Imire Rhino & Elephant Conservation Program - Day "Elephant Encounters" Available
Enjoy an up close and personal experience with our resident elephant herd. Begin your day with a steaming cup of coffee in the presence of these magnificent creatures. An opportunity to witness and learn first-hand about their behaviour and different pers
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Duration
2 Hours
Tour Type
Nature and Wildlife
Group Size
12 persons
Location
Wedza, Mashonaland East - Zimbabwe
Overview
"Conservation is a state of harmony, between men and land." - Aldo Leopold
Volunteer on our unique rhino & elephant conservation programme
Our volunteer programme at Imire is for people who are passionate about rhino and elephant conservation; those who want to contribute their efforts to save some of Africa's most iconic endangered species. We are a family-run conservancy, offering a unique way to volunteer with rhinos and join in our conservation work.
Wildlife in Africa is under threat from illegal poaching, over-population, and habitat loss. Conservancies like Imire play a vital role in both protecting and propagating endangered animals, to ensure viable wildlife populations and varied genetics continue to exist.
The project
The project is home to an internationally renowned Black Rhino Breeding and Release Programme which has supported Zimbabwe’s rhino population since the mid 1980s. To date, 20 rhinos have been born at the conservancy, with 12 rhinos successfully released back into the wild. Volunteers play a role in securing the future of this once-again endangered animal, working alongside anti-poaching rangers, working on rhino research projects and getting involved in the daily care of both black and white rhino.
Our Rhino & Elephant Conservation volunteer programme takes a unique approach to the protection of our endangered black and white rhinos and elephants, and the environment in which they live. In February 2021 we welcomed the arrival of a pair of male cheetahs born in Canada and re-wilded to Zimbabwe. Volunteers are involved in the tracking and monitoring of the cheetah alongside their volunteer work with rhinos and elephants.
In addition to working with iconic wildlife, rhino conservation volunteers work closely on other projects alongside our local employees and community members. You will play a vital role in safeguarding the future of Zimbabwe's endangered species and in supporting our rural communities.
Wildlife conservation volunteers at Imire are involved in a variety of conservation tasks. Work closely alongside our rhinos, elephants, and abundance of other wildlifeCarry out cheetah monitoring, data capture and record observationsAssist with anti-poaching efforts to ensure the continued safety of the animalsEducate local schoolchildren about conservation, wildlife, and the environmentLearn more about wildlife conservation, threats to our animals’ existence and what is involved in the management of a wildlife conservancy.
Volunteering with rhinos is a unique opportunity to completely immerse yourself in a new country and culture, experiencing day-to-day life in Africa first-hand – all while giving back to an important conservation cause. We guarantee that when you work with rhinos and elephants, your experiences will be life-changing!
The Rhino and Elephant Conservation Programme is a unique hands-on opportunity to get behind the scenes and experience day-to-day life on a private conservancy, and be involved with the protection and conservation of Zimbabwe’s endangered black rhino.
The programme focuses on the conservation of resident black and white rhino, elephants, cheetah and a wealth of plains game including giraffe, zebra, buffalo, wildebeest, impala, kudu, crocodile and the rare sable antelope.
The aim of the programme is to assist the reserve's established black rhino breeding and release programme; collect meaningful data and information relating to rhino and wildlife conservation and animal behaviour, and engage with the local community about wildlife conservation.
Highlights
Requirements
Minimum Age: 17 year
In order to join the program you need to be at least 17 years old on the program start date.
Language Skills
You need to speak English (basic level)
Nationality Restrictions
No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.
Other Skills
A moderate level of fitness and a passion for wildlife and conservation. Family groups are very welcome!
Time Commitment
Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 06:30 - 17:00
Dates and Costs
You can volunteer at Imire for a minimum of one and maximum of 12 weeks, with arrivals and departures every Monday between mid-January and mid-December. The project is closed from 18th December 2023 - 8th January 2024.
Fees are critical to fund the daily operations of the conservancy as well as covering the costs of the volunteer programme.
Program fees
Wildlife conservation goes hand-in-hand with community education and we believe that a sharing of knowledge and culture is key to the future of our wildlife heritage. Volunteering with us is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a new country and culture and experience day-to-day life in Africa, while giving back to an important conservation cause.
