Rhino & Elephant Conservation Volunteering

Our Rhino & Elephant Conservation Programme takes an integrated approach to conserving endangered wildlife. Volunteers like you are key to protecting Imire’s eleven rhinos and elephants, through a variety of different activities and projects. You’ll work closely with local employees and community members.

This is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in day-to-day life in Africa. In return, you’ll contribute to an important conservation cause. It’s truly life-changing.

• Experience black and white rhinos, elephants, cheetah and a range of other wildlife.
• Learn to track cheetah and rhinos using telemetry. 
• Conduct wildlife observations and animal monitoring.
• Participate in important conservation activities including game counts and wildlife research.
• Contribute to anti-poaching efforts to ensure the continued safety of the animals.
• Work with local school children on literacy and conservation projects.
• Learn about wildlife conservation and the threats to African wildlife, and experience the huge responsibility of managing a wildlife conservancy.

Volunteers will usually get involved in some or all of the following activities:

Endangered species conservation – rhinos, elephants and cheetah:

• Monitor rhinos, elephants and cheetah and collect observational data on animal behaviour, health, movements, interactions and feeding activities.
• Have close up encounters with the rhinos and elephants while you gather data.
• Learn from experienced rangers about the challenges these animals face to survive.
• Repair elephant damage.
• Learn to use telemetry and identify rhino and cheetah tracks and signs in the bush.
• Maintain feeding bomas and elephant beds.

Anti-poaching and security

• Provide additional manpower for foot patrols and snare sweeps.
• Secure, repair and check the boundary fences.
• Conduct weapons training and anti-poaching simulations.
• Communicate anti-poaching messages to school children.

Conservancy management

• Deliver feed and nutritional supplements around the conservancy, focusing on sable, giraffe, lion, elephants and buffalo.
• Undertake game counts and herd studies on foot, by vehicle and on horseback.
• Carry out indigenous tree planting, and invasive and alien species removal.
• Maintain fences, roads, fireguards and equipment.

Community projects

Imire has been closely involved with the Wedza community since its foundation and community engagement is the essence of our conservation philosophy. This is can be seen in our long-running involvement in local employment opportunities, education support, healthcare and poverty alleviation projects. Volunteers will get involved with:

• Education projects focusing on English literacy and conservation education.
• Organic gardening and tree planting.
• Beekeeping.
• Homework and computer training for older children and adults.
• Cultural exchange experiences through traditional home visits and Shona culture evenings.

When can I volunteer?

Volunteers can join the Rhino & Elephant Conservation Programme on Mondays. 
The project is closed from 18th December 2023 – 8th January 2024.

2023 pricing:

Project fees are $950 per person per week, up to a maximum stay of 12 weeks. 

All prices are in USD.

What’s included in the cost?

• Project contribution: this goes directly to our project partner, and provides funding to ensure the programme can continue to meet its goals. For this project it will cover things like staff costs, equipment purchases, maintenance of buildings, equipment and vehicles, veterinary fees, animal feed, fencing, and funding for community projects
• Accommodation and three meals per day
• Return airport transfers (Mondays at set times)
• Laundry and housekeeping
• Comprehensive orientation and supervision
• Practical instruction by experienced guides
• Equipment and materials required to do your work

What’s not included?

• Flights or travel to Harare, Zimbabwe
• Visa fees (variable depending on nationality)
• Travel insurance (compulsory)
• Personal expenses such as souvenirs, drinks from the bar, snacks
• Pre and / or post programme accommodation (if required)
• Additional excursions
• Local SIM card and data / airtime bundles (optional)
• Administration fee ($40)

View our full booking terms and conditions. **View our updated Covid-19 cancellation policy**

Zimbabwe volunteer packages

HORSE RIDING & RHINO CONSERVATION COMBO

If you are a keen horse rider, adding a week or two on the Horse Riding & Rhino Conservation Programme, also based at Imire, makes an incredible all-round volunteer experience. Ride alongside zebra and giraffe; carry out horseback anti-poaching patrols, and monitor the boundary fences – all on the back of your very own bush horse.

Combination project pricing 2023:

1 week Rhino Conservation / 1 week Horse Riding: $2,255
2 weeks Rhino Conservation / 1 week Horse Riding: $3,205
1 week Rhino Conservation / 2 weeks Horse Riding: $3,560

Click for more details of the Horse Riding & Rhino Conservation Programme.

WATCH: Horse Riding & Rhino Conservation Project video.

CONSERVATION & COMMUNITIES COMBO

We have introduced a new Conservation & Communities combination project which enables volunteers to combine two very different projects within Zimbabwe. If you want to experience iconic wildlife, but also learn first-hand about the challenges of rural life, and work on much-needed community support projects, we highly recommend spending a week or two at our Community Outreach Programme, based just outside Africa’s Adventure Capital – Victoria Falls. Click for more details of our  new Conservation & Communities Programme.

