Location
  • Zimbabwe
Length
1 week
Health & Safety

Program Details

Language
English
Age Min.
16
Timeframe
Year Round
Housing
Lodge
Groups
Small Group (1-15) Medium Group (16-30) Large Group (31+)
Travel Type
Older Travelers Solo Women

Pricing

Starting Price
1800
Price Details
The price reflects a 2-week placement inclusive of accommodation, meals, mentorship and training, support, and transfers. For a full list, chat to us!
What's Included
Accommodation Airport Transfers Equipment Meals Transportation Wifi
What's Not Included
Activities Airfare Domestic Airfare SIM cards Travel Insurance Visa
Mar 03, 2023
Feb 20, 2019
36 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Zimbabwe is very special to us as it’s where African Impact was founded in 2004. We have introduced thousands of volunteers to this beautiful country over the years and are proud to see the positive changes volunteering has made. The local people, mostly from the Shona and Ndebele tribes, are amongst the warmest people you'll ever meet, while the country is a playground for much of Africa’s abundant wildlife and has some of the continent’s most beautiful scenery. It is also home to the glorious Victoria Falls, known to the locals as Mosi-ao-Tunya, the ‘smoke that thunders’.

Our Zimbabwe volunteer programs in Africa work primarily in one unique conservancy, Imire. A family-run conservancy located less than 90 minutes from Harare, Zimbabwe’s capital, Imire focuses primarily on elephant and black rhino conservation. It combines sustainable wildlife protection, local community engagement, and opportunities for incredible expeditions for the ultimate Zimbabwe adventure.

This program is currently not being promoted on Go Overseas by its provider. Check with African Impact for the most up-to-date information regarding the status of this program.

Video and Photos

Diversity & Inclusion 💙

African Impact strictly adheres to a non-discrimination policy that prohibits any form of bias or discrimination based on race, color or ethnicity within our projects. We have a code of conduct which all volunteers are required to follow, and we welcome all volunteers who are interested in creating a lasting impact in Africa.
African Impact prides itself on being an inclusive organization, and we welcome all members of the LGBTQIA+ community to join our projects. We have a strict non-discrimination policy, and all volunteers and staff are required to follow a code of conduct that ensures all participants are treated with respect.

Impact 🌎

Ensuring that our projects are making a viable impact in local communities and contribute sustainably to conservation is our priority. We believe that volunteering is very much a two-way thing which brings value to both the local people and wildlife and the volunteers themselves, who benefit from an authentic cultural exchange and knowledge transfer about a new country, its environment and threats facing its animals.
Responsible travel is about travellers making informed and responsible choices, and planning trips which have a positive impact on the country they’re visiting. Through careful planning, we seek to have a positive and sustainable impact on the social, cultural and physical environment at each of our project bases.

Our Child Protection Policy has been vetted and approved by Keeping Children Safe (KCS), who represent a commitment by organizations worldwide to safeguard all children from exploitation, abuse and violations of their human rights.

African Impact's Top Volunteer Programs in Zimbabwe

Program Highlights

  • Play a vital role in the conservation and care of the reserve’s rhinos and elephants
  • Observe and research the behavior of other wild animals on safari drives through the reserve
  • Learn about day-to-day game park management as you work alongside game rangers at Imire
  • Get involved in anti-poaching patrols and gain special insight into what it takes to be an anti-poaching ranger
  • Experience local life and learn about the culture on various community outreach projects

Program Impact

This will be one of your greatest experiences volunteering with animals abroad. You will feed and walk with the rhinos, maintain and clean the rhino beds, and also be involved in observing and collecting data on the behavior and social interaction of these animals. You will undertake essential anti-poaching and snare patrols, maintain and clean the elephant beds, and observe their family interactions.
Maintenance of game fences, roads, fireguards, pens, stalls, and equipment may form part of your duties as well as building and maintaining bush camps, tree planting, and bush clearance.
This project also involves assisting in a local primary and secondary rural community school.

Program Reviews

4.83 Rating
based on 18 reviews
  • 5 rating 94.44%
  • 4 rating 0%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 5.56%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Impact 4.55
  • Support 4.8
  • Fun 4.55
  • Value 4.8
  • Safety 4.9
Showing 9 - 16 of 18 reviews
Default avatar
Frederiek
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The biggest African family

Even though when I was little my parents took me on holidays no further than France I've always had the desire to travel to Africa. So in 2013 when I turned eighteen I left for Victoria Falls Zimbabwe for the first time. I could have not imagined a more life changing experience, it sounds so cliche but I guess you just have to find out yourself. It's the tiniest things that they do different; the way they share problems and joy, the way even the little kids care for each other, the always 'open arms' mentality, the feeling that there isn't a thing in the world you have to do all on your own. I remember being at the orphanage for the first time on a sunny saturday afternoon, singing and dancing like they do every week. Enjoying the moment my mind started to wander, until I realized what I was actually singing along. 'We sing together, we are a family, we love together, we are a family', and there I stood in the middle of the biggest and most loving family I'll ever know. Luckily I was able to volunteer again in 2015 and will be back soon : )

