Zimbabwe Wild Is Life Sanctuary: Complete Visitor Guide

The Story of Wild Is Life — Roxy Danckwerts and a Dream Born from Crisis

Wild Is Life was founded by Roxy Danckwerts, a Zimbabwean conservationist whose determination to save orphaned and injured wildlife in a country facing economic collapse became one of southern Africa's most remarkable conservation stories. What began as a personal mission — rescuing individual animals from dire circumstances — grew steadily into a fully operational sanctuary and conservation facility spanning hundreds of acres on the outskirts of Harare.

Roxy's approach was radical in its simplicity: she believed that every individual animal mattered, and that the relationship between humans and wildlife needed to be rebuilt from the ground up through direct, respectful interaction. In a country where economic pressure had devastated wildlife populations through poaching and habitat loss, Wild Is Life became a rare beacon of hope and a living proof that Zimbabweans deeply cared about their natural heritage.

The sanctuary gained international recognition through a 2016 Netflix documentary that featured Roxy and her elephants, bringing global attention to both the sanctuary's work and Zimbabwe's broader conservation challenges. The documentary showed the extraordinary bond between Roxy and the orphaned elephants in her care — relationships built through years of patient, loving rehabilitation — and moved viewers around the world to tears and to action.

Wild Is Life is now part of the broader Zimbabwe Elephant Nursery (ZEN) project, which focuses specifically on the care and eventual rewilding of orphaned elephants. ZEN operates in close partnership with Zimbabwe National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, representing one of the country's most important elephant conservation programmes.

What to See at Wild Is Life — Animals and Experiences

Wild Is Life houses a remarkable variety of rescued and rehabilitating animals. Unlike a conventional zoo where animals are displayed behind bars in enclosures, WIL prioritises naturalistic habitats where animals live as close to their wild state as their individual circumstances allow. The sanctuary covers large open areas of indigenous bush, allowing animals genuine space and freedom of movement.

🐘 The Elephants

The elephants of Wild Is Life are the sanctuary's most famous residents and the primary reason most visitors make the journey out from Harare. These are orphaned elephants — animals that lost their mothers to poaching, drought, or human-wildlife conflict — who have been taken in, hand-reared, and are being gradually prepared for eventual return to the wild through the ZEN programme. Visitors can observe the elephants during their daily walks, feeding times, and mud baths — extraordinary moments of witnessing these intelligent, gentle giants interacting with their caregivers and each other.

The bond between the elephant keepers (known as elephant mothers) and the orphans is unlike anything you'll witness in conventional wildlife viewing. These relationships are built on years of round-the-clock care, and watching a baby elephant run toward its keeper with clear joy is a genuinely life-changing experience.

🦁 Lions and Large Carnivores

Wild Is Life also cares for rescued lions, leopards, and other large carnivores that cannot be released into the wild due to injury, habituation to humans, or other factors that would make wild survival impossible. These animals are housed in large, carefully designed enclosures that allow them to express natural behaviours while remaining safe for both the animals and visitors. Close observation of lions in this environment — just metres away, with no tourist vehicles — is a deeply powerful experience.

🦒 Giraffes, Zebras, and Plains Animals

Rescued giraffes, zebras, warthogs, baboons, and a host of other wildlife complete the sanctuary's extraordinary collection of rehabilitating animals. Hand-raised giraffes that approach visitors for feeding are a highlight for families with children. Baboon troops roam semi-freely through certain areas of the sanctuary, and various antelope species graze in open paddocks alongside the sanctuary's resident peacocks and guinea fowl.

How to Get to Wild Is Life from Harare

Wild Is Life is located approximately 12–15 kilometres from central Harare, accessible by private car, taxi, or organised tour transfer. The sanctuary is situated off Borrowdale Road in the northern suburbs — a comfortable 20–30 minute drive from the city centre under normal traffic conditions.

By Private Car or Rental

Self-driving visitors should head north from Harare city centre along Borrowdale Road (Sam Levy's Village area), then follow signposting for Wild Is Life. GPS coordinates are available on the sanctuary's website. Parking at the sanctuary is free and secure. Car hire is readily available at Harare Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport from all major international rental companies.

By Taxi or Ride-Share

Taxis are available throughout Harare. Ask your hotel to arrange a trusted driver for the day — a return trip with a few hours at the sanctuary typically costs US$30–60 depending on your starting point and waiting time negotiated with the driver. Uber operates in Harare and is generally reliable for the outward journey, though availability for the return trip from a suburban location can be unpredictable.

Organised Tours

Several Harare-based tour operators include Wild Is Life in half-day or full-day Harare city tours. This is the most hassle-free option for visitors unfamiliar with the city, as it combines sanctuary admission with transport and often includes other Harare highlights such as the National Gallery or Chapungu Sculpture Park.

📷 Photography Tips for Wild Is Life

Wild Is Life offers some of Zimbabwe's most rewarding wildlife photography opportunities — and unlike national parks where animals are distant specks, here you can get genuinely close to extraordinary subjects in good light.

• Use a mid-range zoom lens (70–200mm) for elephant and large animal shots — close enough for intimate portraits, long enough to respect boundaries
• Wide angles work beautifully when elephants approach you directly during walks — some of the most memorable shots are wide environmental portraits showing the scale of these animals relative to their landscape
• Shoot in RAW format if your camera supports it — the dappled light under acacia trees requires post-processing latitude
• Bring a monopod rather than a tripod — you'll be moving frequently and need mobility while still wanting camera support
• Always follow keeper instructions regarding distance and behaviour — not only for your safety but to avoid stressing animals that are in various stages of rehabilitation
• Turn off camera sounds and vibrations — loud shutter sounds can startle sensitive animals
• Afternoon mud baths (typically 2–4 PM) are among the most photogenic moments — elephants at play in mud are pure, joyful, extraordinary subjects

Practical Information for Your Visit

Admission prices: Fees apply for sanctuary entry and are subject to change — check the official Wild Is Life website (wildislife.org) or contact bookings@wildislife.org for current pricing before your visit. As of 2026, entry fees for international visitors are priced in USD.

Booking: Advanced booking is strongly recommended, particularly for elephant interaction experiences and afternoon tea sessions. Walk-in visits may be possible but are not guaranteed during peak tourism periods (June–September).

What to wear: Neutral, earth-toned clothing is recommended. Avoid bright colours and strong perfumes, which can disturb animals. Closed, comfortable walking shoes are essential — you will be on your feet for most of the visit.

Refreshments: Wild Is Life is famous for its afternoon tea experience — high tea served in beautiful surroundings while elephants wander nearby. This must be booked in advance and is one of the most unique dining experiences in Zimbabwe.

Children: Younger children are welcome but should be accompanied by adults at all times. The sanctuary involves walking on uneven terrain and close proximity to large animals, so parental supervision is essential.