Community & Wildlife
Working Holiday
Empowering people. Protecting wildlife.
Communities & Wildlife Conservation
Creating lasting change in Zimbabwe!
Our combined Communities & Wildlife Conservation Program gives volunteers the chance to make a meaningful and long-lasting impact in both rural communities and wildlife protection. Based at Antelope Park in Zimbabwe, this immersive experience blends caring support, education upliftment, and hands-on wildlife conservation across 3,000 acres of breathtaking savannah.
Volunteers become part of a purpose-driven mission:
Strengthening local communities
Supporting vulnerable children
Protecting endangered wildlife
Conserving Zimbabwe’s natural habitats
This is your opportunity to give back, learn new skills, and experience life-changing encounters with Africa’s people and wildlife.
Community Projects
Community Soup Kitchen
Gweru Baptist Church
Volunteers prepare and serve hot meals to 30–40 homeless community members, offering comfort, dignity, and hope. The soup kitchen is filled with connection — dancing, laughter, shared stories, and cultural exchange.
Many individuals rely on this meal, and the project has helped several people transition off the streets and begin rebuilding their lives.
Teaching Assistance & Community Involvement
Julena Primary School
Julena Primary School serves rural students who once learned inside a run-down farmhouse, with many walking 24 km daily to access education.
Thanks to volunteer support, three safe classroom blocks have now been built.
Volunteers assist teachers in English and Math, helping reduce pressure on understaffed classrooms and improving learning outcomes.
A planned school project aims to provide nutritious meals for students, helping them stay energised and engaged as well as building classroom blocks and teacher accommodation.
Special Needs Assistance
Mkoba 4 Primary School
In Zimbabwe, a common ratio of 1 teacher to 40 students leaves little room for personalised attention.
Volunteers support the special needs classroom, where children with different learning abilities require extra patience and one-on-one guidance.
Your presence helps build confidence, improve comprehension, and support the children’s reintegration into mainstream education.
Kindle Sports Club
Gweru Sports Club
Sports keep children healthy, confident, and inspired.
Volunteers help coach soccer, swimming, cricket, and other activities — guiding young athletes through training sessions and match preparation.
While teaching physical skills, volunteers also build teamwork, discipline, resilience, and joy.
Worphan Orphanage
Worphan Orphanage is home to approximately 40 children, all cared for by one devoted woman. Volunteers assist with homework, daily chores, emotional support, and playtime.
Your impact helps create stability, encouragement, and hope for children who deserve every opportunity to thrive.
SPCA
Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
The Gweru SPCA cares for 50 dogs, 30 cats, and even rescued farm animals like donkeys and cows. Volunteers help with feeding, cleaning, enrichment, rehabilitation, and showing these animals the love they crave.
You’ll also support the dedicated staff who work tirelessly to rescue and rehome animals across the region.
Wildlife Conservation at Antelope Park
Zimbabwe Wildlife Conservation Volunteering
Antelope Park
Antelope Park is a leading conservation hub protecting Zimbabwe’s wilderness and iconic species. Volunteers work alongside passionate conservationists while learning first-hand about animal behaviour, wildlife management, and ecosystem protection.
By combining wildlife conservation with community upliftment, we strengthen both people and the wild places they depend on.
Overview of the Wildlife Conservation Project
Immerse yourself in 3,000 acres of pristine savannah grassland, home to free-roaming wildlife and some of Africa’s most remarkable species. Volunteers encounter endangered rhino, orphaned elephants, and resident lions while supporting vital conservation work.
Activities include:
✔️ Data collection & monitoring
✔️ Wildlife protection & anti-poaching patrols
✔️ Behavioural enrichment
✔️ Animal care & management
✔️ Habitat improvement
✔️ Game park maintenance
Ideal for wildlife enthusiasts, students, gap-year travellers, and adventure seekers — this is an unforgettable African conservation experience.
Project Highlights
Experience daily management and close encounters with endangered white rhino while supporting essential monitoring and data collection.
Walk alongside our three orphaned elephants, observing their personalities, behaviour, and natural interactions within the savannah.
Assist with daily lion upkeep, learning about behaviour, biology, and welfare routines.
Design activities that stimulate the natural instincts of our elephants and lions.
Take part in game counts, bird surveys, bush walks, game feeding, and habitat maintenance across the reserve.
Assist with boundary patrols, snare sweeps, and rescue support — helping safeguard the wildlife that calls this park home.
Antelope Park has been featured on BBC’s Nature’s Miracle Orphans, ITV’s Lion Country, and Animal Planet’s Roaring with Pride.
Example of your Weekly Schedule
Monday
Arrival & Welcome
16:00 – Volunteers arrive at camp and are met by the Volunteer Coordinator, who helps them check into their rooms and settle in.
16:30 – Guided tour of the camp, giving new arrivals a chance to get their bearings and learn where everything is — from the volunteer accommodation to the pool, bar, and ALERT tent.
17:30 – Free time to unpack and unwind after the journey.
