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Conservation Travel Africa

Why choose Conservation Travel Africa?

Conservation Travel Africa provide meaningful and responsible volunteer programmes, focusing on wildlife conservation and education. From our base in Southern Africa we are ideally placed to coordinate your volunteer experience.

We have chosen our project partners carefully and focus on supporting work which is already being done on the ground, rather than setting up new projects solely for the benefit of volunteers. Our volunteers can be sure that they are really contributing where help is needed most.

Whether you are looking to volunteer on your gap year, university or school holiday, if you are on a career break, or if you are an older volunteer looking for a new challenge, we have a programme to suit every budget and taste.

Volunteer with Conservation Travel Africa and experience Real Africa!

Reviews

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Rob
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

'An experience that I shall never forget'

I knew volunteering at an animal conservation was going to be difficult and I knew I was going to walk away with some scratches and bruises (here’s looking at you, cutting down trees). I also knew it would be incredibly rewarding, and I was not wrong. [This project] was an experience that I shall never forget. The people in the community, the animals and the staff were all truly wonderful in every way. I was only at [this project] for a week and yet I got to experience so much! From being hands on with the rhinos and elephants and spending time with the local children, learning how to cook pumpkin leaves and shucking corn, to of course cleaning out the bomas. Every second was was exciting and meaningful, except all the hay, the hay was not exciting buuuuut important so I guess that makes it ok! I would and will recommend the [] volunteer program to anyone with not only a passion for animals but a passion for people as well. I look forward to one day returning to [this project] and will keep my beautiful memories with me forever.

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Rob
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

So Much Knowledge

If you have an interest in anti-poaching and learning, then this project is for you. It is unique, hands-on and so special. The location is seriously brilliant, and the rhino are so abundant on this reserve. It’s an awesome way to develop your understanding and skills. Les is the best teacher in the bush! Les is one of the greatest people I have met, he’s seen and done so much for wildlife that I feel really humbled to know him. The other volunteers were so kind and passionate and eager to learn, they will be friends of mine for a very long time to come. I loved the night time feeding of the rhino. We were literally surrounded by a crash of 20+ rhino. Their sounds and excitement over food was so unbelievable. I never thought I would have the opportunity to be in the middle of such a large number of rhino, the anti-poaching unit took on the task of feeding these massive creatures with two volunteers in the back of their truck. It was a night to remember, so special.

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Rob
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Second Time -

This is my second time at this project and it certainly went above and beyond my expectations again. Last time I was here I spent 12 weeks, this time I only had 1 week. I was nervous that less time would mean less experiences, but I was so wrong. It was an unbelievable week. We had so many sightings and so many awesome moments, it was absolutely awesome. To see animals out in their natural habitat is seriously special, and to see so many rhinos was really uplifting. We had brilliant monitors, as always, and we have been left with so many stories. I really want to thank CTA for making this trip possible and of course this organisation for their tireless conservation efforts and contribution. Thank you for having me back!

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Rob
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

New Understanding

This project gave me the opportunity to understand primates in a way I had never had the opportunity to before. We were able to get close to them, enjoy their behaviour, nurture their instincts and appreciate their intelligence. The whole team at this project wear their hearts on their sleeves, the love that they have for the animals under their care is humbling. I could not recommend this project more, the conservation they are doing for primates and all creatures is evident. I’m so proud to have been a part of it and cant wait to go back!

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Morgan
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

An Incredible Experience

Volunteering at the sanctuary was one of the most amazing things we have ever done! Rob and I had the best time with the wonderful staff, animals and other volunteers. We were so humbled by the impact that this organisation is making in the lives of the animals that enter their doors. The genuine love, care and ambition for a full rehabilitation was second to none. I feel so grateful to have had this opportunity and could not recommend this project more. For anyone passionate about wildlife care and rehabilitation, this is the place for you! Those baboons found their way into my heart - as did every special creature there.

Programs

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Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Amy Douglas

Amy Douglas is from Perth in Western Australia and works as a travel coordinator. Travel and tourism are huge passions of hers and she is currently studying for a degree in tourism. After her experience with Imire, she is looking to direct her studies to focus on conservation tourism. After traveling across Europe, she feels that people have an opportunity to get so much more out of their time abroad when they become a part of a program with a bigger vision such as Imire’s.
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Why did you decide to volunteer abroad with Conservation Travel Africa in Zimbabwe?

I previously did a day trip to the Imire Farm when I was last in Zimbabwe in January of 2012, and fell in love with the place instantly, so when I learned that they run a volunteer program, I was keen to go back.

The biggest draw card for me was the elephants and the chance to interact with them and the other animals on the farm.

Witnessing them on a day safari is one thing, but you learn so much more when you spend time with them on a daily basis.

Ten years from now, what’s the one thing you think you’ll remember most from the trip?

I hope to remember everything but I think just the thrill of the interaction with the animals is what will really stick with me.

If you could go back and do something differently, what would it be?

I would stay for longer. I have every intention of going back to visit again.

Tell me about one person you met.

I met a bundle of amazing and memorable people on the trip but Judy Travers for me, was a truly amazing person.

Her passion for the farm is unwavering and her way of life is something to be admired. The Imire Farm and the Community as a whole is a credit to her leadership, companionship and huge heart.

Has your worldview changed as a result of your trip?

It’s good to know that there are some teams of people out there raising conservation awareness and making every effort to contribute to the rectification of decreasing population numbers, especially with the rhinos.

When I was there both of the black rhino females were pregnant which was encouraging after the farm had to rebuild their breeding program due to poaching incidents.