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Bulawayo Wildlife Rescue Sanctuary

Location Zimbabwe
Start Date Project starts every Monday
Duration
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The Project

Get up-close and personal with a host of animals in one of Zimbabwe’s oldest wildlife sanctuaries. Established in 1973, the centre was established to offer a home and help for orphaned, abandoned and sick wild animals, as well as relocating animals that are reported to be causing a nuisance and in danger of getting shot by farmers or communities. From lions and leopards to monkeys, antelope and birds, wherever possible the animals are rehabilitated and returned to the wild. When safe release into their natural habitat is not possible, then the animals are cared for and used for educational purposes, zoological study or in the case of endangered species, introduced to breeding programmes.
Why the project needs you

With a constant flow of animals through the centre, there is always a lot of work to be done to keep the enclosures clean, the animals fed, the injured animals cared for and the education programmes carried out. The centre has resident lions, leopards, monkeys, antelope and many other animals and is also set out to receive educational groups from the local area. In an area where fear of wildlife leads to many animals being killed and lack of environmental understanding means habitat destruction, the education of the community is a vital aspect of securing a future for wildlife in Zimbabwe.

Project location

The project is located 20 minutes outside the city of Bulawayo - the second largest city in Zimbabwe. Set in a private game area in a rural suburb , volunteers live and eat alongside the family at the camp. Volunteers have comfortable on-site huts and their own lounge area with TV, DVD and games and a swimming pool to cool down in on hot summer days. It is a relaxed atmosphere after a hard day’s work and volunteers feel very much part of the family during their stay. Weekly trips into the city or out visiting local sights, such as the Matapos National Park nearby.
Project Facts

• Duration: 2-26 weeks (ideally 4 week minimum recommended)
• Cost: £899 ($1573) for 2 weeks, £285 ($499) per additional week
• Requirements: age 18+
• Location: Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
• Project activities: feeding animals, hand-rearing young, cleaning enclosures, teaching conservation classes, game release and monitoring
• Working hours: 7.00-17.00, Tuesday - Sunday (night shifts may be required for some sick animals)
• Project Availability: Projects start every Monday of each month and run year-round.
What is included

• Accommodation: Shared room in a Volunteer Hut on-site
• Food: 3 meals a day
• Airport pick up and drop off
• Training: Pre-departure information pack and onsite orientation provided
• Support: 24 hour support
• Excursion Planning: Staff help organise additional activities. (Activity price may be extra) Trips include; Matapos National Park and Bulawayo Natural History Museum
What is not included

• Flights
• Insurance
• Visas

Your life outside the project

You will be based approximately 20 minutes outside of Bulawayo town and will be spending your time living on site in a private game reserve in one of the rural suburbs of Bulawayo. Should you wish, you can travel into Bulawayo in your spare time. The city is Zimbabwe’s second largest and is located in the south-west of the country.

The city has beautiful tree lined streets, lovely parks and many Victorian buildings which have now been listed as heritage sites. There are many museums in town including the Natural History Museum, the Railway Museum, the Bulawayo Art Gallery and the fantastic Mzilikmzi Arts and Crafts Centre. The Arts and Crafts Centre is just out of town on the Old Falls road and is definitely worth a visit. You can buy so many local goods here including sculptures, basketry, pottery, beadwork and woodwork all made by local people.

As well as the Wildlife Orphanage which you will be volunteering at, a renowned site to visit are the Kame Ruins, one of Southern Africa’s magnificent late- Iron Age ruins which is now classed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The land adjoining the ruins has been made into a Nature Reserve call the Mazwi Nature Reserve where you can walk, drive and picnic!

Another area really worth a visit is the Matopas National Park, which is less than an hour away from the city. There are many granite outcrops en route to the park, creating dramatic scenery that is quite extraordinary!
Ideas for Independent Travel

Bungee jump at Victoria Falls

With Victoria Falls as a backdrop, this is arguably the best bungee jump in the world, with a 111 metre plummet towards the Zambezi River. The Victoria Falls Bungee jump has a 100% safety record - and is available 365 days per year. Challenge the limits of the mind and test the edge of fear by leaping off the impressive bridge, with the Falls behind and the mighty Zambezi below.

Zambezi White Water Rafting

Acclaimed as the wildest one-day whitewater run in the World, the Zambezi River is also recognized by rafting and kayaking enthusiasts as one of the top ten paddling rivers on the planet!

Fresh Water Fishing

Zimbabwe offers excellent freshwater fishing, the best locations being Lake Kariba (famous for its tigerfish), the Zambezi River above the Victoria Falls (known for its giant catfish), the streams of the Eastern Highlands and the many lakes.

Project Quality

Kaya evaluates every project we offer to ensure that we only commit to programmes with genuine need for volunteer aid, not just financial assistance. We develop relationships with the projects, and help shape initiatives to ensure that in the long run that we do not encourage dependence on outside help. Rather, we establish foundations on which the people can build and develop themselves. We also ensure that the members of those communities are open and eager to learn and discover our culture, as we become a part of theirs. The quality and sustainability of our programmes are very important to us. We want you to have the most fulfilling and memorable time as possible, and be part of something that is going to last into future generations.

Accommodation & Meals

Volunteers stay in volunteer huts on-site, with 2-4 people per room. Three meals a day are provided by the owners who live on site, as you join the family to hear their amazing stories, all included in the placement fees. There will be a cleaner to ensure the rooms are clean and tidy, though volunteers will be expected to assist with some chores. For more information about the amenities at the house see accommodation summary or please contact one of our advisors.

In-Country Coordinators

Each country coordinator is there to make sure your time in your programme runs smoothly. They will pick you up from the airport and take you on your orientation. All in-country coordinators are English speaking and are there to ensure you have all the information and resources for the best placement.

24/7 Emergency Support

As well as support from your in-country coordinators, you'll be given access to a 24/7 emergency phone line managed by Kaya staff, in case any problem should arise while you're overseas.

Kaya Help-desk

Each member of Kaya staff have worked, travelled, studied or volunteered abroad, and many staff have visited and volunteered in our projects knowing firsthand the country and nature of the programme placements. Their knowledge of international travel and volunteering is invaluable, and they can give you good advice and tips to make the most of your international placement.

Briefing Pack & Materials

Once you have booked a programme, an information pack will be sent out detailing everything you need to know - from specific project details and vaccinations required to the visa application process.

Airport Pickup

When you arrive at your destination a member of Kaya staff will meet you with a warm welcome at the airport and take you to your accommodation to get you set up for your stay.

Cultural Excursions

Kaya staff are at hand to help organise weekend excursions and activities, which can include visiting cultural places of significance and visiting various projects around the area. This way you can learn firsthand about each project and take part in local cultural and adventure activities.

Arrival Orientation

Shortly after you arrive you will be given your orientation by one of our in-country coordinators. They will show you your placement, local transport, take you into the local town, and show you things you can do in your spare time. Information regarding safety and security will be given along with some much-needed lingo when moving and travelling around the area.

Local Community Benefits

Not only is your participation on your project of great help to the local communities, but so is the boost to the local economy that volunteers create while they are visiting.