Bhejane Trust Volunteer Program
Volunteers participate in a number of National Parks support programs including infrastructure development and maintenance, wildlife monitoring activities, data collection, ranger field support and much more. Bhejane Trust also supports research programs within the Parks estate, including population surveys and stats though road counts and water point counts, predator/prey relationships, vegetation mapping with fixed point photography, giraffe population monitoring, fire management programs, etc . As you move from location to location on this project, your activities and duties will vary depending on the ecosystem and its needs.
Wildlife Conservation and Research Program:
(14-days)
Bhejane Trust offers a volunteer, or field assistance, program where interested persons are able to participate in our operations in the field, working together with Bhejane Trust and National Parks staff. This program has been ongoing since the inception of Bhejane Trust and is an important part of the work done in the parks.
- Rhino patrols, monitoring and rhino research
- Installing, monitoring and maintaining solar powered water points to provide sufficient water for the animals in the dry season
- Setting up and monitoring camera traps from the animal activities around popular animal paths and areas
- Data collecting and animal tracking
- Basic bush education and bush living skills
- Building and maintaining new game viewing hides by the waterholes
- At times you will be required to camp in the bush in safari tents
- 24 hour animal game counts
- Environmental management and area rehabilitation
- Animal movements and the impact of certain animals in the area
- Learn and assist with our anti-poaching units
- And many more interesting and exciting tasks
Highlights to look forward to during your experience –
- Camping out in the bush for a true African experience.
- The best wildlife education and experience
- Giving back in support of improving conservation and the people of Zimbabwe
- Building great friendships with other volunteers and local Zimbabweans
Volunteer work in Africa, especially in this magnificent setting, will bring you a sense of peace and self-discovery, and it will remind you that often giving is a much greater adventure than receiving.
Cost
14 day volunteer field assistance program – $ 1600.00 nett
2022 Dates
Unfortunately we are not able to confirm any dates at this stage due to the Covid pandemic situation
There is a minimum age of 18. There is no maximum age, but you need to be reasonably fit.
No specialized education or knowledge is required to join this program, it is about benefiting the wildlife in Zimbabwe and educating the people who join us about what we undertake and the environment in which we live and work, for the conservation of our wildlife
There is a minimum age of 18. There is no maximum age, but you need to be reasonably fit.
No specialized education or knowledge is required to join this program, it is about benefiting the wildlife in Zimbabwe and educating the people who join us about what we undertake and the environment in which we live and work, for the conservation of our wildlife.
Accommodation and Transport:
You will be staying at various locations during your stay with Bhejane Trust, varying from the small but comfortable lodges in the National Parks, to town lodges, while in some of our more remote locations you will be camping out in tents or in wooden hide platforms – experiencing Africa in the true sense deep in the wilderness.
Whilst doing fieldwork out in the bush you will be transported in 4×4 vehicles and escorted by our very experienced staff, whilst when doing any long transfer trips you will travel in a mini-bus to and from the destinations.
What to Bring:
We suggest a few additional items to bring along with you for your own comfort and benefit.
- Binoculars (Our recommendation is 8×40)
- A camera
- Sunglasses
- Small back pack for use in the bush
- Your own water bottle
- Sun block & a good wide brimmed hat
- Malaria prophylactic between September and April
- Personal medications and toiletries
- Insect repellent
- Torch with spare batteries. Note: a head torch is ideal
- Good walking shoes are required
- Clothing is required to be drab green or browns, no bright colours for in the bush
- The currency used in Zimbabwe is US dollars. Suggested you bring enough cash for the entirety of your trip as cash can be difficult to obtain from the banks. Some small denomination notes for tips is recommended
Safety and Medical:
You will need to arrange your own medical aid and insurance prior to your trip, which needs to give you full cover, including air evacuation whilst in Zimbabwe. Please take the necessary time to ensure you have a good medical and insurance package to cover all the activities you will be participating in.
Flights and Visa’s:
- You can fly into Victoria Falls via Harare International Airport or O.R Tambo International, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Most people can buy a visa on arrival for Zimbabwe, to be sure please check your nationality requirements on the following website (http://www.victoriafalls-guide.net/zimbabwe-visa.html)
Extra Activities:
You will end your trip in the resort town of Victoria Falls, and will be given a free day in the Falls to experience some of the many different activities offered here, such as white water rafting, bunji jumping, a sunset cruise on the magnificent Zambezi River, and of course viewing the majestic Victoria Falls themselves. We will happily assist our volunteers who want to extend their stay in Zimbabwe or to our neighbouring countries.
If you have any queries or would like to enquire please do not hesitate to contact us on the following details:
Stephen Long
Volunteer Project Manager
stephen@bhejanetrust.org