CONSERVANCY & SANCTUARY COMBO

We’ve also combined our Rhino & Elephant Programme with our popular Primate Conservation Programme. Experience large and small animal conservation, working with two organisations dedicated to Zimbabwe’s animal welfare. As well as interacting with and learning about Africa’s iconic large mammals, you can also get to grips with caring for a range of smaller mammals and birds, based at Zimbabwe’s only dedicated primate rehabilitation centre. Click for more details of our Conservancy & Rehabilitation combination project.

The volunteer programme is small and welcoming, with no more than 12 volunteers in a group. The volunteer accommodation is situated in the heart of the conservancy.

Bedrooms are shared (same sex sharing), with volunteers sleeping in comfortable single beds. All bedding is provided, including duvets, pillows and extra blankets in winter. Couples will always be accommodated together in a private room. Showers and toilet facilities are shared, and hot water is supplied for showers and washing. Power sockets for electrical items are available in communal areas (UK three-pin square plugs).

Three home cooked meals are provided each day on a self-serve basis. Vegetarian and limited vegan options are available upon request, but should you have any complicated dietary requirements or food allergies, it is important you let us know before you arrive. The project are unable to cater for very specific dietary needs (for example gluten, dairy or wheat intolerance), so you may be asked to bring any specialist foods with you. The chefs will be able to prepare these for you alongside other volunteer’s standard meals. Clean, safe drinking water is pumped from a borehole.

Your rooms and communal areas will be cleaned every day, and the housekeeping staff will also do your laundry when required. An outhouse laundry is available for washing smalls or should you wish to do an extra load of your own.

Bear in mind that electricity can be intermittent in Africa, especially during our rainy season. For backup, the project are prepared with basic solar powered lighting and a generator which will run for a short time in the morning and evening.

It’s time to get away from it all! There is no Wi-Fi at the project, and cellphone signal and 3G connection is only intermittently available. When there are electricity problems, the cellphone signal can be problematic, but is available to touch base with home in certain areas of the conservancy.

The volunteer coordinators have access to a safe for securely locking away any cash or valuables you may have brought with you.

For the latest travel updates, please visit our Zimbabwe destinations page.

Who should volunteer on this project?

The unifying motivation of nearly all Imire volunteers is an interest in a genuine conservation programme, and a desire to be part of a smaller group of volunteers. This rhino conservation project is a wonderful experience for volunteers of all ages, where you can experience Africa in a safe environment, and become part of a very special team. There is some walking and foot-based tracking on the project, plus climbing in and out of a high-sided vehicle, so volunteers should be of reasonable mobility.

How old do I need to be?

The minimum volunteering age for solo travellers is 17 years. There is no upper age limit, but for volunteers aged over 65, we do require your medical form to be signed by a doctor. Please note that the project does accept family volunteer groups. Families with children aged 14 and over will be accommodated within the main volunteer group (children aged 14-16 will always be accompanied by adults). Volunteer groups tend to be a diverse mixture of ages and nationalities.

Families who have younger children will be accommodated separately and their volunteer activities and meals will be separate from the regular volunteer groups.

Please visit our Rhino Conservation – Family Programme page for further details.

How many people will there be?

There is a maximum of 12 volunteers in a group at any one time, plus staff and volunteer managers.

When can I join?

Volunteers should aim to arrive and depart on a Thursday. The inclusive transfer service is as follows:

Arrivals – Thursdays (Mondays in 2022)
There is one collection from Harare International Airport at 1500 every Thursday afternoon. Should your preferred flight arrive later than this, you can either arrive into Harare the day before and arrange overnight accommodation in town, or you can arrive late on Thursday and pay a transfer supplement of $100. If you choose to arrive the day before, you should make your way back to the airport the following day.

Departures – Thursdays (Mondays in 2022)
There is one transfer from Imire which arrives at Harare International Airport at 1000 on Thursday morning. Onward flights should depart later than midday to allow ample time to check in. Should you wish to book a departure transfer outside of this time, there is a transfer supplement charge of $100.

When is the best time to come?

The game viewing and interaction at this project is year-round, so there is no real ‘best time’ to visit. December to March is ‘baby season’, where many of the plains game give birth, so there are always lots of new animals around. 

From a weather perspective; April – October is the dry season, with the rains usually coming again in mid to late November. June – September is winter, characterised by warm, sunny days, clear blue skies and cool evenings and nights. October is the hottest month, with temperatures in the area reaching 30-32 degrees. November – March is summer, where rain showers are intermingled with hot, sunny days and temperatures of over 30 degrees.

Do I get some time off?

Volunteers work from Monday to Saturday lunchtime. Saturday afternoon and Sunday is leisure time, where you can go fishing, canoeing or hiking, or relax in the garden with a good book! We highly recommend a weekend excursion to Victoria Falls (a one hour flight), which should be organised prior to your arrival.

How long can I volunteer for?

The minimum recommended project length is one week, and the maximum stay is 12 weeks.

