To the south-west of Zimbabwe, the country's second largest city holds more than a million people but remains a laid back colonial centre. With wide tree-lined streets, well maintained early Victorian buildings and Cecil Rhodes' legacy of beautiful parks it is surprising that the city lies so close to the Kalihari desert, just over the border in nearby Plumtree.
The area has seen thousands of battles over the centuries, and the word Bulawayo means `the killing place'- rival tribes were traditionally executed here, however it is difficult to imagine this bloodshed now, and the atmosphere is one of relaxed and sophisticated African life.
Opportunists hang on every corner, selling everything from petrol to posies, and the noisy markets of Fife Street and Fifth Avenue offer an entertaining contrast to the sedate colonial parks.
The city is a cultural centre, with a Natural History Museum, art gallery, theatres, railway museum and the Kame Ruins, a UNESCO world heritage site. The Motobo National Park is a major tourist attraction less than an hour away, offering absolutely stunning scenery, with dramatic granite outcrops. 22km to the west lie the Kame Ruins, a late iron age site, and protected area; the Mazwi Nature Reserve has been established around the ruins, giving a spot of animal viewing, and a lovely picnic site.
Zimbabwe is a well-established country for voluntary work in conservation, especially for working with wildlife in Africa. At this project, volunteers actively participate in lion conservation practices, working closely with the lions and wildlife re-introduction programmes.
Live and work on a safari ranch, helping with efforts to protect black rhino, elephants, buffalo and more. Assist with anti-poaching measures, look after rhino, help with training elephants and get a feel for the real Africa.
A fantastic opportunity to work on a pioneering lion breeding and rehabilitation programme supported by some of the world’s leading ecologists. Walk and work alongside lion cubs and take part in research activities, facilitating the lions’ safe release back into the wild.
Set off on the adventure of a lifetime through Africa’s wide and varied landscape! Get up close to big game, take a trip to Kruger National Park and help to preserve the continent’s most iconic wildlife. Zimbabwe - Namibia - South Africa.
On an epic journey across Thailand, China, Malaysia, Africa and Australia, the ultimate wildlife experience gives you the chance to see some of the world’s rarest and most incredible animals and contribute to their preservation. Zimbabwe - Thailand - China - Malaysia - Australia - USA.
History teacher Daniel Guiney decided to take his classroom skills to Cambodia and explore the wonders of Asian culture! Find out more about his trip of a lifetime here.
Gap Year for Grown Ups have many Career Break Voluntary Projects in Africa for grown up gappers. Because Gap Year for Grown Ups is the leading authority and only specialist source of ideas and options for grown up gap years, it has the widest range of volunteering programmes in Africa. These include animal/wildlife conservation, teaching English in Africa, community volunteering in Africa and Voluntary work with children in Africa.
Visit the 
