Location
  • Zambia
    • Livingstone
Length
1 to 16 weeks

Program Details

Language
English
Timeframe
Short Term Spring Break Summer Winter Year Round
Housing
Guesthouse
Groups
Small Group (1-15)
Travel Type
Budget Family Older Travelers Solo Women

Pricing

Starting Price
385
Price Details
Fully hosted experience from only $385 for 1 week - this includes accommodation, meals, airport pick-up, orientation and 24/7 in-country support.
What's Included
Accommodation Some Activities Airport Transfers Meals
What's Not Included
Airfare Travel Insurance Visa
May 04, 2023
Apr 05, 2024
18 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Trusted by 125,000+ volunteers, IVHQ offers the world's #1 rated volunteer programs in Zambia and 50+ destinations worldwide.

For the past 5 years, we've won the "Top Volunteer Abroad Provider Award" from GoOverseas, so you can trust that you're in the safest hands with IVHQ in Zambia.

Our affordable projects start from $22/day for your accommodation, meals, airport pick-up, project placement and local support. Projects run year-round, with durations from 1-16 weeks. Choose from 6 projects, ranging from Elderly Care to Kindergarten in Livingstone, which is a hub for travelers visiting Victoria Falls and the surrounding National Parks. Plus, you’ll stay with other like-minded, impact-focused travelers from around the world (private room options available).

With IVHQ’s superior pre-departure support services, you’ll gain exclusive access to your own Volunteer Travel Specialist, comprehensive preparation tools and volunteer training before you leave home.

Video and Photos

Program Highlights

  • Cheapest volunteer programs from $22/day for your accommodation, meals, airport pick-up, project placement & local support.
  • Volunteer for 1-16 weeks, year round start dates most Mondays.
  • 15+ years experience & only B Corp certified volunteer travel organization.
  • Get free changes up to 14 days before you start with our flexible booking policy.
  • Affordable way to earn college credit - gain 5 credits for only US$500!

Popular Programs

Childcare in Zambia with IVHQ

If you’re looking for a teaching project in Africa that goes beyond the ordinary, then the Rural Teaching project in Zambia is exactly what you’re after. This is an immersive volunteer experience where you’ll be based in a Zambian village, getting a unique insight into African life while making a real difference in the education of children.

Medical volunteering in Zambia with IVHQ

Shadow local medical professionals and gain an understanding of Zambia's healthcare system. Placements are dependent on your skillset, and could include laboratory testing, pharmacy, maternity, gynecology and family planning, optometry, HIV/AIDS, nutrition and pediatrics.

Volunteer in Zambia with IVHQ

Help local builders with hands-on work to build and improve community centers, toilet facilities and schools in poor communities where labor is often hard to find. If you are someone who enjoys being outdoors and has a good level of fitness and a willingness to learn, this is the perfect project for you.

Program Reviews

5.00 Rating
based on 43 reviews
  • 5 rating 100%
  • 4 rating 0%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Impact 4.85
  • Support 5
  • Fun 4.85
  • Value 4.8
  • Safety 4.95
Showing 1 - 8 of 43 reviews
Default avatar
Sven
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Well-planned, safe and overall great experience

IVHQ supported me in planning and executing my volunteer stay in a very professional way. The whole journey started with research on IVHQ's informative website. Planning was supported by a helpful phone call and a very structured and transparent process from registration via required admin work up to the point of departure and pick-up at the airport in Zambia. From the early start, IVHQ appeared as a competent and trustful partner and its staff was always available to address questions quickly and to the point. The local team was nice and supported in a pragmatic way to prepare my first teaching session at a local school. They assisted me in getting local currency, a local SIM card and provided me helpful information on when and where exactly to start, what to consider in terms of culture and what options there are in my free time such as additional optional volunteering activities and excursions. It was easy and straightforward to add another night after my volunteering time was over and on the last day, I could even do a late check-out without additional costs. The whole experience was overall well-planned, well-supported and it felt safe and comfortable. Well-done, insightful, fantastic memories and absolutely recommendable!