How much spending money should I bring?

We recommend bringing around $100 per week in USD to cover personal expenses such as drinks, souvenirs, t-shirt, snacks, tips and internet usage. A weekend trip to Victoria Falls, which we can assist with organising, will cost from $400 depending on flight prices and accommodation.

Do I need a visa?

Most nationalities, including British, American, Canadian, Australian and most EU citizens, can get a 30-day tourist visa upon arrival into Harare. Fees are dependent on nationality and range from $30 – $75 (paid in USD cash). Extensions are available from the Department of Immigration in Harare, up to a maximum stay of 6 months. It is your responsibility to check your visa eligibility prior to arrival.

What animals will I encounter?

Imire is world-world-famous for its eight black and four white rhino. In addition, the conservancy is home to three elephants, two cheetah, a herd of Cape buffalo and an elderly male lion, living out his retirement in comfort! There is a variety of plains game including eland, kudu, nyala, waterbuck, blesbok, zebra, giraffe, wildebeest and crocodile, plus herds of the rare sable antelope – Zimbabwe’s National Animal. Imire is also home to a wide variety of birds, reptiles and snakes.

What vaccinations do I need?

Please consult your GP or travel clinic for detailed medical advice. All volunteers should make sure their Tetanus, Polio and Hepatitis A and B are up to date. A rabies vaccination is recommended but not compulsory.
Malaria – the project is regarded as a low-risk malaria area, but please consult your GP for guidance.
Please visit this UK government website for more details.

The primary goal of Imire is to support Zimbabwe’s rhino heritage, through the successful breeding and re-introduction of the endangered black rhino. Alongside this goal, is to ensure the long term protection of Zimbabwe’s wildlife through a unified and holistic approach to wildlife conservation. Their aim is to create a blueprint for small conservancies, enabling them to peacefully and successfully exist alongside local communities, ensuring that environmental stakeholders, including landowners, conservationists, communities and local farmers, all benefit from the presence of wildlife.

The volunteer programme forms a critical part of Imire’s mission to connect responsible travellers, wildlife programmes and community projects, to create a sustainable, long term, collaborative conservation strategy. Wildlife volunteers at Imire have a significant impact on Imire’s conservation efforts in Zimbabwe.

During your time at Imire, volunteers will gain an appreciation of the dedication and commitment it takes to protect wildlife in Africa, and obtain an overall understanding of holistic conservation strategies and ethical conservation practices.

Imire: Rhino & Wildlife Conservation is a 10,000 hectare privately owned rhino conservancy in the Mashonaland East district of Zimbabwe, approximately 130km east of Harare. The conservancy is dedicated to the welfare of all wildlife, with a particular focus on the protection and breeding of white rhino, and the critically endangered black rhino. 

Imire was founded in 1948 by Norman and Gilly Travers. Originally farmers, the Travers’ had a passion for wildlife and conservation, leading to the establishment of Imire as a wildlife conservancy in 1972. During the 1970s, game was introduced back onto what was previously farmland. Then, like Noah’s Ark, the animals came in two by two and by 1980 the park was home to sizeable herds of plains game – waterbuck, impala, nyala, zebra and the rare sable antelope.

A history of rhino conservation

During the poaching crisis of the 1980s, most of Zimbabwe’s remaining black rhino population were relocated to the relative safety of Intensive Protection Zones within private conservancies. In 1987, Imire was granted custodianship of seven orphaned calves from the Zambezi Valley and became a dedicated black rhino breeding station. To date, 16 rhino  have been born on the reserve, and Imire has released 13 black rhino back into National Parks in Zimbabwe.

With increasingly sophisticated wildlife poaching, rhino numbers have again dropped alarmingly. Until the current high levels of poaching abate in Zimbabwe’s National Parks, Imire has resolved to protect and secure its rhino onsite, rather than risking release into wilderness areas. 

Imire’s current strategy is for their rhino, excepting a core breeding herd, to be released into a community-supported, second stage, free-roaming wilderness area within Imire’s boundaries. This allows the rhino to become less habituated, without daily interactions and supplement feeding. Armed guards remain with the rhino, but at a distance. In this way Imire can ensure their rhinos are safe from birth, until such a time when they are able to confidently release rhino back into their wild habitats, in Zimbabwe’s National Parks.

Other wildlife

Imire is world-world-famous for its eight black and four white rhino, including two rhino calves. In addition, the conservancy is home to three elephants, a herd of Cape buffalo and an elderly male lion, living out his retirement in comfort! In 2021 Imire was chosen as a partner of the The Aspinall Foundation and given two cheetahs as part of its international wildlife rewilding programme.

There is also a variety of plains game including eland, kudu, nyala, waterbuck, blesbok, zebra, giraffe, wildebeest and crocodile, plus herds of the rare sable antelope – Zimbabwe’s National Animal. Imire is also home to a wide variety of birds, reptiles and snakes.