Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some commonly-asked FAQ’s about volunteering at Antelope Park to give you an idea of what to expect. Also visit our Meet the Volunteers – Q&A blog to find more answers, or please contact us directly with your questions…
How do our volunteers help us?
Through their financial contribution and manpower on the ground, volunteers are key to ensuring the success of our long-term wildlife conservation and community development projects at Antelope Park. To put it simply, our wonderful volunteers are an essential component to the work we are doing.
What age are our Volunteers?
We welcome anyone from 18-60 years of age; although volunteers aged 17 may apply with parental consent and volunteers over the age of 60 with a medical certificate.
Which is the nearest Airport?
The nearest airports are Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport (BUQ) in Bulawayo (a 2-hour drive), and Harare International Airport (HRE) in Zimbabwe’s capital (a 5-hour drive). If we have available vehicles that can go to Bulawayo or Harare we can pick you up, or Antelope Park can arrange airport transfers at additional cost.
What is the weather like?
Like most African climates, Zimbabwe has dry and wet seasons. You need to pack accordingly, and Antelope Park provides a guide about What to Pack or you can read our blog here.
September–November: Hot dry season. Pack comfortable clothes for warm weather.
December–April: Wet season. Hot and sticky and sometimes cooler at night, so pack light clothes and warm sweater, and wet-weather gear for heavy rain.
May–August (winter): Cold dry season. Temperatures can be very chilly in the evenings and early mornings, when you will need a jacket, gloves, a scarf and warm hat.
What is food like for Volunteers?
We offer excellent buffet-style meals at breakfast, lunch and dinner. Vegetarians, food allergies etc. are catered for. Additionally we have a coffee shop and café for casual meals and refreshments (at extra expense).
What electrical sockets are at Antelope Park?
The power sockets are ‘Type G’; the square three-pin style found in the UK & Ireland. A multiple-socket adaptor is useful for devices.
Can I get my laundry done?
Yes, and we know how important it is to our volunteers to have fresh, clean clothes after spending time in the bush or caring for our horses, lions and other animals. We have a laundry with washing machines and dryers, or you can do your own at our campsite laundry facilities.
Is there Malaria at Antelope Park?
There is very low-risk malarial risk at Antelope Park and surrounding areas. However, if you opt to go on our incredible optional excursion to Victoria Falls (which we fully recommend you do) you may require anti-malaria medication.
Why pay to be a volunteer?
Our projects come at a cost for two main reasons;
- To cover the cost of accommodation, three meals per day, and the activities and the services of trained professionals on your volunteer project at Antelope Park.
- To provide essential funding for our volunteer conservation and development projects, provide employment for local community members, and also to fund our long-term objectives – Antelope Park is home to the African Lion and Environmental Research Trust (ALERT), a multidiscipline conservation organization with interests in 9 of the United Nations 17 sustainable development goals.
Where is Antelope Park located?
Antelope Park is located in the centre of Zimbabwe in Midlands Province, 16km southwest of Gweru off the Harare-Bulawayo road (A5).
What is the language in Zimbabwe/Antelope Park?
The official language of Zimbabwe is English, followed by the local languages of Shona and Ndebele. We have volunteers from different nationalities, but as all our volunteer project managers and camp staff speak English, we ask that English is spoken among volunteers.
Is Antelope Park safe?
Despite how Zimbabwe is often portrayed in the media, it is a very safe country for international visitors. Additionally Antelope Park is a private game reserve located in a rural region away from towns and cities.
Is there WI-FI and cellphone reception at Antelope Park?
Yes, we have fast, fibre internet at all our communal areas (vouchers are purchased at reception), and cell phone reception is excellent. But to save on expensive roaming costs, we suggest you use WhatsApp, Zoom, FaceTime etc. on Wi-Fi.
Can I go shopping?
Our closest town is Gweru (16km), which has well-stocked supermarkets and pharmacies; we can arrange volunteer shopping trips on a weekly basis. We also have a small gift shop for locally-made crafts.
What currency should I bring to Zimbabwe?
Antelope Park and other tourist facilities in Zimbabwe are able to accept US$ dollar CASH. Be aware that debit/credit cards are NOT accepted and you CANNOT use them to withdraw cash from ATMs. Ensure that you bring plenty of US$US CASH for the length of your stay. Antelope Park has measures in place to enable volunteers to exchange small amounts into local currency to spend at local shops.
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GPS: 19.5064° S, 29.7189° E