The riding programme has set start and end dates throughout the year.
| Duration | Fees |
| 1 week (min. stay) | $900 |
| 2 weeks | $1,800 |
| 3 weeks | $2,700 |
| 4 weeks | $3,600 |
| 5 weeks | $4,500 |
| 6 weeks | $5,400 |
| 8 weeks | $7,200 |
| 10 weeks | $9,000 |
| 12 weeks (max. stay) | $10,800 |
What's included
Accomodation
The volunteer programme at Imire is unique for its personal nature, and you will be comfortably accommodated in groups of no more than 12 volunteers. Our accommodation is beautifully situated in the heart of the conservancy.
Rooms are shared (same sex sharing) in comfortable single beds with all bedding provided (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.
All bedrooms 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.
Food and Beverages
Three home cooked meals are provided daily on a self-serve basis. Vegetarian and vegan options are available upon request, but should you have any dietary requirements or food allergies, it is important you let us know before you arrive. We are able to cater for very specific dietary needs (for example gluten, dairy or wheat intolerance), but you should bring any specialist foods along with you. If you bring these foods, our chefs will be able to prepare these for you alongside other volunteer’s standard meals.
Drinking water is pumped from a borehole and is safe and clean for drinking.
Whats not included
Wildlife conservation goes hand-in-hand with community education and we believe that a sharing of knowledge and culture is key to the future of our wildlife heritage. Volunteering with us is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a new country and culture and experience day-to-day life in Africa, while giving back to an important conservation cause.
The riding programme has set start and end dates throughout the year.
Inspiration
“When I arrived at Imire for my first solo trip, I was worried about not liking it and not getting on with the other volunteers. But after a week at this amazing place I began to enjoy it more and more each day. All of the activities felt as though I was properly helping (even if just in a tiny way), and I have learnt so much more than I could have ever imagined. Every single person I have met while on my incredible trip has been some of the most welcoming, friendly and amazing people. I couldn’t have wished for a better experience, it has been the most amazing of my life so far! I will treasure every single little moment of my time here at Imire, thank you everyone for an incredible 5 weeks!” Laura, UK
Payment terms
Important information
1. Our services are free of charge for volunteers! All program fees are charged directly by Imire Rhino Conservation. Africabooking receives a commission from Imire Rhino Conservation to run the platform. So ensure that you have read and accept theTerms and Privacy Policy as this document contains important information (e.g travel insurance, visas, your money, health etc) you need to know before you depart on tour.
2. This service can be linked with a number of our other services, including car rental options, Victoria Falls tours, Local Events among many add-ons. If you are interested to enhance your tour further, please contact us to receive a list of all the available options to suite your time frame and budget.
3. All information provided in this dossier is subject to change without prior notice. Changes would always be in consideration of your safety first and a better quality experience
Itinerary
Typical day
There is no such thing as a typical day on the project, but but swipe through to learn more about the activities which you will almost certainly be involved with during your stay
Typical day
There is no such thing as a typical day on the project, but but swipe through to learn more about the activities which you will almost certainly be involved with during your stay
Our volunteer programme is a unique opportunity to live in the heart of Zimbabwe and share the experiences of a 10,000 acre family run African conservancy You will live in close proximity to black and white rhina elephants buffalo, giraffe and many other animals and birds. You will hear incredible stories, learn our history, witness amazing animal relationships and help with research projects to further our knowledge of the wildlife which surrounds you.
Rhino conservation
Observe and record rhino behaviour to identify patterns and understand relationships
Rhino conservation
Observe and record rhino behaviour to identify patterns and understand relationships
The key objective of the project is to newild captive born animals back to their rightful habitats in Africa and to assist them in renaturalising learning to hunt and live in a wild environment. In time we plan on establishing a breeding population of cheetah at Imire for the purposes of contributing to the genetic diversity and to assist in repopulating cheetah into other safe and suitable National Parkes
Cheetah conservation
Our cheetahs are collared and volunteers learn to use the telemetry set, identify tracks and signs of cheetah movement. Our observations at Imire can be used to assist wildlife management techniques across the world.
Cheetah conservation
Our cheetahs are collared and volunteers learn to use the telemetry set, identify tracks and signs of cheetah movement. Our observations at Imire can be used to assist wildlife management techniques across the world.
