This wildlife conservation volunteer program takes a unique approach to the protection of endangered black and white rhinos, elephants, and the environment in which they live. Imire is a family-run conservancy in the heart of Zimbabwe, offering volunteers a multitude of ways to partake in the conservation of endangered species. In addition to working with iconic wildlife, conservation volunteers will work closely on other projects alongside our local employees, anti-poaching units and community members. You will play a vital role in safeguarding the future of Zimbabwe’s endangered species and in supporting rural communities.
ENDANGERED BLACK RHINO & ELEPHANT CONSERVATION VOLUNTEERING IN ZIMBABWE
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Impact:
Wildlife Conservation
Destination:
Imire, Zimbabwe
Duration:
2 Weeks+
Rates: From $1,050 per week
Project Highlights
Here are some top highlights from this project.
WILDLIFE MONITORING
Help anti-poaching units locate and observe animals.
SUSTAINABLE WILDLIFE PROTECTION
Enjoy weekly K9 demonstrations with the anti-poaching team.
ENDANGERED SPECIES
Work with critically endangered species such as black rhinos, as well as elephants.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Help out on community projects and in local schools.
CONSERVANCY MANAGEMENT
Get a unique, behind the scenes look into what's involved in wildlife management.
Project Destination
Only 90 minutes from Harare, Imire Conservancy is dedicated to the conservation and welfare of wildlife, with a specific focus on the protection and breeding of the critically endangered black and white rhinoceros. Living on this privately owned conservancy means you’ll be up close and personal with the wildlife! Imagine waking up to the sounds of the African bush, or sharing your breakfast with a curious giraffe – at Imire, these extraordinary experiences become your daily reality.
Project Impact Areas
Here’s how you will create significant impact through the Endangered Black Rhino & Elephant Conservation Volunteering Project in Zimbabwe.
Important Logistics and Ground Support
Everything you need to know about this project in one place!
Flights & Arrivals
Volunteers should arrange their arrival at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (HRE) in Harare on Mondays. For those starting their project on arrival day, flights must land no later than 1 pm to catch the complimentary shuttle transfer included in your project fee. We advise against Sunday evening arrivals, as you’ll need to book separate accommodation and return to the airport by 1 pm Monday. While private transfers are available, they come at an additional cost. Please plan your travel accordingly to ensure a smooth start to your volunteer experience.
Location
Imire, situated in Zimbabwe’s eastern Wedza district, lies about 120 km from Harare, the nation’s capital. This family-operated conservancy serves as an ideal base for volunteer experiences in Zimbabwe. Spanning 10,000 acres, Imire showcases a diverse landscape of woodlands, savannah grasslands, rocky outcrops, and riverine forests. The protected area’s stunning beauty is matched only by its ecological variety, offering volunteers a rich and immersive environment for wildlife conservation work.
Accommodation
Imire offers 2 accommodation sites – at either Chiwawe Tented Camp or Numwa House where you will be comfortably accommodated with a maximum of 12 volunteers per site. Rooms are shared with same sex volunteers, of similar ages where possible. Each site has bathrooms with toilets and showers, and all bedding is provided.
Chiwawe offers fixed tent accommodation in the heart of the conservancy, whilst Numwa House is a farmhouse-style building with a swimming pool.
Meals
We provide three self-serve, home-cooked meals daily. Vegetarian and vegan options are available, and we can accommodate dietary allergies if informed in advance. However, we may not be able to cater to highly specific requirements (such as gluten, dairy, or wheat intolerances). If you have these needs, please bring your own specialist foods. Our chefs will be happy to prepare these alongside standard meals for other volunteers. It’s crucial to notify us of any food allergies or dietary restrictions before your arrival. This project is not suitable for those with severe peanut allergies.
Communication
Both accommodation sites offer pay-as-you-go WiFi access. Cellphone and 3G coverage is sporadic within the conservancy, so we suggest buying an Econet SIM card upon arriving in Zimbabwe. Keep in mind that power outages are common in Africa, particularly during rainy seasons. As a contingency, we’re equipped with solar-powered lighting and a generator that operates briefly in the mornings and evenings. Plan to charge your devices during these periods to ensure full battery life.
