Nature Enthusiast Wildlife Course

The 6-week Nature Enthusiast Wildlife Course is an extension to the project’s popular and successful Rhino & Elephant Conservation Programme.

Our FGASA-endorsed Nature Enthusiast Wildlife Course is the perfect way to increase your knowledge and appreciation of the natural world, while enjoying the very best of what Imire has to offer. The broad range of wildlife topics covered, the experienced course leaders and the research techniques you will learn, are what set the this Nature Course apart from the rest. 

Over the 42 day course, you will cover a huge range of topics and learn an immense amount about Imire’s different environments, ecology and habitats. You will learn how to identify large and small animals, track wildlife, interpret signs and understand mammal and bird behaviours. You will also be shown the basics of bush survival and orienteering and learn from experts about current conservation techniques and the challenges surrounding wildlife conservation in Zimbabwe.

You will learn to apply your skills in a range of environments, and will gain the theoretical skills that ensure you can apply what you have learnt across a variety of wildlife and conservation industries, anywhere in the world.

During 6 week wildlife course you will study the following subjects:

• Astronomy
• Geology
• Weather and climate
• Ecology
• Taxonomy
• Botany – wild flowers, trees and grasses
• Arthropods (insects)
• Amphibians
• Reptiles
• Fish
• Birds
• Mammals
• Animal behaviour
• Conservation management
• Historical human habitation
• Tracking skills

Custom modules:

• Introduction to Zimbabwe and Imire
• Bush survival skills
• Basic weapons handling
• Scientific studies and research including grass surveys, telemetry tracking, camera traps, fish and amphibian surveys

Scientific Research

There is no other wildlife course which facilitates meaningful research quite like ours, where participants actively contribute to Imire’s scientific research projects.

Each topic of study includes a wildlife research project. For example – if you’re studying mammals you may go out into the reserve and track the rhinos using telemetry. Over time the data will then be mapped revealing ‘rhino hot spots’. This will allow better deployment of anti-poaching resources and better management of the vegetation on which the rhinos rely.

Another example – if you’re studying birds there is a bird ringing scheme. This involves catching birds using a mist net and applying a specially designed ring. Each ring is unique to that particular bird so if it’s caught or photographed again you can ID individuals. This allows the conservancy to better understand movements and migrations, monitor particular species, measure breeding success, understand population declines and ultimately conserve Zimbabwe’s bird species.

Whether you’re thinking about a career in conservation or simply want to learn more, being involved in research projects will give you invaluable experience.

Three home cooked meals are provided each day on a self-serve basis. Vegetarian and vegan options are available upon request. The project are able to cater for specific dietary needs (for example gluten, dairy or wheat intolerance), but 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.

There is pay as you go Wi-Fi at the project. When there is no electricity, the cellphone signal can be problematic, but it is available to touch base with home in certain areas of the conservancy.

There is access to a safe for securely locking away any cash or valuables you may have brought with you.