Imire Rhino and Wildlife Conservation Wilderness

A private conservancy focused on rhino breeding and conservation, Imire offers intimate wildlife encounters, including opportunities to interact with...

Imire Rhino and Wildlife Conservation Wilderness at a Glance

Location
Central Highveld, Zimbabwe, Southern Africa
Coordinates
-18.476620, 31.497818
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Very Quiet
Malaria Risk
Moderate
Best Time to Visit
May to October (dry season) for game viewing. February to May for Victoria Falls at peak flow.

Getting to Imire Rhino and Wildlife Conservation Wilderness

Nearest airport: Pinnscottie Runway (CLOSED), 140 km away.

Nearest international airport: Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport (BUQ), 347 km away.

Big Five in Imire Rhino and Wildlife Conservation Wilderness

2 of the Big Five can be found here: Black Rhinoceros, White Rhinoceros.

Wildlife in Imire Rhino and Wildlife Conservation Wilderness

Home to 49 recorded species including 20 iconic birds, 11 birds of prey, 7 waterbirds, 4 big herbivores, 3 big five, 2 antelope & gazelle.

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Imire Rhino and Wildlife Conservation Wilderness

5 safari lodges available.

Other

Similar Parks in Central Highveld

Visitor Tips - Imire Rhino and Wildlife Conservation Wilderness

We love the deeply personal connection you forge with the wildlife at Imire, especially the rhinos. It is a truly immersive conservation experience, far removed from typical game drives, where you feel part of something vital. The opportunity to walk alongside these magnificent creatures is something we find profoundly moving and utterly unique.

Gate Times

Imire Rhino and Wildlife Conservation Wilderness operates on a pre-booked basis, rather than having traditional 'gate times' like a national park. Access is strictly for guests staying at their lodges or those with pre-arranged activities. We strongly recommend booking your stay or activities well in advance, especially if you plan to visit during the prime dry season months of May to October, when game viewing is at its best. There are no permits required beyond your confirmed booking.

Tipping

Tipping is customary and a valued way to show appreciation for excellent service. For your safari guide or ranger, we recommend budgeting around $10-20 per person per day. For general camp staff, who often pool tips, $5-10 per person per day is appropriate. If you participate in specific activities like rhino tracking with dedicated rangers, a separate tip of $5-10 per person for that ranger is a thoughtful gesture. We advise tipping in cash, discreetly, at the end of your stay.

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Zimbabwe

Travel advisory for Zimbabwe

Imire Rhino and Wildlife Conservation Wilderness FAQs

How direct are the rhino and elephant interactions at Imire, and what does this mean for conservation education?

At Imire, you can experience incredibly close and supervised interactions, such as walking alongside rhinos or assisting with elephant feeding, which is rare in other parks. These encounters are designed to provide a deeper understanding of individual animals and the critical conservation challenges they face, fostering a personal connection to their survival.

What is the best time of year to visit Imire for optimal wildlife viewing and outdoor activities?

The dry season, from May to October, is generally considered the best time to visit Imire. During these months, vegetation is sparser, making wildlife easier to spot as animals congregate around water sources, and the weather is pleasantly mild for walking safaris and other outdoor experiences.

Given Imire's location, what specific health precautions should visitors take, especially regarding malaria?

Imire is situated in a moderate malaria risk area, so it's highly recommended to consult your doctor about anti-malarial prophylaxis before your trip. Additionally, practicing personal protection measures like using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and trousers at dusk, and sleeping under mosquito nets will significantly reduce your risk.

Beyond the flagship rhinos and elephants, what other wildlife can I expect to encounter at Imire, and how does the low crowding enhance the experience?

Imire is also home to a variety of other plains game, including giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, and several antelope species, alongside a rich birdlife. The extremely low crowding ensures a highly personal and undisturbed safari experience, allowing for extended viewing opportunities and a deeper connection with nature during game drives and bush walks.

What type of accommodation is available at Imire, and what is the typical cost structure for a conservation-focused stay?

Imire offers comfortable lodge-style accommodation, often in private cottages or chalets, designed to blend with the natural surroundings. Stays are typically offered as all-inclusive packages covering meals, guided activities, and conservation levies, with costs varying based on duration and room type, directly contributing to the conservancy's vital work.

Recommended Books

  • Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight by Alexandra Fuller - Raw and unflinching memoir of growing up in Rhodesia/Zimbabwe during the civil war. One of the most honest accounts of life in southern Africa.
  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • Lonely Planet Botswana & Namibia by Lonely Planet - Covers the Okavango Delta, Chobe, Etosha, Sossusvlei, and the Skeleton Coast. Essential for self-drive safaris through two of southern Africa's wildest destinations.
  • Lonely Planet Zambia & Mozambique by Lonely Planet - From Victoria Falls and South Luangwa to Mozambique's pristine coastline. Practical advice for two of Africa's most rewarding off-the-beaten-path destinations.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • Lonely Planet Southern Africa by Lonely Planet - Covers South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique. Practical planning information with detailed park and city guides.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Bradt Guide: Zimbabwe by Paul Murray - The most detailed guide to Zimbabwe including Hwange, Mana Pools, Matobo Hills, and Victoria Falls. Written by a Zimbabwe specialist with decades of experience.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Roberts Bird Guide by Hugh Chittenden, Greg Davies & Ingrid Weiersbye - Comprehensive southern African bird guide covering 960+ species with detailed range maps and illustrations. The birder's bible for safaris in South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Sasol Birds of Southern Africa by Ian Sinclair, Phil Hockey & Warwick Tarboton - The southern Africa birding bible. Covers over 950 species with detailed illustrations, distribution maps, and habitat notes. The most trusted bird field guide for South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Mozambique.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.