THRIVE Mental Health Retreat
Zimbabwe
COST
£3,450 (delegate)
£2,800 (partner)
DATES:
2nd-8th March 2026
7 days of safari drives, boat cruises, and getting back to nature whilst international lecturers provide 20 hours of RACE accredited training on mental health and self-development, during a course that stands out not only for its content but also its breathtaking setting in the heart of Africa. Imagine a lecture space where giraffe and elephant meander across the grasslands in front of you, workshops on a platform at the edge of the great Zambezi gorge, and teaching sessions aboard a boat as you float past crocodiles and hippos. This is continuing education, but not as you know it.
COURSE HIGHLIGHTS
Participate in 20 hours of learning delivered by expert lecturers, designed to expand your knowledge and professional growth.
Live and learn in a 5* lodge as you relax and unwind on our unique educational retreat.
Immersive Lectures in Unique Natural Settings. Experience professional development beyond the classroom with lectures held in the wild.
Explore practical self-development tools through Enneagram workshops, dynamic group discussions, and team-focused learning
Enjoy safari drives top spot the big 5 in a world renowned safari area
Networking with Like-Minded Professionals. Connect with a small, curated group of veterinary professionals in an inspiring environment that fosters collaboration, shared experiences, and long-lasting professional friendships.
Project video
A 7 day continuing education retreat, set at an all inclusive 5* lodge in spectacular Victoria Falls National Park, Zimbabwe, Africa. As participants step off the plane, they are immediately enveloped by the vibrant African landscape. The course hosts lectures entwined in nature, aboard a boat on the Zambezi River where hippo, elephant and crocodile can be spotted, in wildlife reserves, and at the iconic Victoria Falls waterfall itself. This environment fosters a deep connection with nature, providing a serene backdrop for tackling science focused mental health topics.
The focus of the 20 hours of RACE accredited learning is mental health and self-development. These are vital skills for any professional to improve their working environment, career longevity, satisfaction and ability to support and develop themselves and their team. The course accepts up to 16 people at a time for an exclusive African experience.
Gone are the days of sitting in dark lecture rooms to “clock up” hours. Step into the sunshine and experience a lifechanging week in the wilds of Africa that guarantees a fulfilling experience to refresh, revitalize and alter your perspective on life.
Want to hear about last year's course: THRIVE Blog
Education Techniques
Enneagram - discover your core motivations and how you relate to others
Team practicals and workshops
Dynamic group discussion
Lectures
Thrive missions: activities including safari drives, boat cruises and waterfall tour, to explore the African wilderness
The five topics of THRIVE
Personal strength development. For this we utilize the Enneagram, a practical workshop discussing differing personality types, core motivations and blind spots. Each person takes home a printed personalized review.
Setting goals for success
Team dynamics
Stress management
Preventing burnout
Course Schedule:
Your journey begins on Day 1, where you’ll arrive and settle into the lodge before gathering for lunch. In the afternoon, you’ll enjoy a welcome talk hosted by Gemma Campling, followed by a stunning sundowner experience overlooking the gorge—an unforgettable introduction to the week ahead.
On Day 2, you’ll start the morning with breakfast aboard a boat on the Zambezi River. Lectures will begin on the river itself, offering an inspiring and immersive classroom setting. After returning to the lodge for lunch, teaching continues in camp for the afternoon. The day closes with a relaxed dinner and bonfire under the African night sky.
Day 3 begins with breakfast at the lodge before transitioning into morning lectures in camp. After lunch, you’ll head out on a safari drive to a nearby waterhole to deepen your appreciation of the surrounding ecology. Dinner will be enjoyed on the deck, offering tranquil views and time to unwind.
On Day 4, the day opens with a guided tour of the magnificent Victoria Falls. Breakfast follows at the Lookout Café, perched high above the gorge with sweeping views. Delegates can then opt to experience a gorge zipline before enjoying lunch at the same viewpoint. The afternoon returns to camp for more lectures, ending once again with dinner and a bonfire.
Day 5 offers the remarkable opportunity to meet and walk with elephants in the early morning. After breakfast, lectures resume in camp, including Enneagram content. Following lunch at the lodge, you’ll set out on a safari drive along the Zambezi River, before returning for dinner in the evening.
On Day 6, the morning begins with breakfast at the lodge, then continues with an in-camp Enneagram discussion session. Lunch is served at the lodge, and the afternoon is dedicated to reflective conversation and leisure time—whether that means relaxing by the pool or simply soaking up the surroundings. The day ends with a traditional Boma dinner.
Finally, Day 7 begins with breakfast at the lodge before departures commence, bringing your experience to a close, enriched with new friendships, memories, and learnings.
Project Photos
ACCOMMODATION
Delegates will enjoy their own luxury lodge room with king-size bed (shared rooms can be accommodated) with cool luxurious white linen, large sweeping mosquito nets, warm evening lighting and safari chic design. Rooms are ensuite with showers as well as outdoor showers to enjoy the African night sky. Each room has its own private deck overlooking the river. There is also a communal swimming pool, so you can cool off in the warmer parts of the day or even swim under starlight at night, with a good chance of viewing animals. The communal areas where you eat and socialize are draped in luxury and authentic African décor. The main deck of the lodge has sweeping views out to the horizon and gives a true sense of being in the midst of nature and totally disconnected from the bustle of normal life.
