Rhino & Elephant Conservation

location
1 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 17 - 50+

rating  Brilliant 4.7  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Very high response rate

Volunteer project with the highest quality. This project sets unprecedented standards in quality - an unparalleled level of excellence.

Highlights

  • Embark on an unforgettable adventure in the wild, live in close proximity to black and white rhino, elephants, buffalo, giraffe and other iconic African animals and birds.
  • Get a behind the scenes glimpse into the running and maintenance of a private conservancy. Learn what it really takes to protect endangered species in Zimbabwe.
  • Experience a diverse programme focused on wildlife observation and interaction, community impact projects and conservancy management.

Highlights

  • Embark on an unforgettable adventure in the wild, live in close proximity to black and white rhino, elephants, buffalo, giraffe and other iconic African animals and birds.
  • Get a behind the scenes glimpse into the running and maintenance of a private conservancy. Learn what it really takes to protect endangered species in Zimbabwe.
  • Experience a diverse programme focused on wildlife observation and interaction, community impact projects and conservancy management.
  • Get ready for an extraordinary journey that connects like-minded people and leaves a lasting impact to animals and people.


  • Especially good for

    Age 17+
    Singles
    Couples
    Families
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Volunteer in Africa and help secure the future of the endangered black rhino and elephant. Experience daily life on a 10,000 acre family-run private conservancy.

    Rhino Conservation in Zimbabwe

    The project’s mission focuses on education about conservation and wildlife for future generations. This volunteer programme is a unique opportunity to live in the heart of Zimbabwe, sharing the experiences of a 10,000-acre family-run conservancy. 

    The project is home ...

    About the program

    Rhino Conservation in Zimbabwe

    The project’s mission focuses on education about conservation and wildlife for future generations. This volunteer programme is a unique opportunity to live in the heart of Zimbabwe, sharing the experiences of a 10,000-acre family-run conservancy. 

    The project is home to an internationally renowned Black Rhino Breeding and Release Programme which has supported Zimbabwe’s rhino population since the mid-1980s. Volunteers play a role in securing the future of this once-again endangered animal, working alongside anti-poaching rangers, working on rhino research projects and getting involved in the daily monitoring of both black and white rhinos.

    Our Rhino and Elephant Conservation Programme is a unique hands-on opportunity to get behind the scenes and experience day-to-day life on a private conservancy, and be involved with the protection and conservation of Zimbabwe’s endangered black rhino.

    The programme focuses on the conservation of 10 black and eight white rhino, three elephants and a wealth of plains game including giraffe, zebra, buffalo, wildebeest, impala, kudu, crocodile and the rare sable antelope. 

    The aim of the programme is to assist the reserve's established black rhino breeding and release programme; collect meaningful data and information relating to rhino and wildlife conservation and animal behaviour, and engage with the local community about wildlife conservation.

    Volunteer Work

    This is a hands-on programme with a diverse range of activities, volunteers contribute directly to the conservancy’s conservation efforts and community work:

    • Rhino monitoring and observation

    • Elephant interaction and observation

    • Wildlife monitoring and research

    • Conservancy maintenance

    • Community projects involving local school children, women’s groups and local farmers

    Community engagement

    Successful wildlife conservation goes hand in hand with community education and engagement. Volunteers work with community leaders and schools to share their passion for conservation and the environment. 

    Volunteering is a unique opportunity to completely immerse yourself in a new country and culture, experiencing day-to-day life in Africa first hand – all while giving back to an important conservation cause. We guarantee your experiences on the programme will be life-changing!



    Typical day

    No two days on Imire are ever the same and there is always something unexpected around the corner! The following provides a complete overview of activities that you could be involved in, depending on the time of year, the weather and what projects are going on at the time.


    Observation and monitoring ...

    Typical day

    No two days on Imire are ever the same and there is always something unexpected around the corner! The following provides a complete overview of activities that you could be involved in, depending on the time of year, the weather and what projects are going on at the time.


    Observation and monitoring of black and white rhinos

    • Observe both black and white rhinos on guided bush walks and game drives.

