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Perfect 4.67rating (35)
  • Life On Land
  • Quality Education

Nature Enthusiast Course

location
4 - 4 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified
Volunteer project with the highest quality. This project sets unprecedented standards in quality - an unparalleled level of excellence.

Highlights

  • 4 weeks living and learning in Africa
  • Learn to track big game and identify the signs of animals in the bush
  • Gain a deep understanding of large and small animal and bird behaviour

Highlights

  • 4 weeks living and learning in Africa
  • Learn to track big game and identify the signs of animals in the bush
  • Gain a deep understanding of large and small animal and bird behaviour
  • Step outside your comfort zone and discover what it truly takes to conserve and protect a wilderness area,
  • Immersive training with expert guides
    • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Perfect for wildlife lovers looking to take their knowledge to the next level, a worthwhile gap year experience, or to kick-start a career in wildlife conservation.

    The Imire Wildlife Conservation Course is designed for wildlife lovers who are looking to take their knowledge of the natural world to the next level. 

    The course has been designed by and is led by our highly qualified volunteer coordinator, an experienced FGASA-certified guide. The knowledge that ...

    About the program

    The Imire Wildlife Conservation Course is designed for wildlife lovers who are looking to take their knowledge of the natural world to the next level. 

    The course has been designed by and is led by our highly qualified volunteer coordinator, an experienced FGASA-certified guide. The knowledge that you will gain from the course, and the research techniques you will learn, can be used anywhere in the world in a variety of conservation and wildlife careers.

    The 4-week wildlife course is an opportunity for nature lovers to study Africa's wildlife and ecology more intensively and be immersed in the conservancy's unique environment. You will study large mammals, focusing on the project's 28 rhinos and three elephants, small mammals and birds, reptiles, insects and amphibians. You will learn about the night skies and ecology, and develop a deep understanding of large and small animal behaviour.

    The course is ideal for people wanting to start a career in wildlife conservation, or those who simply have the desire to learn more about a variety of wildlife subjects.

    Fully certified

    You will gain a Wildlife Course Certificate on successful completion and a Wilderness First Aid certificate. 

    Course content

    • Behaviour observations: study the behaviour of iconic African species such as black and white rhinos, elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebra and a huge range of plains game, bird species, reptiles and amphibians. 
    • Learn from conservation professionals about conserving and protecting endangered species.
    • Explore the major classifications of African Flora and Fauna and study the geology, ecology and climate within Zimbabwe. 
    • Go on nature walks, foot patrols and bush walks - a unique experience in a conservancy home to big game. 
    • Get hands-on experience in the skills you will learn. Practice your techniques in real-life situations. 
    • 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.

    Wildlife Course - core practical elements: 

    • Study the tracks and signs of animals in the bush. Put your skills and knowledge to the test in week 4's tracking assessment!
    • Monitor wildlife and undertake scientific surveys. Learn to track rhinos using radio telemetry. Collect data on rhino dung middens, undertake bird surveys, study freshwater fish diversity and help with camera trap surveys and analysis.
    • Learn about the kingdom of the nocturnal animals, with a specific focus on bats.
    • Basic weapons handling. Understand how to safely use a firearm in wilderness areas and practice your own shooting skills in target practice.
    • Learn bush survival skills - this includes the traditional/medicinal uses of common African plant species, fire-making, stargazing and orienteering at night. Participate in a camp-out in the bush.
    • Wilderness First Aid - complete a 2-day training course with practical and theoretical components. 
    • Conservation and wildlife management workshops - these could include game capture, chemical immobilisation of wildlife for relocation, anti-poaching and security, conservancy maintenance tasks, and building projects. Activities may vary depending on the time of year and other factors.

    Wildlife Course - theoretical components:

    • Sessions on Amphibians, Arthropods, Birds, Mammals and  Reptiles.
    • Animal behaviour.
    • Ecology.
    • Conservation management.
    • Community work

    Community activities:

    Successful wildlife conservation is connected to the well-being and involvement of local communities. As part of the program's community work, you will experience some of their educational and income-generating projects within the villages surrounding the conservancy. 

    Develop practical research skills

    Unique to our Wildlife Conservation Course, in addition to learning about wildlife and the environment, students will pioneer Imire’s scientific research. Each topic of study includes a research project, where participants will develop their own skills and also contribute to Imire’s long-term conservancy management plan. 

    Current research projects include canopy surveys, telemetry tracking and animal mapping, camera traps, and bird, fish and amphibian population studies.

    Typical day

    Each day will focus on a different topic. Some topics have more to cover and may stretch across multiple days. The course will run from Monday to Saturday lunchtime, with a good mixture of lecture-style and practical activities in the conservancy.


    Days will be split into three sections, with plenty ...

