Zimbabwe
Volunteer in Zimbabwe
Becoming a volunteer in Zimbabwe is a rich and fulfilling experience for any fan of wildlife conservation. As one of Africa’s most-visited locations, Zimbabwe has much to boast about: incredible natural landscapes, vibrant cities, and even ancient kingdoms can be found here, but the main draw for many must be the country’s iconic wildlife.
The Great Projects are proud to offer the chance to volunteer in Zimbabwe and make a huge difference to the country's conservation efforts, all whilst enjoying an experience that you will cherish for the rest of your life. Our Victoria Falls Conservation Experience allows you to follow in the footsteps of famed explorer David Livingstone, undertaking volunteer work by Zimbabwe’s legendary falls themselves. Alternatively, you can see the iconic ‘Big Five’ in their native home by taking part in the Rhino and Elephant Conservation Project, which is situated in the beautiful Mashonaland East Province of the country. Whichever of our programs you choose to join, your time spent as a volunteer in Zimbabwe is sure to be memorable!
Projects Do More
13 - 27 Nights from $1,619.00
Help make a difference to Zimbabwe's incredible wildlife and visit the breath-taking Victoria Falls.
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7 - 84 Nights from $1,119.00
Volunteer with rhinos and elephants in Zimbabwe on this amazing conservation project!
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7 - 14 Nights from $1,369.00
Conserve rhinos and elephants on horseback at a unique game reserve in Zimbabwe.
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Wildlife
Zimbabwe is home to 10 National Parks as well as a number of botanical gardens, safari areas and sanctuaries; collectively, these are known as the ‘Wildlife Estate’. The vast majority of Zimbabwe’s wildlife can be found here due to the fact that the estate covers 12.5% of the country’s overall landmass. Within the estate you’ll be able to spot the ‘Big 5’:
- Elephant
- Leopard
- Lion
- Rhino
- Buffalo
As well-known as these species are, there are many other animals which you could spot when volunteering in Zimbabwe! Keep your eyes peeled for antelope, zebras, and giraffes, among many other species – you could make a meaningful change to animal conservation in Zimbabwe when you join a volunteer project, so what are you waiting for?
Culture
Zimbabwe has a rich and varied cultural history, consisting of numerous different beliefs and ceremonies. The country’s largest ethnic group is the Shona, and they are well-known for their impressive arts and crafts: their stone sculptures and pottery are revered, as is their skill in textile production.
There are many elements of culture to enjoy in Zimbabwe: alongside arts and crafts, theatre has something of a following, as does song and dance. A universally enjoyable element of culture, however, has to be the sampling of a country’s food – consider trying a ‘Miele-meal’, a kind of porridge-dish. If you eat meat, you could also try ‘sadza’ with ‘boerewors’, a hearty meal of maize and sausage. However you choose to experience the culture – by eating, dancing, or taking part in arts and crafts – you’re sure to have a wonderful time on your holiday as a volunteer in Zimbabwe!
Popular Sights
There is so much to see in Zimbabwe, but if you wish to see the best of what a country has to offer, this will require some forward planning! Why not add a trip to some of the following sights to your itinerary alongside your volunteer opportunities?
- Victoria Falls – famous the world over, the falls are a spectacular sight deserving of sitting atop everybody’s bucket list. This iconic location is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and certainly should not be missed. Visit Zimbabwe as a wildlife volunteer by joining the Victoria Falls Conservation Experience!
- The Balancing Rocks – one of Zimbabwe’s most unusual sights, the Balancing Rocks are a series of curious natural sculptures which can be spotted throughout the country. The unusual, gravity-defying formations were created when ancient granite intrusions were exposed to weathering, the softer rocks around them eroding away. So well-loved are these mysterious rocks that they have been used on banknotes, and are also used as a moving metaphor, explain the importance of both development and preservation throughout Zimbabwe.
- The Shona Sculpture Gallery – Visit the Shona Sculpture Gallery in Harare – an oasis of tranquillity on Harare’s busy Airport Road, the gallery something of a concealed gem, hidden behind tall walls but bursting with life within. Verdant plants, mature trees and divine foliage flank the gallery, but the art pieces themselves are the real draw. Marvel at the diversity of the sculptures found here: sometimes intricate, sometimes contorted, more than 60 pieces are on display here, and are sure to be admired by any fan of contemporary art.
