Twala Trust Animal Sanctuary Guide for Ethical Wildlife Encounters

Twala Trust Animal Sanctuary sits approximately 40 kilometers east of Harare in the Goromonzi district, serving as a primary rescue and rehabilitation center for Zimbabwe's injured wildlife. This non-profit facility provides a permanent home or rehabilitation path for over 50 different species ranging from indigenous lions to abandoned domestic dogs.

Planning Your Visit to the Goromonzi Sanctuary

How to Book the Tea with Twala Experience

Visitors cannot simply show up at the gates because the sanctuary functions primarily as a private residence and intensive rescue hub. The most popular way to visit is through the Tea with Twala program, which usually takes place on specific Friday and Saturday afternoons. You need to send an email or WhatsApp message at least a week in advance to secure a spot since groups are kept small to minimize animal stress. The afternoon begins with a guided walk through the enclosures followed by tea and cake in the garden. I found that arriving exactly at the scheduled time is better than arriving early, as the staff are often finishing mid-day rehabilitation tasks or veterinary rounds. This personal approach makes the visit feel like a conversation with conservationists rather than a commercial tour.

Best Times and Seasonal Considerations

Zimbabwe's dry season between May and October offers the most comfortable conditions for walking the sanctuary grounds. During the peak summer months of December and January, the dirt access roads in the Goromonzi area can become quite muddy and challenging for small sedans. If you visit during the cooler months of June or July, bring a heavy jacket because the temperature in this part of Mashonaland East drops significantly once the sun starts to set. Additionally, the lions are generally more active in the late afternoon when the air cools down, making the 3:00 PM time slot ideal for photography. The golden hour light hitting the yellow grass of the enclosures provides a much better backdrop than the harsh midday sun.

Inside the Rehabilitation and Rescue Efforts

The Diverse Residents of Twala

Maintaining a highly fluid population, the sanctuary often houses hundreds of animals at any given time. While the resident lions are a major draw, the work done with primates and smaller indigenous mammals is equally significant. Many animals arrive here after being confiscated from illegal trade or orphaned by human-wildlife conflict in rural areas. You might see a duiker being bottle-fed or a group of vervet monkeys undergoing social integration before potential release. The facility also runs a massive domestic animal welfare program, providing free veterinary care to thousands of dogs in the surrounding rural communities. This blend of wild and domestic animal care sets the trust apart from traditional wildlife-only centers.

Long-term Conservation and Community Education

Since its founding in 2004 by Sarah Carter and Vinay Ramlaul, Twala has focused heavily on changing local perceptions toward wildlife. They host educational trips for school children from the Goromonzi district to teach them about the importance of biodiversity and humane treatment of animals. This grassroots approach addresses the root causes of animal suffering rather than just treating the symptoms. The sanctuary relies entirely on donations and the proceeds from visitor experiences to fund its monthly operating costs, which include food for hundreds of mouths and specialized medical supplies. Because they take in animals that other facilities might refuse, the medical expenses can be substantial.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of visiting Twala Trust?

The Tea with Twala experience is typically priced around $35 per person, though you should confirm the current rate when booking. This fee covers the guided tour and refreshments while contributing directly to the sanctuary's high monthly food and veterinary bills.

How do I get to the sanctuary from Harare?

The sanctuary is located about 40 kilometers from the capital and is best reached by private car or a pre-arranged taxi via the Mutare Road. You will receive detailed driving instructions and a specific turn-off point once your booking is confirmed, as the entrance is not heavily signposted to ensure privacy for the animals.

Are children allowed to visit the sanctuary?

Children are welcome at Twala, but they must be under strict parental supervision at all times to ensure the safety of both the kids and the animals. The environment is highly educational, but the walking tours can last over an hour, so consider the stamina of younger children before booking.

Can I volunteer at the sanctuary?

Long-term volunteer opportunities exist for individuals with veterinary or animal husbandry experience, but these must be arranged several months in advance. Casual visitors are generally not permitted to handle the wildlife, as the goal for many animals is successful rehabilitation and eventual release into the wild.