Community Development Volunteering in Zimbabwe

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During your stay on this volunteer project, you will contribute to our important work in community development. Plus, experience the best of our amazing lion conservation project that focuses on a unique approach to the ongoing protection of highly threatened African lions. The primary reasons for the decline in lion populations are habitat loss and prey-base depletion that creates a conflict with people, resulting in the killing of lions in response to predation on livestock. Therefore, we take a responsible development approach to conservation by working closely with communities. We bring awareness to the importance of wildlife and create motivation for human and lion co-existence. Officially opened in December 2012, our ALERT Education Centre is the first educational facility of its kind in Zimbabwe, catering to local school children in and around Gweru city. The Education Centre offers free lessons in conservation education that are not available anywhere else in the current education system and are provided for children in Grades 6 and 7 (11-12 years old).

Wild Bhiza offers more than just horseback riding. We provide the gateway to a unique experience by immersing participants in the communal lands and African culture. While we encounter a minor challenge with communication barriers, particularly with some local villagers, such as children, we believe that community engagement can effectively address prevalent social issues in our region. We aim to impact local communities and our volunteers significantly. Thus, we encourage international participants to engage with children and adults through reading and assisting at local schools to foster meaningful connections. Additionally, we promote animal welfare by collaborating with the local animal welfare center. Duties include assisting with essential horse care tasks, such as filling hay nets, grooming, and exercising horses. Volunteers also participate in community outreach initiatives like litter sweeps and educational programs like reading sessions with children.

This 10-day program is based in the Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe, and offers students hands-on experience in community-based conservation within one of Africa’s most important wildlife landscapes. The focus is on how wildlife conservation, veterinary support, and sustainable livelihoods work together in real-world settings. Participants work alongside conservation professionals, anti-poaching teams, and local communities, supporting activities such as rhino monitoring, patrol assistance, snare recovery, wildlife water provision, and habitat management. A key component is involvement in the Community Rhino Conservation Initiative, which reintroduces rhinos onto communal land while creating direct benefits for local people. Cultural engagement is central to the experience, with village visits and community activities providing insight into the social and ethical dimensions of conservation. Accommodation is in a comfortable camp within a Community Rhino Sanctuary. This program is ideal for students in veterinary science, conservation, ecology, and related fields seeking practical field experience and a deeper understanding of people-led conservation.

This Wildlife Conservation with Horses volunteer project is set on the borders of one of Africa’s most iconic national parks, Hwange. You will assist locals on the ground in the care of horses and get involved with regular snare sweep patrols with rangers in the fight against poaching. Teach the local anti-poaching unit to be better horsemen. Visit the Painted Dog research unit to hear about the challenges these critically endangered animals face. Learn from those involved in Lion Research about lion monitoring, satellite collaring, and the challenges they face on the fringes of local villages. Educate the local children and community on animal husbandry. Take local children for horse rides. Help the struggling local community to become more sustainable through eco-friendly production. Assist with the care, grooming, and schooling of the horses in the yard. This incredible location allows for great riding opportunities through one of Africa’s most renowned wildlife areas, from the natural beauty of a teak forest to the Miombo woodlands. We cater to all riding abilities, even those with no riding skills who would like to learn how to be comfortable on a horse.