Recreation Volunteering in Zimbabwe

Working with the Wilson was the most rewarding experience of my life. We worked with a leopard that had been trapped so that it was all healthy enough to be released back. After working on the leopard and putting a gps collar on him we released him back into the wild far away from human activity to keep him safe. The love for animals this family has was so amazing and they made everyone feel like family.

We had so many wonderful moments, so. it is hard to choose. Working with the staff, talking to the international inters and local ones, being so close with animals, all were great snd precious moments

It was all incredible, an experience of a lifetime. One of my most memorable experiences while being at the camp was when Cindy, the samango monkey, kindly groomed my hair before I had to go home. Another memorable experience was seeing the kids face light up when I handed out stickers, at the local primary school. Spending time with Apollo, the spotted hyena, is something I will never forget. The animals are absolutely beautiful and the people are equally as lovely to spend time with. I’m hoping to go back in the next couple of years.

These three weeks in Chipangali have been one experience that i will stay with me forever. The morals, the ethic with the animals cannot be better. I felt welcome from the first minute. People are so lovely and kind that it will make your departure very hard

I enjoyed some of the activites , but not others. The rivre walk and the walk to the koppies was 10/10. No intrenet was challenging , so 7/10. Jane , Precious , Patrick and Lucas were 10/10. I woul recommend this project to anyone who needs a detox from Social media.

New culture, new people, New Life. When we exchange our perspectives, ideas and plans to make a world better place for everyone. It's good to go different places it helps me view life in many directions

Hice 5 años en haiti, me se su idioma, se toda su cultura, me gustaría volver y apoyarlos en todas las dificultades que tienen, ya que ameritan mucha ayuda de todos nosotros, para ellos poder sobrevivir

I would really like to volunteer. I am passionate about charity and showing kindness to the world. Please, give me a chance. Kindly provide Certificate of sponsorship too since I'm not able to provide for myself at the moment. Kindly put my request into consideration.

The most memorable experience during my time in Zimbabwe, was prepare food for lion and fed the lion. I love them seem so happy and I learned about circle of life. It was good experience to think about life.

Releasing Dumpling the pangolin was my most memorable experience at Chipangali, Zimbabwe with GoEco. Pangolins are such rare and special creatures, I just felt really lucky to be able to see one in real life.

Was just amazing - the staff ! All volunteers- plus all the critters big and small ! Wonderful experience will be back . And bring more people! Well done to all the team . Appreciate all . Cheers ⛄️ Paul

The best memories I had were taking care of a baby hiena for 3 weeks and definitely the friends I made because of volunteering. These friendships are for life. The trip to Zimbabwe was the most amazing thing ever and chipangali is amazing, the connection with the animals and how close we are with them

Have a fantastic time at Chipnagali for 2 weeks, the families love and dedication to the animals is amazing! An experience I will never forget hope to do again soon!! Your communication throughout the 2 weeks was great. Thank you .

Getting to know the animals at the orphanage was a special treat. Having 3 weeks to observe and interact with them was something that will always remember. All of the other volunteers were fantastic and made our stay better than I could have imagined❤️

Difficult to choose just one because there were 3 distinct experiences: 1-the other volunteers, especially from the first two weeks I was there. That group made everything so much more memorable and enjoyable. Those who came later were also fun, but there were distinct little groups which created a divide. 2-Bonding with the animals, especially a baboon named Kassie for me. I could just speak to her, read, listen to music. She became a friend who was excited to see me and had no judgement. 3-the staff was so welcoming and inspiring, they do so much with so little, especially those who work directly with the animals. that is why I decided I needed to do more for them and for Chipangali and I organized two fundraisers to get them new uniforms, safety equipment, tools, personal hygiene items, and school supplies for their kids. I hope Chipangali continues with that. Once a month or a quarter put together a "wish list" of all of these items, and take the volunteers interested shopping. Spending that time with Kevin, the owner, shopping around was so fun and I got to know more about the community and the work they do. It was rewarding in more ways than one and I know the volunteers who came with me during the first fundraiser loved going shopping and giving the supplies out. It was special for everyone involved and 100% voluntary but when I was able to involve everyone, 100% participated vs when it was just me, participation was significantly lower. Either way, I really appreciate everything the whole team did and does for the volunteers and animals. I'm glad I was able to do something more for them and Chipangali that had long lasting impact.

There were so many great experiences it’s hard to choose! The one thing I became super lucky to see was multiple releases of multiple different species of animals! First a leopard, then a jackal, two baboons as well as hedgehogs and chameleons. This just begins to scratch the surface of all the amazing experiences. The Wilson’s were wonderful, the trips were wonderful, the whole staff was wonderful. I definitely plan on coming back in the future!

I really enjoyed seeing the impact I was making on the animals first hand in Zimbabwe with GoEco. It was also wonderful to working with the other volunteers and getting to know about the workers lives.

This an increasingly popular way for individuals to make a meaningful impact in communities around the world. With numerous organizations offering volunteer programs, it's essential to review and research these opportunities to ensure a safe and rewarding experience. *Pros:* 1. *Cultural Immersion*: Living and working with local communities provides an immersive cultural experience. 2. *Skill Development*: Volunteers can develop new skills and gain experience in areas such as teaching, conservation, and community development. 3. *Networking Opportunities*: Volunteers can connect with like-minded individuals from around the world. 4. *Personal Growth*: Volunteering abroad can be a transformative experience, fostering personal growth and self-awareness. *Cons:* 1. *Cost*: Many volunteer programs come with a hefty price tag, which can be a barrier for some. 2. *Safety Concerns*: Volunteers may face safety risks, such as health concerns or political instability, depending on the destination. 3. *Cultural Differences*: Adapting to local customs and way of life can be challenging for some volunteers. 4. *Quality of Programs*: Some volunteer programs may lack structure, support, or meaningful work, leading to a disappointing experience. *Recommendations:* 1. *Research Thoroughly*: Investigate the organization, program, and destination to ensure a safe and rewarding experience. 2. *Read Reviews*: Look for reviews from past volunteers to gain insight into the program's quality and challenges. 3. *Choose a Reputable Organization*: Select an organization with a proven track record, transparent policies, and adequate support for volunteers. 4. *Prepare Yourself*: Culturally, emotionally, and physically prepare yourself for the experience to ensure a smooth transition. By being aware of the pros and cons, doing thorough research, and choosing a reputable organization, volunteers can have a safe, rewarding, and life-changing experience abroad.

As a Social worker i often meet with clients to assess their needs, provide counseling, and develop individualized plans to address their challenges. This could involve sessions with individuals, families, or groups.

We have had a marvellous time - on one our our game drives we stopped and were surrounded by lots of giraffes - such elegant and gentle creatures. We were very close to a rhino mum and her baby - superb. Lots of wonderful experiences. Chipangali is an excellent place who really care for their animals.

GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization responded to this reviewSeptember 26, 2024

Hi Pamela Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience! It sounds like you had some truly magical moments on your game drives—being surrounded by giraffes and seeing a rhino mum with her baby up close must have been incredible! Here's to more unforgettable wildlife encounters in the future! ✨ - GoEco Team ✨