Volunteer Jobs in wildlife Conservation-Zimbabwe 2016

Job Description

Once known as the “bread-basket of Africa”, Zimbabwe has a flourishing international tourism industry, not only at Victoria Falls and Hwange National Park, but throughout the country. Unfortunately with the collapse of the economy, the currency collapse of 2007 plus often over-exaggerated negative press coverage, Zimbabwe now often evokes images of political unrest and corruption. However, the reality – particularly in recent years – is quite different. The economy has now stabilised with the introduction of the US dollar as the local currency; fuel, food and medical supplies are all as readily available as any other African country and the country is safe for visitors who exercise a little common-sense and follow a few basic rules.

Today, curious tourists, wildlife enthusiasts and adventure-seekers are returning to Zimbabwe, and those that come can expect the royal treatment. Zimbabwe remains one of the most beautiful and unspoilt of the Southern African countries and from the moment you arrive you will experience the friendliness, hospitality and welcoming nature of the Zimbabwean people. Our advice – come and find out for yourself with this once in a life-time opportunity!

WHAT DOES THE PROJECT DO?

Our volunteer programme is based around wildlife conservation focusing on the endangered black rhino; game park management and community education. We believe that without ongoing education in schools and in the local community, the future of wildlife in Zimbabwe cannot be secured. The focus of our volunteer programme is very much on wildlife conservation and the majority of your time is spent in the game park.

This is a unique opportunity to live amongst African animals in the heart of the bush and experience day to day life on a privately owned game park with all its challenges and joys. We have four of Africa’s Big 5 game – lions, elephants, rhinos and buffalos and a huge range of plains game including sable, kudu, waterbuck, wildebeest, crocodile, hippo, giraffes and Zebra. With 150 species of bird plus numerous snakes and lizards, this volunteer programme is an animal-lovers paradise.

The project contributes towards a long term, sustainable conservation programme focusing on the ongoing protection of Zimbabwe’s wildlife, especially the black rhino. Volunteers will be involved in a variety of conservation projects which may include; working with our black rhinos and elephants, studying and learning about their behaviour; undertaking anti-poaching patrols to ensure the continued safety of the animals; helping to educate local school-children about conservation, wildlife and the environment and really learning about what is involved in the running of a game park and other community development initiatives.
WHAT WILL I BE DOING?

You will be living in the heart of a 10,000 acre privately owned game reserve in eastern Zimbabwe where you will have the opportunity to spend time with black rhino and be involved in valuable wildlife conservation work to secure the future of the species in Zimbabwe. You will get a unique behind the scenes look at life in an African game park.

During your volunteer programme you will also have the opportunity to meet some of the local children and community leaders as you spend time at the school teaching children the importance of caring for the environment around them as well as general teaching assistance, sports and gardening.

This volunteer programme will give you a real hands-on experience of wildlife conservation as you immerse yourself in the wildlife which surrounds you. Get up close to our four black rhino and our elephant herd, observe their behaviour and social interactions, learn about the 50 species of animal and 150 bird species and get a feel for daily life on an African reserve.

The diversity of our programme – from daily feed deliveries, anti-poaching patrols, animal monitoring, light veterinary work and general maintenance around the game park to camp-outs in the bush, night drives and elephant riding  –  no two days will ever be the same!

Because we only take 10 volunteers, you will be able to form close relationships with the animals and people and see the tangible difference which you make each day.

Weekdays will be busy, but on Saturday afternoons and Sundays you can go fishing or canoeing, camping in the bush, undertake rifle training or just relax by the pool at the volunteer house with a cold beer! You will have the opportunity to go horse riding in the bush – an amazing way to experience the wildlife, elephant riding and even enjoy a swim with the elephants! For those who enjoy hiking we can arrange walks both on and off the reserve, visit local cultural sites or go and enjoy the hustle and bustle of Harare.