Volunteers from around the world are given a life-changing opportunity to experience the real, unfiltered side of Africa—authentic, raw, and deeply rewarding. Along the way, they contribute meaningfully to conservation management and research on the reserve, assist in local community development projects, and support the ongoing maintenance of the reserve’s sustainable, eco-friendly operations.

Our mission is to provide impactful and educational experiences that inspire a lifelong commitment to protecting our planet’s fragile wilderness and the communities that depend on it. At the same time, volunteers develop valuable skills, cultural insight, and practical experience to enrich their personal and professional journeys. Through active involvement in wildlife and environmental conservation, and by uplifting local communities—especially children—volunteers gain a deep appreciation for both the natural world and the people who call it home.

Volunteers enjoy a structured daily activity plan, although schedules may vary depending on weather conditions and wildlife behavior. All camping and tracking on foot is accompanied by armed field guides. 

Established in 1996, this 4,000-hectare wildlife reserve has quickly become a conservation success story, driven by a powerful vision to preserve and support the region’s rich natural heritage. In 2000, it was designated a Rhino Intensive Protection Zone (IPZ), launching a dedicated monitoring and breeding programme alongside the development of an Anti-Poaching Unit and Ranger Training Facility.

Today, visitors can experience rare, once-in-a-lifetime black rhino encounters, with opportunities to spot the rest of the Big Five, iconic plains game such as the sable antelope, and a remarkable diversity of birdlife. In 2012, the volunteer programme was introduced to further strengthen conservation efforts and provide hands-on support in safeguarding this vital reserve.

The Wildlife Reserve Guardian project has three rewarding areas: Conservation, Community and Environment.

Various volunteer duties you may get involved with depending on the weather and need at the time:

Conservation- reserve work plus wildlife management

Volunteers play a key role in daily reserve maintenance and the tracking and monitoring of iconic wildlife such as elephant, giraffe, lion, buffalo, sable, hyena, leopard, and black rhino.

·       Collecting vital data on species found across the reserve

·       Conducting photo identification of individual animals and family groups

·       Creating and updating animal identikits to track animal movements

·       Tracking wildlife using traditional spoor identification and signs of presence

·       Collecting and managing animal behaviour data, and learning how it informs management decisions and anti-poaching efforts

·       Assisting with road transects and game counts to monitor populations and assess the reserve’s carrying capacity

·       Snare sweeps and fence checks and maintenance on foot

·       Removal of invasive alien plants like Lantana camara (Verbenaceae) which can be toxic to wildlife if ingested. This also reduices fire hazards, preserves natural biodiversity and maintains the ecological balance on the reserve. 

·       Gaining a deeper understanding of conservation challenges related to endangered species and habitat loss, particularly within Zimbabwe and southern Africa

Volunteers will receive hands-on training in field-based conservation and research skills needed at the time. Occasionally other wildlife activities may take place but as working with wildlife is unpredictable, we do not make mention of this unless it takes place due to a need at the time..

Volunteers also contribute to local school improvement efforts, helping create a safer, more colourful, and inviting learning environment. Volunteers assist in schools by engaging young learners in fun, educational activities focused on health, hygiene, and environmental care.

·       Basic renovations such as painting classrooms, murals, and signage

·       Assisting with building repairs and maintenance, both new and existing structures

·       Leading early childhood development activities through games and lessons

·       Teaching proper handwashing and dental hygiene

·       Promoting environmental awareness, including anti-littering habits

·       Supporting the school’s Conservation Club and nature-based learning sessions

- farm-to-table sustainability and green projects

Volunteers help maintain the vegetable gardens that supply produce contributing to the reserve’s sustainable living model.

·       Weeding and preparing garden beds

·       Harvesting, washing, and sorting vegetables

·       Cutting grass around the farm perimeter

·       Cutting, drying, and bagging lucerne for storage and animal feed 

During the hotter parts of the day, volunteers engage in educational presentations and workshops covering key conservation topics, including:

·       Anti-poaching strategies and methods

·       Reserve management and ecological maintenance

·       Habitat destruction and endangered species conservation

·       Occasional “Vets in the Wild” sessions

·       Human-wildlife conflict and community coexistence

·       The impact of domestic animal diseases on wildlife and how they are managed

Weekly planned volunteer activity schedule

Saturdays and Sundays are free days for adventure and acitivies in the local Victoria Falls vicinity with Sundays also earmarked for volunteer arrivals and departures. 

Monday – Wildlife 4 x 4 drive day

06:30 – Morning Session

• 1st Monday: Orientation wildlife drive – get familiar with the reserve, your guides, and the terrain.
• 2nd Monday onwards: Wildlife transect drive – for research and monitoring purposes. The group will be split into morning and evening shifts.
• While one group conducts the transect, the other will do tracks and tracking on foot with the guides.

16:00 – Afternoon Session

• 1st Monday: Second orientation wildliife drive with a different guide.
• Following weeks: Road transect with guides, while the other group enjoys a wildlife drive focused on wildlife observation.

Tuesday – Reserve and volunteer base work

06:30 – Morning Session
Reserve maintenance tasks may include:

• Removal of alien/invasive plants (Lantana camara (Verbenaceae)) which can be poisonous to animals
• Road maintenance and creation of sneak roads
• Erosion control and soil management
• Bridge repairs and general upkeep of the reserve

16:00 – Afternoon Session
Volunteer base work may include:

• Vegetable garden and compost maintenance
• Tool room clean-up
• Tent repairs and general base upkeep

Wednesday – Community engagement

06:30 – Morning Session

• Community visit to a local primary school.
• Assist with tasks as directed by the headmistress and engage with children during break time.

16:00 – Afternoon Session

• Relaxing activity such as fish relocation or a sundowner by the water after a rewarding morning at the school.

Thursday – Reserve work and camping

06:30 – Morning Session

Continued conservation work including:

·       Alien plant removal

·       Road and bridge maintenance

·       Soil erosion prevention

·       Sneak road creation and other needed reserve tasks

16:00 – Afternoon Session
Overnight camping – a weekly highlight!

·       Volunteers camp out in pairs (2 per tent).

·       When setting up, ensure each tent has 12 poles and that all poles are returned the next day.

Note: A sleeping bag is essential from May to July due to cold nights. Up to three armed field guildes will accompanying and stay at camp with the volunteers. 

Friday – Sunrise, pack up camp and conservation

06:30 – Morning Session

• Wake up with the sunrise, enjoy a coffee, and pack down the camp.
• Volunteers split into groups: one will join a guided walk/drive, while the other goes on a wildlife drive, depending on group size.

15:30 – Afternoon Session

• Targeted removal of invasive vegetation, especially the dreaded lantana