Wild Is Life Trust and Zimbabwe Elephant Nursery Visiting Guide

Wild Is Life Trust operates as a specialized wildlife sanctuary and elephant nursery located five minutes from Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport in Harare. Since its formal establishment in 1998, the facility has focused on the rescue and rehabilitation of injured or orphaned animals across Zimbabwe. The sanctuary is most famous for housing the Zimbabwe Elephant Nursery (ZEN), which was founded in 2012 by Roxy Danckwerts to provide 24-hour care for milk-dependent elephant calves. Visitors can choose between morning and afternoon tours that provide a direct look at the conservation efforts without the performative elements of a typical zoo.

Essential Logistics and Booking for the Harare Sanctuary

Access to the sanctuary is strictly by appointment only and requires a confirmed reservation via email or their official booking form. Because the facility limits guest numbers to protect the welfare of the resident animals, weekend slots often fill up weeks in advance. The site is physically located at 2 Delport Road, making it an excellent stop for travelers with a half-day layover in Harare. Taxis from the airport or city center are the most reliable transport method, as public transit does not serve the immediate area.

Daily Tour Schedules and Afternoon Tea Details

Morning tours typically run from 10:00 to 12:30 on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, with an adult entry price of approximately 80 dollars. This session focuses on the early routines of the animals and includes a high tea service in a rustic barn setting. The afternoon tour is arguably more popular, starting at 15:00 or 15:30 depending on the season and lasting until sunset around 18:30. These later sessions cost 110 dollars per adult and include evening prosecco and canapés alongside the tea. The shifting schedule accounts for the intense midday heat in Zimbabwe (the April to August window starts thirty minutes earlier than the September to March period).

Reservation Policy and Visitor Requirements

Children are permitted at the sanctuary, with reduced rates of 45 to 60 dollars for those under twelve, though they must be supervised at all times due to the proximity of large animals. It is a detail most guides overlook, but the terrain is uneven and dusty—wearing closed-toe walking shoes is practically mandatory for comfort. Neutral, earth-toned clothing is recommended to avoid startling the more sensitive rescues. Payment is usually settled in US dollars on-site, but always verify the current exchange policy when receiving your booking confirmation.

Conservation Impact of the Zimbabwe Elephant Nursery

As of the most recent counts, the trust has rescued over 50 elephants from various human-wildlife conflict zones and poaching incidents. These calves often arrive severely traumatized and require three to five years of intensive care before they can even be considered for the next stage of their lives. The nursery serves as the only facility of its kind in Zimbabwe, filling a critical gap in the country's national conservation strategy by focusing specifically on neonate survival.

The Rescue and Rewilding Process at Panda Masuie

The ultimate goal for every elephant at the nursery is a full return to the wild, a process that culminates in the Panda Masuie Forest Reserve near Victoria Falls. This massive 34,000-hectare protected area acts as a soft-release site where 12 to 13 elephants currently reside in a state of semi-independence. These adolescents gradually integrate into wild herds under the watchful eyes of rangers, ensuring they have the social skills needed to survive without human intervention. Observing the bond between the keepers and the calves in Harare gives you a profound perspective on the years of labor required for just one successful release.

Encountering Rescued Species Beyond the Elephant Herd

While the elephants are the primary draw, the sanctuary provides a haven for over 19 different species including lions, cheetahs, and the elusive ground pangolin. The pangolin program is particularly significant given that these mammals are among the most trafficked in the world; seeing them in a safe environment is a rare opportunity for even the most seasoned safari-goer. You might also spot giraffes, kudus, and wildebeests roaming the open plains sections of the property. The predator viewing areas are kept separate, and the guides offer specific historical context for how each animal arrived at the sanctuary—usually due to injuries that would have been fatal in the wild.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to visit Wild Is Life?

An adult afternoon tour costs 110 dollars, while the morning session is priced at 80 dollars. These fees include guided animal viewing and a high tea service with refreshments. Rates for children under twelve are approximately 45 to 60 dollars depending on the tour time selected.

Can visitors touch the elephants at the nursery?

No, the sanctuary maintains a strict no-contact policy to ensure the animals remain candidates for successful rewilding. You can observe the calves feeding and playing from a close but respectful distance while keepers explain their rehabilitation progress. This ethical boundary is essential for preventing the elephants from becoming too habituated to human touch.

Where is Wild Is Life located in relation to Harare?

The sanctuary is situated at 2 Delport Road, which is only five minutes by car from Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport. This proximity makes it a convenient destination for travelers arriving in or departing from Zimbabwe. Most visitors arrange a taxi or private transfer from the airport or central Harare, as it is roughly 15 kilometers from the city center.

What should I wear for a sanctuary tour?

Sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes are the most important item because you will be moving across dusty and uneven ground. Neutral colors like khaki, olive, or tan are best for blending into the environment and not distracting the animals. Additionally, bringing a hat and sunscreen is advisable since much of the 3-hour experience takes place in open outdoor areas.