    • Assist anti-poaching units and rangers to track and locate black and white rhinos using telemetry devices and simple tracking of spoor and other signs.

    • Learn how to identify these two amazing species, observing their behaviour, physical differences and habitat

    • Log and record data on territorial and feeding behaviour/signs of individual rhinos through GPS mapping of dung middens and vegetation surveys. This work gives insights into the movement patterns of the rhinos and impacts habitat management decisions in the conservancy.

    • Assist rangers with supplement feeding of black rhinos in designated ‘observation bomas’. All conservancy rhinos roam freely 24 hours a day, so the bomas are a controlled and calm environment in which volunteers assist rangers with monitoring the physical condition of each individual, as well as feeding them organic feed, to maintain an optimal nutritional intake throughout the year. 


    Observation and interaction with African elephants

    • The elephants are protected in secure bomas during the night, and walking freely through the conservancy alongside their handlers during the day.

    • You will assist the rangers in cleaning out and maintaining the boma area in the mornings. 

    • Observe the elephants on morning and evening bush walks or from the vehicle, getting close and personal with the world's largest land mammal.

    • Learn from their handlers, who have intimate knowledge of each individual's behaviour and history.

    • Provide supplement feed to the elephants under the guidance of the handlers.

    • Observe the behaviour of one of the female elephants who has established herself as the matriarch of a buffalo herd, a truly unique interspecies relationship.


    Conservancy Management

    • Help maintain boundary fences, roads and observation bomas around the conservancy.

    • Plant trees in the rewilding areas. Increasing the number of indigenous tree species provides new and essential habitats for birds, food for browsers and contributes to offsetting our carbon footprint.

    • Bush clearing and removal of invasive, non-indigenous plant species

    • Assist with the burning of fireguards around the perimeter (dry season only) - these guards create a buffer zone to prevent wildfires jumping into the conservancy.

    • Feed nutritional supplements to rhino, elephant and other plains game. The supplement feed does not replace the diet of any of the wildlife, it is a management tool to ensure optimal nutritional intake throughout the year, particularly during the dry season, where food availability is sparse.

    • Conduct game counts of different species on foot and in the vehicle - these counts contribute to our understanding of population densities on the conservancy.


    Community Projects

    • Join the Numwa Mother’s Support Group, a team of local women making an enormous difference in their community. Currently, they are working on a reusable sanitary pad project for girls in the local communities.

    • Visit one of the local primary or secondary schools, close to the boundary of the conservancy. Read and colour with kids of different ages, there may be some maintenance tasks involved depending on which school you visit.

    • Work with the Numwa Secondary School Conservation Club, helping them to maintain a vegetable garden that provides fresh food for the pupils. 

    • Village visit and cultural day - learn how to make peanut butter, fetch and carry water and learn to plough (seasonal). During this visit, you will also experience life in a rural Shona village and homestead to learn more about Shona culture and customs. Be guided through extensive Bushman paintings at Mhakwe caves, a national monument and sacred burial site of local chiefs. $10 per person goes directly to the village and is distributed by the community board for village projects, or to families with particular hardships.

    • Help at a local vegetable farm and learn from young visionary, Dominic, who is growing a sustainable and organic farming business. Assist with planting, harvesting and farm maintenance (seasonal).


    Anti-Poaching and Security
    • Meet Murwi and Shinga, the highly trained members of the K9 Unit. Observe them in action during one of the unit’s demonstrations and security talks, alongside members of the Anti-Poaching Unit (dependent on availability of K9 Unit). The dogs make up an essential part of the security teams, ensuring the protection and conservation of all living things on Imire. 

    • Basic weapons handling and safety with our Anti-Poaching Unit - using air rifles to simulate a target practice exercise and talk about the safety and use of firearms in a wildlife area.


    Free-time activities

    Weekend activities and excursions:
    In your free time you can go fishing and canoeing or just relax around the pool. Saturday afternoons and Sundays are leisure days where there are no organised activities, this leisure time offers a change of pace to the busy schedule during the week, and a chance to ...

