Conservation Volunteering in Zimbabwe

At International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), we unite people from over 96 countries who want to make a meaningful difference while exploring the world. With 300+ projects in 40+ destinations, IVHQ offers the widest selection of volunteer programs globally from Teaching and Childcare to Wildlife Conservation, Medical Outreach, and Environmental Sustainability. Since 2007, IVHQ has supported over 155,000 volunteers on life-changing journeys. We specialize in fully-hosted volunteer trips that are safe, affordable, and accessible—starting from just $20 per day. Your experience includes airport pick-up, accommodation, meals, and round-the-clock support from our local teams. With flexible booking options and no change fees, planning your volunteer adventure has never been easier. Our programs run year-round and are available for 1 to 24 weeks across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Pacific, South and Central America, North America, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. Volunteering with IVHQ is about more than giving back; it’s about growing, learning, and building genuine global connections.

Volunteer at one of the largest & most successful wildlife rehabilitation/release centers in Africa! Participants on this project work with a range of animals; anything from chimpanzees to baby cheetahs. Experience beautiful Zimbabwe all while making a positive impact on the delicate African ecosystem. The orphanage is a haven for animals with little hope for survival in the wild; these are creatures that have been orphaned, abandoned, injured, born in captivity, or brought up unsuccessfully as pets. Additionally, it is home to an increasing number of animals confiscated from illegal wildlife traffickers. The orphanage has been featured in countless documentaries & is now world renowned for its pioneering work as well as famed as one of Africa's largest & most successful wildlife rehabilitation/release centers. Eligibility: - Good level of English - Vaccinations (please consult doctor) - Age 18+ (exceptions for 17 year olds if there are more than 2 volunteers wanting to come)

Find out why more and more people are choosing to become a Love Volunteer! Love Volunteers is the most affordable way to volunteer and help local communities in developing countries! Why are we cheaper than other organisations? Firstly, we are just a handful of passionate people working hard to help volunteers and local communities around the world. We don't have huge overheads - no company cars, no downtown office - we're just volunteers who knew we could do a better job. Secondly, we work with local organisations wherever we can to keep administration costs to a minimum and also to feed as much money and skills into the local communities where we operate. All of Love Volunteers partner organisations have been fully vetted to ensure that, not only does a genuine need for assistance exist, but that the environments that we place our volunteers are safe and of high quality. Choose from one or more of our 200+ amazing community-based programs in 37 developing countries around the world. Every program has been personally visited by one of our dedicated staff members and is regularly audited to ensure it meets our high standards in terms of safety, sustainability, and local impact.

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Volunteer in our Lion, Elephant, and Wildlife Conservation project in Zimbabwe and work with some of Africa’s most iconic animals. Located at a private game park, this project aims at ensuring the resident animals, including lions and orphaned elephants, are protected, cared for and thriving. As a volunteer, you will become part of the wildlife protection team and assist with essential snare sweeps and boundary patrols, in addition to contributing to reserve management activities. You will also help raise awareness on conservation issues and encourage locals to be passionate about protecting our precious wildlife. No specific skills are required to join this volunteer program. However, you must be in good health with a decent level of fitness. Any previous experience in riding horses would be an advantage.

Introducing our multidisciplinary conservation approach. What began as our Lion Project at Antelope Park has evolved into promoting a culture of care, ensuring our resident animals are living fulfilled and enriched lives. As part of this project, you will be fully involved with the daily upkeep of our resident lions, assist with the vital maintenance of our Game park, and enjoy close encounters with our magnificent elephants. Antelope Park is home to 4 orphaned elephants who spend their days roaming and grazing freely around the park. You will accompany these magnificent giants on daily strolls in the bush, longer walks to see their individual characters and social dynamics come to life, as well as participate in behavior enrichment activities, to stimulate their natural instincts within the smaller natural area of our game park. Maintaining the natural environment of all our wildlife species is absolutely essential, particularly our wildlife protection program, which focuses on the protection and preservation of our park wildlife. Wildlife protection measures are an essential part of this project.

CAYE is a registered youth charitable organization in Mzuzu, Malawi. Established in 2014, CAYE works in the Northern Region and parts of the Central Region to empower young people, women, and small-scale farmers to improve their livelihoods and contribute to national development. CAYE focuses on youth empowerment, agriculture, environment and climate change, health, and education. The organization supports smart agriculture and value chain development to increase food security, create jobs, and raise incomes. It also promotes climate change awareness, environmental protection, and sustainable natural resource management. In health, CAYE improves access to essential services and promotes safe water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH). In education, the organization supports early childhood development and helps youth and women access quality learning and skills training opportunities. CAYE supports over 260 youth through training, mentorship, VSL, cooperative development, and community projects. Through partnerships with government departments, local organizations, and community groups, CAYE is building a productive youth population and a progressive community in Malawi.

This 14-day program immerses students in hands-on conservation work within a private conservancy linking two National Parks. Students assist rangers and researchers with wildlife surveys, ecological monitoring, giraffe population assessments, vegetation studies, and opportunistic sightings of birds and predators. Participants also support water provision in an arid landscape by monitoring and maintaining solar-powered boreholes, helping sustain local wildlife. Roles shift across habitats, offering insight into ecosystem dynamics, species interactions, and practical conservation challenges. Accommodation is in canvas tents with beds, hot showers, and shared facilities, with occasional overnight bush camps for an authentic wilderness experience. This program is ideal for students of biology, ecology, and conservation disciplines seeking practical field experience and meaningful contributions to wildlife management.

Discover the exciting world of polocrosse on an authentic Zimbabwean equestrian smallholding. This intimate programme is ideal for those passionate about transforming lives of ex-racehorses, wanting to develop their horsemanship skills, and learn about the exciting sport of polocrosse. Work with Andy Taylor and his family to retrain racehorses for polocrosse, polo, and showjumping. Learn the basics of polocrosse, participate in games and tournaments, and explore the local area on horseback. Enjoy a 3-night horseback wildlife camping safari and assist in rehabilitating disabled children through horse interaction, visit local wildlife rehabilitation centres. Weekends feature sociable braais and the chance to experience life in Zimbabwe. Intermediate and above riding abilities accepted.

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.

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.