Login

Select travel dates to see prices

Great 4.45rating (27)

Protect the wildlife

location
2 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Observe the big 5 in there natural habitat and help protect them.
  • Educate the locals about wildlife protection und sustainability.
  • Experience the Zimbabwean way of life.

Highlights

  • Observe the big 5 in there natural habitat and help protect them.
  • Educate the locals about wildlife protection und sustainability.
  • Experience the Zimbabwean way of life.
  • Explore the beautiful country during your free time.
  • Create friendships with international volunteers who share your passion for wildlife protection.

  • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    50+

    About the program

    Protect endangered wildlife in Zimbabwe! Join this project to support conservation, preserve habitats, and help local community development efforts.

    Volunteer for Wildlife Conservation in Zimbabwe

    Zimbabwe is home to breathtaking natural wonders like the UNESCO World Heritage Site Victoria Falls and the iconic Big Five. However, hunting and habitat destruction have led to a significant decline in many species. As a Wildlife Volunteer, you'll ...

    About the program

    Volunteer for Wildlife Conservation in Zimbabwe

    Zimbabwe is home to breathtaking natural wonders like the UNESCO World Heritage Site Victoria Falls and the iconic Big Five. However, hunting and habitat destruction have led to a significant decline in many species. As a Wildlife Volunteer, you'll support critical conservation efforts, including the protection of endangered species such as the black rhinoceros. The project also focuses on educating and engaging the local community in sustainable practices.

    Your placement is on a privately run wildlife reserve covering approximately 2,500 hectares, which has been dedicated to conservation and species preservation for over 15 years. One of its key goals is restoring the natural environment by removing abandoned farm structures, giving the land back to nature.

    The project spans several areas:

    • Sustainability: Assist in maintaining a vegetable garden, planting and caring for trees, and installing water pumps.

    • Conservation Management: Support wildlife monitoring and tracking, assess soil erosion, and help maintain infrastructure like roads and bridges.

    This is your chance to make a real impact while experiencing the Zimbabwean way of life and building connections with like-minded volunteers from around the world.


    Typical day

    Make a Lasting Impact on Wildlife and Communities in Zimbabwe

    During your volunteer work, you'll gain valuable insights into local conservation efforts and learn how to support nearby communities in preserving their environment. You'll be living directly on the wildlife reserve, just a few minutes ...

    Typical day

    Make a Lasting Impact on Wildlife and Communities in Zimbabwe

    During your volunteer work, you'll gain valuable insights into local conservation efforts and learn how to support nearby communities in preserving their environment. You'll be living directly on the wildlife reserve, just a few minutes from the world-famous Victoria Falls.

    As a volunteer, you’ll help the team restore the reserve to its natural state—an essential part of protecting endangered species. No prior experience is required, but you should be physically fit and ready to take on hands-on outdoor work.

    In addition to conservation efforts on the reserve, the team is also active in local development projects. Once a week, you'll assist at a nearby school, helping to raise awareness among children about environmental protection. This gives you a unique opportunity to engage with the local community and support education.

    You’ll work five days a week, around six hours per day. Each day, you and your team will be driven to and from your worksite by the project guides. A typical day includes a long midday break to rest and recharge, followed by a shared dinner in the evening.

    There are no special requirements for participation. What is important is that you enjoy working with animals and are interested in animal welfare. Good physical fitness is also often an advantage.

    This is more than just a volunteer opportunity—it’s a chance to actively contribute to the protection of Zimbabwe’s wildlife and support sustainable development at the grassroots level.


    Free-time activities

    Volunteer Where Adventure Meets Wildlife: Zimbabwe Awaits!

    Imagine waking up just minutes away from one of the world’s greatest natural wonders—the mighty Victoria Falls—surrounded by raw African wilderness and incredible wildlife. Our volunteer project in Zimbabwe is based on a privately-owned ...

    Free-time activities

    Volunteer Where Adventure Meets Wildlife: Zimbabwe Awaits!

    Imagine waking up just minutes away from one of the world’s greatest natural wonders—the mighty Victoria Falls—surrounded by raw African wilderness and incredible wildlife. Our volunteer project in Zimbabwe is based on a privately-owned 2,500-hectare wildlife reserve, where you'll not only witness the iconic Big Five in their natural habitat but also discover a stunning array of bird species and landscapes that will take your breath away.

    This is your chance to step behind the scenes of real conservation work. The reserve is deeply committed to protecting endangered species and restoring the land to its natural state. As a volunteer, you’ll play a meaningful role in wildlife preservation while living and working in the heart of the African bush.

    But your experience in Zimbabwe doesn’t end with conservation work—your free time opens up a world of adventure.

    Explore the Wild Beauty of Zimbabwe

    Whether you're a nature lover, animal enthusiast, thrill-seeker, history buff, or culture fan—Zimbabwe has something for everyone.
    Take in the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls, one of the largest and most spectacular waterfalls on the planet. Walk along scenic trails beside the falls, take a river cruise, or, for the brave-hearted, try a once-in-a-lifetime skydiving experience with the thunderous falls beneath you.

    For adrenaline junkies, the Zambezi River offers world-class white-water rafting, giving you a wild and unforgettable view of Zimbabwe's landscapes from a different angle.

    Go on a thrilling safari through Hwange National Park, the country’s largest game reserve, where you might spot elephants, lions, zebras, giraffes, and more in the wild. Or visit Matobo National Park, famous for its dramatic granite rock formations and rich biodiversity.

