The wonderful world of Imire

Early 2014 I spent a month at Imire and when the time came to leave, I couldn’t. That in itself should tell you all you need to know! However, for want of painting a slightly bigger picture, I’ll go on.

Having been fortunate enough to be part of a fair few different volunteer projects around Africa I can safely say that Imire has taken top spot.
Spending your days up close and personal with some of Africa’s most beautiful animals, getting to know their wonderful handlers, watching incredible sunsets over the dam, singing dancing and playing with the truly delightful children at the local school whose smiles put that of the Cheshire Cat to shame and game counts on horseback all make for what will become some of your most precious memories. Couple that with sharing these experiences with new found friends that you can no longer imagine not having in your life and I think it’s easy to begin to understand the magic of Imire.

How many people can say they have slept with rhinos in their back yard? Used elephants to herd a particularly stubborn rhino to bed? Woken up on their birthday to a breakfast with ellies and later on a swim with them too? Sang and danced to traditional Shona songs? Tasted the horrific local brew that is Chibuku? And stared up at an incredible night sky whilst fireflies played merrily in the dark and a full moon rose bright as the sun, glowing red as it did?

At Imire, a truly inspirational family are pulling together to create a truly inspirational place. If you are in any doubt whatsoever if this is the best way to spend your time in Africa then I beg you, trust this total stranger and sign up. I can promise you, you will not regret it.

To all the team, a heartfelt thank you for making me feel part of the family and for some of the best weeks of my life. You are all wonderful people and I hope to see you again very soon.