Volunteer Projects in Zambia with African Impact

Name: Volunteer Projects in Zambia with African Impact
Brand: African Impact
SKU: 22329
Rating: 4.95 (64 reviews)

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4.95 Rating

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Location

Zambia
- Livingstone

Length

1 week

Project Types

Childcare Community Development Building Projects Service Learning Social Services Sports Youth Education Teaching Health Education Health Sexual Health Medical Women's Rights +4

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Program Details

Language

English

Age Min.

Timeframe

Short Term Spring Break Summer Winter Year Round

Housing

Hostel

Groups

Small Group (1-15) Medium Group (16-30) Large Group (31+)

Travel Type

Budget Family Older Travelers Solo Women

Pricing

Starting Price

1295

Price Details

The price reflects a 10-day placement inclusive of accommodation, meals, mentorship and training, support, and transfers. For a full list, chat to us!

What's Included

Accommodation Airport Transfers Equipment Meals Transportation Wifi

What's Not Included

Activities Airfare Domestic Airfare SIM cards Travel Insurance Visa

Last Updated: Mar 03, 2023

Last Reviewed: Sep 20, 2023

Wish List

39 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Livingstone, Zambia is a beautiful, rural town that many call “the real Africa.” Just a stone’s throw away from one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World – Victoria Falls – Livingstone is the ultimate playground for those who love adventure sports, wildlife, and the great outdoors.

There are many national parks where you can observe lions, rhinos, hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and giraffes, and often, we spot some of these animals along the road on our way to project!

Working closely with the African Impact Foundation, our Zambia volunteer programs focus on empowering, educating, and enriching Zambian citizens. As a Zambia volunteer, your work will be integral to uplifting locals in sustainable and measurable ways. We currently offer volunteer programs in Zambia in the following areas: Medical Volunteering, Teaching, Environmental Sustainability, Sports Coaching, and Female Empowerment.

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Video and Photos

Visit Victoria Falls when volunteering in Zambia

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Program Highlights

Bring a fun, creative, and dynamic approach to delivering sport lessons to children of primary school age
Be immersed into the community and help to empower and influence all ages with a sense of self-worth
Observe progression, improved skills, and confidence amongst the local children first hand
Teach lessons on physical health and general life skills at schools, focusing on issues like hygiene, nutrition, communication, and teamwork
Visit the majestic Victoria Falls, also known as “The Smoke that Thunders” and enjoy some of the amazing tourist activities that Livingstone has to offer

Program Impact

Our programs in Zambia offer volunteers various opportunities to get involved in community projects, from supporting gender equality initiatives to promoting environmental sustainability. Working closely with local community members, African Impact staff, and fellow volunteers, you’ll make a difference in tackling the intense developmental issues Zambians face each day.

Program Reviews

4.95 Rating

based on 64 reviews

Leave a Review

Rating Spread Volunteer

5 rating 96.88%
4 rating 1.56%
3 rating 1.56%
2 rating 0%
1 rating 0%

Impact 4.75
Support 5
Fun 4.85
Value 4.65
Safety 4.9

Good for Solo Travelers, Students, Adventure travelers

Showing 1 - 8 of 64 reviews

Unique experience: beautiful people, lovely place, one in a life experience
I have loved Everything
You can do a lot of different things: Victoria falls, chobe, booze cruise, zipline
A lot of different project: teaching, environment, medical.
Not just person but family, new sister and brother: Very kind people.
There is no I in a team!!!!!!! It was beautiful to have the opportunities to partecipate in a lot of project.
We always Wake early but with a big smile: love for ever the African Impact family

Pros

Childcare
Litter picket
Healtcare

I expected this to be a great experience but the reality surpassed my expectations, I loved the children, the people, the staff, everything. I called this place home for 3 weeks, and these people family.
If you’ll come here just don’t overthink, be open to changes and enjoy. You come here thinking to help others, but you also help yourself growing. I have really had the time of my life, the greatest experiences and I made true friendships. I will miss this place so much. If you can, come here!!!

