You will receive two GRI Volunteer t-shirts on arrival. Whilst there is not a strict dress code for volunteers, you will be expected to follow our basic uniform requirements. It is requested that you wear earthy colours on camp, firstly due to the dust and secondly so it is clear that you are on duty to all personnel on camp. Out of respect for the Zambian culture we also request you to wear trousers not shorter than knee length. Bright colours are not encouraged in the bush as they stand out to wildlife, reducing your chances of spotting animals, and may startle the orphaned elephants.

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If you are buying new shoes, please ensure they are comfortable and that they are worn in before you come out so that you avoid uncomfortable blisters.

 

Clothing and Footwear

• Khaki/earthy coloured light-weight t-shirts (please no revealing vest-tops)

• Full-length trousers for the evenings and fieldwork. Cropped trousers or knee length shorts are fine for camp work.

• Sweater/fleece

• Nightwear

• Swimsuit 

• A wide-brimmed hat

• Hardwearing shoes/strong trainers

• Flip flops/sandals

 

May-Sep Volunteers

• Beanie

• Hat

• Gloves

• Warm nightwear/thermal underwear is highly recommended

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Oct-Apr Volunteers

• Rain poncho or rain coat

• Wellington boots/Gum boots

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​Other Essentials

• Small lock and key

• Hand sanitiser

• Face masks

• UV protection sunglasses

• Sun screen

• Insect repellent

• First aid kit, including rehydration salts and anti-diarrhoea treatment

• Towel

• Binoculars

• Zip-lock or water/dust proof bags and silica gel

• Alarm clock

• 1L Water Bottle

• Head torch/lamp & batteries

• Camera and camera cords for sharing photos

• Small backpack

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Optional Extras

• Solar charger

• Battery pack for charging phone

• Books

• Games

• Binoculars

• It would also be useful if you could bring your own laptop/tablet or smart phone which we would connect to the wi-fi for project related work.

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First Aid Kit 

• Sun cream

• Insect Repellent

• Assorted plasters

• Lint dressing

• Medical tape

• Cotton wool

• Small bandage

• Iodine/antiseptic ointment

• Antihistamine tablets/cream

• Paracetamol and/or Ibuprofen

• Re-hydration salts

• Anti-diarrhoea treatment

• Anti-fungal foot powder

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Cash

Your food, transfers and park registration costs are covered by the project. However, you may wish to supplement your camp rations with some snacks, treat yourself to a game drive or buy some drinks at the local lodge on your rest days. Please note that the organising of game drives is not guaranteed, as local operators are sometimes booked out with in-house guests.

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When you arrive in Lusaka, there will be an opportunity for you to change money and visit a supermarket. To give you an idea of costs, the average cost of lunch at a local lodge is $11.50, while a CocaCola is typically around $1.

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The local currency in Zambia is the Kwacha, which can only be procured within Zambia. Therefore, it is best to bring large denominations (which get better exchange rates) of US Dollars, GBP or Euro and get these changed in Lusaka. There are plenty of Currency Exchange Locations in the malls in Lusaka that usually have better exchange rates than the airport. Most shops, restaurants, hotels and supermarkets accept credit cards. If you are carrying US Dollars, please ensure that they are dated at least in the year 2000 as anything in the 1990s is very difficult to exchange.

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We request that you bring USD 100 with you as a medical deposit, which should be kept in hand and used in the event of you requiring any medical attention whilst in the field. If used, this money can later be claimed back from your insurer.

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