Malilangwe Trust - Wildlife Ranger Challenge 2026

Malilangwe’s Scouts are at the front line of anti-poaching and wildlilfe protection. Based on the Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve in south-eastern Zimbabwe, the scouts are recruited largely from neighbouring communities. They undertake six-months intense training to prepare them for their duties where they serve as wildlife guardians, biological monitors, mentors and trusted links between conservation and community life. Their daily patrols help protect endangered species, including both black and white rhinos, while also gathering vital ecological data that supports long-term, science-based conservation management.

The work of the Malilangwe Scouts demands discipline, resilience and deep local knowledge. Through rigorous training in tracking, navigation, first aid, wildlife monitoring, law enforcement and bushcraft, the Scouts develop the skills needed to respond to poaching threats, safeguard natural resources and uphold the integrity of the reserve and its surrounding communities. With more than 100 Scouts strategically deployed across Malilangwe, their presence is central to protecting both wildlife and the landscapes on which surrounding communities depend.

Supporting the Malilangwe Scouts means investing in the people who stand watch every day — often in difficult conditions — to protect Zimbabwe’s natural heritage for future generations.