Whenever I'm in Zim, I just can't resist going back to the place that helped change my outlook on life.
I know the recent events in Zimbabwe might scare off some people, but there is absolutely no need for that:
Twala looks after you, takes care of you and assures your safety at all times when travelling to and from the airport.
The first time I came, a Twala staff member (Rodrick) was already at the airport waiting for me, he drove me straight to Twala, where I was welcomed with open arms (and paws) by the Waggley tail club, trustee Sarah, housekeeping manager (and so much more!) Becky, and volunteer coordinator Tracey.
Such a warm feeling to be so welcome! I immediately felt at home. Ever since, whenever I go back there it really does feel like coming home.
Once you're there, it feels almost like the outside world doesn't exist, you are sheltered from it.
When it comes to the love and care for the rescued animals: it is unconditional, their wellfare is what drives everybody at ths place.
These animals deserve a good life after all they've been through, and that's exactly what they get here.
For the volunteers there is a good balance between work and play time. The accomodation in the volunteer house is excellent, clean, spacious, good healthy food prepared by Becky and Clarice.
They have good quality Wi-Fi signal, which allows you to keep in touch with the home base. The occasional swim in the pool is definitely a plus.
On top of all that, it was also very important to me to see that nothing goes to waist at Twala: the household waste gets separated and wherever possible reused.
To sum it all up, this place is an absolute must for all animal lovers. You'll never regret it, and you'll never forget it, it will stay in your heart forever!

In 2015 I discovered the page of Twala and looked all the photos and videos. I said to myself, one day I will be there because it was like a paradise.
When I arrived at Twala, I saw a beautiful place, better what I imagined.
You will discover animals you never seen, you can't imagine to see and approach or touch.
All animals are cute, they know your are here for them, and they love you.
All the staff is very kind, you will feel at home and don't want to leave Twala.
I stayed 13 days and didn't want the experience end. I now looking for a new stay at Twala.
It was my first experience as volunteer, I travelled alone (i'm a wife) and now I think do more volunteer programm.
If your are looking for a beautiful place, something connecting to paradise, Twala is the best place.
I hightly reccomend this place for an amazing, rich volunteer programm.
If Disney is a magic place, Zimbabwe have is magic place and is Twala.

If you are looking for the opportunity to be hands on with animals and really make a difference then Twala is the place for you. It is a very special experience. I had intended to go for a month in Sept 2018 and ended up staying 2.5mths (I would still be there if I could).

I had always been skeptical of many volunteer programs but Twala changed that for me. I chose Twala because it was a small program with a max of 6volunteers and I felt I would be given the opportunity to be hands on with the animals and make a difference. I'm so pleased I chose Twala. Volunteers are actively encouraged to get involved in everything that is happening be it caring for new babies coming in, going out to pick up rescues or just spending a bit more time with the animals that need it. Personally, I lived with two rescued jackal pups under my bed for two months, an experience I will never forget - neither will my chewed up shoes:) Every day is different at Twala, you really never know what will happen and that's what made it so hard to leave - fear of missing out!

Beyond the phenomenal interaction with the animals, the kindness, generosity and welcome of everyone at Twala is what makes it special. I travelled as a solo female and always felt so safe and at home in Zimbabwe. This is thanks to the Twala staff who are always around and look after you so well. I can't recommend it highly enough. If you're thinking about going, just do it!

If you are looking for the opportunity to be hands on with animals and really make a difference then Twala is the place for you. It is a very special experience. I had intended to go for a month in Sept 2018 and ended up staying 2.5mths (I would still be there if I could).

I had always been skeptical of many volunteer programs but Twala changed that for me. I chose Twala because it was a small program with a max of 6volunteers and I felt I would be given the opportunity to be hands on with the animals and make a difference. I'm so pleased I chose Twala. Volunteers are actively encouraged to get involved in everything that is happening be it caring for new babies coming in, going out to pick up rescues or just spending a bit more time with the animals that need it. Personally, I lived with two rescued jackal pups under my bed for two months, an experience I will never forget - neither will my chewed up shoes:) Every day is different at Twala, you really never know what will happen and that's what made it so hard to leave - fear of missing out!

