Your mission as a volunteer on the Big 5 Wildlife Conservation Project is to help conserve Africa’s Big 5 in Zimbabwe’s National Park areas – and work hands-on with Elephant, Rhino and Lion.

Africa is a place of the senses: the sound of untamed wildlife; the feel of the rhythm of its people; the sight of an African sun rising across open plains; the smell of rain on a dry earth; and the taste of untamed adventure… Through our exciting Zimbabwe National Parks Big 5 Wildlife Conservation Programme we invite you to join us on a journey that will lead you to explore, to inspire, and to impact. Your 3 week trip will take you behind the scenes into some of Zimbabwe’s most stunning National Parks areas, the famous Victoria Falls, a Black Rhino Conservancy and Antelope Park – home to our world-first lion breeding and rehabilitation project. Work hands on with Elephants and Rhinos during your trip!

Project Highlights:

• Increase your knowledge of the African bush and cultures as you explore the mighty Zambezi River by canoe, camping on the riverbanks and islands of this ancient river by night, surrounded by elephants and other wildlife, and paddling towards the Victoria Falls amongst the complex waterways by day.
• Your Bush Awareness course is led by professional guides at Hwange National Park who will introduce you to the idiosyncrasies of the African bush and give you a deeper understanding of the fragile relationships between man and beast.
• Your expedition will then take you behind the scenes into one of Zimbabwe’s stunning Hwange National Park. COLT has official permission to operate our volunteer programmes within a number of Zimbabwe’s most exciting and interesting National Parks.
• Walk with lions at our breeding and rehabilitation programme at Antelope Park in the Zimbabwe Midlands.
• You will spend your final week at a unique black rhino-breeding programme with the chance to work hands-on with these proud beasts.

Expedition dates 2010:

• Expedition One: from 4th to 26th July 2010
• Expedition Two: from 1st to 23rd August 2010

Expedition Itinerary:

• First night: Arrive at Victoria Falls, overnight at Hunter’s Lodge
• Week 1: Pathfinders Canoe Expedition: 3 nights Zambezi River camping, 2 nights Hunter’s Lodge, Victoria Falls.
• Week 2: Pathfinders Bush Awareness & Hwange Conservation: 6 nights Miombo Lodge, Hwange.
• Week 3 (part of): 4 nights at Antelope park, Gweru.
• Week 3 (part of) and Week 4: 6 nights Imire Black Rhino Conservancy, Marondera.

Week 1: Pathfinders Zambezi River Canoe Experience [www.pathfindersafrica.com]

As you pioneer your way down the mighty Zambezi River in a canoe, your days will be filled with breathtaking sightings of elephants, hippos, crocodiles and a plethora of other wildlife.  Your evenings will be spent around the campfire enjoying the rush of the wild African night and stories from your professional guides.

Day One: Your drive into the Zambezi National Park will take approximately 2hrs from the Victoria Falls, 50km’s of it will be a game drive in an open vehicle.  On arrival at “Tsowa Camp” there will be an introduction, you will set up camp for the night, do a bush walk and a quiet evening will be spent around the campfire, on the banks of the Zambezi River and quite possibly in the presence of elephants, hippos and other wildlife.

Day Two: There will be an early morning nature walk followed by a wholesome bush breakfast. Your Guide will then give the group an in-depth safety talk and demonstration on how to paddle, and other vital information for your river navigation. The day will be spent canoeing downriver through grade one and two rapids (Sansimba Rapids), exploring channels, game viewing and animal identification. The night stop will be made at Impala Jenna Camp where the group will set up camp and enjoy dinner by campfire on the banks of the mighty Zambezi.

Day Three: Your third day will be spent paddling; navigating the river’s numerous channels, negotiating small rapids and fast currents – Your destination being the jungled and enchanting Chundu Island before you are caught up in the splendor of the sun setting over the silent river.

Day Four: Awaken to watch the sunrise.  We begin the final 18km stretch towards the Mighty Victoria Falls.  This paddle carries the group closer to the Falls, again with the chance to explore channels amongst beautiful islands. Return to the Victoria Falls town where the group will enjoy the extravaganza of a traditional African Meal at the infamous ‘Boma’ – place of eating.

Days Five – Six: Your next two days will give you a chance to explore the mighty flowing waters that make up the World’s largest waterfall of the Victoria Falls, such as white water rafting, river cruises and bungee jumping. Elephant-back safaris, cultural African dinner extravaganzas, flights over the Victoria Falls and much more.

