Conservation Travel Africa
Why choose Conservation Travel Africa?
Conservation Travel Africa was established by four Zimbabweans connected by a vision of conserving the wildlife of Africa and its wilderness areas. Our mission is to help establish areas in which communities and wildlife can live and prosper in harmony. Using responsible volunteer tourism and ethical off-the-beaten-track experiences, we focus on wildlife conservation and education to enable ...
Conservation Travel Africa was established by four Zimbabweans connected by a vision of conserving the wildlife of Africa and its wilderness areas. Our mission is to help establish areas in which communities and wildlife can live and prosper in harmony. Using responsible volunteer tourism and ethical off-the-beaten-track experiences, we focus on wildlife conservation and education to enable communities to place an increased value on their wildlife and environmental heritage. Volunteers can participate in a variety of conservation and community projects across Southern Africa, on private game reserves, national parks, selected animal sanctuaries, in marine conservation programmes or undertaking conservation research. We work closely with our project partners to ensure that all our vol...
Conservation Travel Africa Reviews
Hear what past participants have to say about the programs
Overall Rating
Total Reviews
Life changing
by: Poonam Manasa - United StatesProgram: Rhino and Elephant ConservationI so rarely write a review but I had to share about Imire. We spent a week here on the volunteer program with our 9 year old twins. We've been around the world and have done and seen so many things, and yet this was BY FAR our best vacation ever. I enjoyed a safari I was on previously (Kenya/Tanzania) and afterward (Botswana), but this was a totally different experience. Here, you can connect with the wildlife in a totally different way. We fed the rhinos and elephants, cleaned the stalls, picked up litter, and helped fix fences. I've heard about and done a lot of research on wildlife travel and the harm it can do to the animals. Well, not Imire! Some of the time, we were in the pen behind bars for safety and the rhinos are the ones roaming free. We were able to hike through the savannah (which is SO emotionally different than going on safari in a jeep). We were able to connect with the people (both the owners/coordinators of Imire as well as some of the people from the village that Imire hires). We were even able to connect with the animals and get to see the difference in temperament between the different rhinos and the different elephants. Ask for MORRIS to be your guide - he was so patient with the kids and so knowledgeable about the wildlife. This is a family run lodge and it is very clear in everything they do. The grandchildren and their spouses of the original founder all live here and all take care of a different part of Imire. I was, of course, hesitant with the kids about volunteering (more because I didn't think they would have the endurance/ability to be helpful), but thought it would be a great experience. The kids had a blast and were so thrilled to be there they didn't want to leave to go on the relaxing safari portion of our trip afterwards! I can't say enough and am happy to answer ANY questions about going. I can't think of anyone that wouldn't love this trip. We have been lucky enough to travel around the world (6 of 7 continents), and we never go back to the same places since there are so many places to see and things to do around the world. However, we just got home a week ago and are already planning our next trip to Imire!
Real change
by: Zhe Qian - ChinaProgram: Rhino and Elephant ConservationWhen I think of those two weeks spent on this Rhino and Elephant Conservation project, I find it not just about the experience itself. The real change happens on the way I view the world. It’s more about not taking everything exists for granted. Like now I appreciate things in a different way when I visit national parks and I would easily be amazed by the bits and dots however simple they are. I think it’s the most valuable gift I get. Huge thanks to CTA for bring this project to my attention.
An experience that I shall never forget
by: Megan Lozano - United StatesProgram: Rhino and Elephant ConservationI knew volunteering at an animal conservation was going to be difficult and I knew I was going to walk away with some scratches and bruises (here’s looking at you, cutting down trees). I also knew it would be incredibly rewarding, and I was not wrong. [This project] was an experience that I shall never forget. The people in the community, the animals and the staff were all truly wonderful in every way. I was only at [this project] for a week and yet I got to experience so much! From being hands on with the rhinos and elephants and spending time with the local children, learning how to cook pumpkin leaves and shucking corn, to of course cleaning out the bomas. Every second was was exciting and meaningful, except all the hay, the hay was not exciting buuuuut important so I guess that makes it ok! I would and will recommend the [] volunteer program to anyone with not only a passion for animals but a passion for people as well. I look forward to one day returning to [this project] and will keep my beautiful memories with me forever.
Conservation Travel Africa Programs
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An unbeatable conservation programme focused on the conservation and protection of black rhino and elephants in Zimbabwe. Support the conservancy...
Interviews
Read interviews from alumni or staff
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Jane Palmer
Interviewed in 2014
Conservation Travel Africa was set up to help restore Africa's wildlife and wild areas to their previous abundance and reestablish areas where communi...
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Jane Palmer
Interviewed in 2014
What inspired you to travel abroad?
We have been working in southern Africa since 2011, but our staff have been actively involved in a variety of conservation programmes and game parks since at least 2006. Our CEO is still the game park manager at a Black Rhino Breeding and Release Programme in Zimbabwe.
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Anita Ferrigno
Participated in 2014
Anita works as a buyer for a textile company in Italy, and enjoys her job because it allows her to meet people from all around the world. During hol...
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Anita Ferrigno
Participated in 2014
I got so much from my experience in Africa that I decided I wanted to give something back and volunteering in a conservation project seemed to be the right choice.
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Marcia Bains-Grebner
Participated in 2015
Born in Washington, D.C., Marcia graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1977 and then married her husband Jim. Later she graduated from Marquet...
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Marcia Bains-Grebner
Participated in 2015
My friend had participated in international programs in the past involving orphaned or endangered animals. After listening to her, I became interested in participating in such a program. I have been concerned for years about the numbers of species that are being wiped out each year due to destruction of habitat, over-hunting, poaching, etc.