What would you improve about this program?
There is always ways to improve and new ideas that can be brought to life, but the community volunteer program in Victoria Falls Zimbabwe is already full of different kinds of projects, people and activities. The diversity is what makes it so great, you really get to see and experience the local life, know the surroundings, places to be and feel at home in a part of the world you've never thought you would be.
77 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Stacy
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

African Impact - Victoria Falls

I have wanted to visit Africa my whole life. To finally make it here, and to be part of such an amazing program is truly a dream come true. I spent four weeks in Victoria Falls on the lion project over the holidays, and enjoyed every moment. All of the staff members, from the guides and handlers to the cooks and housekeepers, were just the most friendly and lovely people. The accomodations are simple and comfortable, and the food was great. There is much to do in Victoria Falls, including adventure sports, restaurants and bars, and plenty of sight-seeing options. But the real draw for me was the wildlife, and soon became specifically a brother and sister pair of lions, Pendo and Pezulu, that quickly stole my heart. Every walk with them was unique and special, and being a part of their young lives was a true privilege. I was truly impressed with the devotion of everyone to the care of these amazing animals. If you are considering this program, the simple answer is DO IT.

What would you improve about this program?
It would be ideal for the volunteer accomodations to be in the park with the lions. Faster internet would be very welcome. But overall, no complaints.
82 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Lindsey
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Lion and Teaching Combo Project

Antelope Park is an amazing place full of amazing people. I was on the Lion and Education combo project so I got the best of both worlds. I spent the weekdays in the community at various locations such as schools and drop in center for the street kids and weekends with the lions. After straightening some things out at the drop in center I really enjoyed my time with all of the kids at all of the projects. I do not have anything negative to say about any of the projects other then communication between Antelope Park staff and the projects can sometimes be lost and could be improved on a bit. My experience involving the lions was always fun and an incredible time. They are such amazing animals! Hard to believe you can be that close and personal with such large creatures. Overall, I had an absolutely amazing time and my 4 weeks went by way too fast. I would highly recommend this program to everyone and I will be back!

What would you improve about this program?
Communication could be improved between Antelope Park and projects such as the drop in for what they need.
84 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Trevor
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Lion Encounter Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe

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What would you improve about this program?
I would have accommodation for trusted volunteers at Masuwe instead of Adventure Zone in Vic Falls town, this accommodation for people who would like a real feeling of being in the African bush at night, and also when available the National Park Lodges by the Zambezi River, apart from that I think the program is perfect I just love it.
66 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Gregory
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

It changed my life!!!

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What would you improve about this program?
I would provide more connections to potential volunteers. I would have loved to have spoken to someone from the USA who had been there and been able to learn from their experience, so that I would have been more prepared when I arrived.

I'd also like to see better lesson planning and student tracking. When we arrived, we were just told to teach them anything. We didn't know what the volunteers had taught them before us, and we had no information about the academic abilities of the various children we were being asked to teach. With student records and lesson plans that can be passed from one volunteer to the next, I believe you would see the students progressing much faster.
66 people found this review helpful.
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Default avatar
Prajwal
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Just one word- Perfect!

It's been 7 months i'm back from Zimbabwe, looks like i still can't get over it.

Yes, people thought i was crazy to do this but when i look back i see myself extremely happy with no regrets of listening to others.
Initially i was a little nervous as i was not sure what and how it's going to be like, after i went there,.. I don't know how heaven looks or feels. But i would tell this was HEAVEN to me. Walking with the lions was a dream come true. Watching them stalk,hunt, their behavioral skills. not just lions i was lucky to work with those 4 elephants too. Shibi being my favorite. Staff extremely friendly. Food was delicious. And the people extremely friendly.

I just wish to get back as soon as possible.

65 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Jenna
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

"You know you are truly alive when you are living among lions"

Where do I start...the lion rehabilitation programme was amazing and I had the time of my life. I am now officially hooked and am looking forward to arragning my next trip. Being so close to these magnificent creatures is incredible, and you really have to pinch yourself every time. To watch them grow and develop their hunting skills is an honour. And on top of that the staff that work there are incredible - they are friendly, supportive and know their lion facts inside out. Of course the reason that you are there is because of the plight of these king of beasts, not just to stroke and walk them. You are constantly reminded of this and this can only be a good thing, because the more people that know how endangered the lion is, hopefully the more can be done. I dont know what else to say apart from if you want to get involved in a project of great importance, where you get up close to lions and walk in the african bush then go...dont hesitate! I am absolutely sure you will love it.

What would you improve about this program?
I do not have any negative feedback, loved every second...
64 people found this review helpful.
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Default avatar
Lion
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

An unforgettable experience

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What would you improve about this program?
If I have one criticism it's that the AP volunteer project is perhaps becoming a victim of its own success. Volunteer numbers are high - there were almost 50 volunteers at one stage during my visit, the majority of these on the lion programme. If there are only 4 walking lions, as there were when I was there, the lion walks can be very busy. If you prefer a higher ratio of lions to volunteers it's worth checking out the Zambia or Victoria Falls programmes where volunteer numbers tend to be lower.
76 people found this review helpful.
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Questions & Answers