This livestock management volunteer program is designed for those interested in agriculture, animal husbandry, or future veterinary-related studies who want practical, on-the-ground experience from a working farmer’s perspective.  Volunteers take part in the daily care of livestock, gaining practical experience in routine health checks, parasite control, vaccinations, and basic treatments for common ailments. The focus is on recognizing early signs of illness and understanding practical, farmer-led decision-making in livestock management

The program also covers breeding practices, handling young stock, and seasonal feeding strategies. From August through November, volunteers assist with supplementary feeding, including mixing some feeds on-site. General farm work forms part of the experience, such as fence repairs, learning to operate a tractor, and in late summer, assisting with grass baling.

In addition, volunteers may join elephant care and enrichment routines. Where time, interest, and space allow, participants can also enjoy horse riding and assist with activities linked to the wildlife conservation program, offering a broader understanding of land and animal management.

Livestock Health Management

Our wildlife volunteers are involved in the real, day-to-day work that keeps the reserve healthy and functioning. No two days are the same, and this program is ideal for those who want first-hand experience in wildlife reserve management and conservation.  This is not a training program. 

Volunteers contribute to maintaining and improving habitat across the entire ecosystem, focusing on three key areas: reserve maintenance, anti-poaching, and research.

Maintenance activities may include checking and pumping waterholes, placing mineral licks, erosion control, road repairs, invasive plant management, and inspecting and repairing boundary fences.

Anti-poaching exposure includes assisting with snare sweeps, drone operations, moving camera traps, and recording data on poaching activity. Volunteers also learn to identify common spoor and gain basic tracking skills.

Wildlife research support involves setting up and monitoring trail cameras and assisting with data analysis. Cameras are used for purposes such as carnivore assessments and monitoring wildlife movement in specific areas or in reaction to specific management tasks.

Wildlife Reserve Management

Our Equestrian program is set on our large wildlife reserve close to Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.  Our horses are free living, only being paddocked when not well, lame or needed for very early morning rides.  Mornings consist of bringing in the horses to the stables for grooming and health checks, after which it's time to work with them.  

Utilizing natural horsemanship methods is key with all our horses and we are always keen to share and exchange skills.  Join us as we work through the process of backing our up-and-coming safari horses, teach others jumping, dressage or work through issues.  Round off the morning with a safari ride and see some wildlife!

Afternoons are for more horse work, a safari ride if we missed it in the morning, a session through our cross-country course, or doing some odd-jobs around the stables & arenas.  

All our volunteers are very welcome to see what else happens on the reserve and you'll be offered a chance to check out what's happening in our livestock herds or even tag along with the Wildlife Management volunteers and learn a bit about what we do to keep the reserve running.
Finish the day with a cooling swim, a warming fire and always a beautiful sunset!

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