ANIMAL SANCTUARIES ZIMBABWE

Imire Rhino and Wildlife Conservation is a safari lodge and wildlife conservancy set across extensive land in Hwedza (Wedza), eastern Zimbabwe, approximately 120 kilometres from Harare. The conservancy is home to nine black rhinos, four white rhinos, three orphaned elephants, and cheetahs participating in a rewilding partnership with The Aspinall Foundation, with 21 rhinos having been born on-site and 12 successfully released into national parks. Guests enjoy luxury accommodation, world-class cuisine, and extraordinary game viewing at distances as close as 10 to 15 metres from wildlife. Multi-week volunteer programs are available for those wishing to assist with rhino monitoring, elephant care, cheetah observation, anti-poaching training, and community engagement. Rock climbing at Castle Kopje and a dedicated Learning Centre add to the experience, and family volunteering packages make Imire an inspiring destination for conservation-focused visitors of all ages.

Umfurudzi Park is a vast 760-square-kilometre safari area situated approximately 100 km northeast of Harare in Zimbabwe's Shamva District, operated as a joint venture between the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority and Pioneer Corporation Africa. Spanning diverse terrain along 82 km of the Mazowe River, the park showcases rich biodiversity including a wide variety of plains game, bird life, and indigenous flora across pristine savanna and bushveld habitats. Visitors can enjoy guided game drives, birdwatching excursions, and walking safaris to observe wildlife in natural surroundings. Accommodation ranges from campsites and tented camps to comfortable chalets, blending adventure with relaxation. The park places a strong emphasis on habitat rehabilitation, wildlife restocking, and community engagement with the local Madziva communities, making it a compelling destination for nature lovers seeking an authentic Zimbabwean wilderness experience.

Jabulani Safaris is a wildlife lodge and nature reserve nestled in scenic savanna bushveld with dramatic granite rock formations, located 25 km from Shangani in Zimbabwe and accessible from both Gweru and Bulawayo. The property hosts a variety of plains game and colourful birdlife, offering guests guided scenic drives, nature walks, and a visit to a seasonal natural waterfall known as Mermaids Pool, complete with a natural waterslide. A distinctive feature is the Vulture Restaurant, a dedicated feeding station for vultures that makes for a remarkable wildlife spectacle. Eight comfortable thatched chalets accommodate up to 16 guests, with dormitory facilities for school groups of up to 50. Nearby historical ruins including Nalatale, Bila, and Dhlo Dhlo add cultural depth to any visit. Families with children receive special rates, and the property maintains a commitment to conservation and community social responsibility.

Tshabalala Game Sanctuary is a 1,200-hectare urban bushland reserve situated just 10 km from the centre of Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, in the Eloana suburb. Managed by Zimbabwe's Department of Parks and Wildlife Management, the sanctuary provides a safe and accessible environment for wildlife watching and outdoor recreation in classic thorny bushveld terrain. Resident animals include giraffes, zebras, warthogs, impalas, and wildebeest, while the prolific birdlife features species such as guinea fowl, secretary birds, and purple rollers. Visitors can explore the reserve by car, on foot, by bicycle, or on horseback, and picnic areas along with a restaurant serving grilled meats and local cuisine add to the experience. Open daily from 6 am to 6 pm, Tshabalala Game Sanctuary is a welcoming family destination offering affordable, authentic wildlife encounters just minutes from the city.