Our Wildlife Reserve Guardian volunteer project brings together three powerful elements: Conservation, Community, and Environment. Set near the breathtaking Victoria Falls, it’s an unforgettable opportunity to make a real impact in one of Africa’s most stunning bush settings.
| Starting days | Start days are the 1st, 3rd and 5th Sunday of the month. Closed from the 15th of December 2025 to the 4th of January 2026 |
| Minimum Requirements | 2 weeks and longer subject to visa requirements. A minimum age of 18 years old and older or 15 years old with a legal guardian/parent |
| Cost | £1500 for 2 weeks and £1300 for each additional two weeks. 3 weeks optional is £2100 |
| What is included | 3 meals a day, single accommodation, meeting you at the Victoria Falls International airport, airport transfer on arrival, pre-departure support, in-country staff, WIFI, assistance booking free time activities, laundry, 24- emergency help and more. |
| What is not included | Flights, visas, travel insurance, return airport transfer and spending money for free time |
| Best for | Gappers, career breakers, families, post-retirement gappers, animal lovers, conservation students, nature lovers, couples, those who love the African bush and its wildlife |
Project Description
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.
Volunteer duties
These are dependant on the weather and the 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, lion, buffalo, 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.
Community – local village projects and education awareness
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
Environment – 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
Volunteer educationals
During the hotter parts of the day, volunteers may 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 – Game drive day
06:30 – Morning Session
- 1st Monday: Orientation game 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 game drive with a different guide.
- Following weeks: Road transect with guides, while the other group enjoys a game 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 game drive, depending on group size.
15:30 – Afternoon Session
- Targeted removal of invasive vegetation, especially the dreaded lantana
Daily Schedule Overview
- 06:00 – Breakfast is served
- 06:30 – Morning volunteer duties begin
- 10:30 – Return to the volunteer base for some rest or downtime
- 12:00–13:00 – Lunch break and also the perfect time to have a refreshing dip in the pool to escape the heat
- 16:00 – Afternoon volunteer duties resume
- 19:00–20:00 – End of the day (exact time may vary depending on the activity schedule)
- 20:00 – Enjoy a delicious, healthy dinner and share stories from the day with your fellow volunteers
Accommodation
Volunteers are housed in 20 private, comfortable lockable bedrooms, each furnished with a single bed (bedding is provided), built-in cupboard, and a desk. All bedrooms have electric fans. Bathrooms are shared between two volunteers, with separate men’s and women’s facilities, each including a shower. We also offer three double rooms for couples—be sure to book early, as these are limited and in high demand.
The main off-the-grid volunteer base offers everything you need for relaxation and comfort, including a chill-out lounge complete with aircon with a small library and a smart TV (perfect for using your own Netflix account), a communal kitchen, and a dining area with a shaded patio, braai (barbecue) facilities, and a swimming pool overlooking an oxbow bend in the beautiful Masuwe River.
There are sun loungers around the pool for relaxing during hot midday breaks, and a fire pit for cosy evening gatherings under the stars. Wi-Fi and mobile connectivity are available, with local SIM cards easily accessible in town. A weekly laundry service is included to help keep things simple.
We strive to make our volunteers feel as welcome and comfortable as possible—your home away from home in Victoria Falls.
Food
Volunteers are provided with three wholesome, home-style meals daily, and tea, coffee, and juice are available 24/7. The two friendly chefs cater to a wide range of dietary needs, including vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. Simply let us know your preferences when booking.
- Mondays are meat-free, promoting healthy and sustainable eating.
- Breakfast includes a variety of cereals, yoghurt, fruit, toast, and spreads, with eggs served on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
- Lunches are light and satisfying—think salads, homemade pizzas, and burgers.
- Dinners feature hearty dishes such as pastas, grilled meats, vegetables, potatoes, and a mix of Western and traditional meals.
- On Saturdays and Sundays, breakfast and lunch are replaced by a delicious brunch at 10:00, which may include pancakes, muffins, fruit salad, eggs, bacon, sausages, beans, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, and toast. A literal feast- yum!
All drinking water is filtered borehole water and safe straight from the tap.
Location
The project base is a mere 15km from the centre of the popular town of Victoria Falls. Victoria Falls town is located in the Matabeleland North Province of northwestern Zimbabwe. It sits right on the Zambezi River, across from Livingstone, Zambia, and is part of the Hwange District so there is plenty to do in your free time. January to March is the rainy season and the dry season is May to October with the hottest month being October. The vegetation ranges from savanna woodland to Zambezi teak forest to riverine woodland with the landscape dotted with the iconic oldest living tree, the Baobab aka the “upside-down tree”- a true symbol of Africa.
Volunteers are kept busy with rewarding conservation work from Monday to Friday but weekends are free giving you the perfect opportunity to relax and explore one of the world’s most spectacular destinations.
Victoria Falls town is a hive of activity with something for everyone!
Take part in safaris on the reserve, or venture into town to experience the vibrant Zimbabwean culture—from bustling local markets to delicious cuisine and live music. The Three Monkeys restaurant is always a hit with volunteers. An evening at The Boma for drumming, dancing and tradtional meals is also a must!
Visit the majestic Victoria Falls, just a few minutes away from the town, where you can enjoy stunning viewpoints, walk through the rainforest, or take a guided swim in the famous Devil’s Pool (seasonal and on the Zambian side). For those seeking adventure, adrenaline activities include helicopter flips, bungee jumping, white-water rafting, zip lining, gorge swinging, microlight flights, and more.
Sunset boat trips on the Zambezi are an absolute treat to give you a different perspective of seeing hippos and crocodiles. You can also take day trips to Chobe National Park in Botswana, renowned for its huge elephant herds and river safaris, or cross into Livingstone, Zambia, for a different view of the falls, vibrant markets, and the Mukuni traditional village cultural experiences.
Your coordinators on the ground can assist with planning and bookings which are best done by the Thursday and when on the project, and connect you with trusted local operators offering discounted rates for volunteers.
Please note: All leisure activities are at volunteers’ own expense.
For more information or to book our Wildlife Reserve Guardian volunteer project, please use the contact form or email us at info@volunteerinternationaladventures.com
