Do you have a passion for conservation?
Are you eager to gain practical experience in field research, ethical wildlife rehabilitation and community outreach?
And are you ready for an adventure that will challenge, inspire, and stay with you forever?
If the answer is YES — then the GRI Volunteer Programme is for you.
Join GRI and become part of meaningful wildlife conservation work in the heart of Africa’s extraordinary wilderness. Experience the beauty of Zambia’s national parks, work alongside dedicated field teams, contribute directly to wildlife protection and community initiatives, and build lifelong connections with people who share your passion for conservation.
From early mornings tracking wildlife in the bush to evenings spent sharing stories around a campfire beneath a vast starry sky, this is more than a volunteer placement — it’s an experience that will leave a lasting impact on both you and the landscapes you help protect.
Your trip at a glance
Step into wildlife conservation that makes a real impact
Live and work inside Zambia’s National Parks and wilderness areas
Base at the Elephant Nursery in Lusaka or the wilds of Kafue National Park
Experience incredible wildlife, from elephants to big cats and beyond
Enjoy a small, close-knit group (max. 4 volunteers per camp where possible)
Assist with ethical wildlife rehabilitation processes, research and community projects
Hands-off approach: no direct contact, ensuring true re-wilding and animal welfare
From 7 to 28 nights
Lusaka and Kafue National Park
From £700 to £3,075
Introduction
Our Volunteer Programme offers an immersive, applied conservation experience where you become a valued part of the GRI team, contributing directly to field projects and daily conservation activities.
Working alongside passionate conservation professionals, you gain a unique insight into holistic wildlife conservation through exposure to GRI’s three core areas of work: Nature Protection, Community Engagement, and Wildlife Rescue. From supporting wildlife rescue and husbandry to assisting with community outreach initiatives and field research, each day brings new experiences, learning opportunities, and unforgettable moments in the field.
With just four participants per placement where possible, the programme is highly personalised, giving you the space to build genuine connections, develop practical conservation skills, and fully immerse yourself in the beauty and adventure of life in Zambia’s extraordinary wilderness — all while contributing to real and lasting conservation impact.
What Do Volunteers Do?
As part of the GRI team, you will play a meaningful role in daily rehabilitation activities, education and community initiatives, and field data collection that support orphaned wildlife on their journey back to the wild — while helping build a deeper understanding of the wild spaces they call home.
Our programme is firmly rooted in ethical wildlife conservation practices, with no direct physical contact between you and the elephants. This is a critical safeguard that protects their natural behaviours and gives them the best possible chance of successful release back into the wild.
While the approach with elephants is strictly “hands-off,” your experience will be anything but passive. You will gain “hands-on” exposure to a wide variety of conservation activities, offering a unique and authentic insight into the realities of wildlife conservation in the field. Below is a snapshot of some of the tasks and experiences you may be involved in during your placement:
Wildlife Monitoring & Research
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Assist with post-release wildlife monitoring
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Support biodiversity monitoring activities across key conservation landscapes
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Help manage and maintain camera trap networks used for wildlife research
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Contribute to video ethograms and behavioural data collection for rescued wildlife
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Assist with species identification, data recording, and field observations
Animal Care & Habitat Support
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Support animal husbandry activities, including enclosure cleaning and food preparation
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Support general site maintenance to ensure safe and functional conservation facilities
Community & Conservation Support
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Assist teams supporting human-wildlife conflict mitigation initiatives in surrounding communities
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Contribute to conservation education activities with schools and community groups
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Help prepare educational materials, displays, and outreach activities
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Support community events and awareness campaigns promoting coexistence and conservation
Data, Communications & Capacity Building
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Assist with conservation data entry, organisation, and basic analysis
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Support storytelling, photography, videography, and communications content creation
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Support the set up and delivery of fundraising events
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Share professional skills and support staff capacity building where appropriate
Customise your experience
You can choose both your placement location and the length of your stay, with flexible options designed to suit your interests, goals, and availability. Each base offers a unique conservation experience, giving you the opportunity to engage with different stages of wildlife rehabilitation, field-based conservation and community outreach.
We offer two programmes:
Lusaka National Park Only
Our camp is based next to the Elephant and Primate Nursery, where the youngest orphans receive specialist care and around-the-clock attention. Here, you’ll also find the Wildlife Discovery Centre — an inspiring space dedicated to education and conservation awareness. Whilst the Park is relatively small (5,000Ha), exciting wildlife such as white rhino, giraffe, zebra, and many antelope are regular sightings.
Kafue National Park Combo
Split your experience between the Lusaka National Park and Kafue National Park. The Kafue Elephant Release Facility is where the oldest orphans take their final steps toward independence. Set deep within the wild, you’ll witness elephants gradually rediscovering their freedom and learning to live naturally once more, surrounded by Zambia’s remarkable biodiversity — including iconic species such as lion, leopard, wild dog, hippo, and an incredible variety of birdlife.
The 3 week experience as a volunteer was a very special experience. I learnt so much, had lots of laughs and met so many amazing people - fellow volunteers, staff, school children, local people. We got involved in so many different things. What I learnt about what the organisation is doing - not only for Zambia, but for Africa and for the planet - is truly inspiring.
Carla Arkless, Volunteer April 2022
Ethical Conservation Note
Thank you for recognising the importance of ethical conservation and the principle that wild animals belong in the wild.
At GRI, this belief guides everything we do, with a strong focus on reducing human impact wherever possible to support long-term successful rewilding.
To ensure clarity and manage expectations, GRI operates a strict “hands-off” policy with the elephant orphans. As our ultimate goal is their full return to the wild, human interaction is kept to an absolute minimum. The exception is our dedicated rangers (keepers), who provide around-the-clock care, forming close, family-like bonds with the elephants under strict GRI protocols, always prioritising their long-term welfare and future release.
On occasion, you may accompany the elephants in the bush to support research activities or carry their milk bottles to watch them being fed; however, a minimum distance of 10 metres must always be maintained between you and the elephants.
Apply now to become a GRI volunteer and be part of Zambia’s conservation story!
Got any questions?
Email Andrea at volunteer@gamerangersinternational.org
Meet Andrea, your point of contact
Conservation Experience Coordinator
Born and raised in Zimbabwe, Andrea grew up surrounded by the bush, developing a deep love and respect for wildlife from an early age. With years of experience across the travel, tourism, and conservation sectors, she is passionate about creating meaningful experiences that connect people with nature while supporting wildlife conservation. Having been with Game Rangers International for the past six years, she has developed a strong understanding of the organisation’s mission and conservation impact. Her background combines hands-on conservation knowledge with hospitality and visitor experience, helping volunteers and guests gain a genuine appreciation for Africa's incredible wildlife and wild spaces.
From the moment I landed in Zambia, the team surpassed any expectations I had. The trip was filled with endless laughs, educational moments, and thoughtful events. You are an excellent coordinator and I cannot thank you enough for your efforts leading up to the trip and post-departure. I was so impressed at the team cohesion and camaraderie at the various sites. As an outsider, I was never treated as such and I felt like we were treated to not only GRI hospitality- but Zambian hospitality as well. Being afforded the opportunity to chat with keepers and handlers, to assist their efforts, and to see the love they have for all that they do was a gift. The program is well-structured, comprehensive, and incredibly interesting. It really was a trip of a lifetime.
Sheena Dale, Volunteer November 2022
