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: Aug 17, 2023

Wish List

43 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 9 - 16 of 64 reviews

I spent four weeks in Zambia with African Impact and I loved every second of it. I made friends from all over the world and experienced the incredible Zambian culture. I did the NGO Internship where I saw to completing the weekly reports, data collection, lesson planning and teaching/presenting. It has really given me an insight into the behind-the-scenes work done at a non-profit organisation. On the weekends, we had free time and I did filled it with activities such as: a night trip in Chobe National Safari Park in Botsawana, bungee jumping in Victoria Falls, white water rafting and seeing the lunar rainbow at the Falls. I would highly recommend African Impact to everyone!!

Pros

The work is rewarding
Friendships
Staff are lovely

My overall experience with African Impact is very good. From the beginning on, communication has been really easy. All the questions I had were answered within one working day. When arriving at the airport and at backpackers, everyone (the crew and volunteers) made me feel so welcome! I loved that! I had a great time living with so many people under one roof and enjoyed having diner together and spending our free time together. About diner: I loved most of the dishes the ladies made for us, but I expected more local food (like multiple times a week shima but then maybe with different vegetables/meat).
The weekend activities were amazing! I loved Chobe safari and the rhino walk.
The medical project had its pros and cons. Pro: I got to meet so many local people, take care of their wounds, help them with the limited materials we had, …
Con: you’re only on medical project for +/- 2 hours a day, which I think is too little.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Livingstone, Zambia. From projects to evening activities and weekend activities everything was organised so efficiently. I feel I had the opportunity to use my skills and build new ones. I met people from all over the world and have made friendships for life. We were so warmly welcomed into communities with locals being so kind and greatful. The staff were always there for us offering great support. We stayed at the backpackers which provided a comfortable and safe place to relax. The food was always tasty and reliable.
I'm very greatful for this opportunity and all the wonderful people I met.

Pros

New friendships
New perspectives
Got to explore Zambia

Cons

My three weeks went so quickly!

The staff was so welcoming and very energetic! This place lets you be yourself from the moment you walk in. The food is amazing and the cooks are so caring. I never thought I would get an experience like this, but now I never want to leave. The friendships I have made here will last forever. Although the days were long, you were always having fun and having new experiences. There was still enough time to do other experiences outside of the projects but gave you friends to have those experiences with.

Pros

Making an impact
Learning about other culture
New friends from all over the world

Cons

People come and go

We had the most amazing experience at African Impact! Not only did I actually feel the impact the medical project that I was part of had in the communities but I made the most amazing memories! It also truly helped me realize what I want to do with my future. If I could go back today I would without any doubts! What made this experience so incredible was truly the people I had the opportunity to meet, especially the fellow volunteers and interns. I would absolutely recommend this program to anyone who would like to volunteer/intern in Zambia.

Pros

The staff and the fellow travellers
Endless opportunities
Organization and structure

I really enjoyed my time with Africa Impact in Zambia. It was great to experience the culture and the team in African impact really helped with this from hosting cultural dinner, to cultural talks and hosting a mock Zambian wedding. I really enjoyed helping on in the community and feeling like I made a difference even if it was small. As well as learning and getting involved in the Zambian culture it was a great experience to meet volunteers from around the world and learn about their cultures and traditions also.

Pros

Experiencing the Culture
Meeting people from around the world
Helping others

This was my first time volunteering overseas and I wasn't sure what to expect. My first day I was warmly welcomed and cheered by the volunteers and staff and felt quite at home almost immediately. The work ( home-based healthcare, clinic and community outreach) felt rewarding and appreciated, the local people were so warm and friendly and the accommodations beautiful and cozy. Weekends were filled with hiking at Victoria Falls, safari, dinners out, local shopping and hanging by the pool. Also the food was delicious! I left with a strong sense of community and much sadness. I wished I'd signed up for more time!

Pros

experiencing a culture so unlike my own
doing meaningful necessary work
being a part of a caring fun community

Cons

WiFi was definitely spotty

I had an amazing time here in Zambia volunteering with African impact! As I earlier have been volunteering with other organisations, I must say that AI was the best one yet :) The staff makes you feel like a part of this amazing family. Everyone is super friendly, helpful and encouraging. Loved my teaching experience here, not only at the main school I worked at but also at the different afternoon projects that we held as well.
If I could describe my experience as three main things, it would be: super organised, lovely people and helped me grow <3

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?

Because I’m not a teacher by profession just decided to do this on my gap year I must say: teaching fully packed classes in different subjects by myself. I quickly realised it was about confidence and feeling comfortable. The staff and fellow volunteers helped me greatly with that and it quickly became one of the best experiences ever! So yeah maybe that if you don’t count the bungee jump at Victoria Falls… ;)

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 Warren

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...

Program Details

Pricing

Program Highlights

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?