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
I would make my stay longer to have a greater impact and to implement the learnings of the first days more effectively. Moreover, I would bring more non-monetary school donations (especially pens, English books, sharpener, eraser), as they are really scarce in local schools.
Pros
  • Do something good for the society, where it is needed
  • Enhance your personal horizon with teaching experience in a completely new setting
  • Experience Africa in an authentic and comparatively safe way
Cons
  • A significant financial commitment is required (flights, program fees, other costs)
  • Constraints in life standard (no aircon, basic sanitary facilities, limited food offering)
  • Certain people might be (temporarily) affected by the diet, heat and mosquitoes
6 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Aoife
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Zambia 2023

It was the most amazing trip I have ever been on. I decided to go in may of 2023 and started my trip in July. I met so many people during my time in zambia. I have kept in touch with almost everyone I met whilst there. I will planning a trip back to Zambia in 2024. I cannot say one bad thing about my time there I loved every minute of it. I got to go on a safari whilst I was over in Zambia , got to see the Victoria falls waterfall. There is so much to do in Livingstone it’s the most amazing country I have been too.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Book the trip.
Go solo, go with a friend, family member. Doesn’t matter, you will meet so many amazing people in the volunteer house and the people of Zambia. You will not regret your decision. It has been the most amazing thing I’ve ever done. The people I have met during my time in Zambia have touched my heart forever.
Pros
  • Adventure
  • Culture
  • People
19 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Saki
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing experience

The local staff at the volunteer house and school were all friendly and welcoming to us. All experience that I had was very smooth and well organised. The food at the volunteer house was delicious too. They cleaned the accommodation every day so that we didn’t get sick. All tourist spots are close by so you can enjoy your afternoon or weekend. I didn’t feel unsafe as I always go out with other volunteers and the taxi drivers that the local staff recommended were all very reliable and friendly. The office staff supported me when I needed it and gave me useful tips too. A great experience! I would recommend staying at least 2 weeks!

Pros
  • Location
  • Staff
  • Food
Cons
  • Total cost
37 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Angelo
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The best volunteering experience I could ever expect

I recently had the incredible opportunity to volunteer with IVHQ and I can't express enough how fantastic my experience was. From start to finish, IVHQ exceeded my expectations in every way, making it a truly unforgettable adventure.
One of the standout aspects of IVHQ is the level of support and guidance they provide to their volunteers: before embarking on my journey, I received a comprehensive set of pre-departure guides and information, which not only prepared me for the practical aspects of volunteering but also deepened my understanding of the community and the project I would be working on. This was invaluable in increasing my awareness and readiness for the volunteer experience.
IVHQ also excels in offering a wide range of destinations and diverse projects. This allows volunteers to select a program that aligns perfectly with their interests and skills, empowering them to make a meaningful and lasting impact by participating in projects that resonate with them. This allows volunteers also to contribute positively to the long-term development of the volunteer program.
Moreover, IVHQ's strong connections with local organizations are a game-changer for volunteers. These connections provide an immersive cultural experience that goes beyond the typical tourist experience. I had the privilege of getting to know locals and fellow volunteers, forming lasting connections and friendships that made my journey unique. Thanks to IVHQ, I not only had a positive impact on the volunteer program but also gained a deeper understanding of a new culture and formed connections that will last.
I truly recommend IVHQ for anyone looking to make a difference while having an incredible travel experience.

Pros
  • Support during each step of your trip
  • Immersive cultural experience and amazing places
  • Concretely helpful and Long-term oriented programs where the volunteer can truly have a positive impact
39 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
LUCY
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The best experience volunteering with IVHQ!

