DIARY OF A
VOLUNTEER
IN ZAMBIA
Flora Stratchan
Photograph by Flora Stratchan
After my first experiences of
Zambia and Croc Valley Camp, I
soon settled into life in the African
bush. I began to know my daily duties
and learn the lay of the land; to
always say “hello, how are you?” and
to look out for insects or animals.
Daily duties included driving
the staff to and from the village,
picking up and dropping off the
safari guides, client hosting and
helping out with the bar/kitchen. I
learnt quickly to love this camp. As
one of the best value camps in the
valley, it welcomes backpackers and
camping as well as having the luxury
chalets and tents. It is continually
bursting with a variety of guests all
with different ages and backgrounds.
The mix of guests made for an
interesting working experience as
they all bought their individual ways
and stories.The camp always had a
relaxed and happy atmosphere – one
that I will be sure to miss.
The workers in the camp were
those who made the camp the place
it was. Continually happy and joking,
they were willing to turn their hand
at anything. Nothing is too much
and nothing causes a frown. Having
spent three months with this team,
I am lucky that we made such good
friends and saw everyone’s different
personalities. They were all so
welcoming to a newcomer in a new
16
TRAVEL & LEISURE ZAMBIA
This is Am
y,
and strange place. I will miss those
who call a beanie hat a “head sock”
or who call you “madam” even if you
insist they are allowed to use your
name!
Not only did I learn my duties,
I also got used to the ways of the
country. I realised that power cuts
were normal and actually used to
relish in them. For the day or the
brief few moments everything is cut
off, all Wi-Fi communication is taken
away and you can relax in the pure
remoteness. Gone is the hum of the
fridges, replaced by the undisturbed
sound of birds with no outside world
peering in.
I love that camp. The owner
gave me a chance to have my first
experience of Africa, to get to know
the African Bush. He allowed me
to experience the wild animals, the
my fellow
vo
lunteer, dr
iving the
staff to M
fuwe villag
e.
40 degree intense heat and the
beauty of South Luangwa. The camp
sits on the Luangwa River with the
bar and tents having a river view
which, depending on the season,
means they are the silent witness to
the changing water levels and the
continuously moving cycle of nature.
I learnt that Croc Valley Camp
is a wonderful place which has
everything you need. It may be low
cost; butit is huge valley for money.
The food is good and the atmosphere
is relaxed – a perfect place for
everyone. I especially found that
with the variety of guests, there
never was a boring day. The camp
itself is also very wildlife conscious
having a hippo proof pool. It was a
pleasure to live there and I will be
rushing back –if they will have me!
TL
Z