Pros

Children
People
Safari

I had the best time in Livingstone on the teaching project. You can connect with the students and really see them get better. Also the connection with the community is cool. The house and the staff is amazing. Love these people! They will make you feel at home and the after project activities are amazing. Together you will make a difference in the community. Together you can make a amazing experience for everyone. If your are doubting just do it, it’s gonna be amazing and you will have the time of your life!

Pros

Meeting new people
Experience a new country
Development for yourself

This experience is one of a kind. The people, the placement and the projects! I was volunteering in Livingstone with AI a year ago, but had the chance to come back here once more and I absolutely loved it. I truly am grateful for every moment spent here. Everyone is super welcoming, so encouraging and full of warmth. The projects are well organized and you'll get all support needed to be in your comfort zone. Being able to teach the kids, for the small amount of time I could, at the teaching project has given me so much more in return than I could ever imagine. The time just flies by here with projects during the days, social gatherings in the evenings and weekends full of opportunities for different activities. I made memories that will last me a lifetime and that I dearly will hold on to. Thank you<3

Pros

Building new friendships
Rewarding work
New perspectives

Really great experience, I only have positive things to say and really recommend it!

It was really interesting to teach the children as they were very happy and eager to learn. I got great support from school staff and African Impact staff as well.

Accomodation and food was really good and above my expectations.

The staff at the accomodation helped arrange trips and activities that me and the other volonteers did on the weekend such as safari, bungee, and flying over the Victoria Falls.

In sum, a great experience!

This experience was incredible! Getting to know such amazing children and to get the opportunity to be a part in their life for a short time was incredible to me. I will forever cherish everything that they taught me and be grateful for this time! The work-days were perfectly put together with teaching, breaks, other activities and social happenings in the evenings! And being in such a beautiful town, it was easy to find something fun and cool to do on the weekdays! I did Angels pool, The Elephant Cafe, Rhino Walk and overnight safari in Chobe, Botswana!

Compared to my expectations it was very safe, clean and comfortable stay at the Backpackers and the city itself!

I had a lot of fun and made awesome memories that I will cherish forever. I would recommend doing a project ant African Impact in Livingstone to absolutely everyone!

Pros

The social
greater understanding of other part of the world
Also a great tourist destination

The experience was life changing, the people made the trip special, and the location is breathtaking. The trip as a whole was amazing but I felt that at times my specific project failed to reach its potential. It felt lacking at times due to the limitations we were dealing with. These limitations included time we spent actually building, the tools we had available to us while building, and the building methods that we were using. I understand that improvements cost money and effort, but I feel that with a small amount of change a large impact could be created.

Pros

Really wonderful people
Great scenery
Contributes to personal growth

Cons

Expensive for students

Response from African Impact

Thank you very much for your feedback Ben, it is great to hear you would recommend the experience for others and that you experienced personal growth. Our meeting with you in Zambia was also very useful and as discussed, we are taking your suggestions onboard as to what changes can be implemented. Thanks for your contribution and helping us to improve the project for future volunteers and therefore increase the impact we make every day.

By African Impact on January 6, 2023

I had the best time during my two week volunteering in Zambia. First of all the backpackers hostel felt like coming home after going on project. There’s enough space to chill with the other volunteers and to unwind. The staff is extremly welcoming and kind, they make you feel comfortable. There’s an atmosphere of positivity only. Going on project is a plaisure. I felt safe every moment. You are encouraged but not forced to do things out of your comfort zone. Everyone you help is grateful and you get a lot of satisfaction from even the smallest things you do. This was an amazing experience that has encouraged me to go further with this.

Pros

Getting to know lots of new people
Close contact with the local population
Time to discover the beauty of the country

Cons

Expensive
Little local food at the hostel

Questions & Answers

Do you work with giraffes?

