What position do you hold at Mukuni Big 5 and why do you like working there?
I am the Volunteer Manager of the Volunteer Program based at Mukuni Big 5 Safaris, Livingstone. Wildlife has always been a passion of mine since I can remember. Always wanted to be a zoologist most of my teens, then a vet.
My path in life took me elsewhere and have worked even closer to wildlife since 2007. The bush has always been my home, the story it tells is my most favourite book. The energy it gives you cannot be described, but felt. Animals will always be my calling and with the most amazing wildlife you can imagine under my care here at Mukuni Big 5, my dream job is what I’m living right now. I cannot ask for more.
What does the future hold for Mukuni Big 5 - any exciting new programs to share?
The volunteer program is self reliant on volunteers and receives no support elsewhere other than from kind sponsorship and donation. We have loads of programs ready to get underway, funding is the biggest restriction.
We are still young in this industry but the potential to grow is positive and high. We are expecting a few Programs to develop this year. A new wildlife vet centre, ongoing breeding and releasing of caracals and more animals to join our family.
What is one thing you would tell any future volunteer?
I cannot be biased here, however I would say that with all my experience of living in Zambia, nowhere else can you have such an experience with so many different species all under 1 roof and have no worries about anything else.
This program can be life changing and has proven to be so by volunteers. The work experience gained with us cannot be taught in any school or University. What is taught here can only be described as passion and every volunteer who leaves here is changed one way or the other in terms of respect, education and love of animals.
What responsible volunteering traits does Mukuni Big 5 represent?
We strive to be in the forefront of conservation. Our motto is Conservation through Education. Educating the local youth and communities through our Educational Tours bares down on the fact that youth are our future leaders and will have the power to do something about preserving the wildlife heritage and prioritising conservation.
By visiting us, youth gain the understanding and respect of the animals they share this country with. They understand the importance of conserving them and finding better solutions to coexist without negative impact on either side.
This is the type of message we want to embed and is what we aim to achieve. All these tours are offered free to all schools and we have had over 30 000 pupils visit us in the last 4 years. We like to believe we have changed lives in some way.
How are the volunteers supported when they arrive at their project?
Volunteers are supported once they step foot in the country, as the volunteer manager is aware of their itinerary just in case they need help. Travel can be stressful and wherever the volunteers arrive through in Zambia, they have our support in arriving to their program.
Once arrived, all volunteers need to do is enjoy their placement, any issues are handled by the volunteer manager. Dietary requirements no matter how complex are all catered for by our professional on site chef. Luxury accommodation in en suite chalets are offered. They can be private if volunteers so wish, or they can share with groups of friends. These are all pre arranged before arrival so there is no worries.
24/7 assistance is offered to all Volunteers on site by staff and management. Volunteers are safe and well looked after. All day, everyday, volunteers have access to the entire facility we have. Management on site all day and night to handle any issues.
