Boomers Abroad

Highlights

ACCOMMODATION AND FOOD:
Gweru: The setting of your accommodation is not only very beautiful (with almost all the buildings thatched and very African), it's also very conveniently located just yards away from where you work, eat, swim and play.

You'll share a room with one or two other volunteers or young staff members. All the rooms are in small clusters, and are reasonably spacious. Some of the rooms form a square with a courtyard in the middle, with some grass, trees and shrubs - from time to time some of the very young lion cubs will be kept in the central courtyard ... which means that you could open your door in the morning and be greeted by a cute baby wanting to chew your shoelaces! And all this in the middle of Africa!

The dining area is beautiful - there's no other word for it. Again it is set under an open-sided thatched roof and overlooks the lake and the sweeping plains of the game reserve, as well as the beautifully kept grounds of the main camp.

There is also a lovely swimming pool on the lake shore that looks out over the lake and the game reserve.
Food: You'll be eating the same food as is prepared for the tourists, and the quality and standard is very good. At Gweru there is an almost constant stream of overlanders camping on site and they have the choice of either barbecuing for themselves or having meals in the dining area. There are lots of socialising opportunities with the overlanders, which is great fun because they come from all over the world.

There are 3 meals a day and food is prepared and served by the cooks; this is based under an attractive open-sided thatched roof. There is a wide variety of meals and usually a choice of 2 or 3 for main meals.

Breakfast also offers a choice of cereals and cooked meals. Fruit is not abundant owing to scarcity and cost, but this is more than compensated by the variety of food generally.

All the furniture used in the accommodation, such as the tables and benches in the camp grounds, are also made on site by local villagers. There's a well equipped workshop that employs local craftsmen - and the furniture is of solid wood and good quality.

Victoria Falls: You will be sharing accommodation between two or three volunteers at quarters near where our Victoria Falls programme will be based. There will be a roster system in place that will allow for volunteers and our permanent staff to spend time at both accommodations during your stay.

One of the quarters is a very homely and comfortable lodge, which is situated a comfortable 15 minutes walk from the beautiful town of Victoria Falls, and is approximately 7kms from the lion project, and only 1 kilometre from the magnificent Victoria Falls.

There is a main house here with a lounge, dining room, kitchen, laundry, enclosed veranda, 5 spacious double bedrooms, and 4 of which are en suite. The 5th one has its own shower and toilet but is not classed as an en suite. There are also two separate cottages. The first cottage has one en suite bedroom, combined lounge, dining room and kitchen. The second cottage has three smallish double rooms plus 1 shower, toilet and basin, small kitchenette cum dining room.

Within the roomy grounds of this accommodation there is also a swimming pool, gazebo and braai (BBQ) entertainment. It is lovely accommodation where you will be made to feel very welcome.

The second quarters is a lodge located on a game farm next to the Masuwe River and bordering the Zambezi National Park. It is 7km from Victoria Falls and minutes from the lion project.

Accommodation here is a thatched lodge with three bedrooms, an open dining room/lounge/kitchen area and stone shower. This excellent accommodation also contains an open-sided thatched house with a bar, dining and lounge areas, also a large wooden platform and sun terrace. The lodge also has superb game viewing decks, and a lovely swimming pool. You may only stay at this lodge for a little time as most of your time will be spent at the first accommodation mentioned.

Food: The quality and standard of the food is very good.

At both locations there are 3 meals a day and food is prepared and served by the cooks. There is a wide variety of meals and usually a choice of 2 or 3 for main meals.

Breakfast also offers a choice of cereals and cooked meals. Fruit is not abundant owing to scarcity and cost, but this is more than compensated by the variety of food generally.

WHAT TO DO NEXT:
Talk to us - We're there to help you.

Most of our team are ex Travellers volunteers and are ideally qualified to offer advice and guidance because they know what you're looking for. They'll help you find your perfect project - and then make it all happen!