    Free-time activities

    Weekend activities and excursions:
    In your free time you can go fishing and canoeing or just relax around the pool. Saturday afternoons and Sundays are leisure days where there are no organised activities, this leisure time offers a change of pace to the busy schedule during the week, and a chance to recharge before heading home or starting another volunteering week! 

    We highly recommend a weekend excursion to Victoria Falls (a one hour flight), which should be organised prior to your arrival. All external trips must be self-organised and should be planned in advance of your arrival where possible. Please enquire when booking for our accommodation and flight suggestions!


    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 17 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 17 years old on the program start date.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (basic level)

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Other Skills

    A moderate level of fitness and a passion for wildlife and conservation. Family groups with children aged 5 and over are welcome!

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 06:30 - 17:00

    What's Included

    What's Included

    Services by Imire Rhino Conservation

    Included in your programme fee:

    • Return transfers from Harare on a Monday (at set times)
    • Accommodation
    • 3 meals per day 
    • Drinks (tea, coffee, juice, water)

    • Laundry and housekeeping
    • 24 hour support from our on-site managers

    • Full orientation upon arrival

    What is not included:

    • Flights to Harare
    • Visa fees
    • Travel insurance (compulsory)
    • Any extra activities or excursions outside of the volunteer programme
    • Imire merchandise - we currently have t-shirts and flasks/mugs 

    • Soft drinks, alcoholic drinks (over 18s only) or snacks from our bar

    • Any extra travel e.g. to Harare or to Victoria Falls

    • $40 admin fee per booking

    Airport Pickup at Harare International Airport

    Arrival - There is one airport collection every Monday from Harare International Airport. This is included in the cost of your booking but your flight must land before 1pm to make the transfer. 


    Departure - There is one departure transfer, leaving Imire at 7am every Monday to Harare International Airport. You will arrive at the airport by 0930, so flights should depart after 1130 to allow you enough time to check-in.

    Accommodation

    The volunteer programme at Imire is unique for its personal nature, and you will be comfortably accommodated in groups of no more than 12 volunteers. Our accommodation is beautifully situated in the heart of the conservancy.

    Rooms are shared (same sex sharing) in comfortable single beds with all bedding provided (duvets, pillows and extra blankets in winter). Couples will always be accommodated together in a private room. Showers and toilet facilities are shared, and hot water is supplied for showers and washing. Power sockets for electrical items are available in communal areas.

    All bedrooms and communal areas will be cleaned every day and the housekeeping staff will also do your laundry when required. An outhouse laundry is available for washing smalls or should you wish to do an extra load of your own.

    Food & Beverages

    Three home cooked meals are provided daily on a self-serve basis. Vegetarian and vegan options are available upon request, but should you have any dietary requirements or food allergies, it is important you let us know before you arrive. For gluten, wheat or dairy intolerance we provide basic alternatives however more specialist products can be hard to source, so should you need them, you will be required to bring any of these foods along with you. The chefs will be able to prepare and cook them for you.

    Water is pumped from a borehole and is safe and clean for drinking. Water, tea, coffee and juice concentrate is available at all times of the day. There is a small bar at each site which offers a variety of soft drinks, alcoholic drinks and chocolate bars for volunteers to purchase.

    Internet Access

    Limited access at the project site

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Harare International Airport (HRE) in Harare. We assist you to find cheap flights to Zimbabwe. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Zimbabwe provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Zimbabwe you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Zimbabwe. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    The project runs every Monday throughout the year. Please arrive on a Monday before 1300 and depart on a Monday after midday.

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program fees

    1 week (min. stay) 1,047€
    2 weeks 2,095€
    3 weeks 3,142€
    4 weeks 4,190€
    5 weeks 5,237€
    6 weeks 6,284€
    7 weeks 7,332€
    8 weeks 8,379€
    9 weeks 9,427€
    10 weeks 10,474€
    12 weeks (max. stay) 12,569€
    Average fees 1,047€/week

    Program fees

    1,047€ per week 1 - 12 weeks Age 17 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    1 - 12 weeks

    Deposit

    The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.


