Explore Zim
The Explore Zimbabwe Program is an integral part of the Harare International School curriculum for Grade 4 through to Grade 11.
Guided by the ‘Classroom Without Walls’ concept, the program extends student learning beyond the experiences they gain at school. The HIS program is designed to provide our students not only with the opportunity to experience the cultural and natural history of our host country but also places our students in an environment that will challenge them physically as well as mentally.
From team building activities and hiking to immersion into Rural Zimbabwe Village life, all trips are planned; with safety at its core, to challenge our students holistically and supported by teachers and professionals with many years of experience and knowledge of Zimbabwean culture and environment.
GRADE 3: IMIRE RHINO & WILDLIFE CONSERVATORY, MARONDERA
The Grade 3 program introduces students to African Ecology with a one-night outdoor experience away from campus, at Imire Rhino and Wildlife Conservancy. This trip helps to understand the importance of protecting wildlife. Students engage directly with the conservation program while exploring the natural heritage of the local area.
Grade 7: Far & Wide, Nyanga
Far & Wide is a professionally-run outdoor education center located in Zimbabwe's Eastern Highlands. Students partake in team-building activities and personal development with the Far & Wide outdoor education center. Through complex high rope activities and hikes as well as exploring local conservation programs, the students once more embark on a journey of self-discovery and challenges while enjoying the beautiful Eastern Highlands.
Grade 10: Juru Village
Students embark on a year-long project of community support and development with Juru Village on the outskirts of Harare. The relationship with this rural community and their school; Kadyamadare, has been nurtured for over 25 years. The program with the students immersing themselves into rural village life spending 5 days with individual families, experiencing rural Zimbabwe first hand. It continues throughout their year, where the students follow the agricultural calendar, planting, hoeing, weeding and harvesting crops with their Juru families; a truly practical and momentous community partnership.
GRADE 5: TREE OF LIFE ADVENTURES, GOROMONZI
Our Grade 5 students embark on an exciting three-day adventure at Tree of Life in Goromonzi, surrounded by indigenous trees, granite rocks, and breathtaking mountain views. Guided by highly qualified instructors, students engage in adventure activities, team-building challenges, and nature exploration. Beyond the thrill of the outdoors, they learn valuable life lessons in responsibility, honesty, and ethical decision-making—core values that Tree of Life deeply upholds . This experience fosters personal growth, resilience, and a strong sense of community.
Grade 8: IGANYANA BUSH CAMP, PAINTED DOGS CONSERVATION, HWANGE
Iganyana Bush Camp is surrounded by Sikumi National Forest. The area is part of an intact African savanna ecosystem, where elephants, giraffe, lion, leopard, cheetah, painted dogs, buffalo and over a dozen species of antelope roam free.
Students partake in exciting excursions and activities through game drives, al fresco bush dinners, engaging cultural experiences, scorpion hunting adventures, visiting the mighty Victoria Falls, and a variety of other enticing options.
Grade 6: Hippo Pools, Umfurudzi Park
Umfurudzi Park and the surrounding area have a recorded history dating back to the bushman and early stone ages, evident by the rock paintings and other archeological sites found throughout the park. The vision of the park includes creating an unprecedented legacy of sustainable wildlife management for future generations to enjoy.
Student partake in a walking safari, where they step into the heart of the African wilderness and feel the rhythm of the land beneath their feet, bird watching, fishing, canoeing, orienteering, and animal tracking.
Grade 9: Jabulani, Shangani
The trip encourages students to spend time reflecting on their role within the environment. Sessions also include; ecology/succession, Art, birding, silent walks, safari walk, journaling and self analysis. Students recognise (perhaps even start to challenge) their impact and traditional role as hunter gatherers within this ecological niche.