Wildlife Volunteer Programs

After departing from Italy and arriving in Gweru—a journey that involved two flights and a five-hour car ride—I received a warm welcome that immediately put me at ease. The first day was dedicated to orientation: the projects, activities, and rules to be followed were introduced. Above all, it was an opportunity to meet the coordinators of the individual projects—professionally qualified individuals who are deeply passionate about their respective fields of expertise. The weekly schedule of activities is presented every Sunday evening, and each day the group gathers around a fire pit to review the plans and share the highlights of the day—a moment for coming together (much like during mealtimes). Programs includes ie for Wildlife : Elephant Boma cleaning, Bird identification, Rhinos observation, Hyena Enrichment activities or Lions feed. For Community program : teaching assistance, Soup kitchen or Orphanage visit. Safari Stables : horses feed and groom, Fence checks, Safari ride, Horse Swim , Overnight ( optional ) , Polocrosse . I took part in the project for two weeks; the group of volunteers was diverse in terms of age and nationality. The accommodations are comfortable, the location is surrounded by greenery, and the food is wonderful (I don’t eat meat or dairy, and the staff and the cook were always attentive to my needs, offering a varied selection of dishes rich in vegetables from the park’s own garden!). Should any needs, questions, or requests for assistance arise, the volunteer coordinator manager is always available to help 7/24 . I had the opportunity to be of use, to learn, to meet people from different cultures, and to immerse myself in this environment—an experience that has left me with images I will carry with me forever.

I wouldn’t change anything! I went in Jesus gang because I don’t like bugs but also Cristobal made the experience so fun and educational! I had a blast from night walks, fishing activities, and volleyball. I would 100% return to this project. They have amazing energy and I learned so much. I would definitely recommend this project to future volunteers. I’m so grateful I went 1’s the food was phenomenal!!

I had an amazing time. I was definitely helping with the turtle population. I felt I had an impact. This was my first time but it will not be my last. I met other volunteers who continued to volunteer with IVHQ because they really enjoyed their time.

What a special place this is . I did a working holiday for 2 weeks and will definitively be back . Everyone is so welcoming . The staff are absolutely amazing and the animals so loved and well cared for . It was also great to spend time with other volunteers. Most of all I will never forget spending time with the beautiful animals and learning about them . Thank you to everyone at Cheetah Experience ♥️

My first visit to Cheetah Experience changed my life. Since then, I've been coming back here at least twice a year. It's a wonderful place where people from all walks of life—of different backgrounds, ages, and nationalities—share the same goal and work together for the animals' well-being. Simply wonderful.

I did the working holiday, but worked with the volunteers. The staff are fantastic with the animals and people. The whole experience is one not to be missed. Everyone works together as a team Accommodation very good. Transport to the farm also very good. Food provided is great. Social events are good to The dedication shown by the staff is truly amazing.

As a veterinarian, it was very important for me to find a place where animals are kept ethically—with respect for their natural needs and interests—and where, as a volunteer, one can both learn a lot about them and give something back to Mother Nature. After my first visit in 2022, I returned two more times... I closed the animals at CE deeply into my heart, and deep international friendships were forged too during the weeks I spent there. CE is the best place for a great adventure and a profound inner journey too—one you will never forget! The spirit, that will change your entire life....

The experience at Cheeta Experience is something I would recommend everyone to do. You get to work with the most passionate employees, that all have the animals wellbeing at top priority. Besides that, thet really make you feel welcome and part of the team. In my case, I had a special requirement, because I brought my cat with me. Riana and the team did everything necessary to accommodate me and him. We had our own unit, when staff was needed for maintenance or anything, is was strictly in consultation with me. They really made this experience the best for me so far. And if you put in the effort for them (animals and staff!) you’ll receive what you put in <3

I have been going to Cheetah Experience for 15 years. I first went in 2011 and the experience left me with a yearning to go back every year. It will always be the best thing I have ever done. I have done things I would never in my wildest dreams think I would ever do and I love every minute of being there. Ive made so many friends over the years from other countries and kept in touch

I gave been traveling to this project quite a few times so if am not too wrong this is like my 16th ti.d and every time you get some new and interesting knowledge and this is pretty much my home away from home

My two visits to CE have been nothing short of magical. Interacting with cheetahs, learning about them and many other big cats, carrying out husbandry, feeding and seeing these magnificent animals close up is an experience I'll never forget. Throw in dedicated and hilarious staff, social events and a hugely diverse group of volunteers and you will want to return again and again.