I volunteered in Livingstone, Zambia with IVHQ whilst on a gap year. I volunteered in a local primary and pre-primary school called Jolly Jemima and it was the best experience. I was out there for two weeks in total and wish I could have been there for longer. IVHQ was such a great organisation to use as they were so supportive throughout all of my preparation process. I was able to contact the project leader, Marianna whenever I needed and she was always quick to respond whether I was asking about visas or supplies to take she always had the answer. Before going I had to complete some volunteer training designed by IVHQ which was so useful, it covered matters such as not going with any assumptions, going with an open mind in order to help settle in and embrace a new culture. They also discussed respect within the community which is so key to ensure all volunteers feel welcome and a part of the community. Once out there I received emails from Marianna to check I was okay and had settled in well which was very comforting.
During the week I volunteered at the school and then on the weekends we had free time. IVHQ recommended activities for us which was really helpful as there are so many out in Livingstone due to the Victoria Falls and wildlife. All the activities they recommend are environmentally friendly projects and ensure no harm comes to the animals they are working with.
I would highly recommend using IVHQ for volunteering, they have volunteer projects all over the world. I also strongly felt that they are working with communities around the world that want the support rather than imposing support on communities, acting as though those communities needed help. I was there to assist in the schools, to help the teachers with lessons, playtimes or feeding times but I was also there to learn. The teaching methods were different but that didn't mean they were wrong it was just another way to do it, and it was clearly working with the children.
I am already aiming to save and fundraise in order to go back next year in the summer!

Pros
  • an organisation that works with communities who want support rather than imposing support on them
  • have locals running the volunteer houses so you really are surrounded by the culture of a place
  • very well organised and supportive, always people on hand for you to contact before and during your program
52 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Steve
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Teaching in Zambia

For my first such volunteer trip, IVHQ were superb in providing all the information I'd need to prepare me for the trip of a lifetime!

The Project Supervisor and the my local contact in Zambia were always on hand to answer any further questions I had to ensure that I always felt supported with the information I needed.

My project itself could not have been better! I thoroughly enjoyed my working experience and also had plenty of time to explore the local cultural and natural treasures. I was able to make many friends from both the school and the other volunteers, where I have made some friends for life!

Pros
  • Opportunities to see the wildlife in Africa
  • great support before, during and after my trip
  • easy to navigate website to ensure total preparation
Cons
  • Preparation points could have been time scaled so one could prioritize checklist
72 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Milena
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Super med project in Zambia

I am Milena from Italy and I made 2 weeks of medical volunteer in Zambia in maramba clinic and it was an amazing experience. If I have to choose again a project I would choose this one with ivhq volunteer project.
The organization let you feel at your home with a lot of friends, opportunities, learning that never stop. The medical project was amazing, in the clinic the let me do a lot of things on my own and I felt part of the team since the first day!
If you have to change an organization go with ivhq and you will remember your time with them for all your life!

Pros
  • Learn
  • Do
  • Share
85 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Sarah
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Lifechanging experience in Zambia

My experience on the Medical mission in Zambia is truly amazing
I can't even begin to describe this life changing trip !
The volunteering at the clinic was really hands on, and I learnt sooo much from the staff there, they were so involved and made sure we learnt as much as we could, helped as much as possible and let us feel welcomed ! I met amazing people there from whom I am so grateful for everything !!!
This trip also allowed me to meet other volunteers from all around the world !! I made lifelongs friendships there, and I will always sherish the memories we made together in this adventure !!!
Now the accommodation house was amazing !!! The staff and host were absolutely welcoming, always available for ANY questions or request we had !!! There were always in a cheerful mood, and made sure everything went well for each every one of us !!! I can't thank them enough !!
Finally, Zambia is a beautiful country, the landscapes, the People, the culture are absolutely breathtaking ❤️
I would recommend this experience to anyone without a single hésitation, it was my first solo trip in volunteering, and never have I felt insecure or lost, IVHQ makes sure everything is well organised and guides you all the way !!!
So yes, this is a unique experience that makes you grow, learn, evolve as à person like nothing else, and I would recommend it right away to anyone with the will to help, discover, learn and travel !!!

Pros
  • Real Hands on experience at the clinic
  • Making lifelong friendhips with amazing volunteers
  • Discover a wonderful country, with a beautiful culture, magnificient landscapes
Cons
  • Some challenges with food, very local so it is hard to adjust haha but it is also part of the experience !!
  • I can't find others !!!
77 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers