Volunteer Programs in Wedza, Zimbabwe

I so rarely write a review but I had to share about Imire. We spent a week here on the volunteer program with our 9 year old twins. We've been around the world and have done and seen so many things, and yet this was BY FAR our best vacation ever. I enjoyed a safari I was on previously (Kenya/Tanzania) and afterward (Botswana), but this was a totally different experience. Here, you can connect with the wildlife in a totally different way. We fed the rhinos and elephants, cleaned the stalls, picked up litter, and helped fix fences. I've heard about and done a lot of research on wildlife travel and the harm it can do to the animals. Well, not Imire! Some of the time, we were in the pen behind bars for safety and the rhinos are the ones roaming free. We were able to hike through the savannah (which is SO emotionally different than going on safari in a jeep). We were able to connect with the people (both the owners/coordinators of Imire as well as some of the people from the village that Imire hires). We were even able to connect with the animals and get to see the difference in temperament between the different rhinos and the different elephants. Ask for MORRIS to be your guide - he was so patient with the kids and so knowledgeable about the wildlife. This is a family run lodge and it is very clear in everything they do. The grandchildren and their spouses of the original founder all live here and all take care of a different part of Imire. I was, of course, hesitant with the kids about volunteering (more because I didn't think they would have the endurance/ability to be helpful), but thought it would be a great experience. The kids had a blast and were so thrilled to be there they didn't want to leave to go on the relaxing safari portion of our trip afterwards! I can't say enough and am happy to answer ANY questions about going. I can't think of anyone that wouldn't love this trip. We have been lucky enough to travel around the world (6 of 7 continents), and we never go back to the same places since there are so many places to see and things to do around the world. However, we just got home a week ago and are already planning our next trip to Imire!

When I think of those two weeks spent on this Rhino and Elephant Conservation project, I find it not just about the experience itself. The real change happens on the way I view the world. It’s more about not taking everything exists for granted. Like now I appreciate things in a different way when I visit national parks and I would easily be amazed by the bits and dots however simple they are. I think it’s the most valuable gift I get. Huge thanks to CTA for bring this project to my attention.