Orientation
Upon arrival at the Victoria Falls project, you will receive a full orientation, which will cover the following areas:
- You will receive your volunteer's manual, which includes information that will help with your integration into the project.
- Introduction to all accommodation and project staff and heads of department
- Familiarisation of the work areas
- Introduction to the lions and cub enclosures
- Briefing on completing data capture forms and entering data
- Further information on the lion breeding programme and our ultimate objective of releasing lions into the wild
- Familiarisation with all duties you will be involved in and the basic tools you require to carry out your duties
Accommodation and Meals
You will be staying at our volunteer lodge, close to the town of Victoria Falls, just a 20-minute walk to the town centre and a 10-minute drive away from the Lion project. Each morning, you will be picked up and taken to your project for that day. The accommodation is simple and rustic but comfortable and completely suited to your needs. The lodge has satellite television, a swimming pool, barbeque area and lovely green lawns for relaxing after a hard day of work.
You are provided with 3 meals a day during your placement in Zimbabwe. Breakfast and Lunch are usually at the guides’ quarters at the Safari area where the lions are based, or back at your lodge if you have been assisting in the conservation education programme for the morning. Our volunteer cook prepares these meals.
A very sociable dinner usually then takes place at your volunteer lodge and is prepared by the volunteer cook who is based there. Project managers and volunteers have the chance to discuss their day’s activities and plan for the next day over dinner.
Free Time
During your stay at Victoria Falls you will have the opportunity to enjoy some organised excursions to some of the other spectacular spots that Zimbabwe has to offer. These trips are also a great time for volunteers to interact and get to know each other better and will be organised for you by your project staff. An optional extra excursion of up to 6 days, taking you to Hwange National Park and north to our other lion breeding programme in Gweru, will cost you approximately US$350 (this includes the National Parks fees), which is payable in cash on arrival at the project.
Whilst at Victoria Falls, ‘the Adrenalin capital of Africa’ you will have the chance to take on the worlds’ premier white water rafting, bungee jump off the bridge over the gorge below the Falls, enjoy sunset cruises on the Zambezi River or take an elephant safari! All activities can be booked in the country at your own cost, during the weekends and your free time.
Being so close to the Victoria Falls means that you are at a major starting point for tours through Africa. Why not join an overland tour after your volunteer project and further explore the amazing sights that Africa has to offer you. From 3-day mini trips to a mammoth 56-day epic, we have the perfect tour to suit your needs and leave you with unforgettable memories of Africa. Please speak to the Africa team for further details.
Programme Support
Throughout your placement you will have the support and guidance of our experienced volunteer coordinators. They are part of our greater African support team who will provide you with competent 24-hour field support and assistance. In addition, we will provide you with a 24 hour emergency contact number before you depart, so that you can contact one of our UK staff at any time should you need to.
Programme Age Limit
Minimum 17 years, maximum decided on potential participants’ health