The opportunity to study these elusive animals in their natural habitat is an unforgettable experience. Both our cheetah are fitted with tracking collars and you will learn to use the telemetry set and identify the tracks and signs of cheetah activity in the bush.
Work with elephants
Observe and record elephant behaviour to identify patterns and understand relationships. Maintain and repair enclosures and elephant damage and clean out their beds and put fresh hay.
Work with elephants
Observe and record elephant behaviour to identify patterns and understand relationships. Maintain and repair enclosures and elephant damage and clean out their beds and put fresh hay.
Imire is committed to ensuring our elephant have as close to a natural life as possible. They are amazing ambassa dors for their species and key for helping educate communities about conservation. You will monitor elephant feed- ing patterns and repair elephant damage in the conservancy. Walk with the elephants in the mornings or evenings learn about these iconic animals from their knowledgeable handlers and understand the threats they face and what's being done to protect them
Anti-poaching and security
Undertake snare patrols and anti-poaching monitoring
Anti-poaching and security
Undertake snare patrols and anti-poaching monitoring
You will also have the opportunity to do weapons training with our Anti-Poaching Unit and scouts. You will use paintball guns to simulate the scouts FN rifles to gain familiarity with a "weapon" You will also join the APU as they do their drills and training
Conservancy Management
You will have the opportunity to meet with, and learn from, the experienced K9 Anti-poaching unit and our amazing Murwi, a highly trained Dutch Shepherd.
Conservancy Management
You will have the opportunity to meet with, and learn from, the experienced K9 Anti-poaching unit and our amazing Murwi, a highly trained Dutch Shepherd.
Undertake deliveries of hay bales and game cubes around the game park to supplement the natural browse and grazing for all animals
Help maintain fences, roads, fireguards and park equipment, Indigenous tree planting and removal of alien species
Cattle dipping: help the cattle section on dip days to control the population of parasites and other diseases which can affect the wildlife
Monitor the condition and health of herd animals
Game counts by foot, vehicle and on horseback
Carnivore feeding: volunteers are responsible for feeding the lion, hyenas, crocodile and the periodic dosing of the lion to prevent ticks
Community, teaching and cultural activities
Playing sports and games and helping with homework or make the most of the Cultural evenings where you can learn to cook and dance from local experts!
Community, teaching and cultural activities
Playing sports and games and helping with homework or make the most of the Cultural evenings where you can learn to cook and dance from local experts!
Approximately 500 people live or work at Imire, including conservancy, lodge, volunteer programme and farm staff plus their families. There is a primary and secondary school just outside our boundary which we support through sponsorship of building projects, teaching assistance, sports, gardening and conservation education. We also support the local Idube Clinic through the provision of medicines and financial donations. This is your chance to socialize helpfully, you can Help with homework, computer skills, reading and arts and crafts at our purpose-built Learning Centre or Work with the Conservation Club - field trips in the conservancy to learn about the environment
Horseback riding patrols
undertake fence and boundary monitoring and join the dedicated anti-poaching team for moonlight snare patrols.
Horseback riding patrols
undertake fence and boundary monitoring and join the dedicated anti-poaching team for moonlight snare patrols.
Carry out herd monitoring and anti-poaching off the beaten trackMeet and learn from Murwi, the project's K9 Anti-Poaching dog
Leisure time
We highly recommend a weekend excursion to Victoria Falls (a one hour flight), which can be organised on the booking menu to your arrival.
Leisure time
We highly recommend a weekend excursion to Victoria Falls (a one hour flight), which can be organised on the booking menu to your arrival.
In your free time you can go fishing and canoeing or relax with a beer after a hard day's world You may also have the opportunity to go horse riding on a Saturday morning If you enjoy hiking we can arrange trips to Mutemwa Mountain or a visit to see the Bushman paintings at Marlowe Caves outside the conservancy. You may also choose to visit Imire Lodge for a meal. These weekend activites incur a small extra cost.
Travel Styles
Nature & Adventure
Activities
Special Interest
Facilities
Wifi
Gymnasium
Mountain Bike
Satellite Office
Staff Lounge
FAQs
Am I suited to do volunteer work with rhinos?
