Zimbabwe – African Wildlife Orphanage

Bulawayo, Zimbabwe’s second-largest city, thrives as a vital economic and cultural hub with a population exceeding 650,000. Esteemed as the industrial backbone of the nation, Bulawayo is not just the center for business but also a gateway to Zimbabwe’s rich natural heritage, including the Matopo National Park. This park, noted for its unparalleled leopard population, underscores Zimbabwe’s dedication to wildlife conservation. Furthermore, the city’s proximity to one of the world’s natural wonders, Victoria Falls, also known as “Mosi-oa-Tunya” or “The Smoke That Thunders,” highlights its significance. The falls, straddling the Zambezi River between Zambia and Zimbabwe, offer a breathtaking spectacle of cascading waters and a unique ecosystem, drawing visitors globally to experience its majestic beauty and the surrounding rainforest’s diverse flora and fauna.

Victoria Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is celebrated not only for its geological and scenic splendor but also for the unique phenomena it presents, such as the moonbow, a lunar rainbow visible during the full moon. The falls’ vicinity is a haven for adventure enthusiasts, offering activities like bungee jumping and whitewater rafting, while its cultural significance to local communities adds a rich historical layer to its natural grandeur. This remarkable landmark, together with Bulawayo’s economic vibrancy and the natural beauty of Zimbabwe’s parks, showcases the country’s commitment to preserving its environmental and cultural heritage, making it a focal point for tourists seeking both adventure and insight into Zimbabwe’s diverse ecosystem and traditions.

​Celebrating more than 50 years of Wildlife Conservation, this orphanage is a haven for animals that have little hope for survival in the wild. These are creatures which have been orphaned, abandoned, injured, born in captivity, or brought up unsuccessfully as pets. Additionally, it is home to an increasing number of animals that have been confiscated from illegal wildlife traffickers.

This project was established in 1973 by a former game ranger and is family-run. The wildlife orphanage is not a zoo. Wherever possible, rescued animals and birds are rehabilitated and returned to the wild. If safe release into their natural habitat is not possible, animals are cared for and kept for educational purposes and zoological study.

Some of your tasks may include:

• Preparing food for the animals (keeping in mind the different diets of the various animals, including meat preparation)
• Feeding the animals
• Cleaning out enclosures
• Contributing enrichment ideas for the animals
• Assisting staff with educational outreach at local schools – not available during local school holidays
• Assisting staff with hand-rearing animal orphans when possible
• Observe and participate in the rescue and release efforts for injured and rehabilitated animals when possible

Please note that volunteer tasks depend on the current needs of the community and the wildlife and also upon the volunteers’ length of stay. Volunteers may only participate in some or all of the tasks.

Typical Schedule: Volunteers are expected to work six days per week, with Mondays off. Volunteers will work eight hours per day (8:00 AM to 4:00 PM) but will always be on call during fire season and when there are babies on-site. Baby shifts will be shared between the volunteers, as we would not expect you to be awake with them all night.

Internet: WiFi is available. Volunteers receive one free voucher of 10 GB and further wifi may be purchased for a $15 voucher. The local team will help also volunteers purchase a SIM card locally.

Laundry: Laundry is washed and freshly ironed by the staff twice per week. Delicates and undergarments are washed by hand personally by volunteers and hung to dry, supplies are provided.

Accommodations: Volunteers will stay in two to six person cabins. The rooms are equipped with a bed, mosquito nets, shelves, wardrobe, bedside table and electricity. Additionally, volunteers will be provided with clean sheets, blankets and a swimming towel. The site has hot water showers, Western-style toilets, braai (BBQ) area, kitchen and a small swimming pool, available for volunteers to use during the summer months. The volunteer entertainment room is equipped with sofas, games, library, pool table, dart board, and a projector to watch movies.

Food: Three meals are provided per day. Most meals include meat dishes but vegetarian meals can be arranged. Dinner is usually eaten together with the team of volunteers and/or local family. Tea, coffee and cold water are available throughout the day.
*Note: Due to the remote location, the project team cannot accommodate volunteers with a strict vegan or gluten-free diet.

• Good level of English
• Motivation to work with animals
• Vaccinations – please consult a doctor before departure
• Flexible attitude and hard-working
• Dietary Requirements: This project cannot accommodate volunteers with a strict vegan or gluten-free diet
• Visa Requirements for staying more than 4 weeks: If you are volunteering in Zimbabwe longer than 30 days, you must apply for a Tourist e-visa online, or a Temporary Employment Permit (TEP), which costs around $300–$400 USD. It’s best to apply for this before arriving, through an embassy.

• Victoria Falls – Guided Trip with the program (2 week minimum): All volunteers staying 2 weeks or more will have the option wot visit this wonder of the world together with the group. The tour options here are extensive. Bungee jump off the bridge at Victoria Falls or go white water rafting on the mighty Zambezi River. Take a leisurely walk around Victoria Falls National Park to see “the smoke that thunders,” one of the natural wonders of the world. To finish off the day, go on a nice, relaxing sunset cruise and witness the animals bathing in the river. Payments for Victoria Falls are made locally in-country.
• Matopos Rhino Conservation Excursion – Guided Trip with the program (3 week minimum): You won’t want to miss this opportunity to see white rhinos in this beautiful national park. Explore the vital issues surrounding the endangered White and Black Rhino species in Africa during a dedicated day of education. A minimum duration of 3 weeks is required to guarantee this tour. It’s included for all volunteers who have signed up for 3 weeks or longer beginning in January 2024. The Rhino excursion can be paid in advance to GoEco for $125 USD for anyone who wishes to guarantee the experience.
• Great Zimbabwe Ruins – Guided Trip with the program (4 week minimum): The Great Zimbabwe Ruins are an ancient village built of stones on a hilltop. Zimbabwe derives its name from the ruins; “dzimba dzemabwe” means houses of stones. This trip includes round trip private transfer with the group, game drives, an overnight stay in a national park, a guided tour through the ancient historical site.  Typically once a month the team plans a group trip to this destination for a weekend for about $150 all inclusive (paid locally in cash), so we recommend a duration of 4 weeks to guarantee an opportunity to join on this trip.
• Hwange National Park: Independently from the program, volunteers can travel to this park. If it’s the wildlife you are after, Zimbabwe has many different game parks to choose from. Hwange National Park is the biggest and is said to be the best, covering 14,600 square kilometers with the largest number of animals in any national park in Zimbabwe. Volunteers will have a chance to see elephants, lions, giraffes, buffalo, hippos, crocs, leopards, rhinos and many more, plus over 400 species of birds.
• Lake Kariba: Independently from the program, volunteers can travel to this lake. Lake Kariba is the world’s largest artificial lake or reservoir, at a massive 220 kilometers long and up to 40 kilometers wide. It is very popular with tourists who enjoy using the lake as a mini-cruise. Volunteers can rent a house boat or use the ferry to get from Binga to Kariba. Is it a good place for fishing but also for wildlife viewing, as the animals come to the edges to drink. It is not advised to swim though, as it now has a population of Nile crocodiles and hippos.