Caro's volunteering experience

Hannah Tranter
Nov 11
3 min read

More Than Just Volunteering: A Unique Approach

This summer, I spent a month volunteering with Imvelo Safari Lodges and the Community Rhino Conservation Initiative and it was a truly enriching experience. This place is special because it's one of the rare organizations that truly brings together communities, nature, and tourism. It's an initiative that's close to my heart, and I’m so motivated to continue supporting their cause and, hopefully, return one day.

Imvelo empowers local communities, giving them a real reason to protect wildlife—especially the rhinos—because they directly benefit from their presence. You can read about it, but volunteering here gives you a chance to see this powerful dynamic firsthand. While I could write hundreds of paragraphs about the program's impact, I want to focus on my personal journey and what it was like to be a part of it.

I had two distinct experiences during my time there: the first week was with my family, and the remaining two weeks were on my own.

This isn't one of those meticulously organized volunteer programs that have been running for decades. Here, you create your own adventure based on your interests, skills, the time of year, and the length of your stay. The golden rule is to be open-minded and flexible, as resources are limited and precious. It’s a truly genuine experience—not one that has been repeated by countless volunteers in the same exact way.

A Week with Family: Discovery and Community

Our family week was a perfect mix of discovery and engagement. We spent half-days on game drives and nature walks, learning about the incredible ecosystem and its wildlife. It’s an understatement to say the nature there is breathtaking. The rest of our time was spent understanding the initiative's impact by visiting nearby facilities and talking with community members. We saw the tangible results of the program at local clinics, schools, food gardens, and boreholes.

We also got our hands dirty with a few hands-on projects:

Fireguards: We helped create fireguards in communal areas to prevent wildfires from spreading into the park's sanctuary during the dry season. With very limited tools—just blowers, shovels, and sand—it was a fascinating lesson in controlled burns. I learned that it only takes one flaming leaf to spread a fire. I watched the team working slowly and meticulously to keep everything under control. It was a lesson in true teamwork.

School Activities: We organized talks at local primary schools and held sports training sessions at the local sports academy. It was fun to introduce them to new games like cricket and Frisbee.

Water Pump Checks: We checked on the park's wildlife water pumps and discovered two needed quick maintenance. One had a cable chewed by a hyena, and another had a pipe dug up by elephants!

Two Weeks on My Own: Purpose and Passion

I was able to use my skills in photography, social media content, and fundraising. I also delivered presentations about the rhino initiative to visiting guests and took photos of their unique rhino encounters. My goal was to capture special moments that would inspire them to donate to the cause.

I also witnessed some amazing activities while working alongside the "cobras," the anti-poaching unit:

The training of new recruits and the moment they received their first pay.
The support they gave to the community, helping them collect thatching grasses for their roofs.
The preparation of the trough for a new sanctuary being built.
The training of the K9 unit.
A local football tournament.

All in all, I had the chance to use my skills in a friendly and welcoming environment, learn more about rhinos every day, and contribute to a cause I truly believe in. I enjoyed every single moment and I can only encourage you to join this organization if you are willing to give some of your time.

When you go, trust the process. Your experience will depend on the time of year and what's happening on the ground, but you're guaranteed to have amazing experiences and discover so much in a short amount of time.

I can't wait to go back, and I hope this inspires you to consider a trip of your own.