BIG 5 WILDLIFE CONSERVATION EXPEDITION IN ZIMBABWE
VICTORIA FALLS, HWANGE NATIONAL PARK, GWERU, MARONDERA

The Big 5 Wildlife Conservation Expedition is a varied and exciting adventure, allowing volunteers to explore this beautiful country whilst making a contribution to the conservation of both the land and the wildlife it supports.  The expedition commences  with volunteers canoeing steadily along the powerful Zambezi River from the thundering Victoria Falls, whilst exploring interesting channels that lead to tiny islands.  Volunteers then speed past grazing animals and flocks of birds whilst negotiating the fast rapids that occur in some parts of the river. The second week is spent at the world-famous Hwange National Park, where volunteers will join a Bush Awareness Course and learn all there is to know about the African bush.  Volunteers will then spend some relaxing days at the Lion Rehabilitation Headquarters in Gweru, horseback riding, walking with lions, canoeing, and elephant training!  At the end of this adventure, volunteers use their recently acquired conservation and care skills at the Imire Black Rhino Conservancy, looking after these wonderful but endangered animals

 

	Location:	VICTORIA FALLS, HWANGE NATIONAL PARK, GWERU, MARONDERA	Dates:	2009: 5 - 27 April; 5 - 27 July; 4 - 26 August
	Fees:	£1,645 - 22 days	Payment:	£180 deposit at time of booking – balance of project fee due 8 weeks before departure
	Reference:	AA021

General Information

Itinerary summary

Day	Activities	Location	Accomodation	Meals
1	Arrive, overnight at Vic Falls	Victoria Falls	Hunters Lodge	D
2 - 4	Canoe Expedition	Zambezi River	Tented camping	B,L,D
5	Return to Victoria Falls and Boma	Victoria Falls	Hunters Lodge	B,L,D
5 - 6	Optional Excursions	Victoria Falls	Hunters Lodge	B,L,D
7 - 12	Bush Awareness Course	Miombo Lodge, Hwange	Volunteer base	B,L,D
13 - 16	Lion Breeding and Rehabiliation	Gweru Lion Breeding Centre	Twin rooms	B,L,D
17 - 22 22	Black Rhino Conservation	Imire Rhino Conservancy	Volunteer farmhouse	B,L,D

Detailed Itinerary

DAY 1: Tsowa Camp on the Zambezi River

The drive into the Zambezi National Park will take approximately two hours from Victoria Falls, the last 50km of which will be a game drive in an open vehicle.  Orientation will take place on arrival at “Tsowa Camp” after which volunteers will help to set up camp for the night before a bush walk in the twilight and a quiet evening spent around the campfire, getting to know fellow volunteers.  The camp is situated on the banks of the Zambezi River, and volunteers may well be joined by elephants, hippos, and other wildlife.

DAY 2: Canoe Expedition

In the early morning, volunteers will have the chance to join a nature walk before enjoying a wholesome bush breakfast.  This will be followed by an in-depth safety talk, including vital river navigation information, and a demonstration of how to paddle the canoes that will be used over the next few days.  The remainder of the day will be spent canoeing downriver through grade one and two rapids (Sansimba Rapids), exploring channels en route, viewing game on the river banks, and identifying the animals seen.  The overnight stop will be made at the Impala Jenna Camp where the group will set up camp and enjoy dinner by campfire on the banks of the mighty Zambezi.

DAY 3: Canoe Expedition continues

The third day will be spent paddling, negotiating several small rapids and fast currents.  The destination is the mysterious and enchanting Chundu Island, covered in jungle vegetation, which will be approached as the sun sets silently over the now familiar river.

DAY 4: Canoe to Victoria Falls

Volunteers awaken to watch the sunrise, and then begin the final 18km paddle back towards the thundering Victoria Falls.  Once the group has returned to land they will enjoy the extravaganza of a traditional African meal at the infamous ‘Boma’ – place of eating.

DAYS 5 - 6: Activities and Excursions

The next two days give volunteers an opportunity to explore the flowing waters that make up the world’s largest waterfall, or try river cruises, bungee jumping, elephant-back safaris, micro-light flights over the Falls and the famous high tea at the Victoria Falls Hotel.  The possibilities are endless!

DAYS 7 - 12: Bush Awareness Course and Hwange National Park Conservation

Following the first week at and around the spectacular Victoria Falls, volunteers will be transported two hours by road to the base camp on the edge of the world-famous Hwange National Park.  The park covers over 14,000 square kilometres and abounds in all nature of wildlife, including the Big 5.  The elephant population alone is in excess of 40,000, and there are over 20,000 buffalo and approximately 300 lions.
 
The ‘Customs, Culture and Bush Awareness Course’ is designed to prepare new travellers to Africa for the sights and sounds they will have seen and are yet to see.  Food, the bush and the sounds that are heard ... all will be described and explained to help volunteers fully understand and appreciate this wild continent.

