WELCOME TO
THE RHINO & ELEPHANT CONSERVATION PROJECT
Located on a 4,000-hectare private reserve in Zimbabwe, this family-run sanctuary has spent decades transforming a former cattle farm into a thriving refuge for endangered wildlife. Since the 1950s, the Travers family has championed rhino conservation and rewilding efforts, while also becoming a vital voice in elephant conservation in the region.
As a volunteer, you’ll be involved in the daily care of both rhinos and elephants – tracking movements, assisting with feeding and monitoring, supporting habitat management, and working alongside the reserve team in anti-poaching patrols and research. It’s a hands-on role that connects you to the animals, the land, and the people protecting it.
Whether you’re passionate about elephant conservation, drawn to rhinos, or simply looking to make a difference in the wild, this project offers a rare chance to get involved at ground level.
Why Book This Wildlife Conservation Experience Through Lost Adventures
With over 15 years of experience in African travel and conservation - including as co-founder of the Modisa Wildlife Project in Botswana - Lost Adventures offers expert guidance, trusted support, and extended liability cover. There are no added fees, and if anything doesn’t go as planned, we’ve got your back.
Up to 24 volunteers
1-12 weeks
Starts every Monday.
18+ unless traveling with family
Arrive at Harare Airport (HRE) before 13:00 Monday for pick-up. Depart after 12:00 Monday.
1.5-hour transfer from Harare Airport to project (return) included in price
HIGHLIGHTS AT the Rhino & Elephant Conservation
Wild at Heart
Spanning 4,000 hectares, this untamed landscape supports a wide variety of species – from zebra and giraffe to the critically endangered black and white rhinos.
Three Generations, One Mission
The Travers family has spent decades protecting wildlife in Zimbabwe, beginning with Judy Travers’ groundbreaking rhino conservation work.
Small Group, Big Impact
A limited number of volunteers means close-up wildlife work and deeper involvement – ideal for anyone looking to volunteer with rhinos or volunteer with elephants in a meaningful way.
No Two Days the Same
Each day blends habitat restoration, wildlife care, anti-poaching support, and community outreach – all contributing to lasting rhino conservation and elephant conservation outcomes.
See Your Impact Firsthand
Help track movements, gather field data, and support the animals’ wellbeing across the reserve – your presence plays a vital role in both rhino conservation and elephant conservation.
From Sunrise Patrols to Sunset Canoes
Make the most of your time here with optional activities like canoeing, hiking, horseback rides, and weekend outings in Zimbabwe’s wild backcountry.
As a volunteer, you'll play a crucial role in monitoring rhino behavior to identify patterns and gain a better understanding of these elusive animals in the wild. Your research will help predict rhino responses to various stimuli and inform the conservancy's rhino population and habitat management strategies. You'll also observe feeding patterns to prevent over-grazing and over-browsing, plan rhino movements, and determine any necessary dietary supplements for the animals. By learning to use telemetry sets and recognizing rhino tracks and signs, you'll contribute to enhancing rhino management techniques worldwide.
As a volunteer, you'll join snare sweeps to collect snares and traps, minimizing small animal poaching and supporting the anti-poaching unit's mission to protect larger animals. Weekly horse rides help monitor the herd and patrol boundaries. Experience weapons training with scouts and the anti-poaching unit using paintball guns simulating FN rifles. Engage in drills and meet the K-9 anti-poaching unit and Murwi, a highly trained Dutch Shepherd, to learn from their expertise.
At the Rhino & Elephant Conservation, the focus is on providing elephants with a life that closely resembles their natural habitat. These awe-inspiring animals serve as ambassadors for their species, playing a vital role in community education about conservation. As a volunteer, you'll help monitor feeding patterns, repair any conservancy damage caused by elephants, and enjoy memorable walks with them in the mornings or evenings. Learn from their skilled handlers about the challenges elephants face and the ongoing efforts to protect them.
Take an active role in the day-to-day management of the conservancy, ensuring the well-being of its diverse wildlife and maintaining the integrity of their habitat. Your involvement in these essential tasks supports the project's long-term sustainability and success.
At the Rhino & Elephant Conservation, approximately 500 people live or work in various areas such as the conservancy, lodge, volunteer program, and farm, including staff members and their families. The project supports nearby primary and secondary schools by sponsoring building projects, enhancing conservation education, and assisting with extracurricular activities like sports and school conservation clubs. The conservancy also aids the local Idube Clinic through medicine provision and financial donations.
During your free time at Rhino & Elephant Conservation, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of leisure activities, including fishing, canoeing, horseback riding, and hiking. Imire can also arrange weekend trips to Mutemwa Mountain or Markwe Caves, and you can visit the project's lodge for a delicious meal. The team at the project will happily assist with suggestions and reservations.
Activity Overview
dive into the details
Why we love The
Rhino & Elephant Conservation project
This is what purpose-driven travel looks like – working closely with endangered animals, learning from passionate conservationists, and being part of something that truly matters.
Up Close with Rhinos and Elephants
Every day brings meaningful encounters – feeding, tracking, observing – and a deeper understanding of these iconic species and the work behind real rhino conservation and elephant conservation.
Zimbabwe’s Wild Soul
From golden grasslands to acacia woodlands, the landscape is as memorable as the wildlife. Being part of a family-led conservation project adds purpose, depth, and lasting connection.
A Role with Real Impact
Whether you're gathering data in the bush, helping care for the animals, or joining anti-poaching patrols – your actions contribute directly to long-term conservation on the ground.
One Unified Experience
This isn’t about choosing between rhino conservation and elephant conservation – it’s about being part of one integrated project where every task supports a shared conservation mission.
Make an enquiry for
Rhino & Elephant Conservation
Once we receive your enquiry, we will swiftly check for availability and aim to get back to you within 2 business days. Please note that sending this enquiry does not create any obligations for you.
