Laura’s Zimbabwe Experience

“Firstly, thank you for all your pre-travel help, I couldn’t have done it without you and the team at Kaya – I couldn’t have done it without your flexibility when altering my plans and postponing my trip in particular.

I had a truly fantastic experience and would highly recommend it to other volunteers. The team there were extremely welcoming and I felt very much part of the family from day one.

Whilst at Victoria Falls I unfortunately became unexpectedly unwell, requiring a night in a local private emergency clinic. I cannot praise the team on the ground and their contacts in Victoria Falls enough for the amazing care I received when this happened. On my return to the project, the team continue to monitor my health and help where needed which was truly appreciated.

Overall my experience at the project was amazing and I miss it everyday that I am home. I definitely felt the expected adjustment period for a few days when I arrived – how and when things are done etc but this was to be expected.

Days are long with lots of manual labour but all volunteers get the chance to experience and learn how to work with injured and hospitalised animals alongside day to day care of any long term residents of the orphanage. The team at the project encourage time away from them (at Victoria Falls and national parks etc) just as much as making the most of time with them which was nice – having travelled a long distance to be there it was great to be able to explore a little. If I could do it all over again I would definitely opt for at least 1-2 more weeks as 3 weeks went very quickly! I met people that I know will be friends for life which is more than I ever could have wished for and I know my experience will have a long lasting impact on what I choose to do with my life from here on out.”