All food and drink is included in your stay. 3 meals a day are served buffet or la la carte style. We can cater for vegetarians and vegans, and most allergies. If you have complex food requirement, please contact us before booking to discuss how we can accommodate you. The lodge stocks a range of drinks and alcoholic beverages are served from 6pm onwards. Visit the Wallow Lodge Website
LOCATION
The lodge is set in the Victoria Falls national park, a big 5 wildlife area. You can expect to be serenaded with calls of the wild at breakfast and supper, elephants trumpeting and lions roaring into the night. In the evening you can enjoy sunsets igniting the horizon and then kicking back around the fire, under a sky of stars. You are guaranteed wonderful sightings of wildlife that come and drink from the waterhole in front of the property, although the wildlife is not able to come closer to the accommodation so your safety is ensured. The game drives never fail to disappoint as the area is rich with all species, including the big 5 and unique bird life.
From the lodge you can see plombs of spray, rising from the Victoria falls waterfall. This is the reason this waterfall is called “the smoke that thunders”, something you will feel up close and personal when we do a private tour of the waterfall itself, and get a chance to stand right in front of the thundering water. By attending this course you are supporting the great work of Wild Horizons and their Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust which provides vet treatment to injured wildlife and supports conservation across the Zambezi valley.
COURSE COST
Course ticket: £3,450
Partner Ticket: £2,800
What's Included
20 hours of CE/CPD accredited learning
Personalised Enneagram workbook
6 nights Accommodation in 5* Wallow Lodge
Transfers to and from the airport
3 outstanding meals a day
All drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic)
All “Thrive missions” (safari drives, boat trips, canopy high ropes, elephant sanctuary visit, cultural initiation)
What's not included
Flights
Visas
Personal travel insurance
Project Specifics
AGE: 18 +, no upper limit
QUALIFICATIONS: Any student or person in the veterinary industry (vet, nurse, tech, ACA, reception, manager).
This course counts as 20 hours of continuing education (CE/CPD)
Fitness Requirements
Due to the isolated nature of our locations, and the demanding nature of our work, a certain level of fitness is required to join this course. While we try to make our work as comfortable as possible, there are times when physical tasks are necessary to ensure safety and efficiency.
As such, you should be able to:
Climb up and down from a safari viewing vehicle that has a short ladder
Comfortably walk 50 metres
Bringing a partner or friend to THRIVE
The cost of a partner ticket is £2,800.
If you would like to bring your partner or friend along to this event as a social member (no teaching or lectures included) they are very welcome. All partners attending this course will be hosted on an all-inclusive basis including transfers, food and beverages. They will also join your safari activities including safari drives, the boat cruise, the elephant orphanage, and the high ropes. As well as the activities they do with you, whilst lectures occur they will be able to enjoy optional activities put on by the lodge such as bush walks, safari drives, town and community excursions. Or just kick back and relax by the pool!
A partner is required to share a room with a full paying course member. Rooms can be shared either with one king size bed, or the bed can be split into two 3/4 beds. Your friend or partner will join your safari activities including safari drives, the boat cruise, the elephant orphanage, and the high ropes. Additional the the activities they do with you, whilst lectures occur they will be able to enjoy optional activities put on by the lodge such as bush walks, safari drives, town and community excursions. Or just kick back and relax by the pool!
If you wish to purchase a partner ticket you can email our team to request an invoice for this ticket, as they can not be purchased automatically on the website.
WHAT NEXT? If this sounds like something you would like to participate in please proceed to booking your tickets on our THRIVE event page.
Project Fees
Volunteering is a rewarding experience that makes a real impact on animal welfare and provides a chance to learn and travel to beautiful places....
booking conditions
Worldwide Vets aims to provide you with an easy booking experience and the a trip of a lifetime. As such, we have terms and conditions we ask you to abide by when booking a project with us...
PAST feedback
Kyle Grusling, DVM
February 2024
"I cannot put into words the transformative experience that was Thrive 2024. From the setting to the presentations to the friendships made, I brought back invaluable information that has improved my practice and my daily life. My personal favorite was the enneagram work. Seeing my entire personality, flaws and all, on a piece of paper was a bit daunting at first, but working with Christine was so incredibly illuminating. Learning how to work with other personality types within my own skill set and learning to bring out the positives in others has already improved my practice in a measurable way. The setting of the conference was truly magical, with lectures taking place while watching hippos and elephants in the Zambezi, creating an almost surreal backdrop for learning. It was an experience I will never forget and cannot wait to repeat."
Helen Trory, DVM
February 2024
"I attended the Thrive course in Zimbabwe in February 24. It is difficult to put into words this amazing experience.
Elephants, zebras, warthogs and giraffes, beautiful accommodation, a fantastic hospitality team and lovely food.
Lectures in unbelievable locations like on the Zambezi river with hippos or overlooking Victoria falls with fish eagles !
Opportunities to challenge yourself with activities like zip lining... local culture, game drives, feeding elephants and genuinely lovely people everywhere we went. Social activities like cocktails in stunning locations, swimming in the beautiful pools during lunch breaks and a traditional Boma dinner to name but a few ! Making connections for life !
Add all those things to some very well delivered CPD that was informative, practical and for me allowed me to develop and reflect on my management style. I could share experiences and learn from others in an open and safe learning environment discussing topics I feel are essential to the future of the veterinary profession.
This has to be how CPD should be done !"
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