    Final Payment

    Your final payment will be agreed with Imire Rhino Conservation during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


    Meet your organization

    Imire Rhino Conservation

    Brilliant 4.7 rating (33 reviews)

    Agency - founded in 2012

    Verified by Volunteer World

      Very high response rate

    Coordinated by

    Chanel

    Spoken languages: English

    About the project

    Hands-on rhino and elephant conservation at a private conservancy in Zimbabwe. Work alongside conservationists to help secure the future of these amazing animals.

    Meet your organization

    Project Background

    Imire was founded in the 1950s by Norman Travers, initially as a cattle, maize and tobacco farm. A passionate conservationist, Norman longed for the presence of game, which led to the establishment of Imire as a wildlife conservancy in 1972. Pioneering the integration of cattle farming and long-term sustainable wildlife management, within 10 years Imire had become a 10,000 acre conservancy, stocked with impala, waterbuck, kudu, eland and the rare sable antelope. 


    Imire remains family run to this day and has grown and expanded, as was Norman’s dream. The conservancy is dedicated to the conservation and welfare of wildlife, with a specific focus on the protection and breeding of endangered species such as Black and White Rhinos, as well as being a key rewilding site for Cheetahs and other animals.


    Our conservation ethos


    Imire’s mission is to conserve biodiversity and endangered species in Zimbabwe. We believe the key to sustainable conservation practices is through collaboration with local communities. We believe that rural communities and conservation programmes can thrive side by side, working together to ensure the protection of our natural heritage. Imire is a driving force for conservation education initiatives benefiting adults and children in the surrounding areas, as well as international visitors through our volunteer programme and wildlife courses. At Imire you are privileged to witness a workable solution where wildlife conservation, human communities, and agriculture can be integrated.


    Community


    Imire has been closely involved with the Wedza community since the conservancy was founded. We believe that sustainable conservation cannot exist without community support and believe that rhino and wildlife conservation efforts can be strengthened by empowering the local community through livelihood opportunities, in low impact and sustainable development focusing on wildlife and the environment.

    We support community projects and initiatives which provide either education, medical or financial empowerment opportunities. We are proud to have a positive and mutually beneficial relationship with our community and remain 100% committed to ensuring that the people in our district are as prosperous, successful and supported as possible.

    33 reviews · rating4.7

    marisela bozo rating5

    2024 at Rhino & Elephant Conservation

    Imire is a great place to go. The place is beautiful and very well run by the coordinator and staff. The reserve is absolutely incredible with many animals running free, and beautiful birds. The experience with the elephants and the rhinos was the best part. Being so close to them is an amazing ...
    Marìa Isabel Goirigolzarri rating4.8

    2024 at Rhino & Elephant Conservation

    Great! The food, the organization, the protection, the contact with elephants, rhinos, pumas, antelopes..., the learning of survival techniques, the cleanliness... everything was perfect... a dream come ...
    Thibaut Karalus rating4.4

    2024 at Rhino & Elephant Conservation

    I only stayed at Imire for 1 week but I wish I would have stayed longer. The experience was amazing, I learnt so much in one week. The volunteer house is beautiful and is located in a place that looks like a little paradise. The staff was very friendly and helpful. Big thanks to Bright, Liane ...
    Melanie Carlson rating5

    2023 at Rhino & Elephant Conservation

    Truly a "once in a lifetime" trip. The week flew by and yet felt like a month's worth of experiences. Maddie & Bright are absolutely amazing hosts/ guides. I can't believe the close experiences I had with animals here. I also really loved the community projects we worked on. Such an unforgettable ...
    Michael Bermudez rating5

    2023 at Rhino & Elephant Conservation

    A+++++++++++++++++!!! I did so much in my three weeks it went by super fast! Horseback riding, walking with elephants, tracking rhino and cheetah... It was all amazing! The accommodations were stunning and being able to do cultural things with the Shona people was wonderful. I feel like I really ...
    Vincent Brink rating5

    2023 at Rhino & Elephant Conservation

    This place is a true gem. Staying at a incredible lodge near a lake. The staff, projects, encounters & activities with animals make this place something to want to go back to the day you leave. Truly one of the greatest journeys I ...

    Location


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    Contact Chanel
      Very high response rate
    English

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