Zimbabwe Lion Rehabilitation - Victoria Falls
From $1,999 Land Only (trip code: ZILR) Minimum 2 weeks
From $1,999, 2 weeks, Zimbabwe
Trip Highlights
- Work with beautiful African lions
- Help care for the lions while recording important data
- Work with the local children in conservation workshops
- Knowing that your hard work will see some of these lions released back into the wild
Trip Summary
See full itineraryWhat's included?
- Transfers to and from Victoria Falls Airport
- Arrival orientation
- 24 hour support
- Wildlife education talks
- All accommodation and meals
- Tea, coffee and juice throughout the day
What's not included?
- All flights
- Travel insurance
- Visas for Zimbabwe
- Elephant orphanage visit
This programme of lion rehabilitation is a combination of two project areas; working on our lion breeding and rehabilitation programme along with the local African community development initiatives.
This scheme is an exciting development initiative, which will involve you working 1 ½ to 2 days a week within local schools carrying out important conservation workshops with the children, who are an absolute pleasure to teach. We firmly believe that one of the best long-term sustainable solutions for solving the conservation crisis that Zimbabwe is currently facing is by educating the local children and communities.
When do I want to go?
Showing all departures (45)
| Dates of Departures | Duration | Price (Land Only) | Trip Status | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21 May 2012 | 2 weeks | $1,999 | Available | Book now | |
| 21 May 2012 | 3 weeks | $2,869 | Available | Book now | |
| 21 May 2012 | 4 weeks | $3,619 | Available | Book now | |
| 4 June 2012 | 2 weeks | $1,999 | Available | Book now | |
| 4 June 2012 | 3 weeks | $2,869 | Available | Book now | |
| 4 June 2012 | 4 weeks | $3,619 | Available | Book now | |
| 18 June 2012 | 2 weeks | $1,999 | Available | Book now | |
| 18 June 2012 | 3 weeks | $2,869 | Limited Availability | Call Us 1-800-352-1793 | |
| 18 June 2012 | 4 weeks | $3,619 | Limited Availability | Call Us 1-800-352-1793 | |
| 2 July 2012 | 2 weeks | $1,999 | Limited Availability | Call Us 1-800-352-1793 | |
| 2 July 2012 | 3 weeks | $2,869 | Limited Availability | Call Us 1-800-352-1793 | |
| 2 July 2012 | 4 weeks | $3,619 | Limited Availability | Call Us 1-800-352-1793 | |
| 16 July 2012 | 2 weeks | $1,999 | Limited Availability | Call Us 1-800-352-1793 | |
| 16 July 2012 | 3 weeks | $2,869 | Limited Availability | Call Us 1-800-352-1793 | |
| 16 July 2012 | 4 weeks | $3,619 | Limited Availability | Call Us 1-800-352-1793 | |
| 6 August 2012 | 2 weeks | $1,999 | Limited Availability | Call Us 1-800-352-1793 | |
| 6 August 2012 | 3 weeks | $2,869 | Limited Availability | Call Us 1-800-352-1793 | |
| 6 August 2012 | 4 weeks | $3,619 | Limited Availability | Call Us 1-800-352-1793 | |
| 20 August 2012 | 2 weeks | $1,999 | Available | Book now | |
| 20 August 2012 | 3 weeks | $2,869 | Available | Book now | |
| 20 August 2012 | 4 weeks | $3,619 | Available | Book now | |
| 3 September 2012 | 2 weeks | $1,999 | Available | Book now | |
| 3 September 2012 | 3 weeks | $2,869 | Available | Book now | |
| 3 September 2012 | 4 weeks | $3,619 | Available | Book now | |
| 17 September 2012 | 2 weeks | $1,999 | Available | Book now | |
| 17 September 2012 | 3 weeks | $2,869 | Available | Book now | |
| 17 September 2012 | 4 weeks | $3,619 | Available | Book now | |
| 1 October 2012 | 2 weeks | $1,999 | Available | Book now | |
| 1 October 2012 | 3 weeks | $2,869 | Available | Book now | |
| 1 October 2012 | 4 weeks | $3,619 | Available | Book now | |
| 15 October 2012 | 2 weeks | $1,999 | Available | Book now | |
| 15 October 2012 | 3 weeks | $2,869 | Available | Book now | |
| 15 October 2012 | 4 weeks | $3,619 | Available | Book now | |
| 5 November 2012 | 2 weeks | $1,999 | Available | Book now | |