“I had a great time. The work that everyone does is great and necessary. ALL members of the staff are polite and friendly. And even in this difficult situation they keep smiling. Really a place to return to. Thank you!” Dagmar van Rooij, Netherlands

Week 2: Pathfinders Bush Awareness Course and Hwange National Park Conservation

“The food, all of Miombo staff exceeded my expectations. Miombo lodge and Hwange game reserve were both a fantastic experience” Karoline Hood-Dennis, UK

From the Victoria Falls you will be transported 2 hours by road to our camp on the border of Hwange National Park. The world-famous Hwange National Park covers over 14,000 square kilometres and abounds in wildlife, including the Big 5. Hwange’s elephant population alone is in excess of 40,000. There are over 20,000 buffalo and approximately 300 lions as well as rhino and leopard.  Our Miombo volunteer camp is ideally placed right on the boundary of this park.

‘Customs, Culture and Bush Awareness Course’ will be oriented around preparing travelers to Africa for the onset of the customs and culture of Africa. It will introduce you to the flavours and tastes of the food; create awareness towards the sites and sounds of the bush; and instruct you on how to fully understand and appreciate the temperament of this tremendous continent.

Whilst working alongside our conservation team in Hwange National Park you will also learn the following from our trained guides:

• Tuning-in to the Bush: Lessons from the land – smells, sights and sounds.
• Cultural Familiarisation: Understanding the Shona & Ndebele Cultures & Beliefs.
• Edible Plants and Animals: What you can and cannot eat.
• Animal Identification: By shape, smell, and sound.
• Identifying Tracks: Matching the animal to the imprint.
• Basic Safety: Areas and situations to avoid.
• Dangerous Animals: The realistic threat and evasive actions.
• Basic Tracking: What to look for, what to avoid, common mistakes.
• Basic Navigation: Reading a map, using a compass, estimating time, distance, speed.
• Finding Water & Gathering Food: Seeking with all your senses, and tips for collection.
• Basic First Aid: Emergency first-aid and general health care.

Accommodation:

You will be based at our beautifully situated volunteer base on the boundary of the National Park – Miombo Safari Lodge, in rustic yet comfortable rooms shared between 2 or 3 people.

Part of Week 3: Antelope Park (4 nights)

Antelope Park is such a dream, and now it has come true! Elephant and horse swims were excellent; I have learned to ride a horse. I think this program has an excellent goal in increasing the Lion population in Africa. I hope and think that COLT and ALERT will be able to reach this goal. I have gained so much… I can’t even start to describe it! I would love working with a program like this!” Inguun Saxrud, Norway

We have included this 4-night stop at our lion rehabilitation headquarters as a holiday section of your programme. You will be transferred from Hwange National Park to Antelope Park, which is a 6-hour trip by road. Antelope Park is the perfect place to relax after your time in the bush. Along with canoeing the river, horseback riding and game viewing, you will be able to:

• Walk alongside lions as part of the pride and enjoy the exhilaration of being part of a hunt as the young cubs learn to stalk their prey.
• Visit younger lion cubs if there are any in camp at the time.
• Experience the African bush in a very special way on this private reserve. Explore the savannah grasslands on horseback or whilst riding on African Elephants.
• Have horse-riding lessons from our experienced guides.
• Please note that you will be a guest at Antelope Park, and not a volunteer.

Accommodation:

• You will be staying in twin standard room accommodation overlooking the dam at the main camp.  You will use the shared camp ablutions.
• Your room will be cleaned daily by the housekeeping staff, and free use of the laundry service is available.
• You will enjoy 3 cooked meals a day, and eat the same meals as the guests at the Safari Camp.  All meals are served Safari style (including vegetarian) and these are taken in the main camp dining room, a thatched building overlooking the dam.

Included in your Guest Package:

• Accommodation in twin standard rooms and 3 meals per day.
• A guide for the 4 days.
• An introduction to the lion breeding programme.
• 4 lion walks.
• 1 cub viewing.  If there are small cubs in camp, we offer the alternative of a cub feed of the older walking cubs. There will be no bottle feeding of cubs as this is left to the more experienced volunteers and guides.
• 1 elephant ride.
• 1 elephant training session.
• 1 horse ride.
• 1 game-viewing carriage ride.
• Unlimited canoeing.

Optional Extras Available:

• Night Encounter – watch from an open vehicle as the cubs hunt at night.  This will cost $120 for 1 – 3 people or $100 for 4 or more people.
• Horse-Riding lessons at a cost of $10 per lesson.
• Please speak to your guide if you wish to add any other activities, but these will be at your own cost.
• Please remember that this is a holiday time for you so you will have some free time to relax by the pool, chat to guests and rest in your room.

Rest of Week 3 & part of week 4: Imire Black Rhino Conservation Programme:

From Antelope Park you will transfer through to Harare. In Harare you will be met by Reilly Travers and transferred 1.5hours by road to the conservancy where you will have the chance to experience the bush through Riley’s experienced professional guides’ eyes, as well as work hands-on with the Rhinos and Elephants that the conservancy is so proud of.