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

• Tuning-in to the bush -  learning lessons from the land
• Cultural familiarisation - understanding the Shona and Ndebele cultures
• Edible Plants and Animals - what can and cannot be eaten
• 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 and avoid
• Basic navigation - reading a map, using a compass, estimating time, distance and speed
• Finding water and gathering food - seeking with all the senses
• Basic first aid - emergency first-aid and general health care

DAYS 13 - 16: Gweru Lion Breeding and Rehabilitation Centre

Volunteers will spend four nights at the lion rehabilitation headquarters - holiday section of the volunteer programme.  Transfers between Hwange National Park and Gweru take about six hours, and on arrival volunteers can really relax after their time spent exploring and learnng all there is to know about the African bush. 

Besides canoeing along the river, horseback riding, and game viewing, volunteers can:

• Walk alongside lions as part of the pride and enjoy the exhilaration of being part of the hunt as the young cubs learn to stalk their prey
• Visit the younger lion cubs if there are any in the camp at the time
• Explore the savannah highlands on horseback or on African elephants
• Have horse-riding lessons from the experienced guides

Although volunteers can choose to do as many activities as they wish whilst at the game reserve,  the following are included in your project fee:

Four lion walks; one cub viewing (if there are small cubs there at the time);  one elephant ride;  one elephant training session;  one horse ride;  one game viewing carriage ride and unlimited canoeing.

DAYS 17 - 22: Imire Black Rhino Conservation Programme

On the last leg of the exciting adventure, volunteers are transferred through Harare to the wonderful Black Rhino Conservation Project.  Here they will have the chance to work hands-on with the rhinos and elephants in the Conservation.  Imire Safari Ranch is proud of its position as custodian of Zimbabwe’s endangered black rhino.  So far ten rhino have been returned to the Matusadona National Park in Zimbabwe, and some females have successfully bred after being released.

Volunteer comments:

"My true feelings are that I am still in awe of what I have experienced and it won't hit me until I am home how amazing and special this experience has been.  I have learnt a lot and now have a hunger to learn and do more.  I will definitely be coming back for longer next time!!" 
Lisa Porter, UK

"I had a great time. The work that everyone does is great and necessary. All members of the staff are polite and friendly. Really a place to return to.  Thank you!"
Dagmar van Roojj, Netherlands

"Working with lions is just such a dream, and now it has come true!  Elephant swims and horse riding were excellent, and I have now leanred to ride a horse.  I think this program has an excellent goal of increasing the lion population in Africa...I have gained so much...I can't even start to describe it!"
Inguun Saxrud, Norway

"Working hands-on with the Black Rhino and African Elephant is the most phenomenal experience anyone can have.  They are both unique animals 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, Italy

Support

Support and advice is available from the expedition staff whilst in Africa and from the UK Amanzi Travel Team.
Find out more about Amanzi Travel support

Orientation

A comprehensive information pack will be sent to all volunteers upon booking their expedition and further advice and information will be provided via telephone and email before departure. A full orientation will be provided on arrival at the project by the local support team.

Accommodation and Meals

Volunteers will stay in comfortable two or three bedroom lodges, guesthouses or volunteer bases and will share with one other person. During the canoe expedition along the Zambezi accommodation each night will be in simple but comfortable tents.

Throughout the trip three meals will be provided and unlimited tea, coffee, and juice is available throughout the trip.

Note: Please advise of any specific dietary requirements before departure.

Getting There

Volunteers should fly into Victoria Falls airport, where they will be met by the local expedition team.  Please arrange for return flights to depart from Harare airport.
(There may be a number of ways to reach the destination airport - for further information or advice please contact Amanzi Travel)
Let Amanzi Travel arrange your flights for you

Project Fees

What is included

• Project fees, which go directly back to the specific projects involved themsleves and which  facilitate funding for items such as food for lions and elephants, and 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 the expedition
• Airport pick-ups and drop-offs
• Boma Cultural Dinner Extravaganza in Victoria Falls town
• Various wildlife activities at Gweru Lion Rehabilitation and Breeding Centre, including lion walks, cub viewing and horse and elephant rides
• Assistance in the projects from trained guides and staff during the expedition
• Any wildlife education talks taking place in which volunteers might like to partake
• Full board and lodging including three meals a day at the respective safari camps
• Unlimited tea, coffee, and juice throughout the day
• Laundry service (where available)
• Daily room cleaning

What is excluded

• All items of a personal nature, such a curios, gifts, clothing
• Flights to Victoria Falls International Airport and flights from Harare International Airport
• Email and telephone calls made during the placement
• Any excursions over and above the planned itinerary in Zimbabwe, eg bungee jumping
• Personal insurance cover for the duration of the stay which is expected to include cover for repatriation