Hi Corky, Unfortunately we don't work with giraffes in Zambia. However, we do a lot of work with wild animals in South Africa. In fact, we run a Wildlife and Field Research Internship in the Greater Kruger Area that could see you researching and spending time collecting data on wild giraffe populations. We're here to help if you need anything, so do feel free to make an enquiry and we will get...

By African Impact on February 13, 2019

Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Why did you choose this program?

African Impact was initially recommended by a friend, and once I started reading up about the Sports and Community Development Project and the flexibility it offered, it sounded perfect. I have always wanted to volunteer overseas and travel to Africa, and this project allowed me to do both. I could draw on my skills and knowledge as someone who loves sport, and then spend some time being a tourist in Africa, admiring the beautiful Victoria Falls.

The website also indicated that I could choose from a variety of activities every afternoon – reading, maths, art clubs, construction work, or “getting your hands dirty at our organic farms." A final reason I chose this program was because I intended to travel with my boyfriend, and having this variety and flexibility in what activities we could choose suited our situation.

What did your program provider assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

African Impact (AI) made sure to keep me updated and provided all the information I needed. This included information about the area, my arrival, the projects, and daily schedule I'll be following, the necessary vaccinations, what to pack, and how to arrange my Visa. AI organized my transfers to and from the airport, provided accommodation throughout my stay, and provided three meals a day Monday to Friday.

I had to organize flights and travel insurance, and although AI provided the information, it was up to me to get my vaccinations and have my Visa approved.

View Entire Interview

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

I wish I was there longer than three weeks! You spend the first week getting your bearings and getting to know the staff and volunteers. On the second week, you start planning/leading your own lessons and building friendships with the kids and other volunteers. By the third week, you're getting to know the locals, trying their food, and thinking of ways to contribute longer term to the program and community.

I also wish I thought about lessons I could have prepared for and taught either the Girl Impact or Women's Group. There's limited resources (printing, laminating, etc.) once you're over there so it's easier to prepare and bring material over with you especially if you want to give hand-outs. It will also save you from drawing it up once you're there.

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

An average day while I was there looked a little different because I was volunteering during their school holidays, but I am so glad I did! A day looked a little like this…

7:00 AM: Wake up, shower, have breakfast (a selection of toast, cereal and something hot like pancakes!)
7:45 AM: Leave for morning activity. Everyone leaves around the same time but goes to different locations. I was on the teaching/sports project, and we were trusted to plan and run our lessons each day.
8:00 AM: We'd arrive at the school and play with the kids. As it was school holidays, any kid from any school could join in so the number of kids varied day to day, but we would have up to 70 at times! We would eventually split the kids into years 1-3 and 4-6. Splitting the kids up made it a lot easier to handle, and allowed both the teaching and sport volunteers to plan their lessons around the expected education/skill level of that group. Half the kids would go inside with the teachers, and half would stay outside to do sport. We would warm up, play games, and focus on a different sport each week such as football, frisbee, and rugby. We'd swap around at 9:45 AM.
11:00 AM: Back in the van to regroup with the rest of the volunteers back at the accommodation for lunch. Lunch could be anything from burgers and chips, to grilled cheese sandwiches and salad, pizza, or wraps! Some people would pop down to the shops to get some snacks or drinks but most of us would hang around (or in) the pool for the afternoon.
1:45 PM: Back on project, everyone would do something different everyday in the afternoon. This ranged from reading, maths, girls tag league, visiting old peoples’ home, adult literacy, farming, Girl Iimpact focusing on Year 6 girls, and more. I loved this because it meant you were always working with different volunteers and seeing a new area of Livingstone.
4:00 PM: We were finished for the day and would again hang out around/in the pool or go up to the markets to haggle for some souvenirs, or have clothes made for us using material we chose.
6:00 PM: Right before dinner, we would prep for the morning activities and then all sit down and have dinner together. I really liked meal time because the wifi couldn't reach where we ate so it meant we all sat without our phones and had proper conversations every meal.

After dinner, there would be group activities such as movie nights, going to watch the sunset, trivia nights, or even beer pong competitions on a Friday.