18:30 – Communal welcome dinner — the first taste of the Antelope Park spirit. The evening is about easing in, meeting fellow volunteers, and preparing for the exciting days ahead.
Tuesday
Induction Day
08:00 – Breakfast
08:45 – Morning meeting and official welcome for new volunteers
09:00 – 12:30 – Induction programme including:
● Camp rules and etiquette
● Overview of community projects
● History of Antelope Park
● Videos about lion conservation with the ALERT programme
● Introduction to elephant and rhino projects
12:30 – 13:00 – Snake room introduction and snake handling (including an African rock
python)
13:00 – Lunch
14:00 – 15:00 – Free time
15:00 – 17:30 – Horseback safari and introduction to the stables
18:30 – Dinner
20:00 – Optional quiz night at the bar
Wednesday
Soup Kitchen
07:00 – 08:00 – Elephant boma cleaning
08:00 – Breakfast
08:45 – Morning meeting
09:00 – 12:30 – Visit to the local church soup kitchen. Volunteers help cook and serve meals
to the homeless community. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, filled with
conversation, laughter, and connection.
13:00 – Lunch
14:00 – 15:00 – Free time
15:00 – 17:30 – Lion enrichment and enclosure maintenance
18:30 – Dinner
20:00 – Optional evening activity
Thursday
St Daniel’s Rehabilitation & Horse Therapy
07:30 – Morning wildlife care tasks
08:00 – Breakfast
08:45 – Morning meeting
09:30 – 12:30 – St Daniel’s Rehabilitation and Vocational Horse Therapy visit.
Volunteers support participants during pony rides, grooming sessions, and horse-themed
games.
13:00 – Lunch
14:00 – 15:00 – Free time
15:00 – 17:00 – Birdwatching boat cruise on the dam
18:30 – Dinner
20:00 – Relaxed evening activity
Friday
SPCA Animal Shelter
07:00 – 08:00 – Elephant boma cleaning
08:00 – Breakfast
08:45 – Morning meeting
09:00 – 12:30 – Visit to the Gweru SPCA Animal Shelter.
Volunteers socialise with cats, walk dogs, and help provide care and enrichment for the
animals.
13:00 – Lunch
14:00 – 15:00 – Free time
15:00 – 16:30 – Elephant walk through the park
16:30 – 17:30 – Game feeding
18:30 – Dinner
20:00 – Friday social evening activity
Please note: This schedule is provided as a guideline to give an idea of a typical week. Activities, times, and locations may vary depending on weather, community needs, and other factors. Volunteers should remain flexible, and the project team will provide updates as needed.
About the Location
Antelope Park is 3500 acres of Private Game Reserve next to the town of Gweru in the the Midlands Province of Zimbabwe. Perfectly situated roughly half way between the two major cities, Harare and Bulawayo, it is easily accessible.
The park itself nestles in a striking setting – Savannah grasslands, Woodland and Riverine areas, big sky horizons – the natural beauty of Zimbabwe. The camp is situated on a beautiful watercourse area which draws the game and gorgeous waterbirds up close as they frolic and refresh themselves.
You will be sharing the location with a gorgeous variety of antelope, zebra, giraffe, elephant, rhino, lions in their own area and hundreds of marvellous African birds.
Accommodation
Antelope Park offers a diverse range of accommodations to suit every traveler’s needs. Our standard option features charming thatched-style rooms, comfortably housing 2-4 guests per room. These rooms are set around a communal living space and shared bathrooms, creating a warm, social atmosphere that’s perfect for meeting new people and sharing experiences. With stunning views and a prime location at the heart of the park, it’s the ideal base to kick off your project or adventure. Whether you’re winding down after a day of activities or connecting with fellow travelers, the vibrant energy here is unmatched!
Pricing & Start Dates
Starts at GBP £958
Starts Every Monday
1 weeks – 12 weeks
Focus: Community
Information
Pricing & Duration
Project Starting Times
We can’t wait to meet you! All volunteers are required to arrive on a Monday to begin their projects.
Please verify specific dates with your sales agent.
Additionally, ensure you check with your sales agent regarding the recommended airport for your transfers.
Project Includes
The project includes accommodation and full meals provided 7 days a week.
Airport transfers are available from a specific airport (please confirm with your sales agent).
All project-related transport, equipment, WIFI, and resources are included, along with support from our experienced 24-hour team.
Project Excludes
The project package does not cover the following items: flights to the designated location, expenses related to obtaining a visa, insurance costs, optional additional excursions, and any personal expenses you may incur during your participation.
And There’s More…
- Be a part of contributing and making a significance difference in Africa
- Indulge in the chance to experience many excursions and see some of Zimbabwe’s most breathtaking landscape
- Immerse yourself in the fascinating culture of Zimbabwe
- Have the ability to make friends for life with connections and friendships all over the world!
- Your weekends are free for relaxing and exploring. Why not head to the Great Zimbabwe and immerse yourself in the history.
I am not African because I was born in Africa but because Africa was born in me — Kwame Nkrumah