    Typical day

    Each day will focus on a different topic. Some topics have more to cover and may stretch across multiple days. The course will run from Monday to Saturday lunchtime, with a good mixture of lecture-style and practical activities in the conservancy.


    Days will be split into three sections, with plenty of breaks for review and questions. A typical day could be:
    0530 - 0600 - wake up, coffee, rusks. Briefing of the days activities and learning points
    0600 - 0930: mammal lecture
    0930 - 1030: breakfast
    1030 - 1230: practical field exercise: game drive focusing on mammal diversity
    1230 - 1400: lunch
    1400 - 1700: field research: micro mammal traps and large animal camera traps
    1700 - 1900: self-study and completion of workbook questions
    1900 - 2000: dinner
    2000 onwards: relax around the fire

    Free-time activities

    Evenings, Saturday afternoons and Sundays are your free time to unwind - whether you choose to relax at camp or take the Sunday shuttle to the main volunteer house, where you’ll find kayaks, safe enclosed grounds, and a massage therapist on site.

    If you have extra time before or after your course, ...

    Free-time activities

    Evenings, Saturday afternoons and Sundays are your free time to unwind - whether you choose to relax at camp or take the Sunday shuttle to the main volunteer house, where you’ll find kayaks, safe enclosed grounds, and a massage therapist on site.

    If you have extra time before or after your course, we highly recommend a visit to the majestic Victoria Falls. Direct flights operate from Harare Domestic Airport, and a long weekend is the perfect amount of time to experience the Falls and explore the surrounding area.

    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (intermediate level)

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Other Skills

    Participants can be of any age and educational background but must have a deep interest in wildlife, and a passion for the outdoors. We welcome applications from student groups and those studying natural sciences. We will follow the same course outline regardless of participant backgrounds. Courses are taught in English, so good English language skills are required.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 07:00 - 17:00

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    Fees include: 
    • Shared safari-tent style accommodation
    • Three meals a day plus drinks (tea, coffee, juice, water)
    • Training costs
    • Transport between training locations
    • Harare International Airport transfers on arrival and departure (at set times)
    • Laundry and housekeeping
    • 24-hour support from our on-site course managers
    • Full orientation upon arrival

    The fees exclude:
    • Visas
    • Flights to Harare International Airport
    • Travel insurance (compulsory)
    Optional Extras:
    • Personal travel and excursions (outside the Nature Enthusiast Course)
    • Purchase of curios and any items of a personal nature
    • Snacks, fizzy and alcoholic drinks (over 18’s only) from our bar
    • Reference books outside those that are provided

    Airport Pickup at Harare International Airport

    Inclusive pick-ups are from Harare International Airport on your course start date (usually a Monday). Full details will be sent to you prior to your arrival.

    Accommodation

    Your home on this Wildlife Conservation Course is in shared safari-tent style accommodation, situated in the heart of the conservancy - allowing for an immersive learning environment in a diverse ecosystem.

    Participants will share twin walk-in safari tents (same sex sharing) with beds, bedding and storage space provided. Tents are en-suite, with hot and cold running water for showers, and flush toilets. The Wilderness Camp has a fully equipped kitchen, bar, communal lounge and dining room, with desks for studying and a small library. There is also an outside verandah area plus pool and fire pit.

    There is a daily laundry and housekeeping service.

    Food & Beverages

    Three meals a day are provided by our resident cooks, and fresh drinking water, tea, coffee and juice is freely available. Some dietary request can be catered for, please let us know before you arrive if you have specialist requirements (e.g. dairy or gluten intolerance).

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site
    You don't have to pay anything yet

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Harare International Airport (HRE) in Harare. We assist you to find cheap flights to Zimbabwe. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Zimbabwe provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Zimbabwe you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Zimbabwe. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    Course dates 2026 - 2027

    November 2nd - 30th 2026
    March 22nd - April 19th 2027
    September 27th - October 25th 2027

    Please arrive into Harare on the day your course starts before 1330 to take advantage of the free transfer service. Departure flights should be booked from midday onwards on your final day. 
    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program Fees

    $1,085 per week 4 - 4 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES

    Duration

    4 - 4 weeks

    Deposit

    Reserve your spot with just a few clicks and a small, secure deposit. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, or other convenient methods.

    Final Payment

    You’ll agree on the final payment method with your local organization during the application process. This final payment is only due closer to the start of your trip.

    You don't have to pay anything yet
    4.7
    Travelers’ Choice
    One of the most loved volunteer experiences, according to travelers

    Location

    Africa > Eastern Africa > Zimbabwe > Wedza

    Meet your project coordinator

    Chanel
    35
    reviews
    4.67
    Perfect
    2012
    Founded

    Verified

      Good response rate
    Spoken languages: English
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    You might also be interested in

    Volunteer Abroad  >  Animals  >  Wildlife Conservation in Zimbabwe
    Contact Chanel
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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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    Price details