Imire Rhino Conservancy

Imire began as a cattle farm and turned to conservation in the 1970s, taking in orphaned black rhino and breeding them for release; a substantial number of animals have gone from here into national parks. It also keeps a small elephant herd, some of them hand-raised, and runs game across the property. Visits are by booking and include walking with the rhino keepers and, on overnight stays, the routine of the conservation work.

What's there

• The black rhino - the breeding programme and the animals raised for release.
• The elephant herd - the small group kept on the property.
• The keeper walks - going out with the staff who work the animals.
• The release record - the rhino sent from here into the national parks.

When to go

April to October is the dry season and best for game. Visits must be booked and are not available on demand. Overnight stays give more access than day visits.

Practical notes

These are managed animals on a private property rather than a wild population. Visits must be booked well ahead and are expensive. Poaching pressure means some details of the operation are not discussed.

Nearby

Marondera is west, and Harare is beyond it.