Itinerary

Cheetah Project
Arrive into Bulawayo Airport (airport code BUQ) where a member of the family will meet you and take you straight to the Orphanage, a drive of about 45 minutes.  On arrival, you’ll settle in to your new surroundings and get to know the other participants and staff members before dinner.  On Monday you’ll get a tour of the orphanage to meet the animals and learn their stories, then in to Bulawayo to pick up any drinks and snacks you might like for the week.

The Project
Volunteers will work 5½ days each week, with Sunday afternoons and Mondays off.  Morning shifts are 2-3 hours and afternoons 3½ hours, with an hour for lunch and an hour designated “animal time”
You’ll rotate around the 5 areas of the Orphanage – Carnivores, Antelope, Primates, Nursery and the Princess Diana Centre (an area for domestic animals).  Whilst there is structure in the tasks required, there are no standard days at the orphanage as each day throws up a new challenge - no two volunteers will have the same experience.
Your main duties will include:
  • Preparing food for the animals
  • Feeding the animals
  • Cleaning out enclosures, also helping to build and maintain enclosures
  • Helping with enrichment ideas for the animals
  • Giving tours and educating the public.
  • Going to the in-school environmental outreach sessions and helping with the animals
  • Hand rearing orphans that come in to the orphanage. This is a most rewarding task, as you get to comfort them when they cry and feed them when they’re hungry.
 
It is important to note that all your work will be FOR the animals, but not necessarily with the animals. It can be hard work but it will be very rewarding. Your efforts will be contributing to the upkeep of the orphanage and your days will be full enriching the animals’ lives.

No experience is needed to work with the animals, as all necessary training will be provided. All we ask is that you are enthusiastic and dedicated to working for the benefit of animals.  The volunteer team is also on call during fire season and when we have babies in, so sometimes your days off may also be busy ! 
Last day – On your last day with us at the sanctuary, having said goodbye and packed your bags, we’ll whisk you off to the airport in plenty of time for your flight onwards, or home.
Accommodation and meals : Comfortable cabin accommodation is provided, usually on a twin / triple / quad-share basis, although if space permits you may have a cabin of your own. All 8 cabins have an ensuite bathroom and are situated around a spacious and relaxing garden area with a swimming pool for participant use.  US $10 room-key deposit is payable.

We provide 3 catered meals each day with a vegetarian option available on request.  We unfortunately cannot provide more restrictive dietary requirements.
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An entertainment lounge has a range of  books and movies as well as darts and a pool table.  Whilst power cuts are common and frequent in Zimbabwe, sometimes for days at a time, and phone reception at the orphanage is always poor, the WiFi is actually pretty reliable.  A contribution of US $15 per 10GB keeps you connected.