| 5 November 2012 | 3 weeks | $2,869 | Available | Book now | |
| 5 November 2012 | 4 weeks | $3,619 | Available | Book now | |
| 19 November 2012 | 2 weeks | $1,999 | Available | Book now | |
| 19 November 2012 | 3 weeks | $2,869 | Available | Book now | |
| 19 November 2012 | 4 weeks | $3,619 | Available | Book now | |
| 3 December 2012 | 2 weeks | $1,999 | Available | Book now | |
| 3 December 2012 | 3 weeks | $2,869 | Available | Book now | |
| 3 December 2012 | 4 weeks | $3,619 | Available | Book now | |
| 17 December 2012 | 2 weeks | $1,999 | Available | Book now | |
| 17 December 2012 | 3 weeks | $2,869 | Available | Book now | |
| 17 December 2012 | 4 weeks | $3,619 | Available | Book now | |
What will I be doing?
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Your typical itinerary (2 to 4 weeks)
Your typical itinerary: 2 to 4 weeks
Destination info
Zimbabwe borders Zambia, South Africa, Botswana and Mozambique. Zimbabwe is home to one of Earth's biggest waterfalls, Victoria Falls, and the wild Zambezi River. During your time on the programme you will be based on the outskirts of Victoria Falls Town in Zimbabwe, within walking distance of the magnificent waterfall. The town in full of hotels, restaurants and bars catering for people on budgets as well as more luxurious options. There are also plenty of adrenaline activities on offer to make you think twice about leaving town immediately after stopping to see the falls.
- Location: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Your project managers are responsible for organizing your daily activities, which will vary from day to day depending on whether you are with the lions or working with the local community. Please note; you may not be working with the lions on some days although these will certainly be in the minority, due to the conservation education that takes place in the local schools approximately once a week.
A typical day with the lions may look like this:
06.30 – 09.00: Join a lion walk with clients, or spend time in camp with the younger cubs, preparing their feed
09:00: Breakfast
10:00–12.00: Duties that may include enclosure-cleaning, data capture, feeding the cubs or heading to the local community development initiative.
12:00: Lunch
14:00-18.00: Afternoon duties activities may include community project work, games and education with local children, lion interaction or enclosure maintenance.
19:00: Dinner
Please note: Itineraries and activities are subject to change.
Trip Notes Download
To get a detailed PDF of information for this trip including full itinerary, country guides and travel advice on visas, money, insurance and the local weather, download our trip notes. By doing so you’ll also be kept updated on all the latest news, offers and stories on this particular trip. Happy reading!
Additional Information & FAQs
Minimum age
Minimum age 17 years with parental consent.
Accommodation
Your accommodation is situated in an ideal location near the centre of Victoria Falls Town and is also close to the Falls itself. You will be staying in a simple but comfortable volunteer lodge, each lodge consists of 3 or 4 twin rooms which you will be sharing with your fellow volunteers. There is only one toilet, bath and shower in each lodge; however just a short walk along a path there is an ablution block containing a further ten showers and toilets which you are welcome to use as well. Please note: hot showers are not always guaranteed, this shouldn't bother you when it's hot outside - a cold shower will help to cool you down!
Your accommodation has a number of communal facilites including satellite television, swimming pool, cash bar and pool table which you are welcome to enjoy during the evenings or on your day off on Sundays. There are also Braai (South African style Barbeque) areas for you to use if you wish.
