Set within Zimbabwe’s Lake Chivero Reserve, this 14-day volunteer program offers a hands-on conservation experience focused on protecting white rhinos and supporting sustainable land management. You’ll take part in rhino monitoring, horseback patrols, and daily park operations while also enjoying guided bush walks, game drives, and scenic rides through diverse wildlife habitats. Each day combines purposeful conservation work with the natural beauty and cultural warmth that make this experience truly unforgettable.
Highlights:
1) Hands-on Conservation with White Rhinos: You’ll have the unique opportunity to get directly involved in the protection of white rhinos. Your daily tasks will include tracking and monitoring individual animals, reporting on their health and behaviour, and patrolling in their Intensive Protection Zone.
2) Diverse Wildlife & Ecosystems: The program immerses you in the integrated management of both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. You’ll participate in bush walks, game drives, and horse rides, encountering a variety of wildlife, including giraffes, zebras, and impalas.
3) Active Participation in Park Operations: Beyond wildlife, you’ll be able to assist with the day-to-day running of the park. This includes helping with maintenance services and even handling lodge bookings, giving you a comprehensive understanding of what it takes to run a conservation project.
4) Unique Horseback Riding Experience: Participate in the horse program, where you will assist with the care and upkeep of the horses, including feeding and stable maintenance. You’ll also use horses for patrols, game viewing, and scenic rides, getting a unique perspective on the park’s wildlife.
Many people believe that only specialists can be conservationists — but we know the biggest contributors to conservation are the small actions taken by ordinary people every day. These small actions collectively help preserve our precious Earth for generations to come. Our volunteering projects empower you to live a conservation lifestyle and make a real difference for a better tomorrow.
Themba Travel proudly partners with Lake Chivero Reserve to support conservation efforts in Zimbabwe. We are a high-impact tour operator committed to creating positive social and environmental change. With first-hand experience across most projects, we actively support local businesses in the areas where we operate. We celebrate culture, engage with local communities, and raise awareness of conservation in every destination we serve.
You’ll play an active role in caring for wildlife and maintaining their natural habitat — from supporting horse welfare and patrols to helping with daily conservation tasks that protect endangered species like the white rhino. Every effort you make contributes to the long-term protection of biodiversity within Lake Chivero Reserve.
This volunteering initiative supports the protection and restoration of threatened wildlife populations while promoting responsible land management. Through sustainable practices and hands-on conservation, you’ll help safeguard biodiversity and strengthen efforts to protect Africa’s most iconic species.
No special skills are required — just a willingness to learn, work as part of a team, and a genuine love for nature and wildlife.
Your adventure begins as you arrive in Zimbabwe and travel to the heart of Lake Chivero Recreational Park. This initial stage of the trip is designed to help you settle in, get familiar with your surroundings, and prepare for the exciting experiences ahead.
Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred from the capital to Lake Chivero Recreational Park. The scenic 30-minute drive takes you across the Great Dyke mountain range and stretches of savannah grassland, giving you your first glimpse of Zimbabwe’s diverse landscapes and unique wildlife.
Once at the reserve, the day is dedicated to orientation and familiarisation. You’ll be introduced to the park, its facilities, and the projects you’ll be involved in, while also taking time to settle into your accommodation and get comfortable in your new environment.
Each day offers a rewarding mix of conservation work, teamwork, and time to appreciate the beauty of Lake Chivero Reserve. Mornings begin with early monitoring sessions, followed by short breaks and more hands-on activities alongside the conservation team. After lunch, the pace slows for lighter afternoon duties before the day winds down with time to relax or enjoy the park’s peaceful scenery.
Daily Schedule
06:00 – 08:30 Early morning monitoring
08:30 – 09:30 Tea break
09:30 – 13:00 Morning work session (fieldwork, maintenance, or monitoring)
13:00 – 14:00 Lunch
14:00 – 16:30 Afternoon session (horse care, data recording, or scenic patrols)
Free Time
Weekends are free for rest and exploration. You can enjoy the reserve at a relaxed pace, visit the nearby town of Norton or the capital city of Harare, or even take a short flight to the world-renowned Victoria Falls for a truly unforgettable experience.
About Lake Chivero Park
Lake Chivero is one of Zimbabwe’s most dynamic recreational and game parks, home to diverse wildlife and a range of conservation initiatives. The reserve also features resorts, lodges, and parks dedicated to snakes, lions, and birds — making it a vibrant environment for both learning and exploration.
Your Stay
Volunteers are accommodated in comfortable chalets within Lake Chivero Reserve. Each chalet offers a relaxed, communal setting surrounded by nature, allowing you to unwind after each fulfilling day of conservation work.
Duration
Project Fees:
2 weeks
£1,845 per person
3 Weeks
£2,625 per person
4 Weeks
£3,175 per person
Not sure which project to choose?
Subscribe to our monthly newsletter and find inspiration for your travels!
© 2024 Themba Travel | Registered in England & Wales 12320228
Subscribe to our monthly newsletter and find inspiration for your travels!