On Saturday and Sunday, most volunteers tried to fit in as many touristy activities as they could, and being in Livingstone, there was a lot to choose from! Most volunteers would organize something with each other so you were never alone.

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?

My biggest fear was not making friends. However, as soon as I arrived at the airport and met four other people that AI were also picking up, my fear was immediately overcome. I knew I was in for a good time, and meeting those volunteers and hearing they were from all over the world got me even more excited for all the friends I was about to make.

How do you think you made the biggest impact?

During morning project, we would have kids come up to us carrying their younger siblings. I felt I made the biggest impact when I offered to take care of the younger siblings so they could join in with the sport program. Their faces would instantly light up, and it was just a really nice moment to let them run around, play games, and “be a kid”!

Ian Patrick Ramsay

2018 Alum

Kristen Shirley

Izabela Forys

Libby Scott

2014 Alum

Marissa Sutera

2013 Alum

Anthony Sandre

Christos Habachy

Kayla Freemantle

Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

What is your role at African Impact? What inspired you to join them?

Amanda: I am the Business Manager for the African Impact projects at Thanda Private Game Reserve. Following redundancy in the UK in 2009 I visited Zimbabwe to join African Impact’s lion rehabilitation volunteer program at Antelope Park in 2010. It took less than a month in Africa before I fell in love with the continent and returned to travel 6 months later.

I joined the African Impact Thanda team in March 2011 as I wanted to experience working on a Game Reserve, but also to help volunteers have a great experience like I did in 2010!

What do you enjoy most as far as your role?

Amanda: Meeting volunteers from all over the world. Each brings some great new ideas to the group.

What is your favorite story of a volunteer's experience with African Impact in South Africa?

Amanda: I have no real favorite stories (there are too many!). But what I love most is to see volunteers’ faces on their first ever game drive in the reserve - and when they spot their first wild animals. Their faces light up like it’s Christmas and all their dreams have all come true!

What should every volunteer considering South Africa know?

Amanda: Volunteers should consider the best time of year for them to visit the projects. Game viewing in easier in winter than it is in summer, with less foliage and coverage for the animals to hide behind. However, it can also get very cold in the early mornings and late evenings. Summer, whilst lovely and hot with beautiful greenery, can see quite heavy rains.

Also, spiders and snakes become more active in the summertime. At the beginning of the year you will have a chance to see newborn antelope and other young animals. The local people in KwaZulu-Natal have a vibrant culture with amazing customs, and their laughter is infectious!

Sights not to be missed in KwaZulu-Natal include the Drakensberg Mountains, the heritage site iSimangaliso (for its hippos and different scenery including the second largest vegetated sand dune in the world!), and Tembe Elephant Park where you’ll find the largest tuskers in South Africa.

What tips/insights do you have for first-time volunteers abroad?

Amanda: Wear warm layers and always bring a beanie in winter. During summer don’t forget your sun cream, hats and mosquito repellant and always remember to drink lots of water to avoid dehydration in the hot African sun. Always carry a camera – you never know what you’ll see!

For ladies, if you are visiting a local community be respectful and wear a skirt below the knee.

About African Impact

African Impact pioneered responsible volunteer abroad travel in Africa back in 2004 and have since grown into the largest provider of volunteer projects on the continent. Proudly African, we work hand-in-hand with local communities to establish, develop and monitor initiatives that contribute to community empowerment and wildlife conservation. Our...

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Program Details

Pricing

Program Highlights

Response from African Impact

Alumni Interviews

Kathryn O'Halloran

Why did you choose this program?

What did your program provider assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?

How do you think you made the biggest impact?

Staff Interviews

Amanda Warren

What is your role at African Impact? What inspired you to join them?

What do you enjoy most as far as your role?

What is your favorite story of a volunteer's experience with African Impact in South Africa?

What should every volunteer considering South Africa know?

What tips/insights do you have for first-time volunteers abroad?