The following blog was written by volunteer Julie Malley, who recently joined the Victoria Falls Conservation Experience:
I recently spent three wonderful weeks as a volunteer at the Victoria Falls Conservation Experience in Zimbabwe. The previous year, I participated in a similar project, the Shamwari Conservation Experience in South Africa. Both have similar aims, including alien plant removal, animal tracking, road maintenance around the reserve, and community engagement. It's important to remember that this is NOT a safari. It is so much more than merely taking photographs and posing for the mandatory selfie in front of a herd of zebras! Not only do you learn about animal behaviour and habitat of the larger “draw cards” such as the black rhino, big cats, etc, but a whole new world of insects and plant life opens up, emphasising how all things are interconnected. Thanks to one of our guides, Griffith (who proved to be a bottomless pit of insect information), I gained a real respect for the part these tiny critters play in the daily life of the reserve.
I enjoyed every minute! Meeting volunteers from many countries, different backgrounds, and a wide variety of ages was both enormously rewarding and insightful. From the moment I was picked up at my hotel in Victoria Falls, I felt right at home. The staff were so welcoming and friendly, with the lovely chefs even catering for my dietary requirements. Nothing was too much trouble. The benefit of having my own room was such a treat! During the midday break from work duties, hiding out from the hot afternoon soon was such a pleasure, cooling down under the ceiling fan, which became my best friend in the whole world! Taking a quick dip in the pool also proved popular!
I was most definitely one of the more mature volunteers, but not once did I feel out of place! There were a few ‘oldies’ in the group providing excellent company when the younger members went into town to sample the local nightlife. The different age groups worked wonderfully well, adding variety, experience, and humour to what fast became a very cohesive unit, including the resident cat, who won over even those who were not exactly cat enthusiasts! We named her Miss Kitty!
Teamwork forms an important element. The ability to adapt to changing circumstances is vital. The guides were masters of the art, making every task fun and rewarding. The work, though not hard, could at times be challenging because of the heat and humidity at certain periods throughout the year. Fear not! There are always a few very strong, young males who are more than happy to help with heavy wheelbarrows full of gravel! Everyone does what they are capable of doing in order to get the job done. No one stands in judgment!
The highlights of my stay are too many to mention. I particularly enjoyed tracking animals through the bush in the early hours following a night’s campout in the bush. There is much to be gained from the enormously talented and knowledgeable guides who provided a memorable experience, always making safety a priority. No question went unanswered.
Our visit to the local community school is also a standout moment. What a great privilege it was to participate in the setting up of a clinic, organised in conjunction with the More Foundation at the local Masuwe school. Many lives were impacted during these two days, providing local people access to medical care, thanks to some extraordinarily gifted doctors and medical staff visiting from overseas. I will be forever grateful to have been part of this, if only in a very small way.
Finally, what made this experience outstanding were the volunteers themselves. Not knowing who your fellow neighbours will be during your stay can be a little disconcerting. However, those who choose to participate are generally like-minded individuals who share a common interest in conservation and wildlife. I could not have wished for better companions, some of whom remain close friends. So much so, that we have decided to sign up for this particular programme again in 2025! My contact throughout the booking process was Lauren from The Great Projects. She took care of every detail and was always available to help, either via email or phone. I can honestly say I never had to wait more than a few hours to get a reply, despite the time difference between the UK and Australia. Thanks again Lauren!
For anyone who is considering taking part in this project, I would encourage them to … just do it! Age is no barrier. The programme allows for free time to explore the area around Victoria Falls. The staff are also on hand to help organise participation with weekend activities outside of the Reserve. Alternatively, many take advantage of the peace and tranquil surroundings at the Victoria Falls Conservation Experience; a place that quickly becomes a home away from home! It was sad to leave but I take with me many precious memories of time well spent.
If Julie's experience at the Victoria Falls Conservation Experience has inspired you, reach out to us today to learn more about this incredible project.