No prior experience of conservation is needed to join the rhino volunteer programme, just a passion for wildlife, an open mind, and a willingness to get involved. Our conservation programme is about teamwork and tolerance - we live in close proximity with other people from different backgrounds and of different ages. We will make sure that you are comfortable and well fed and have plenty to do every day!
You will need to have a moderate degree of fitness and be fairly mobile - able to climb off and on our safari vehicle and walk over uneven ground. Although these is some physical labour (fixing fences and roads, removing invasive species), there are no very long hikes through the bush during very hot temperatures.
Our maximum group size is 12 and is normally made up of people from all walks of life and nationalities, who share similar passions and interest in wildlife. The minimum age for solo travellers is 17 years old and there is no upper age limit
Is your conservation project a rhino orphanage?
Imire is a 4,500-hectare wildlife conservancy with free-roaming rhinos, elephants, cheetahs, and plains game. We are not a rhino orphanage and at the moment we do not take on injured and abandoned rhinos - there is no dedicated rhino orphanage facility in Zimbabwe at the moment. Our rhinos are able to live a natural life within our secure boundaries.
How do I volunteer with rhinos?
Imire is a unique place to volunteer with rhinos and see first-hand the work that is being done to support the future of rhino conservation in Zimbabwe. You have a once-in-a-time opportunity to contribute to the work that is being done by local conservationists to halt the dramatic decline in rhino populations across Africa.
What are the benefits of volunteering with rhinos at Imire?
Every volunteer activity you are involved with at Imire, no matter how small it seems, is meaningful and important and no time is ever wasted. This could be planting trees, tracking our white rhinos, working alongside community members, repairing roads or fences, or doing game counts. Conservation volunteers and their contributions of time, energy and passion are critical to the survival of small conservancies like Imire, who receive no government investment or support, and rely on the support of private individuals and organisations to continue to do their vital conservation work day-to-day
Why volunteer with rhinos and elephants in Africa?
When you volunteer abroad you are directly contributing to conservation efforts to support declining populations of endangered animals. At Imire you can see first-hand the impact that rhino volunteers have to our conservancy, our staff, and our communities. Your work, whether it be collecting data on rhinos to support management decision-making, monitoring elephants or tracking cheetah, is all done to secure the long-term future of Imire, our wildlife and our local Wedza community
Do I need any experience to volunteer with rhinos?
No experience is required, just a passion for wildlife, an interest in conservation and an open mind - this is Africa after all!
What is the weather like in Zimbabwe?
Zimbabwe has more than 300 days of sunshine a year and Imire is located at a pleasant altitude away from the stifling heat of the low veld areas. The rainy summer season runs from November - March when the days can be blisteringly hot broken up with much-needed rain showers, and the winters are characterised by warm sunny days and cold nights
Where in Zimbabwe will I be volunteering with wildlife?
Imire is located in the Hwedza district of eastern Zimbabwe, around 120km from the capital, Harare. Our conservancy is around 10,000 acres and is a mixture of beautiful miombo woodland, open plains, waterways and huge granite outcrops. We are bordered by small rural settlements and many of our staff are from the villages that surround Imire
How does Imire support Zimbabwe wildlife conservation?
Our focus has always been to support endangered species and to build and retain vital gene pools, in order to repopulate areas most severely affected by poaching. In 1987 we were given custodianship of the Magnificent 7, seven orphaned baby black rhinos that were unable to survive alone in the wild. Our rhino breeding programme had begun. Over the next three decades, 21 rhinos were born at Imire, with 12 released to start new lives in Zimbabwe’s national parks. In 2021 we partnered with The Aspinall Foundation and were honoured to receive two captive-bred cheetah in order to begin the process of increasing Zimbabwe’s dwindling cheetah population.
What do I need to volunteer in Zimbabwe?
No experience is necessary to be a wildlife conservation volunteer, just a passion for wildlife, an enthusiastic can-do attitude and a willingness to get stuck in! You will have a life-changing experience and make memories and friends that will last a lifetime. Get in touch to book your place!
Tour Location
Enjoy an up close and personal experience with our resident elephant herd. Begin your day with a steaming cup of coffee in the presence of these magnificent creatures. An opportunity to witness and learn first-hand about their behaviour and different pers
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