28-day Wildlife Conservation Course at Imire

4-WEEK IMIRE WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COURSE

Introduction to Wildlife & Conservation - 4 Week Intensive Course

Immerse yourself at Imire for our 4-week wildlife conservation course, where you will cover a wide range of subjects and skills, delivered in a mixture of lecture-style lessons and exciting outdoor practical activities.

Our immersive four-week wildlife conservation course offers a unique opportunity to deepen your understanding and appreciation of the natural world.
Observe the behaviour of Africa’s most iconic species - including black and white rhinos, elephants, buffalo, giraffes and zebras - while learning directly from experienced conservationists on the ground.
Step outside your comfort zone and discover what it truly takes to conserve and protect a wilderness area, spending hours in the bush and exploring the Imire Conservancy both on foot and by vehicle.

Our aim is to ignite curiosity for the intricate natural processes unfolding around us. You will not only study the interactions and behaviours of species large and small, but also develop a holistic understanding of the vital connections they form within an ecosystem.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for people of all ages and backgrounds - whether you are considering a career in wildlife conservation or simply eager to learn more.

Combine classroom learning with practical field studies to ensure you reach your full potential.

No prior experience is necessary! The 4-week wildlife course is perfect for school leavers, as part of gap year travel, or for graduates looking to take their next career steps. It has been designed to suit those looking for career guidance, or nature lovers of all ages and backgrounds who are looking for a longer and more in-depth bush experience. If you’ve already been on safari or volunteered in Africa (or at Imire!), this wildlife course is the natural next step.

Full supervision and mentoring from experienced guides and guest trainers
Contribute to scientific research and data collection
Immersive and practical learning
Wilderness First Aid Course
Imire Wildlife Course Certificate
Experience Imire in a new and exciting way!

WHAT MAKES OUR COURSE UNIQUE?

Course length: The 4-week course duration means we are able to delve much deeper into each subject, allowing sufficient study time both in the classroom and out in the field.

Course numbers: We have limited wildlife courses to a maximum of 8 students per course, which allows for plenty of one-to-one training and guidance.

Scientific research and data collection: Wildlife students contribute to Imire’s ongoing research and studies of our black and white rhinos, local vegetation and prolific bird populations.

You will also get to experience the practical applications of the theory and data capture techniques you will learn about.

Volunteer and community work: The diverse course schedule allows participants to directly impact Imire’s ongoing wildlife conservation and anti-poaching efforts.

We also incorporate visits to local schools, villages and historical sites to contribute to Imire’s community projects.
On the conservancy, you will observe and interact with our wildlife on nature walks and game drives.
You will also be working on sustainability projects such as tree planting, snare sweeps, removal of invasive plant species, maintenance of beehives, plus fence and road maintenance.

nature course students looking at tracks

WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COURSE - WHAT DO WE COVER?

Course content

Over the four weeks, you will explore the major classifications of African Flora and Fauna while gaining a foundation in the geological and ecological forces that shape Zimbabwe’s wildlife and wilderness.

Our approach prioritises hands-on, practical learning in the field, supported by focused classroom sessions.
The majority of your time will be spent outdoors applying the skills and knowledge introduced in each topic, developing your practical techniques and understanding, essential for effective wildlife conservation.

Wildlife Course - core practical elements:

Animal tracks and signs - tracking classes and focus on spoor identification, with tracking assessment in week 4.
Wildlife monitoring and surveys - telemetry tracking of black and white rhino, data collection on rhino dung middens, bird surveys, freshwater fish diversity, camera trap surveys, nocturnal wildlife survey with a specific focus on bats.
Wildlife observation through guided game drives and bush walks - animal identification by sight and sound (key focus on mammals and birds).
Basic weapon handling and safety - use of a firearm in wilderness areas, importance of firearms in Anti-poaching Units and security of wilderness areas, target practice with live rounds.
Bush survival skills and wild camp-out.
Traditional/medicinal uses of common African plant species, fire-making, stargazing and orienteering at night.
Wilderness First Aid - 2-day practical training course with theoretical and scenario-based training components.
Conservation and wildlife management workshops - game capture, chemical immobilisation of wildlife for game management and movement, anti-poaching and security, conservancy maintenance tasks, and build projects.

Wildlife Course - theoretical components:

Fauna topics: Amphibians, Arthropods, Birds, Mammals, Reptiles
Animal behaviour
Ecology
Conservation management

Community projects

At Imire, we believe that successful wildlife conservation is fundamentally connected to the well-being, empowerment, and involvement of local communities. Our outreach initiatives support a range of educational, medical and income-generating projects that create long-term opportunities for men, women, and children in the surrounding area.

As part of the course, you will contribute to this holistic conservation approach by assisting with community-led programmes such as the women’s support group and sanitary pad initiative, the Numwa Secondary School conservation garden, and Happy Readers programme at local primary schools.

You will also have the opportunity to immerse yourself in Shona culture through a visit to a local village or organic farm, gaining a deeper understanding of the social and cultural landscapes of rural Zimbabwe.

Certification

Upon completion of the course you will receive:

Imire Wildlife Course Certificate

This certificate outlines all practical components completed during the programme, including your tracking assessment result, time spent in the field, and the key theoretical modules covered.
It recognises the knowledge and skills you have gained in wildlife monitoring, species identification, ecological understanding, and applied conservation practice.

Wilderness First Aid Certificate

Awarded after passing the intensive two-day practical First Aid training module.
This qualification equips you with essential emergency response skills relevant to fieldwork in remote environments.

