Volunteer Programs in Rural Areas, Zimbabwe

Coming here I didn't have any experience in volunteer work at all or going on a journey on my own for that matter, so you could say that I was quite nervous about it. You read these amazing stories about others that have been there, telling you that "It is the best thing they've ever done" and "That it was such a life changing experience", and you wonder if and how much of this will apply to you. So, you are now reading this review just as I did with others a couple of weeks ago and I am going to say the exact same thing: It really ís one of the best things I've ever done and it really hás been a life changer for me. The Antelope Park is very well organized, and they will do everything in their power to help and support you in any way they can. Especially Rosine, the volunteer and community’s manager, made sure that I had the time of my life and that I got to make the trips that I really wanted! All the staff with whom I had the pleasure of meeting and working with are also such nice and amazing people. They really made me, and the other volunteer’s part of the big and warm AP family and I want to thank every single one for that! Besides working with these lovely people, I also got the chance to work and interact with the incredible African Wildlife that I adore so much. During your stay it feels like you are on a nonstop safari! Herding the Elephants was jaw-droppingly amazing and one of my favorite activities next to the lion hunt and watching the lion feed!! This experience has brought me so much. Aside from the extra set of laugh lines (I just couldn't stop smiling), I also learned a lot about myself as a person and for that I am forever grateful.

Make sure to get involved in as many things as the project offers! The last thing you want is to go home and think "I wish I'd done that whenI was there." Don't let fear hold you back. I almost let my fear stop me from riding an elephant, but as soon I was on him, I didn't want to get back down! (Though I had to because my legs were aching!) I have just booked a project to go to Cape Town with penguins and I'm in the middle of working hard to save up so I can go back to Antelope Park! This all means that I have to be extremely careful and I've sacrificed many nights of partying, but I know the end result will be totally worth it! Volunteer Experience: In Antelope Park, I found everyone to be extremely friendly. I have never smiled at people so much in my life! Everyone I saw in the park all said hello and asked me how I was and they all seemed to be genuinely interested in my answer. I wanted to work with wildlife as I have always had an interest in animals, whether it was my own pets or animals in the zoo and when I saw the Antelope Park project I knew I had to go and have a hands on experience with one of the world's most beautiful animals. Living Situation: Whilst I was in Zimbabwe, I got to experience things that only a handful of people get to experience. The lifestyle there was so refreshing that I was glad to get up early in the morning and clean out lion enclosures, a task that some found less than pleasant! After living this and getting home and repeatedly telling family and friends about my time there, I realised I wanted to go back to Zimbabwe, but I also realised that there is so much more of Africa to see, encouraging me to do some more research into other projects and spotting the project in South Africa with penguins, I had to snap up the opportunity! Program Administration: Well structured, they take the volunteer opinions into account.