A new generation elephant camp, an ethical and responsible alternative to mass tourism, Aïravata is a place where balance is sought above all. Between the Katieng forest, which shelters and feeds our elephants, and the centre where we work with them on a daily basis, applying as best we can the rules established by the “Asian Captive Elephants Standards”, we ensure our protégés healthy and natural living conditions but also a permanent interaction with humans based on Cambodian tradition as well as on the teachings of the best experts. Our credo is to give back its place to the elephant, this animal that has done so much for Cambodia but has almost disappeared because of the wars and the Khmer Rouge genocide. A country that forgets its history and traditions is a mutilated country; in our small way, we are working to heal these wounds.

While many elephant protection associations discourage any interaction with these animals, this is not our case. Our approach to conservation is also cultural, we intend to perpetuate these traditions which are part of the soul of the country and we continue to offer, among other eco-tourist services, elephant rides, as long as they are carefully supervised and the elephants evolve in their natural environment, the forest.

In a residual forest located about ten kilometres south of Banlung, small groups of travellers are welcomed to experience the unique experience of interacting with the last remaining domesticated Cambodian elephants.

A volunteer system will be set up to help organise the camp, train mahouts and staff, protect the Okatieng forest, set up firebreaks and nurseries to replant deforested areas.

AIRAVATA intends to demonstrate that “elephant conservation” can also rhyme with “heritage” and have another aspect than these “sanctuaries” which are often similar to zoos where any interaction with elephants has been banned by ideology.