Home > Volunteer in Africa > Volunteer in Zimbabwe > Victoria-Falls-Lion-Rehabilitation-Project

Victoria Falls Lion Rehabilitation Project

Location Zimbabwe
Start Date 1st and 3rd Monday of every month
Duration
Book now for

The Project

See the real Africa by volunteering in Zimbabwe on our lion rehabilitation project in Victoria Falls. You will have the chance to walk alongside lions, work on the worlds leading program for the release of lions back into the wild and engage with conservation - a growing subject of interest both in terms of the preservation of and education to local children. You will also be able to undertake research into lion behaviour and ecology. During your time in the park, you will have the opportunity to go in search of Africa's big game, including elephants, buffalo, antelope and cheetah! Your time will be spent wisely, with a huge program of activities scheduled for your time in the bush. With our Lion Rehabilitation Project, you are guaranteed an active and exhilarating journey.
Why the project needs you

Over 200,000 lions roamed the African continent as recently as 1975. In 2002 two surveys provided evidence of a dramatic decline estimating that only 23,000 to 39,000 remain, with the lowest estimate being just 16,500. This represents an 80 to 90% population decline in less than 30 years. It is widely accepted that the population has continued to decline in the subsequent years, and those that remain have weak, in-bred genetics which are not healthy to the species’ future. The end objective of the Victoria Falls lion project, along with our Antelope Park program, is the rehabilitation of captive-bred lions into a wild environment so that their cubs, raised by the pride, can learn the skills necessary to ensure their successful reintroduction into the wild. Volunteer support is essential in supporting this ground-breaking research objective.

Project Location

The project is located on the outskirts of Victoria Falls town; a stone’s throw away from the magnificent thundering waters of the Falls themselves. Masuwe is a private Big 5 game reserve where the project is based, and volunteers stay at a volunteer house, in the town of Victoria Falls (10 minutes drive away from Masuwe). The accommodation is simple and rustic but comfortable, sociable and completely suited to your needs. It is a 20 minute walk to town, has satellite television, a swimming pool and barbecue area and lovely green lawns! At night you can camp out at a watering hole to spot nocturnal animals, or visit the nightlife in the tourist centre of Victoria Falls town. In your spare time, Victoria Falls has a host of adventure activities from helicopter rides to bungee, or simply take a walk to see the magnificent falls. Volunteers live alongside community volunteers in a close-knit group.
Project Facts

• Duration: 2 - 4 weeks
• Cost: £1295 ($2266) for 2 weeks, £395 ($691) per additional extra week
• Requirements: Age 17+, maximum decided on potential participants’ health
• Location: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
• Project activities: Lion Walks, Research, work in the national park, teaching conservation classes.
• Working hours: 6.15-17.00, Monday - Friday
• Project availability: Projects start 1st and 3rd Monday of each month and run year-round.
What is included

• Accommodation: Shared room in a volunteer house.
• Food: 3 meals per day
• Airport pick up and drop off
• Weekly laundry service
• Training: Pre-departure information pack, on-site orientation and project induction provided.
• Daily transfers to and from your project.
• Support: On-site coordinator providing 24 hour support
• Activities: Staff help organise weekend activities. (Activity price may be extra) Trips include; Adrenaline sports at Victoria Falls, visits to game reserves and trips to nearby Botswana.
What is not included

• Flights
• Insurance
• Visas

Role of the volunteer

As a volunteer you will take part in lion walks and you will enjoy the exhilaration of being part of a hunt as the young cubs learn to stalk their prey. There are 4 young lions based at the project and volunteers become very involved with these. The involvement of volunteers on the project is paramount to achieving our aims on all fronts. You can expect days to be long, with a variety of work. Your primary task whilst on your placement will be to assist management and their team of guides, handlers and scouts in all aspects of care for the animals in their charge; giving them the opportunities to develop their natural instincts in preparation for their release into the next stage of the program. Research is a significant part of your role; collecting data not only on the development of the lions, but also joining our research team in the Zambezi & Victoria Falls National Parks.You will also help us with our various community programs that may include conservation or health education as well as a number of other projects that you will told about on arrival.
Skills Required

There are no specific skills required for this program. You will need to be of good health and have a decent level of fitness. Aside from that enthusiasm and willingness to do what is required during daily tasks is the attitude required for the project.

Volunteer Testimonial

"One of the best experiences of my life!" - Thomas De Bernede, France

"Having been to Africa many times, I didn't have the culture shock that it brings to so many, but it further cemented my appreciation for the world around me and the reality that exists in so many places. I absolutely loved it and will go back as often as possible." - Candice Raybourn, UK

Your life outside the project

At weekends, staff can help you plan activities during the month. These activities may include excursions to nearby towns for cultural events and/or festivals, but most commonly visitors like to plan adventure activities and trips into the national parks.

You will need to ensure you bring enough cash to pay for these activities, so to give you an idea of what you might get involved with, here are a few activities with approximate prices;
•Boma restaurant (almost all volunteers choose to
do this – and love it!) US$35.00-
•Sunset cruise (another popular trip) US$45.00
•Half day White water rafting - US$105
•Gorge swing US$70
•Helicopter Ride for 15 minutes - US$115
•Entry to Victoria Falls National Park - US$20
•Elephant ride - US$30
•Elephant swim - US$25
•Horse Ride - US$25
•Lunar horse game viewing – available 6 days over full moon period - US$30
•Boat cruise - US$20
•Night encounter - US$100
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) and 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 in the long run that we do not encourage dependence on outside help, but rather 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 a volunteer house, where, in most cases, they share their room with other volunteers. Shared rooms are usually single-sex. For most placements two to three meals a day are provided, all included in the placement fees. In most houses there will be a cook to prepare your food for you and a cleaner to ensure the house is clean and tidy, though in some of our locations volunteers will be expected to assist with these 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.

Funding for Individual Projects

If on your placement you wish to start up your own sub-project, a reasonable amount of funding will be provided. An example is: one volunteer arranged a basketball tournament for the street children where funding was provided for team shirts and trophies. This is a good chance to make your own lasting mark on a project and the people of your chosen country.

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.