Meals
You are provided with three meals a day during your placement in Zimbabwe. Breakfast and lunch are usually at the project where the lions are based. The evening meal is served back at the volunteer accommodation when you return at the end of the day.
Is this trip for you?
An interest in and passion for wildlife and conservation is important. Due to health and safety requirements, all volunteers must be 155cm, or 5ft minimum to work with the lion cubs. All volunteers must have a reasonable level of health and fitness.
Advice & Safety
Throughout your programmes you will have the support and guidance of the programme co-ordinator and team. You will be provided with competent assistance and help with any questions or advice you may need during your stay.
You will be assigned a personal travel advisor who will co-ordinate your programme with you. Feel free to contact them at any time before you go, or when you are on your travels.
In addition, you will have access to a 24 hour emergency contact number so you can contact one of our UK staff at any time should you need to.
FAQ
1. What is the accomodation like?
You will be based in hostel accommodation of a very good standard, twin share, flush toilets and will have access to a swimming pool for your freetime.
2. Does the accommodation have access to the internet?
Yes you will be able to email family and friends, but please be aware that it may not be as fast as your home computer!
3. How much spending money would you recommend I take?
We generally recommend that you take around £70-£80 per week.
4. I am a first time traveler, and a bit apprehensive about travelling on my own. Do many people do this by themselves?
The majority of our participants are solo travelers, so you will be one of many in the same position. We e-mail out a buddy list 2-3 weeks before you start, so you can begin to get to know one another beforehand.
5. Will I be able to touch the lions?
This is a very hands on project so the majority of volunteers have the pleasure of experiencing this!
What will I see in Victoria Falls?
17 photos
What other travelers thought
I've done this trip
Write reviewGillian Dobbin - January 2012
Amazing time, didn't want to leave, want to go back!
The people working at the Lion Encounter welcomed me in with open arms. They completely made my trip worthwhile!
1) Don't pack anything valuable in your suitcase and always put a lock on your checked bags (a few people lost their suitcases for a few days on their way to ZImbabwe) 2) Book for more than 2 weeks -- you'll want to end up staying forveer 3) Try to be outgoing right from the beginning. It helps so much if your talking with the guides form day 1, then you settle in faster!
Yes
Yes
Robyn Holland - August 2011
The genuinely warm, generous, and caring natures of everyone we met, but especially the "gorgeous boys" at Masuwe. The Lions of course - if you haven't been there you just can't understand what a life changing adventure it really is. Being older could have been awkward for us in the Volunteer House - but not so - such a great group - we were all one big, happy family. The country and wildlife - breath takingly beautiful. Rose of Charity Orphanage - the most beautiful children and carers that will always be in my heart.
Double the amount of time you think you want to go for - so much to do and time just flies - you will not want to leave! Embrace the Zimbabwe lifestyle - de stress - go with the flow but remember to respect the local culture. Take plenty of memory cards for your camera - you can NEVER have too many photos of lions!!!
Yes
Yes
James Condon - August 2011
The highlights of my trip included; hands on experience with the lions, meeting life long friends, interacting with the locals and seeing Victoria falls.
Visit the falls and it's surroundings Eat in as many local resturants as possible Travel alone, you'll make loads of new friends
No
Yes
Victoria Grantham - May 2011
Very interesting, I learnt so much, Amazing lions, Friendly people.
Going to an orphange and meeting the new lion cub (Chete, f, 7-11 months)
Bring factor 50 suncream (for neck and arms). Watch out for overly friendly/very forward Zimbabweans. Don't be afraid to speak up and ask for activities you want.
Yes
Yes
Eloisa Cackett - February 2010
met unbelievable new friends, time of my life, never forget
Working with the lions Meeting new people
Travel on your own, not with friends! Make the most of it Keep in touch with the friends you've made
Yes
Yes
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