Endangered Black Rhino & Elephant Conservation

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Endangered Black Rhino & Elephant Conservation Volunteering in Zimbabwe

This Imire game reserve rhino and elephant conservation volunteer program takes a unique approach to the protection of endangered black and white rhinos and elephants, as well as the environment in which they live. Not to mention, in February 2021 a pair of male cheetahs born in Canada were bought over and rewilded in the Imire conservancy, so you’ll get involved in the tracking and monitoring of them too!

In addition to working with iconic wildlife, rhino conservation volunteers work closely on other projects alongside our local employees and community members. You will play a vital role in safeguarding the future of Zimbabwe’s endangered species and in supporting our rural communities.

Project Highlights

Assist with anti-poaching efforts to ensure the continued safety of the animals at the Imire conservancy
Learn about animal behavior as you monitor their activities, feeding, and socialization
Get a unique behind the scenes look at life on the Imire game reserve and learn what is involved in the wildlife management
Live in and explore the beautiful Zimbabwe bush on foot, horse-back, or by game viewer
Educate local school children about conservation, wildlife, and the environment

Quick Facts

Zimbabwe

Harare International Airport

Every Monday

2 - 12 weeks

Impact: Wildlife Conservation

$1,900 – $11,400

Project Destination

Only 90 minutes from Harare, Imire Rhino and Wildlife 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. At the Imire game reserve, you’ll encounter a diverse range of landscapes in 10,000 acres of conservancy that includes woodlands, savannah grassland, rocky outcrops, riverine forest, and thorny scrub. 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.

ACCOMODATION

You will be comfortably accommodated while volunteering at Imire. Your group size will be a maximum of 12 volunteers. Rooms are shared and the furnishings are comfortable single beds with bedding provided (duvets, pillows and extra blankets for winter!). Showers and toilet facilities are shared, and hot water is supplied.

MEALS

Three home cooked meals are provided daily on a self-serve basis. On the weekends, you can opt for something special from the Lodge restaurant*. Vegetarian and limited vegan options are available upon request. Should you have any dietary requirements or food allergies it is important that you let us know before you arrive.

COMMUNICATION

The cell-phone signal can be variable and intermittent, and the data network can be unreliable. You can buy a local SIM card and data bundles at the airport should you wish to connect to the internet during your stay.

CLIMATE

During the summer months, from October to March, daytime temperatures in the summer can reach 35°C and days can be long in the field so make sure you have a wide-brimmed hat, plenty of sunscreen, and a water bottle. Summer is also the rainy season, so it is a good idea to bring a waterproof jacket.

During winter, between May and September, evenings and nights can get very cold in our area of Zimbabwe so if you are coming during that period make sure you pack some warm clothes, a wooly hat, and long trousers as the mornings can also get very chilly.

Participant Requirements

AGE

Minimum Age: 16 (15 if traveling with a parent. Other adult companions require sign off.) (16 & 17 requires Parental Consent before arrival)

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

To travel to Africa, many people are required to obtain a visa either upon entry to the relevant country or beforehand. Please note different countries require different passport validity periods.

But don’t panic, our Journey Team will help direct you and answer your questions during our Pre-departure process.

Project Impact Areas

RHINO CONSERVATION

Learn from experienced handlers and monitor the rhinos’ behavior to identify patterns between individuals and establish their relationships with each other, as well as different handlers. You will also monitor rhino feeding patterns and determine if any supplements are needed to ensure a balanced diet. These observations are crucial in identifying the different rhino personalities, gauging their moods, and predicting behavior, and ultimately in Imire rhino conservation.

WORK WITH ELEPHANTS

Spend time with elephants on your riding patrols and learn about these iconic animals from their knowledgeable handlers, while understanding the threats they face and what is being done to protect them. You will learn how to identify individual elephant personalities and responses, relationships between each elephant, and their feeding patterns. You will also have the opportunity to walk with the elephants in the mornings or evenings, and in between repair elephant damage to the conservancy.

ANTI POACHING EFFORTS

Volunteers patrol different areas of the game park on horse-back, collecting snares and traps, and looking for evidence of poaching. This minimizes small animal poaching and helps the dedicated Anti-Poaching Unit in their daily work to ensure the large animals are protected.
You will ride alongside herds of wildlife as you venture off the beaten track to carry out monitoring. Horse patrols offer increased protection in different areas of the park and enable coverage of less accessible areas.

