VOLUNTEER
Do you have a passion for conservation? Are you looking to gain hands-on experience in animal husbandry, data collection, and wildlife rehabilitation? Are you ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure? Our volunteer programme is designed for you!
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Join GRI and make a real impact. Discover Zambia’s National Parks, observe elephant behaviour, connect with like-minded individuals, and share stories around a campfire – all amidst the beauty of African wildlife.
A Location-Focused Experience
Our volunteer programme is designed to give participants a deeper, more immersive experience. Volunteers spend extended time in a specific location, becoming a true part of the GRI team.
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​With a maximum of just four volunteers per placement, this is an intimate and highly personalised opportunity – you’ll never feel like a number. Instead, you’ll work closely with our dedicated conservation staff and gain authentic, hands-on experience.
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While the primary focus is on biodiversity studies and wildlife rescue, participants also gain exposure to other areas of our work. The role offers real responsibility and independence: once trained, volunteers contribute directly to ongoing conservation efforts, supported by a dedicated Volunteer Supervisor.
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What Do Volunteers Do?
GRI Volunteers play a vital role in the daily care, rehabilitation, education, and conservation work that help orphaned elephants return to the wild. Below is a snapshot of the kinds of tasks and experiences you might expect:
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Elephant care & husbandry — preparing special milk formulas, assisting with feeding, bathing, and health checks under supervision
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Enrichment & socialization — creating and delivering enrichment activities, helping young elephants develop natural behaviours, social interaction, and confidence
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Monitoring & observations — recording behaviour, monitoring for signs of stress or illness, contributing to daily logs and veterinary records
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Habitat maintenance — clearing or maintaining paths, fences, shade structures, and vegetation in and around elephant enclosures or release zones
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Release support (Kafue only) — preparing elephants for transition, monitoring movements, supporting adaptation as they begin exploring more freely
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Community outreach & education — helping run visitor programs or educational sessions, engaging with schools or guests to raise awareness
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General camp support — assisting with cleaning enclosures, food prep, water management, and upkeep of volunteer living spaces
Explore our Volunteer Handbook and start planning your conservation journey!
Choose the Base and Length of Stay
Lusaka National Park
Base yourself at the Elephant Nursery, where the youngest orphans receive specialist care. Here you’ll also find the Wildlife Discovery Centre, an inspiring hub for education and awareness, and the rare opportunity to see two breeding white rhino.
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Kafue National Park
Stay at the Elephant Release Facility, where older orphans take their final steps toward independence. Immersed in the wild, you’ll witness elephants learning to roam free once more, alongside iconic species such as lion, leopard, wild dog, hippo, and countless birdlife.
Volunteers can choose both their location and the length of their placement, with flexible options to suit your availability and interests. Each base offers a unique opportunity to engage with different stages of wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation.
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7 Nights – Lusaka National Park
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15 Nights – Lusaka National Park OR Kafue National Park
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21 Nights – Lusaka National Park OR Kafue National Park
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28 Nights – Kafue National Park
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21 Nights Combination – split between both Lusaka National Park OR Kafue National Park
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
Programme Fees
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Accommodation – Comfortable safari-style tents within the park, with access to communal hot showers and shared facilities.
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All meals – Nutritious, home-style cooking (vegetarian options available)
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In-country transfers – Pick-up and drop-off in Lusaka, plus travel to/from your chosen site
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Training & supervision – Orientation and ongoing guidance from your Volunteer Supervisor and GRI conservation staff
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Hands-on experience – Opportunities to assist with animal husbandry, biodiversity monitoring, and rehabilitation work
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Park access – Live and work inside Zambia’s National Parks, with opportunities to observe wildlife daily
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Cultural immersion – Learn about Zambia’s heritage, join community activities where available, and connect with local staff
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24/7 support – On-site team support for safety, logistics, and wellbeing throughout your stay
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GRI Volunteer T-shirt – A special keepsake and practical uniform for your time in the field
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Exclusive group size – Maximum of four volunteers per placement, ensuring a personalised experience and close connection with the GRI team.
​Prices range from £700pp to £3,075pp, depending on the length and location chosen. All fees include:
Travel
All placements begin and end in Lusaka, Zambia’s capital, ensuring smooth arrivals and departures. Please note that programme fees do not include:
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International flights to Lusaka
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Entry visa fees
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Travel/medical insurance
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Personal spending (souvenirs, leisure trips, extra snacks, etc.)
This is more than volunteering – it’s a chance to live and work alongside conservation professionals, gaining skills, knowledge, and memories to last a lifetime.
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Apply now to become a GRI volunteer and be part of Zambia’s conservation story!
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
