This project is based on a 2500 hectare private game reserve in the far west of Zimbabwe.
Volunteers on the project are provided with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in conservation management activities, wildlife research, and community development projects. Four out of five days here are dedicated to conservation activities on the reserve, and one half day per week is dedicated to community development projects at the local school.
Of course there will also be the chance to explore Victoria Falls – a quick ten-minute drive away. Here you'll be able to partake in all manner of activities, including white water rafting, bungee jumping and even helicopter rides!
This is a jam-packed volunteer project so you will always have something to do if you become the next Zimbabwe volunteer!
Itinerary
Day 1
You will arrive at Victoria Falls International Airport and transfer to the project site. You'll spend the remainder of the day settling in and meeting your fellow volunteers.
Day 2
Today is the first day of your project and it will begin with an orientation talk from the project coordinator. After breakfast, you will head out on an orientation game drive to become familiar with the reserve and some of the animals on it. This afternoon will be filled with a more in-depth game drive where you will learn all about the aims and goals of the project.
Day 3
This morning is often a favourite of volunteers as they get the chance to head to the world-famous Victoria Falls. This guided tour really is a once in a lifetime experience so remember to pack your camera and poncho! After you return to camp for lunch you'll soon head out and take part in a conservation activity.
Day 4
Wednesday morning is the time which volunteers spend at the local Masuwe Primary School. Here you will be assisting with whichever tasks need completing and examples of previous volunteer work include building a new playground and painting the classrooms before term time starts! The afternoon consists of another conservation activity so be prepared to get stuck in.
Day 5
Thursday mornings begin with another conservation activity but the highlight of the day comes in the evening!
You will spend the night camping out in the bush and will have the chance to admire the beautiful African night sky whilst taking in the sights and sounds of Zimbabwe.
Day 6
Friday may be the day that the working week begins to wind down at home, but this is certainly not the case at the project! After enjoying another delicious breakfast, you will head out to take on your first conservation activity of the day.
Then, after returning for a hearty lunch (which we recommend filling up on as you will need it!) you will head out to take on the Lantana. This is an alien plant species which has taken over areas of the reserve and it needs to be removed.
Day 7/8
Weekends are free for you to do with as you wish, so you could spend your time white water rafting on the falls, shopping in town or simply relaxing at the volunteer accommodation. The choice is entirely yours!
Day 9-13
From Monday through to Friday you will be taking part in the exciting project activities again (apart from the guided tour of the falls) so be prepared to work hard again.
Day 14
It's time to head home so you will begin your journey back to the airport today!
Activities
A Visit To Victoria Falls
The name gives this activity away as you will take a trip to the world largest waterfall with your volunteer group!
Tree Protection
Elephants can do a lot of damage to the trees in the area, so you will help to protect them and map them out.
Alien Plant Removal
Alien plant species can wreak havoc with the indigenous plant life, so you will help to uproot the invasive plants to give the indigenous plant species room to grow.
Identification of Elephants and Rhinos
This is a crucial part of this volunteer project and you will spend a lot of time in close proximity to the animals, gaining a better understating of their numbers and range.
A Visit to the Local School
You will pay a visit to the local school to help them build a future for their students. You could be helping build a new classroom or simply painting some walls outside. You won’t know what help is needed until you arrive!
A Camp Out in the Bush
Often a volunteers favourite activity, you will have the once in a lifetime chance to sleep out beneath the beautiful African night sky, listening out for the sounds of the nature surrounding you.
