Rhino, Elephant and Cheetah Conservation in Zimbabwe

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.

This conservancy has so much heart. Every where you turn you are moved by this place. The Travers family are such dedicated wildlife conservationists, the staff are so passionate, the animals are so respected and protected. It is beyond heart-warming to be involved in the day-to-day aspects of conservancy. You work hard, you experience, and you walk away having grown and learned more than you could have imagined. This place gets under your skin, it becomes a part of who you are, and because of this, you will undoubtedly be back. The hardest thing I’ve had to do in my recent memory was leave this project, but I know it wasn’t goodbye, it was see you next time.

1. When you travel internationally it is always nice to make new friends. When you travel to Imire you make friends for life and they become your family away from home.

2. You get more interaction with elephants and rhinos than people who spend thousands on safaris. You also feel like you can really make a difference by being a volunteer.

3. Imire really cares and values their volunteers. The Imire team goes out of their way to not only accommodate the needs of their volunteers but goes above and beyond - way above and beyond and removes any stress and makes you happy!

4. The food is good with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.

5. I felt very safe.

6. The people at Imire are amazing! Imire is blessed to have such a wonderful team. I have so many wonderful things to say about Mike, Bright, Mr Brown, the elephant handlers, Jane on pre-trip help. I am so thankful for Mike as our house host - he was perfect. He really makes the experience great for all the volunteers.

I have travelled to 35 counties and this is the first place I want to go again and again. It tops Thailand and Australia and that is hard to do!

As I arrived I felt welcomed straight away. Mike is an amazing guy and I knew whatever I needed he would help me.
All the activities were amazing and the handlers were very friendly. I had a great experience that would be hard to replicate anywhere else. Every day was different and enjoyable.
Thank you so much for this experience and keep doing your wonderful work!

This whole trip has been an amazing one. There is nothing I can fault. As soon as I arrived I felt welcomed and comfortable straightaway. The staff are all lovely and are more than happy to help you and answer any questions you might have. Mike and Bright are amazing at their jobs, they always make you feel welcomed and are very funny and interesting men!
The activities were great and I am sure that this experience would be hard to replicate anywhere else. It has been worth every penny and every second that I have spent here and I am so glad I chose this wonderful place and project.
The work that is done with the animals is wonderful.
Spending time with the animals, especially the rhinos and elephants, was surreal - its so hands on and I wasn't expecting the wonderful experience that I had. It was such a brilliant trip.
The social life was also good and there was a perfect balance of work and relaxation. The other volunteers were all really nice people and I have made some amazing friends. The food was always on point and the meal out at the lodge was delicious.
A brilliant 3 weeks, thanks for everything!

I don't have a day that really stands out as every day was so magical and special to me. Some great times:
- My first ride with Judy and Anne was amazing. Riding amongst the African animals and listening to Judy's stories was great!
- Being at Imire and around the Travers family taught me to look at life differently, don't take anything for granted and if you have a problem, find a positive and work on it.
- Being able to work alongside inspirational people was fantastic. Meeting Jacob and his family was such a special part of my time. Working alongside his family, we have helped create a better life for him.

Day to day life was so good, it feels like home. The staff are incredible, clean house, amazing food, beautiful garden - I could live here forever. This was my first time in Africa and my first time volunteering. And what a great way to start! Bright is simply amazing, he kept everyone going!

Before coming here I never thought I would achieve anything like this on my own as I had very rough patches a while ago with a brain injury. Yet it has made me such a strong person. I know I can go on and do whatever I want - that is because of you! I could never say thank you enough :)

This was my second time visiting Zimbabwe and this project. Needless to say I love this place! When I received the news that Tafika the baby rhino was born I knew I had to come back ASAP! My favourite animal and what my friends would call my obsession, is Rhinos! My friends even call me rhino girl so seeing Tafika was a given highlight as well as catching up with my dear "old" friend, aka the best rhino in the world, Tatenda!

The best thing about this project and with coming back was seeing all my shamwaris (friends) and all the kids here. I love them all! They are so incredibly happy and funny 24/7. Spending time with the handlers and the kids at school and the local community is filling my heart and soul with simple joy and endless love! I have no doubt in my mind that I will come back for yet another round of volunteer fun and Zimbabwe awesomeness!

Obviously coming to this project is not an opportunity that everyone gets to experience in a lifetime. And what an opportunity it was! By coming here I was taught the ins and outs of what goes into running a conservation game park and for that I am extremely grateful.

Meeting the famous Tatenda would certainly have to top off my list of lifetime goals ticked off. He is a good listener and most definitely a good smoocher! I can honestly say that some of the best advice I received at Imire resulted from long conservations with this insightful rhino. Apart from this handsome man I thank God for the opportunity to meet baby Tafika and all the rest of the fatty boom boom rhinos. That little girl has the ability to brighten up even the darkest of days.

Filled with joy, knowledge and wisdom, I leave here today feeling complete in my journey and ready to set foot into my next adventure The main things I am appreciative of learning here are: all about the resident antelope species, how to make proper sadza, everything I learnt about rhinos, knowledge of cattle herding and what goes into running the game park and tobacco farm.

My deepest appreciation goes out to:
Bright - for putting up with my shenanigans and teaching me so much along the way
Mike - for being my rock
Judy - for teaching and guiding me throughout this fantastic journey
All the house staff for their hard work and good times

This adventure has been a gateway to a new world and a new life - for this I will never forget my time here and will be forever grateful.