communication et la découverte des éléphants grâce à des scientifiques avec une solide formation, et enfin le lieu absolument magnifique. Ce fut dur par moment, ce fut du travail, mais ce fut riche. Merci à l'équipe.

2 days ago


Cristina replied

Thank you so much, Svet 💚

We’re really grateful you chose to spend your time with us and for sharing your experience. It means a lot to know that the time in the forest, the village, and with the elephants left such a positive impression.

Your support and presence were truly appreciated, and we wish you all the best on your journey ahead. You’ll always be welcome back at KSES 🐘🌿

United States

5

Kindred was so great! No phone service was nice and relaxing, so was hiking out. Seeing elephants was so cool. Had a fun time at night playing games and watching movies, my homestay cooked a bit extra for me too. It’s a really awesome week.

9 days ago


Cristina replied

Thank you so much for sharing your experience 🤍 We’re really happy to hear you enjoyed the slower pace, the hikes, village life, and of course spending time observing the elephants. It’s great to know you felt well looked after by your host family too. We hope you can visit again in the future!

United States

5

I would recommend this opportunity to anyone looking for a truly ethical elephant sanctuary & cultural immersion. The staff is incredible- passionate, intelligent, and kind. Thank you Cristina, Emily, Lucía, Aislinn, Rose, and Kanda! I spent two weeks at the sanctuary and was sad to leave at the end. I would love to return in the future!

12 days ago


Cristina replied

Thank you so much for your kind words and for taking the time to share your experience 🤍

We’re really glad you felt the ethics, community, and spirit of the project, and it means a lot to hear that your time with us was meaningful. It was a pleasure having you as part of the team, and you’ll always be welcome back. Wishing you all the best, and we hope to see you again in the future!

Germany

5

One of the few truly ethical sanctuaries in Thailand. It is an incredible experience to see elephants living freely in the wild. But it is above all the local community that makes this project so special. If you are willing to embrace a simple lifestyle and keep an open mind, this experience will enrich you deeply.

about 1 month ago


Cristina replied

Thank you so much for your kind words. We’re really glad you enjoyed your time with the elephants and the community, it means a lot to us. You’re always welcome back at KSES. 🐘🌿

Canada

5

Tess and I had a fantastic experience at Kindred Spirit Elephant Sanctuary. The staff were welcoming and very receptive to any questions we had regarding volunteering or the village itself. The work we did felt meaningful, while maintaining a priority for ethical conservation that should be emulated everywhere. We stayed in the village surrounded by the locals and enjoyed the delicious food cooked for us every day. Everyone greeted us with a smile and we felt we were a part of something truly special. My only regret is that we didn’t stay longer.

3 months ago


Cristina replied

Thank you so much for your kind words, and for all your help during your stay, especially with the cat, who’s doing great now! We’re really glad you and Tess enjoyed your time here and connected with both the project and the village. It was a pleasure having you with us, and we hope you’ll come back one day to spend a bit more time in the forest with the elephants💚🐘


Perfect for you if you're looking for

Contact with nature

Rural

Contact with animals

Mountain

Wilderness