If you'd like more information about this or any of our projects, please email or call us! If you'd like to apply for this project, please go to our website and complete the application form. As soon as we receive it, we'll liaise with you and then start making your travel adventure happen.

It's as easy as that.

OUR VOLUNTEERS SAY:
"I gained a greater confidence when working with animals and also a greater respect for them. The best thing was meeting new people, comparing and sharing experiences and being able to work so closely with the lion cubs. I would definitely recommend this placement. The staff here are very supportive and helpful. Volunteers worked well as a team and made new volunteers feel very welcome. Facilities are excellent and extra spending money is very minimal." Di Hanson

Travel Types

• Heritage Tourism
• Nature Tours
• Safari
• Tours
• Volunteering

Qualifications

No qualifications or previous experience are necessary, just a good dose of enthusiasm! Everyone is welcome on a Travellers programme, whether gap year, undergraduate, on a career break - or even retired! From 17 years old upwards, and all nationalities. This placement would suit anyone who wants to make a real difference, wants first-hand experience of a different culture and has initiative.

Intern Types

• Animal Sciences
• Development
• Education
• Environmental Studies
• Tourism
• Zoology & Wildlife Sciences

Type of Programs

• Adventure Travel
• Community Service / Volunteerism
• Cultural Exploration

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

Varies depending on length. Starts from 1,795 for 2 weeks

Cost Include Description:

Full support from the moment of booking and throughout your placement to your return home. There are support staff 24/7 in all our destinations worldwide and a 24 hour emergency international telephone line direct to the Head Office. All meals are provided, unless otherwise stated. Accommodation is provided (whether a rented house, a hotel/hostel, homestay, apartment or flat).

You'll be met at the nearest airport on your arrival by our in-country manager who will take you to your accommodation and give you a full induction into the area. He/she will also be on call 24/7 and you'll see them frequently.

Pre-departure you'll receive comprehensive information about every aspect of your placement and necessary preparations, ranging from what to pack, to visa information, to what to do on your weekend travel in the country. Your safety, well being and happiness throughout your placement are our primary concerns and we will keep in touch with you throughout. International flights not included.

Credit Available

no

Experience Required

yes

AND NO! No previous experience or qualifications are required, but you must have lots of enthusiasm, patience, adaptability and a sense of adventure!

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

Age Range

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participant. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Dormitory
• Group living

Participants Travel to Zimbabwe

Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Phone/Video Interview
• Resume

Typically The Application Process Time is

Travellers Worldwide's Mission Statement

Travellers Worldwide organises all types of worthwhile and beneficial voluntary placements in local communities. We also provide Work Experience & Internship opportunities, as well as different types of Courses and study abroad options. We have many diverse projects, from teaching underprivileged or refugee children in schools, orphanages and care homes, to conservation and rehabilitation of endangered animals, such as orangutans, lion cubs, dolphins, elephants. Our aim is to make a difference to the communities we work in and to facilitate personal and professional growth in our volunteers. We employ local people in our destination countries and local providers of goods and services, thus ensuring we have a positive impact on the community. Our ethos encompasses mutual respect, cultural exchange, responsible travel and a beneficial outcome for all. Travellers also arranges work experience placements in Journalism, Law, Veterinary, Medicine, Tourism, Architecture, and many more. There are also opportunities to learn languages and other skills such as Capoeira in Brazil, Tango in Argentina or Flying in South Africa. These projects are unique - and tailored to suit you! Our placements are flexible (2 weeks to 1 year) and on most you can choose your own start and finish dates. No qualifications are required, just an enthusiasm to experience a new culture! Full support is provided within the country, with friendly and conscientious staff, ensuring a safe and exciting way to experience a brand new culture! Placements are also very sociable: you'll make friends with the other international volunteers and often volunteers travel together after their placement and during their free weekends. We help you to Make a Difference and have an exciting adventure travel experience!

Year Founded

1995