Impact title

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On-the-ground Project Support

FLIGHTS & ARRIVAL

A friendly face from our Base Team will be ready to meet you at the airport and drive you to our Volunteer Accommodation. Just look out for the African Impact sign!

SAFETY

On arrival you’ll have a comprehensive induction to prepare you for project work, the local culture, people and wildlife; and of course, how to stay safe!

STAFF

24/7 support: Our base teams are on hand every day to make sure you have the most amazing and memorable time in Africa.

Program Experience

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Recent Volunteer Reviews

“I absolutely loved this program!! I met so many amazing and personable people during my stay. I also loved working with the elephants!! There is no way to put in words how amazing my experience was because it just wouldn’t do it justice. I’m already planning on going back to Africa because of how wonderful an experience it was!”

“It was a wonderful and so worthful experience in Zimbabwe. Working with rhinos and elephants was fantastic and there are a lot of other animals to work with. I have had a great time! The Zimbabwean people are very nice, and I have known nice people from all over the world. If you like animals, if you like nature, if you are a person for special moments in life join this project! I was sad when I was leaving but I know I will come back.”

Gallery

Young girls are playing sports game together in a large open field.

A captivating view of Livingstone, showcasing its natural beauty and African Impact's volunteer experiences.

Recommended activities in Zimbabwe

MUTEMWA MOUNTAIN

If you enjoy hiking then look no further than the majestic Mutemwa Mountain, beckoning passionate hikers with its breathtaking vistas and rich cultural significance. Mutemwa Mountain is considered a sacred place by the local people and is a popular destination for pilgrims and tourists alike. The mountain is home to several shrines and caves that are said to have spiritual significance. If you’re an adventurer at heart, we can happily arrange a trip for you on the weekends.

VICTORIA FALLS

The mighty Zambezi River beckons with exhilarating activities: cruise its vast expanse, battle the rapids on a white-water rafting expedition, or explore hidden waterways on a tranquil canoe trip. Feeling truly adventurous? Take the plunge with a heart-stopping bungee jump or soar through the gorge on a thrilling swing – all within easy reach of the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls.

MAKWE CAVES TRIP

Explore a national monument that is a treasure trove of ancient history. Marvel at the intricate rock art paintings, whispering stories of life from over 2000 years ago. Thanks to Imire’s special relationship with the local chief, you’ll be among the privileged few granted access to this sacred site. Know that your rhino and elephant volunteer program doesn’t just enrich your personal journey; it also directly benefits the surrounding community, ensuring the preservation of this cultural heritage for generations to come.

Project Dates & Rates

When would you like to volunteer?

Give us an idea of your travel plans, you can also say ‘I’m not sure yet.’ We’ll take it from there.

How long would you like to volunteer?

This is the place to select your preferred duration(s). The African Impact team recommend at least 4 weeks for a truly memorable experience!

2 weeks $1900

3 weeks $2850

4 weeks $3800

5 weeks $4750

6 weeks $5700

7 weeks $6650

8 weeks $7600

9 weeks $8550

10 weeks $9500

11 weeks $10450

12 weeks $11400

Personal Information

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Project Fee Includes:

Accommodation
All meals
Airport transfers
All project related transport during your stay
All activities and entrance fees as per the workshop itinerary

Project Fee Excludes:

Flights
Travel insurance
Visa-related costs
Weekend trips or tours
Snacks, soft drinks, gifts, and souvenirs
Mandatory contribution of US$25 that is donated to the African Impact Sustainability Fund

Elephant & Rhino Conservation Volunteer 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 A ELEPHANT AND RHINO CONSERVATION VOLUNTEER IN ZIMBABWE?

After an early coffee and rusk, you may head out into the Imire conservancy to locate one of the focus species (either black or white rhino, elephants, or cheetah). You’ll spend time observing amazing animals and learning how to track them from our experienced rangers. Your afternoon activity could be fixing fences, cheetah observations, a snare patrol, or a building project in the conservancy. Depending on what you feel like after a day of volunteer work, you could have a sunset climb up Castle Kopje or walk with the elephants as they return to their overnight boma in the evenings.

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