Hosted by Mukuni Big Five Safaris

Mukuni Big Five Safaris Wildlife Volunteering

Location

Zambia
- Livingstone

Project Types

Community Development Conservation Environmental Conservation Wildlife Conservation Education

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Program Details

Language

English

Housing

Hostel Hostel

Pricing

Starting Price

500

Price Details

The cost of your Placement varies depending on your chosen length of stay.
Included in your fee:

1. All your activities at the Royal Lodge
2. 24/7 Assistance from the Volunteer staff, if needed.
3. Accommodation in en-suite chalets on site.
4. Three meals a day, and access to water, tea & coffee throughout the day.
5. Housekeeping and laundry services.
6. Transfers to/from the airport.

Excludes:
1. Flights.
2. Personal Expenses.
3. Travel Insurance (Mandatory).
4. External Activities (not offered by the Volunteer program).
5. Entry Visa.
6. Wifi.
7. Medical expenses (Inoculations).
8. Cancellations.

More information can be found on our website.

Last Updated: Apr 14, 2016

Last Reviewed: Feb 08, 2015

4 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Where else can you work with 4 species of animals all under one roof. With the best variety of wildlife volunteering in Zambia, we have your dream volunteer experience right here.

Work alongside our trained and professional guides and handlers with the animals out in the bush everyday...
Contribute your time and skills to the Conservation Program and help make our goal of educating people on conserving animals to ensure their future is secure.

Every day is a different adventure, make the most out of your placement with not only working with our animals but also partake in some of the best activities Livingstone has to offer. Ranging from relaxing river cruises on the Zambezi River, to the best adrenaline activities the world has to offer.

This truly is the Ultimate African Volunteer Experience.

Read up more on our website for full details, or email us for specific enquiries.

Video and Photos

Lion Cubs

Elephants

playing cubs

Mother caracal

Elephant Rides

Cheetah Run

Cheetah Interaction

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Related Programs

Program Reviews

5.00 Rating

based on 5 reviews

Rating Spread Volunteer

5 rating 100%
4 rating 0%
3 rating 0%
2 rating 0%
1 rating 0%

Impact 4.6
Support 5
Fun 4.8
Value 4.6
Safety 5

Showing 1 - 5 of 5 reviews

I volunteered for 5 consecutive years and cannot stop! Every time and every day I learn something from the very skilled staff working there 365 days a year. Do not miss the chance. This is a real life-time experience and happy to be their ambassador! Go there and get your shoes dirty.

What would you improve about this program?

It is perfect that way. Wild and true.

The awesome time spent here cannot be described in few words. Live every day learning something new, in the middle of the african bush, spend every hour of light with these wonderful animals and with the people who take care of them. Accommodation really comfortable , perfect food, expert and friendly animals handlers as well as excellent staff. This is a true conservation project to try at least once in your life. Don't miss it!!

What would you improve about this program?

at present I can't find anything to change.

if you wanna have a real wildlife experience this project is made for you. From dawn to dusk you are surrounded with unique animals, veru special people (guides and handlers) and amazing landscape. Your wake up call will be the lions roaring. Accomodation and food are good. You must go there!

What would you improve about this program?

nothing to improve.

This is an excellent project for those wanting to get a taste of life working in conservation. No two days are the same and tasks vary from lion and cheetah walks to wildlife research and veterinary skills. Not only do you gain vital skills from a wildlife base but this project enhances knowledge of Bush lore and ecology. The accommodation is brilliant and the food is outstanding. You would be hard pushed to find a project that beats this one!

What would you improve about this program?

Actually cannot find fault!

Few words can describe the awesome experience i had volunteering here.
I did my University Dissertation and came out perfect thanks to the amazing animals, staff and help. Amazing accommodation/food.

What would you improve about this program?

Nothing to improve. The program is still in its infancy and is improving daily.

Questions & Answers

Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

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.

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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.

About Mukuni Big Five Safaris

A once in a life time true African Volunteering Experience. Lions, Cheetahs, Elephants and Caracals right on your doorstep. Take your Volunteer adventure to the next level by working with these amazing animals everyday. Lion cubs to melt your heart, the giants of the African plains to leave you in awe, interactions to soothe your soul and eye level...