This is a fantastic program been there for 2 years and gets better every time learning something new and more responsibility as a working holiday staff are so friendly and welcoming you couldn’t ask for more

Cheetah experience is a amazing place to be every animal no matter how big or small are loved and well cared for i extremely enjoyed my time at cheetah experience getting to all the animals and staff everyone was friendly I will be back next year can’t wait already missing the animals

Such a special place for me ♥️ I volunteered there for 2 weeks and fell in love with all the animals! They are truly fascinating and so well taken care of by the kind and knowledgeable staff that works incredibly hard to make sure that the animals are healthy and happy. If you get a chance to visit or to volunteer, definitely do so. It will be a true enrichment and a fun time getting to know each animal. Being so close to them is magical. I can't wait to go back!

Cheetah Experience truly is my second home. The animals always come first, which is also my Moto. There is a very special, unique love here, for the animals, sming the staff and for us volunteers and working holiday clients. This was a my second family. A truly works class conservation and animal rescue centre. Thankyou to everyone involved in helping me dreams come true. I've found my home, no need to go elsewhere Cathy x

I honestly love everything about this place. From the overall atmosphere to the daily routine here, it has been an amazing and truly unforgettable experience. Everything feels just right, making it a place I genuinely enjoy spending time in. I hope I can go there at least once a year from now on.

Firstly, I was surprised by the comfort of the volunteer accommodations, Food and Social Events were also great. I was amazed by the possibilities of interactions I got with Cheetahs, Caracals, Servals etc., it felt a bit unreal. A very important point is that they got really large enclosures for their animals. Also I must give large credits to Riana and her staff for their work who are full of love and dedication for the animals.

Amazing guidance in regards to every animal. Great team to be apart of and an amazing experience. Every staff member makes you feel at home and alway willing to help. Safe and well presented accommodation. Really 100 out of 10 would recommend having this experience.

A Truly Unforgettable Experience at Cheetah Experience! Cheetah Experience is without a doubt one of the top places to visit! From the moment you arrive, you can see the passion, dedication and love that goes into caring for every single animal. The staff are absolutely amazing, friendly, welcoming and incredibly knowledgeable. What touched us the most was seeing how much care and attention each animal receives. It is clear that these animals are not just part of a facility but are treated with love, respect and dedication. Beyond the incredible wildlife experience, the hospitality and facilities made our stay even more special. The place where we enjoyed our meals, relaxed around the swimming pool and had an unforgettable pizza night was simply incredible. Everything contributed to such a wonderful atmosphere. Whether you are visiting for the animals, the hospitality, the food or simply to enjoy a special time away, Cheetah Experience has something beautiful to offer. We walked away with unforgettable memories, big smiles and an even greater appreciation for the incredible work being done here. A massive thank you to the entire team for making our experience so special. We highly recommend Cheetah Experience and cannot wait to return. Definitely a place that leaves paw prints on your heart!

My time on the Okavango Wilderness Project was incredible. This conservation experience was rustic yet comfortable. With no electricity (although Wi-Fi was available), this was not a luxury safari camp, and that's just the way I like it. The Okavango and Botswana in general are world-class wildlife destinations, and that means a considerable economic incentive for conservation that is provided by wildlife and volunteering. During the day, we recorded data regarding target wildlife species on established transects or searched for interesting wildlife. This data will establish some baseline population numbers for species of interest to the Botswanan government. I am a zookeeper by profession and a birder. The profuse and gorgeous bird life was as interesting to me as the more famous charismatic mammals. While I enjoy working with zoo animals, there is a different and very special excitement involved in seeing such a vast diversity of species in the wild. I encourage all participating as volunteers to think beyond an interest only in the Big Five: elephants, lions, leopards, African buffalo, and rhino. We did see all of them except for rhinos, but the full array of fascinating wildlife should be embraced. We slept in a tented camp and, as a safety precaution, stayed in our tents until dawn. This was not a fenced camp, and all of the wildlife was free to come and go, especially after dark. This was part of the excitement and the charm. During the night, we heard lions roaring in the distance and hyenas vocalising in what sometimes seemed to be inside our camp. This is the real deal. All of the animals are completely wild and should be treated with due respect. One particularly outstanding wildlife sighting was seeing the endangered African Wild Dog. Botswana is a core country for the less than 6,600 total population of Wild Dogs left in the world, as the Okavango has the largest Wild Dog population of anywhere in Africa. We saw the Alpha female waiting outside the den, her pups below ground and out of view, while the pack was out on a hunt. One of the pack members returned as we watched while they fed the Alpha part of the kill they had made. Our three Okavango staff members who accompanied us were skilled and knowledgeable, and we all became friends during our experience. I was one of two volunteers during each of my two-week stays and enjoyed the friendship formed with the other volunteers. All in all, it was a real plus that we had a three staff to two volunteer participant ratio. I appreciated the obvious commitment of the Botswana team and ACE to wildlife conservation. All in all, an amazing experience. I want to do it again!