You will be involved in
Biodiversity surveys to understand species presence and abundance
Learning and practicing field research skills, including:
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Transect surveys
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Vegetation surveys
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Wildlife identification through spoor and scat
Elephant behavioural observation
Supporting animal husbandry tasks at the nursery
Gaining insight into elephant and primate behaviour and early-stage rehabilitation
Assisting with conservation education activities in the Wildlife Discovery Centre
Supporting women's groups in the local communities
Learn where you'll spend your time
You will be based in Lusaka National Park, where our volunteer camp is situated close to the elephant and primate nurseries. A short walk away is the Wildlife Discovery Centre (WDC), where members of the public can learn more about our conservation work, visit the elephant viewing hide, and watch the calves during their lunchtime bottle feed.
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Lusaka Elephant Nursery
All our volunteers start their experience at the Lusaka Elephant Nursery based in Lusaka National Park. It is about an hour's drive from Lusaka Airport.
All newly rescued elephant orphans aged three years or under are brought to this facility, which is specially equipped to nurture and to restore health to these tiny orphans. Once they are physically, mentally and emotionally fit, these elephants are taken to the Kafue Release Facility to join the older orphans, where they begin the second step of their rehabilitation process into the wild.
Lusaka Primate Nursery
In May 2023, the Zambia Primate Project (ZPP) became part of Game Rangers International’s Wildlife Rescue programme. Dedicated to the rescue and care of primates affected by human activity, the project follows a compassionate Rescue, Rehabilitate, Release model, with the ultimate goal of returning every possible animal back to the wild where it belongs.
Itinerary
*Please note that the itinerary is intended to give you a general idea of what to expect during your placement and is subject to change depending on logistics and circumstances on the ground.
Arrival in Lusaka
Please arrive at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport between 06:00 and 18:00 on the first day of your project. You will be met on arrival and transferred to the Elephant Nursery in Lusaka, where your placement is based. Once at camp, you’ll settle into your tent, meet your fellow volunteers and the team, and receive a full orientation. This will cover the project’s aims, your role, and all essential camp routines and safety information.
A typical day of volunteering
Your day typically begins around 07:00 where you’ll start with your volunteer tasks. Tasks vary depending on the needs of the project.
Around midday, you’ll return to camp for lunch and a chance to rest during the hottest part of the day. Activities resume in the afternoon and continue until approximately 18:00. Throughout, you’ll be supported by a dedicated supervisor and driver.
Evenings are spent back at camp with a shared dinner and time to relax with the team.
Departure
On your final day, you’ll be transferred back to Kenneth Kaunda International Airport. Please ensure your return flight departs no earlier than 9:00am (we do not do airport drop offs before sunrise). If you’re continuing your travels the next day, we can also arrange a drop-off at your accommodation in Lusaka.
7 nights
£700pp
15 nights
£1,500pp
21 nights
£2,100pp
Programme fees
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Add extra days:
£100pp per day (space permitting)
N.B. Some trips may be bespoke and be formulated slightly differently therefore may be costed differently too.
Included in the fees:
Accommodation – Comfortable safari-style tents within the park, with access to communal hot showers and shared facilities.
All meals – We provide the ingredients for you and your peers to get creative with camp cooking (please advise dietary requirements)
In-country transfers – Pick-up and drop-off at the International Airport in Lusaka, plus all travel to/from your chosen site.
Training & supervision – Orientation and ongoing guidance from your allocated Volunteer Supervisor and GRI conservation staff.
Direct experience – Opportunities to assist with animal husbandry, biodiversity monitoring, and field-based conservation.
Park access – Live and work inside Zambia’s National Parks, with opportunities to observe wildlife daily.
Cultural immersion – Learn about Zambia’s heritage, join community activities where available, and connect with local staff.
24/7 support – On-site team support for safety, logistics, and wellbeing throughout your stay.
GRI Volunteer T-shirt – A special keepsake and practical uniform for your time in the field.
Exclusive group size – Maximum of four volunteers per placement where possible, ensuring a personalised experience and close connection with the GRI team.
Please note that programme fees do not include:
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International flights to Lusaka
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Entry visa fees (currently none apply)
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Travel/medical insurance
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Personal spending (souvenirs, leisure trips, extra snacks, etc.)
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Meals at restaurants in Lusaka or Kafue. Drinks and bar purchases are also at your own expense.
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Airport transfers outside of the agreed GRI placement (we are happy to make recommendations for onward travel and logistics).
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Health insurance (however we will ensure your medical coverage is registered with a local emergency provider)
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Bottled water (please note that borehole water at camp is clean and safe to drink).
Zambian Kwacha (local currency) is not obtainable outside of the country. At the start of your trip, you will be taken to a Bureau de Change to exchange currency or use of an ATM. We strongly recommend bringing sufficient cash for the full duration of your stay. There are no banking facilities in wilderness areas. Please note that exchange rates vary depending on note denomination, with larger notes (e.g. $100) typically receiving a better rate.
Please note:
First deposit 50% (due within 7 days of receiving your placement offer)
Final payment: 50% (due at the latest two months prior to your placement start date)
Cancellation Policy applies