Beyond the phenomenal interaction with the animals, the kindness, generosity and welcome of everyone at Twala is what makes it special. I travelled as a solo female and always felt so safe and at home in Zimbabwe. This is thanks to the Twala staff who are always around and look after you so well. I can't recommend it highly enough. If you're thinking about going, just do it!

I went to Twala in September 2018 and it was the best thing I’ve ever done. I volunteered for a month and was treated like part of the team from day one. The staff looked after me from the moment I arrived in Zimbabwe to when it came time to leave with a very heavy heart. I loved all the close contact with a wide variety of birds and animals. I learnt a lot about caring for them as I participated in the work involved, preparing food; cleaning and enriching enclosures; playing with the animals and sometimes just watching them as they went about their day. The volunteers also take responsibility for baby animals, it gives you an opportunity to observe wildlife up close and I cannot express how great it feels to see the little ones thrive. The staff were great fun and no two days were the same, it’s like being in the garden of Eden where man and animals interact and all have fun together. Zimbabwean people are special and it’s a safe place to go to despite the political challenges. I’d recommend this experience to anyone who loves animals, you cannot leave Twala without being impressed by the work they do both with the animals and within the community.

I know it sounds cliche, but my time at the Twala Trust Sanctuary changed my life. I got hands on work with such a variety of animals. I was given the opportunity to nurse, and rehabilitate a number or orphaned creatures from kittens to antelope. Each animal there has been given a second chance, and the opportunity to live the rest of their life in being loved and cared for. The sanctuary has such a peaceful and healing atmosphere, even when the residents do their very best to create chaos, keeping you constantly on your toes. The staff is so friendly and welcoming, especially Sarah Carter, and her husband Vinay Ramlaul. Such a fun, and inspirational group of people have impacted my life in such a significant way.

In conclusion I recommend volunteering at the Twala Trust Sanctuary to everyone! It is such fulfilling work, surrounded by amazing people!

In 2016 I got the chance to go and volunteer at the Twala Trust Animal Sanctuary on a number of occasions. It was such an incredible experience that taught me so much about the care and handling of animals, as well as filling me with a complete sense of purpose and contentment. All the staff at Twala are so welcoming and kind and their dedication to the animals is incredible. It is so fulfilling to become part of such a special community and is definitely something to look forward to when visiting Twala!
Every animal has their own personality and throughout your stay there you will learn what each one likes and dislikes, as well as all their quirks. The animals then become part of your life, and for weeks (and even months in my case!) you yearn to be back at Twala!
Being a local volunteer, I got to meet people from all over the world and learn about their heritage and culture. This was fantastic as I had never previously been exposed to such a diversity of nationalities. Also, they share your common love of animals which is something very special.
Overall I would highly recommend volunteering at Twala, whether you are local or international, as there is nothing to lose and everything to be gained.

I had the privilege of spending a month volunteering at this sanctuary, before they moved to their new site. From day one, it was clear that no matter the species of the animal, they will all the best care possible - from goats to lions. I had a special bond with two animals while I was there - Smeagal the serval who after his 2pm tuna would love to cuddle up and you would both have a siesta in the sun, and also Rover the rescue dog. Before I arrived, Rover was found tied up to the gates and it took days to get close enough to him to free him. Sarah and the team had been working with him for a while before I arrived, and for some reason Rover trusted me. He would actually relax enough to play and let me touch him all over, everywhere I went he was there.
I also got to help in the rescue of a donkey, who unfortunately couldn't be saved, as well as rescuing two puppies who were on deaths door. After a lot of care they became two beautiful girls who have since been adopted.
I cannot thank Sarah and the team enough for my magical expericene, you couldn't ask for a better group of people who are so welcoming.
Do I recommend this place? Of course - you are crazy if you don't want to go and help give a helping hand to those animals that will steal your heart.