Together, these certificates demonstrate both hands-on capability and theoretical competence in applied wildlife conservation - valuable additions to your CV, university application, or professional development portfolio.

WHO SHOULD PARTICIPATE?

Our Wildlife Conservation Course is a unique opportunity for wildlife lovers of all ages and backgrounds to gain an in-depth knowledge of African flora and fauna and understand the intricate and wonderful relationships between each element in an ecosystem.

No experience required!

The course is perfect for people considering, or already in, careers in environmental science, conservation, animal behaviour or zoology.
It is also designed to suit those who just want to experience a longer and more focused stay in Africa. The programme is structured and education-centric, where you will gain theoretical knowledge and practical skills, transferable across many natural science careers and within different physical environments.

Age requirements: the minimum age requirement is 18 years, there is no upper age limit!

Course highlights:

Expert guides and trainers;
Certificate of completion;
Family-run private conservancy;
Opportunities for cultural exchange and community engagement;
A well-rounded and wide-ranging mixture of modules;
Suitable for all ages and backgrounds;
Live in wilderness accommodation in the heart of the conservancy.

ACCOMMODATION

Wildlife Conservation students are accommodated in our purpose-built Chiwawe Wilderness Camp - an intimate eco–bush camp set on the wilder side of the conservancy, close to the tranquil Chiwawe dam. The remote location of Chiwawe allows for quiet, intensive learning within a diverse ecosystem. There are no fences around the camp and wildlife roams through freely, including the five black rhinos that inhabit the area.

The camp is in an idyllic spot with a bar, fire pit and braai area - watch rhinos browse and giraffes graze from your verandah as you study.

Participants share a twin safari-style tent, each with an en-suite bathroom with hot and cold running water, a flush toilet and a shower. The main communal area has a small reference library, dining area, study area and lounge. The garden runs down to a small dam and a swimming pool!

You will enjoy three home-cooked meals a day, prepared by our expert cooks and served buffet style. Clean, safe drinking water is provided. Dietary requirements can be catered for, please let us know before you arrive!

Meet The Team

Maddie Turner
Course instructor and coordinator

Maddie will guide you every step of the way. Motivated by a profound appreciation for wild spaces and a belief that conservation begins with awareness and education, she has dedicated herself to fostering a more ecologically conscious society. Maddie is a FGASA-qualified Field Guide and Back-up Trails Guide. She combines her practical field experience with ongoing academic studies in Biology to better understand the complexities and vulnerabilities of African ecosystems.

Maddie is particularly passionate about birding, foot-based guiding and highlighting the finer ecological interactions that often go unnoticed, helping others appreciate how interconnected systems function—and why their protection is so critical in today’s rapidly changing environmental climate.

Trymore Williams
Course Instructor and Coordinator

Trymore has qualified under Zimbabwe’s highest level of guide training. The LPH qualification is obtained by only a small percentage of those who apply. Trymore has since worked as a guide at Imire for 13 years. With over a decade of experience and a passionate desire to always learn more, Trymore provides students with an insight into what being an ethical guide truly means.

His love of guiding on foot will also expose participants to the smaller, often overlooked wildlife relationships and processes between plant/animal communities on Imire. Trymore’s favourite modules are botany, birds and reptiles (particularly snakes!).

Andries Scholtz
Imire Conservancy Manager

Andries has decades of experience running wildlife operations and ranger training across Zimbabwe. He is one of a few people in Zimbabwe to hold a specialist drugs licence, allowing him to be on the frontline of animal darting and complex veterinary procedures. He is a highly regarded wildlife expert, passionate about sharing his knowledge of Zimbabwe's flora and fauna, and is dedicated to conservation and wildlife protection. Andries will present selected practical modules of the Nature Enthusiast Course, such as survival tactics, walking trails, safety around dangerous game and team building.

Reilly Travers
Imire Conservancy Manager

As director of Imire Conservancy, Reilly leads the management of the reserve and oversees the Anti-Poaching Unit. A highly experienced FGASA-qualified guide, he trained in South Africa before guiding at luxury lodges in Kenya and South Africa. Reilly oversees the course schedule and contributes to key modules, leading practical sessions and specialist workshops drawn from his extensive field experience.

Guest speakers

We will also host various guest speakers - conservation professionals and visiting professors, depending on their availability. These speakers will give students an insight into Zimbabwe’s conservation and cultural history, the current challenges facing Imire, and an outline of the work that is currently being done to secure the future of our wildlife and wilderness areas. We will update you on any guest speakers that may attend your course.

WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COURSE DETAILS

Certification: Imire Wildlife Conservation Certificate

How long is the course? 4 weeks on-site at Imire.

Number of students: maximum 8-10 students per course.

Age requirements: the wildlife course is open to anyone 18 and over, with no upper age limit.

Upon completion - what do I get?

Imire Wildlife Course certificate
Wilderness First Aid certificate

Course dates 2026-2027:

November 2nd - 30th 2026
March 22nd - April 19th 2027
October 4th - November 1st 2027

The course fee includes:

Shared accommodation (twin room with same sex sharing)
3 meals per day and drinks (tea, coffee, juice, water)
Welcome orientation and safety briefing on arrival
Training costs and conservation fees
Course t-shirt
Wilderness First Aid component - 2-day course and certificate upon completion.
Learner material and access to our online course folder - full of interesting resources and theory packs
Transport between training locations in the conservancy and local areas.
Transfers between Harare International Airport and the conservancy on Mondays (within set times)
Laundry and housekeeping
24-hour support from our on-site instructors.