From $1478
HORSE RIDING, ELEPHANT & RHINO CONSERVATION IN ZIMBABWE
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Impact:
Wildlife Conservation
Destination:
Imire, Zimbabwe
Duration:
1 Week+
Fee: From $1,478
This cost covers your accommodation, meals, project fees, transfers, 24/7 support and in-country orientation.
Protect Endangered Wildlife Species in Zimbabwe
Passionate about horses and the conservation of Africa’s most iconic endangered species? This is the wildlife conservation volunteer project for you!
This project is designed for experienced riders who are looking for a uniquely African horse riding experience. You will ride for five days a week, Monday to Friday, for approximately 3 hours each day. This may be one long ride or two shorter ones, depending on the weather and what work needs to be done on the conservancy.
As a wildlife conservation volunteer, you will contribute to the running of the Imire Conservancy from horseback and get involved in first-hand care of endangered rhinos and elephants on a daily basis. While researching animal behavior and being an integral part of anti-poaching initiatives, you will also learn about conservancy management and provide conservation education in local communities.
Project Highlights
HORSEBACK RIDING
Explore the Zimbabwean bush on horseback.
WILDLIFE MONITORING
Assist anti-poaching units in locating and observing animals on horseback.
RHINO CONSERVATION
Observe and record rhino behaviour.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Help out on community projects and in local schools.
RESERVE MANAGEMENT
Get a unique, behind-the-scenes look into wildlife management.
Project Impact Areas
Here’s how you will create significant impact on this Horse Riding, Elephant & Rhino Conservation Volunteering Project in Zimbabwe:
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.
Life At Base
Accommodation & Meals
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.
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.
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.
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 FAQs
How much horse riding can I expect to do at this project?
You will horse ride five times a week for usually around 3 hours. During those rides you will go off the beaten track to locate missing animals, perform game counts, monitor new mothers, patrol the boundary fence or check for snares. Remote snare sweeps minimize small animal poaching and help the dedicated Anti-Poaching Unit in their daily work to ensure that the large animals are protected.
This project looks like a combination of Horse Riding & Rhino Conservation?
Whilst this project does involve horse riding, there is a rhino and elephant conservation component included. However, as a horse riding volunteer, you will have less time to spend on the rhino and elephant conservation component of the project. We can however offer you a combination of both projects – see below.
The rates stipulated for this project are as follows;
1 week = 1 week horse riding
2 weeks = 2 weeks horse riding (A 1 week horse riding / 1 week rhino conservation combination is possible. Please enquire for a discounted rate).
3 weeks = 2 weeks horse riding / 1 week rhino conservation (A 1 week horse riding / 2 weeks rhino conservation combination is possible. Please enquire for a discounted rate).
4 weeks = 2 weeks horse riding / 2 weeks rhino conservation (A 1 week horse riding / 3 weeks rhino conservation combination is possible. Please enquire for a discounted rate).
What riding experience do I need?
Our horse riding conservation volunteer programme is for experienced riders only and there are no riding lessons. You should be able to saddle your own horse, undertake a rising trot and canter, and be confident in riding over uneven terrain. There is a weight limit of 80kg for all equine volunteers.
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.
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.
Your Enquiry Starts Here
Suitable For
This project is suitable for solo travellers as well as couples and family groups.
Minimum Age
The minimum age requirement for participation is 18 years of age if travelling alone, or 14 if travelling with a parent or guardian who is also riding.
| Duration | Program Fee |
|---|---|
| 1 week | $1,478 ($1,478 per week) |
| 2 weeks | $2,956 ($1,478 per week) |
| 3 weeks | $4,038 ($1,346 per week) |
| 4 weeks | $5,119 ($1,280 per week) |
| 1 week | £1,182 (£1,182 per week) |
| 2 weeks | £2,365 (£1,183 per week) |
| 3 weeks | £3,230 (£1,077 per week) |
| 4 weeks | £4,095 (£1,024 per week) |
| 1 week | €1,360 (€1,360 per week) |
| 2 weeks | €2,720 (€1,360 per week) |
| 3 weeks | €3,715 (€1,239 per week) |
| 4 weeks | €4,710 (€1,178 per week) |
| 1 week | $2,188 ($2,188 per week) |
| 2 weeks | $4,375 ($2,188 per week) |
| 3 weeks | $5,976 ($1,992 per week) |
| 4 weeks | $7,576 ($1,894 per week) |
INCLUSIONS
- 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
EXCLUSIONS
Price excludes flights, visas, insurance, weekend tours and personal expenses.
You will be required to bring your own riding helmet.
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
The minimum age for participation on this project is 18 years of age if travelling alone, or 15 if travelling with a parent or guardian.
You will be required to bring your own riding helmet.
This project is not suitable for those with severe peanut allergies.
RIDING ABILITY
Participants should have experience of riding for long periods (2+ hours) and will be required to submit an application form to gauge riding skill and ability.
DO YOU NEED SUPPORT?
Our experienced African Impact team is here to support you.
What Is Volunteering?
Volunteering in Africa means travelling with purpose—joining meaningful community or conservation projects, where you pay to cover your stay and project costs, turning your trip into an immersive, impactful experience rather than a traditional holiday.
After completing this enquiry form, one of our Destination Specialists will get in touch to discuss your volunteer experience and any questions you may have.
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