Climate
Zimbabwe, a landlocked nation in south-central Africa, is nestled between the Limpopo and Zambezi rivers. Despite its location north of the Tropic of Capricorn, Zimbabwe’s high average elevation grants it a subtropical climate. The country experiences two distinct seasons: a lengthy summer (October to April) characterized by hot, sunny days, followed by a pleasant winter with warm, dry conditions. This unique geography and climate pattern shape Zimbabwe’s diverse ecosystems and landscapes.
Staff
At the helm of our conservation and community efforts stands the heart of the Imire family, Judy Travers. Her unwavering dedication and compassionate leadership form the foundation of our conservation and community initiatives. Judy’s tireless efforts extend to every corner of our work, championing the welfare of both wildlife and local communities with equal fervor. She embodies the essence of an exemplary leader, role model, and nurturing figure. Her boundless energy and unwavering commitment to the greater good serve as a beacon of hope and a source of motivation for our entire team. Her influence reaches far beyond the boundaries of Imire, inspiring positive change and fostering a deep connection between humans and nature.
Safety
At our volunteer projects in Zimbabwe, our goal is always to maintain a high level of quality in the area of safety and support. Our two decades of success running volunteering projects in Africa has relied on ensuring the safety of our volunteers, staff and local communities. From the moment you arrive to the end of your adventure, we take the utmost care in ensuring your comfort and safety as you carry out volunteer work in Zimbabwe. If you want to know more about our health and safety measures, you can review our protocols or contact us with specific questions.
Project Gallery
Our favourite weekend activities in Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe is a Southern African country known for its abundance of diverse wildlife and varied landscape – ranging from vast grassy savannas to tropical forests.
How to Apply
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Project Enquiry
After completing the below project enquiry form, one of our Destination Specialists will get in touch to discuss your volunteer experience and any questions you may have. When you are ready to book, we can send you a booking form or you can book directly from this page too.
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Project Booking
Please complete the details below in order for us to provisionally hold a space on your preferred project. A deposit will be required to secure your position. By submitting these details you agree to our Terms and Conditions.
PRICE
From $1,050 per week
Start day: Every Monday.
PROJECT FEE INCLUDES
- Cottage or fixed tent style accommodation with swimming pools
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner (Mon - Sun)
- Airport transfers on arrival and departure
- All project transport, equipment and resources
- Support from experienced local and international staff
- Full orientation for responsible project contribution
PROJECT FEE EXCLUDES
Price excludes flights, visas, insurance, weekend tours and personal expenses.
PARTICIPANT REQUIREMENTS
Our minimum age for this volunteer project is 16 years of age. Parental consent is required before arrival for those aged 16 and 17. We can also accept 15 years of age if travelling with a parent, but other adult companions it will need to be discussed ahead of time.
This project is not suitable for those with severe peanut allergies.
DO YOU NEED SUPPORT?
Our experienced African Impact team is here to support you.
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Project FAQs
What are the benefits of becoming a Black Rhino Conservation Volunteer?
Rhino conservation volunteers and their contributions of time, energy and passion are critical to the survival of small conservancies like Imire game reserve, who receive no government investment or support and rely on the support of private individuals and organizations to continue to do their vital black rhino conservation work day-to-day.
What does a typical day look like for an Elephant and Rhino Conservation Volunteer in Zimbabwe?
After an early coffee and rusk, you may head out into the conservancy to locate one of the focus species (either black or white rhino or elephants). You’ll spend time observing amazing animals and learning how to track them from our experienced rangers. Your afternoon activity could be fixing fences, a snare patrol, or a building project in the conservancy. Then you could have a sunset climb up Castle Kopje, or walk with the elephants as they return to their overnight boma.
Do I need experience to volunteer with wildlife?
No prior experience is required! What truly matters is your enthusiasm for African wildlife and a willingness to learn. So, if you’re eager to immerse yourself in the world of wildlife conservation, don’t let a lack of experience hold you back!
Do I need a research or conservation background to participate in this project?
Absolutely not! The Imire team consisting of conservationists and field guides will teach you everything you need to know about the area, its wildlife and associated conservation challenges.
