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- Lion, Elephant & Wildlife Conservation Volunteering in Zimbabwe
What is the Lion, Elephant and Wildlife Conservation in Zimbabwe all about?
Volunteer on our Lion, Elephant and Wildlife Conservation project in Zimbabwe, and work with some of Africa’s most iconic animals. This project, located at a private game park, is focused on ensuring that the resident animals, including lions and orphaned elephants, are protected, cared for and thriving. Initially focused on lion rehabilitation, the project has since evolved into a multi-discipline conservation effort.
Join a local team dedicated to wildlife conservation and community development, and experience close encounters with magnificent creatures. Discover the incredible wildlife by participating in bush walks, game drives, game feeding, game counts, bird surveys and more!
Why choose the Lion, Elephant and Wildlife Conservation Project?
You will learn from professionals about research work and the function of high profile conservation programmes. As a volunteer, you will assist with the vital maintenance of the game park, to help ensure the overall wellbeing of the resident animals. If wildlife research and/or conservation are your field of study, this project offers both an unforgettable experience and a fantastic opportunity for you to build your CV/resume.
Role of the Conservation Volunteer
As a volunteer, you will become part of the wildlife protection team and assist with essential snare sweeps and boundary patrols, in addition to contributing to reserve management activities. You will take part in behavioural activities by making toys from natural materials to stimulate the lions’ predatory and sensory behaviours, as well as creating stimulating activities for the elephants.
The park is home to a semi-wild release pride, and as part of this project, you will be able to witness these lions, functioning as any other wild pride of lions would, within a 400-acre fenced and managed area; monitoring their social interactions, individual character traits and group dynamics.
You will also have the opportunity to engage with the local community, to raise awareness of conservation issues, and to encourage locals to become passionate about protecting our precious wildlife.
What skills do I need to be a Conservation Volunteer in Zimbabwe?
There are no specific skills required for this program. You should be of good health with a decent level of fitness.
WHY JOIN THE PROJECT
To better understand lion conservation
To raise awareness of conservation issues
To spend time in the home of some of the most iconic wildlife in Africa
PROJECT TESTIMONIALS
Where will I work in Zimbabwe?
You will be staying at a 3,000 acre game reserve in the centre of the country. Living in the heart of a game reserve means your roommates will include lions, orphaned elephants, horses… and other volunteers, of course! The reserve is situated a few kilometres outside the city of Gweru, but you’ll enjoy the tranquility of this remote location. In your free time, you can relax by the swimming pool and at night you’ll gather around the camp fire to listen to the sounds of the wild bush over dinner. Internet access is available as well.
On your weekends, you can adventure to Victoria Falls, a natural wonder of the world. Local staff can help you sign up for white water rafting, bungee jumping or night safaris!
Details & Costs
- Duration: 1-12 weeks
- Cost: £1143/ $2027 for 1 week
Additional weeks’ cost can be found in the drop-down menu - Requirements: age 18+
- Location: Gweru, Zimbabwe
- Working Hours: 06:30 – 17:30, Monday – Friday
- Project availability: runs year-round
- Arrival day: Every second Monday
What is included
- Accommodation: shared room in a volunteer house
- Food: 3 meals a day
- Weekly laundry service
- Airport pick up and drop off from Harare or Bulawayo International Airport (please ensure you arrive on one of our arrival dates)
- Training: pre-departure information pack, on-site orientation and project induction
- Support: on-site coordinator providing 24-hour support
- Activities: staff help organise weekend activities (prices may be extra)
What is not included
- Flights
- Insurance
- Visas
- Police/Government Background Check: US and UK citizens will be processed through Kaya (admin fee applies); all other nationalities must provide local police check.
- $25 (cash) per month for ACE cover for Air Evacuation medical transportation within Zimbabwe.
2024 Dates
Start Days | |
January | 1st, 16th |
February | 5th, 12th |
March | 4th, 11th, 25th |
April | 1st, 15th |
May | 6th, 13th, 27th |
June | 3rd, 17th |
July | 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd |
August | 12th, 19th, 26th |
September | 2nd, 16th |
October | 7th, 14th |
November | 4th, 11th, 25th |
December | 9th, 23rd |
Easy 4-step application process
APPLY ONLINE
Apply for a Kaya program and pay your application fee to apply for your space on your chosen project. Our advisors will then contact you to guide you through the next steps.
TELEPHONE INTERVIEW
Once we’ve received your application, we’ll review your details and be in touch to arrange your informal telephone interview with your Kaya Placement Advisor.
CONFIRMATION
Following your interview, we will provide you a placement offer. Once you are ready to confirm your placement and dates, you can pay your confirmation fee to book and secure your space.
GET PREPARED
When you have confirmed your project dates we'll send you your Welcome Pack and lots of other helpful information to assist you with preparing for your placement.
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