Imire Safari Ranch is honored to be the custodians of Zimbabwe’s black rhino. So far they have returned 10 rhino back to the Matusadona National Park in Zimbabwe. As the rhino adjusted to their new environment, so they were released. The females have bred successfully within the Park and Imire’s black rhino project continues.

Imire Highlights:

• You will live in close contact with black rhino, elephants, buffalo and all the other species of wild animal on the 10,000 acre conservancy…you will witness incredible animal relationships, hear their sounds, record vital information, and learn the appreciation of simplicity from the surrounding rural communities.
• Be a part of a world-renowned programme to save this ancient animal from extinction. You will play an important role in rehabilitating these endangered animals back into their natural environment.
• Experience the African bush in a very special way on this private reserve. Explore the savannah grasslands on horseback or whilst riding on African Elephants.

Accommodation:

You will be staying in comfortable twin or triple room accommodation in a thatched volunteer farmhouse near a lake. Two communal sitting rooms with fire-places are where everyone meets in the evening to relax and talk about the day’s events.

“Working hands-on with the Black Rhino and African Elephant is the most phenomenal experience anyone can have. They are both unique and incredible to work with…it really is one of the best projects I have come across. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity for ANY volunteer interested in African wildlife” Angela Bonato, America

Project Cost:

Project fee for the Big 5 Wildlife Conservation Experience: GB£ 1650.00

Cost Includes:

• Project fee, which entails financing which goes directly back into the projects that you are involved with. This project fee facilitates funding for items such as food for lions and elephants, radio tracking and collaring equipment.
• One week Zambezi River canoe experience.
• One week bush awareness and conservation experience in Hwange National Park.
• All transfers for the duration of your expedition. Victoria Falls – Hwange – Antelope Park – Imire.
• All airport pick-ups and drop-offs.
• Boma Cultural Dinner Extravaganza in the Victoria Falls town.
• Various wildlife activities at Antelope Park, including Lion walks, cub viewing, horse ride, elephant ride.
• Assistance in your projects by various trained guides and staff during your stay.
• Any wildlife education talks that take place during your trip and that you might wish to partake in.
• Full board and lodging which includes 3 meals a day at our respective Safari Camps.
• Unlimited tea, coffee and juice throughout the day.
• Laundry service during your stay.
• Cleaning staff to attend to your room each day.

Cost Excludes:

• All items of a personal nature, such as curios, gifts, clothing (work and other).
• Flights to the Victoria Falls International Airport at trip start and departing from Harare International airport at trip end. We can help you with these arrangements if you wish.
• Email and telephone calls made during your placement (charged out at cost).
• Any excursions over and above your planned itinerary in Zimbabwe e.g. visiting the Victoria Falls; White Water Rafting; Bungee Jumping.
• Personal insurance cover for the duration of your placement which is expected to include cover for repatriation. We recommend WorldNomads.com.

Orientation:

Our initial 1 week Pathfinders Cultural Familiarisation and Bush Awareness will equip you for your time out in the various conservation areas. Pathfinders will introduce you to basic first aid out in the bush; edible plants; basic tracking and navigation and other aspects of basic bush safety. Volunteers’ introduction at each base camp will include:

• Introduction to all senior camp staff including Guides.
• Further information on our COLT Conservation Programmes and our ultimate wildlife conservation goals and objectives.
• Familiarization with all other duties you will be involved in.
• Outlines of the management and control of the conservancy areas and their own unique eco-systems.

Support:

Throughout your placement you will have the support and guidance of our experienced project managers s and professional guides. They are part of our greater COLT support team, which will provide you with competent 24-hour field support and assistance.

Accommodation:

• Week 1 – Pathfinders: Volunteers will be accommodated in comfortable tented camping, with all meals provided on a participatory basis.
• Weeks 2, 3 and part of 4: You will be accommodated in simple but comfortable twin or triple rooms during the rest of your expedition.
• Showers and clean ablutions are also available at all of your programme locations.

Meals:

• Meals during the Pathfinders orientation course will be provided on a participatory basis.
• All other meals will be catered for you at our various volunteer base camps and will be simple but nutritious and wholesome.
• Please make any special dietary requirements known to our placement coordinators during the booking procedure.

Project Getting There:  We will meet you at the airport!

Fly direct to Victoria Falls Airport from Johannesburg International Airport, where you will be met by an COLT staff member on arrival.

Please note: Volunteers are required to arrive at the project no later than the official start date – this fantastic experience is based on a well run schedule!

We’re quite sure that if you choose this African Adventure you’ll have the time of your life. If you have any questions, please contact us today.