    Culture, History & More

    Interested in history? Explore Great Zimbabwe, the impressive ruins of a once-powerful kingdom that offers deep insight into the country’s fascinating past. If it’s culture you crave, don’t miss a visit to Harare, Zimbabwe’s lively capital, where you’ll find vibrant markets, art galleries, museums, and traditional music and dance performances.

    And of course, the Victoria Falls themselves are unmissable—not just for their beauty, but for their significance. Stretching nearly two kilometers wide, this UNESCO World Heritage site is the world’s largest continuous waterfall and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Surrounded by tropical rainforest and teeming with wildlife, it’s a natural masterpiece you’ll never forget.


    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 (basic level)

    Nationality Restrictions

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

    Other Skills

    There are no specific requirements to join the project. What matters most is a genuine interest in animal welfare and a passion for working with wildlife. Good physical fitness is often beneficial, as some tasks can be physically demanding.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    Before Your Departure
    • Personal Support: Individual consultation and assistance from our experienced RGV team in Munich

    • Full Organization: Project placement and coordination of your stay in Zimbabwe

    • Preparation Support: Guidance on visa applications, health precautions, travel insurance, and more

    • Non-binding Flight Offer: We'll help you find a suitable flight

    • Travel ABC & Packing List: Everything you need to prepare for your journey

    • RGV Home: Your digital assistant with helpful tips and tools to get ready for your time abroad

    • RGV Academy: Access to over 6 hours of video content and self-development tools through our exclusive e-learning platform

    • Welcome Gift: An RGV T-shirt to kick off your adventure

    Once You're There
    • Orientation Program: Get to know the project and surroundings with the on-site team

    • Local Support: Ongoing guidance and supervision from experienced staff

    • 24/7 Emergency Hotline: RGV emergency contact available around the clock

    • Airport Transfer: Pickup and drop-off on the agreed arrival and departure days

    • Accommodation: Stay directly at the wildlife reserve

    • Meals Included: Enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner during your entire stay

    You're supported every step of the way—before, during, and after your volunteer experience. All that’s left for you is to pack your bags and start your adventure!

    Airport Pickup at Victoria Falls Airport

    Our team will pick you up at the airport upon arrival and drive you to the accommodation :)

    Accommodation

    During your volunteer placement, you’ll stay directly at the conservation center, just steps away from the heart of the reserve. The center features 20 private single rooms, each equipped with a wardrobe and desk. Bathrooms are shared among up to four volunteers.

    You'll have access to free Wi-Fi and a weekly laundry service. Outside, the camp offers a relaxed and social atmosphere with a garden, an outdoor pool, a terrace bar, and a BBQ area—perfect for winding down and connecting with fellow volunteers after a day in the field.

    The accommodation is located about 10 km from the nearest town, which you can explore on your free weekends. Please note: for safety reasons, due to the presence of wild animals, you are not allowed to leave the fenced camp area on your own.

    For added convenience, there’s also a safe for valuables and a library where you can relax or read up on conservation topics.

    Food & Beverages

    You’ll be well taken care of with three freshly prepared meals per day from the fully equipped kitchen. 


    If you have any dietary requirements or preferences, please let us know before your arrival so we can accommodate your needs.

    Internet Access

    Limited 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 Victoria Falls Airport (VFA) in Victoria Falls. 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

    Before you even depart, our team in Munich will take you through every step of the process, from answering your questions about the program, through to advising you where to go for your visa. We're here to help and to ensure that you feel totally comfortable before departing.

    You will fly into Victoria Falls Airport, where a team member will be waiting to pick you up. From there, it's just a short 10–15 minute drive to the wildlife reserve. Upon arrival, you’ll receive a brief tour of the grounds and be shown to your room. On your first evening, you'll have the chance to meet the other volunteers and staff members and enjoy a relaxed evening together.

    Once at the reserve, you’ll get a short introduction tour of the site. The following day is dedicated to orientation and getting you settled into your volunteer work. The orientation program lasts up to three hours and covers everything you need to know about your tasks, the project work, and daily life at the reserve.

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program Fees

    $1,098 per week 2 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    2 - 12 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
    4.5
    Top Pick
    One of the top picks on Volunteer World, according to travelers
    2025
    A typical working day as a wildlife volunteer in Zimbabwe begins with breakfast at 6:00 a.m. We leave the camp at 6:30 a.m. Depending on ...
    2023
    Now I would like to tell you about my time in Ghana: I lived in Accra for 6 weeks and worked in the street children project there. In the ...
    Swenja G

    Street Children

    2023
    I was there for 8 weeks as a volunteer in a street children's project in Accra. My goals for this stay abroad in Ghana were to get to ...
    Maria S

    Street Children

    Location

    Africa > Eastern Africa > Zimbabwe > Victoria Falls

    Meet your project coordinator

    RGV
    27
    reviews
    4.45
    Great
    1999
    Founded

    Verified

      Moderate response rate
    Spoken languages: German, Spanish, English
    Travel safely by using Volunteer World for your communication and bookings. This way, you can benefit from the Flex Option, Refund Guarantee, and Resolution Support.

    You might also be interested in

    Contact RGV
      Moderate response rate
    German, Spanish, English

    Most volunteers ask about


    Do you have any more questions? Send a message to RGV
    Please don't share personal contact details for your privacy

    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

    Book with Flex Option!

    Choose new departure dates or change to a different volunteer program at no extra costs within 12 months.

    Complete Support for Every Volunteer

    This helps us run our platform and offer essential services like Comprehensive Support, Refund Guarantee, Flex Option without rebooking costs, and Price-Guarantee. This includes VAT.

    Price details