Wildlife 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.

GoEco is one of the world’s top volunteer organizations, with award-winning and ethical programs selected by sustainable travel experts. Since 2006, tens of thousands of volunteers have taken part in projects and internships worldwide, focusing on wildlife and marine conservation, education, and medical initiatives. GoEco operates in over 50 countries, providing unique cultural immersive experiences that aim to make a positive impact on the environment and society. The organization also offers internships and academic programs for students. GoEco provides safe and meaningful experiences while promoting sustainable travel and reducing carbon emissions.

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.

Looking to apply your talent and expertise to a good cause? Find a program that matches your interests and skills through Volunteer World! We are the largest volunteer abroad comparison platform around the globe, enabling you to seek and compare offers from major travel agencies as well as smaller grassroots NGOs and local specialists in more than 80 countries. All these with just one click! Find projects in wildlife, teaching, community development, and several other areas. Simply choose your desired destination and desired travel date, and our search engine will compare the best volunteer abroad programs on your behalf. Whether you wish to gain experience at a wildlife sanctuary in South Africa or teach English at a monastery in Nepal, we've got you covered. Volunteer World guarantees a quick and easy application. We will guide you through this process, as well as help plan your next meaningful trip. We provide free access to quality-checked projects and flexible options. And if anything goes wrong, we've got your back with our qualified support team and our refund guarantee.

Volunteer with Kaya at this wildlife sanctuary in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe and get involved in all aspects of the center. Volunteers may feed the animals, clean and carry out maintenance tasks on the enclosures, care for sick/injured animals and assist with the release, relocation and tracking, and behavioral research of animals. There is also an educational aspect to the project, including attending staff on outreach programs and visiting local schools. For those who are more interested in conducting research for their academic work, this can be incorporated into the program. This is a great project with a friendly and personal team who values the contribution of volunteers as there is always a lot of work to be done. There are no specific skills required for this program. You should be in good health and fitness and have a love for animals, of course! Vets and veterinary students are highly valued as well as those involved or studying animal sciences. Six-month placements are available but are subject to the successful completion of the first three-month period.

Our Horse Volunteering project is dedicated to the sustainable development of Antelope Park. As a volunteer, you’ll gain a unique experience by assisting in the daily management of an authentic African stable. This is your opportunity to discover the African bush from horseback as well. You’ll be involved with all aspects of the stables, from the daily maintenance of stables grounds to ensuring our horses are fit and healthy. Your opportunities span from taking that epic photo with an incredible giraffe whilst exploring the bush to experiencing the beauty of an African sunrise, all the while developing your show-jumping skills on the cross-country course and swimming on horseback. Antelope Park stables offer horse safaris, horse swims, polocrosse lessons, schooling lessons and training, sunrise and sunset rides, show-jumping, and carriage safaris. The reserve is proud to have two world-class fields and a practice field. They welcome everyone, from beginner to advanced riders, there is something on offer for all! All you need is a passion for horses and a desire to see the very best of Africa.

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.

This livestock management volunteer program is designed for those interested in agriculture, animal husbandry, or future veterinary-related studies who want practical, on-the-ground experience from a working farmer’s perspective. Volunteers take part in the daily care of livestock, gaining practical experience in routine health checks, parasite control, vaccinations, and basic treatments for common ailments. The focus is on recognizing early signs of illness and understanding practical, farmer-led decision-making in livestock management The program also covers breeding practices, handling young stock, and seasonal feeding strategies. From August through November, volunteers assist with supplementary feeding, including mixing some feeds on-site. General farm work forms part of the experience, such as fence repairs, learning to operate a tractor, and in late summer, assisting with grass baling. In addition, volunteers may join elephant care and enrichment routines. Where time, interest, and space allow, participants can also enjoy horse riding and assist with activities linked to the wildlife conservation program, offering a broader understanding of land and animal management.

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.