Project Background

Imire was founded in the 1950s by Norman Travers, initially as a cattle, maize and tobacco farm. A passionate conservationist, Norman longed for the presence of game, which led to the establishment of Imire as a wildlife conservancy in 1972. Pioneering the integration of cattle farming and long-term sustainable wildlife management, within 10 years Imire had become a 10,000 acre conservancy, stocked with impala, waterbuck, kudu, eland and the rare sable antelope. 

Imire remains family run to this day and has grown and expanded, as was Norman’s dream. The conservancy is dedicated to the conservation and welfare of wildlife, with a specific focus on the protection and breeding of endangered species such as Black and White Rhinos, as well as being a key rewilding site for Cheetahs and other animals.

Our conservation ethos

Imire’s mission is to conserve biodiversity and endangered species in Zimbabwe. We believe the key to sustainable conservation practices is through collaboration with local communities. We believe that rural communities and conservation programmes can thrive side by side, working together to ensure the protection of our natural heritage. Imire is a driving force for conservation education initiatives benefiting adults and children in the surrounding areas, as well as international visitors through our volunteer programme and wildlife courses. At Imire you are privileged to witness a workable solution where wildlife conservation, human communities, and agriculture can be integrated.

Community

Imire has been closely involved with the Wedza community since the conservancy was founded. We believe that sustainable conservation cannot exist without community support and believe that rhino and wildlife conservation efforts can be strengthened by empowering the local community through livelihood opportunities, in low impact and sustainable development focusing on wildlife and the environment.

We support community projects and initiatives which provide either education, medical or financial empowerment opportunities. We are proud to have a positive and mutually beneficial relationship with our community and remain 100% committed to ensuring that the people in our district are as prosperous, successful and supported as possible.