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- Rhino & Elephant Conservation Volunteering in Zimbabwe
What is the Rhino and Elephant Conservation project all about?
Immerse yourself in wild Zimbabwe, and experience its impressive animals in close proximity!
On this family-run conservation reserve, in the heart of rural Zimbabwe, you will take part in a life-changing adventure, working toward the conservation of rhinos, elephants, buffalo, giraffes, and more. Be part of something incredible on this community-based conservation program, and help the dwindling rhino population toward a safer future.
This project is renowned for its rhino breeding and release program, and their successful anti-poaching efforts. Work with locals in the Zimbabwean African bush to observe the behaviours of the wildlife. The work you do will increase the knowledge surrounding how best to look after the rhino populations and habitats.
The project is home to three rescue elephants who, once orphaned, now have a happy and safe home amongst a herd of buffalo. And just recently, the project added a conservation component on cheetahs. Read more about the story on our blog, here.
Why choose this Rhino and Elephant Conservation Volunteering in Zimbabwe project?
- Learn about the Zimbabwean wildlife from knowledgeable and passionate local community members
- Contribute to the local community by working with schools, conducting research, and aiding in conservation as needed at the time of your placement
- Learn about anti-poaching and security
- Have an adventure and experience rural Zimbabwe, whilst making strides in wildlife conservation
Role of the Rhino and Elephant Conservation Volunteer
Learn about the animals’ behaviour and monitor their activities, whilst playing a role in their protection. From helping with animals’ feeds, to assisting in the upkeep of the reserve’s fences, each day will be different. Whilst exploring the bush daily, you will have the privilege of being close to the animals, and watching them exist happily in the semi-wild conservation reserve.
Part of the role is also to carry out anti-poaching and security duties. These could include undertaking snare patrols, lookout duties for possible poaching activities, and collecting snares and traps. You may be put through weapons training using a paintball gun, in a simulation of the rifles used in anti-poaching. It’s all part of the experience in getting close to the reality of the poaching problem.
Depending on the time of year, you may work on local community and teaching projects. This could include assisting in literacy programs in primary schools, or working with the conservation club to educate children about their local environment.
What skills do I need to be a wildlife conservation volunteer?
There are no specific requirements needed to join the project. We only ask that you are open-minded, flexible, and have a love for animals and an interest in their conservation.
WHY JOIN THE PROJECT
To experience amazing wildlife
To provide a safe place for wildlife to recover before being released
To support the efforts against wildlife poaching
FEATURED VIDEO
PROJECT TESTIMONIALS
Where will I work in Zimbabwe?
About the location
You will be located on a 10,000 acres conservancy private park located about an hour and a half away from Harare. This is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the wonders of the African Bush in Zimbabwe.
Accommodation
You will be comfortably accommodated in a lodge, where you will share a bedroom with another volunteer (of the same gender). There is a maximum of 12 volunteers on site at any given time. The showers and toilet facilities are western standard and hot water is supplied. Three home cooked meals are provided to you daily on a self-serve basis.
What to do in your spare time
Located in the middle of the Zimbabwean bush, this project still offers you so much to do in your free time. There is fishing, canoeing, and exploration on horseback. Or you can venture further afield to one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World – Victoria Falls. To immerse yourself in more of the bustling culture of Zimbabwe you could visit Harare for its markets. Or else hike up the local Mutemwa Mountain or see the Bushmen paintings at the Markwe Cave.
Details & Costs
- Duration: 1-8 weeks
- Cost: £1056 / $1648 for 1 week
£1671 / $2608 for 2 weeks
£656 / $1024 for any additional weeks - Requirements: Age 18+
- Location: Rural Zimbabwe
- Working hours: Monday through Saturday morning
- Project availability: All year round, except for December
- Arrival day: Monday
What is included
- Accommodation: shared room in comfortable accommodation
- Food: 3 meals per day
- Airport: pick-up and drop-off from/ to Harare International Airport
- Transport: to and from project
- Training: Pre-departure manual, learning reflection manual, orientation and project induction provided
- Support: 24-hour support from local team
- Excursion Planning: assistance with planning your weekend excursions from local staff (activity prices may be extra)
What is not included
- Flights
- Insurance
- Visas
- Police/Government Background Check: US and UK citizens will be processed through Kaya (admin fee applies); all other nationalities must provide local police check.
- Any costs for COVID-19 PCR tests required pre-departure and in-country
Easy 4-step application process
APPLY ONLINE
Apply for a Kaya program and pay your application fee to apply for your space on your chosen project. Our advisors will then contact you to guide you through the next steps.
TELEPHONE INTERVIEW
Once we’ve received your application, we’ll review your details and be in touch to arrange your informal telephone interview with your Kaya Placement Advisor.
CONFIRMATION
Following your interview, we will provide you a placement offer. Once you are ready to confirm your placement and dates, you can pay your confirmation fee to book and secure your space.
GET PREPARED
When you have confirmed your project dates we'll send you your Welcome Pack and lots of other helpful information to assist you with preparing for your placement.
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