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 01, 2024
Mar 09, 2025
21 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Trusted by 136,000+ volunteers, IVHQ offers the world's #1 rated volunteer programs in Zambia and 50+ destinations worldwide.

For the past 6 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 46 reviews
  • 5 rating 100%
  • 4 rating 0%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Impact 4.85
  • Support 5
  • Fun 4.9
  • Value 4.8
  • Safety 4.95
Showing 17 - 24 of 46 reviews
Default avatar
Briell
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best Experience!

I volunteered in Zambia for 2 weeks in the teaching program. it was the best experience I have ever had. I wish I could have stayed longer because the people of Zambia are the kindest people. If you do a program in Zambia you will stay at the sunbird guest house, the staff there are so friendly the treat you like family! A bonus is there are many things to do in Livingstone as well. Signing up for my volunteer trip was super easy as well and they make everything user friendly and put everything in good detail.Once you sign up you will be given someone who will help through the whole process so if you ever have any questions they will answer them it was nice.

99 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Merve
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

South Africa

South Africa.. Currently between 2 flights to home, already had tears multiple times. Deciding to come to South Africa was for one specific reason but not many people knew. It has been the best decision i have ever made ❤️ -

I signed up a volunteer program called Dreams to Reality less than a year with this program I was able to spread love with the kids who has seen violence;lost what they have or never experienced love and more.. Each of them has their own stories. This program brought me so much more than I expected, made me realize appreciate little things even more.. Filled my heart like it has never filled this way.. Their pure love, friendliness, without knowing me; running to me, jumping on me, hugging me.. hearing my name or calling me "teacher" multiple times over 25 kids was so magical. Also; All the people I met at this program has made my every each day during my stay. I already can't wait to be back to South Africa. ❤️

95 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Cora Leigh
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Kindergarten Project South Africa

I had an amazing experience volunteering in South Africa with my husband ! We learned so much about the culture and really enjoyed our time at the school. The children were so sweet and loving. We immediately connected with them and the other volunteers. It felt like family immediately. It was amazing to see all the volunteers from around the world coming together to provide support for this community. I would go back again in a heart beat! Learning about a new culture and experiencing opened up so much inspiration for me. I’m so happy I went they were memories for a lifetime !

What would you improve about this program?
Safety. Definitely knowing how to handle yourself around sick children and bringing antibacterial soup and washing hands every hour.
89 people found this review helpful.
Read my full story
Default avatar
Kari
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best 4 weeks of my life

This was my first time volunteering and to say I was a little nervous is an understatement. But IVHQ was there with me every step of the way. They answered all my questions and made me feel at ease.

I volunteered in Muizenberg, South Africa for a month. I was apart of the the teaching program. It is the most rewarding thing I have done to date. The kids were a little shy at first but after a few days they opened right up. My teacher was so kind and understanding too. If there was anything I wasn't fully conformable doing all I had to do was let her know.

The local team, Dreams to Reality, took very good care of all of the volunteers. They helped us and showed up everything we needed to know and do. I felt like I was treated like family when I was there. I couldn't';t have asked for a better experience.

If I could change anything it would be to volunteer for longer then 4 weeks. The time went by so fast. All I did was blink and I was going home. I would volunteer with IVHQ again in a heartbeat.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
I would stay longer then 4 weeks. It went by to fast.
88 people found this review helpful.
Response from International Volunteer HQ - IVHQ

Hi Kari, thanks for your review of the Zambia program. I'm glad to hear you had a rewarding and enjoyable experience. The effort you put in to the teaching project is greatly appreciated. We look forward to having you volunteer with IVHQ again soon. ^ Stacey - IVHQ Zambia Program Manager

Default avatar
Joseph
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Zambia-Trip of a lifetime

A couple of months ago, I set off on a trip of a lifetime all thanks to IVHQ. Having only had one trip out of Europe in my life, this was a huge jump for my confidence, as well as being the undisputed highlight of my life let alone my gap year. Through IVHQ, I was able to volunteer in Zambia where I have made lifelong friends from all 4 corners of the globe. From USA, Mexico and Australia, even to the likes of Panama and Israel. The memories made with the local people of Livingstone and volunteers are ones that will stay with me for life. To wake up each day and have children depending on you as a teacher can be daunting but it's a challenge that is worth taking as the rewards are so worth it. I've had love letters aplenty from children and staff at my school, and it makes me feel truly appreciated for the effort that other volunteers and I put it. However, this is all thanks to IVHQ for their supportive and warm-welcoming staff to ensure the volunteers and school fits. Having fun whilst volunteering is also a possibility. From safaris and rhino walks to white-water-rafting and bungee jumping, there are an endless amount of opportunities for volunteers in Zambia. Perhaps you want to explore more of Zambia? This is possible on an 8 hour coach ride to Lusaka, the Zambian capital. It goes without saying that the picturesque Victoria Falls are well worth the visit, whilst countries such as Botswana and Zimbabwe are only a stones throw away. Additionally, there are plenty of ways to get involved in the community. Pub quizzes, homework clubs and soccer clubs are just three examples of how you can get involved in the wider community of Livingstone, helping both the young and the elderly. Ultimately, living and volunteering in Zambia has been the best experience I have ever had. All thanks to IVHQ, this was made entirely possible. If you're going to travel and volunteer, do it the IVHQ way.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
Crocodile Pizza, caterpillar, impala, nshima just to name a few. All really healthy and enjoyable though!
86 people found this review helpful.
Response from International Volunteer HQ - IVHQ

Hi Joseph, great that you took the plunge to join us in Zambia! Your review is very in-depth and is a great resource for future volunteers. Thanks so much for sharing! ^Stacey - IVHQ Zambia Program Manager

Default avatar
James
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

IVHQ Zambia: amazing experience

Incredible organisation who really look after their volunteers and ensure that their experience is as good as can possibly be. I spent 3 weeks in Zambia teaching and to say it was the best trip of my life is an understatement. The host house, the other volunteers, the country and the kids I was teaching were all amazing and I would encourage everyone to do something like this at some stage in their life. IVHQ ensures I was fully prepared for my program with online tasks and information and took care of everything for me in terms of arranging flights, airport transfers, accommodation and meals. A fantastic organisation and although I’m only home, I’m already planning my next volunteering experience with IVHQ for next year. Even as a solo traveller, you’ll make friends and experiences that will last a lifetime!

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
Definitely white water rafting one weekend. Words of advice: make sure you’re comfortable being uncomfortable in the raging water!
86 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Natalie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing time in zambia

It was an amazing time in zambia! I went for 4 weeks and ended up extending to 8 weeks. It was extremely safe and organized program. I was in a classroom that I absolutely loved, it’s a very flexible and beautiful place to travel too. Would 100% recommend this program for anyone who wants to travel to Africa, you won’t regret it! I never have had an expirience quite like this one, seeing Victoria falls in real life instead of a photograph was also so breathtaking. I definitely learned a lot during my trip and felt like I was truly helping these children at my placement which is always a good feeling. I imagine myself one day going back to zambia because I enjoyed it that much. I also went with my brother and he ended up extending to the 16 weeks!

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
When I did the devils pool activity! You get to be in the water of the Victoria falls and look over the edge was terrifying but thrilling and worth it.
66 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Baylee
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

You’ll LOVE Zambia with IVHQ

I traveled solo to Zambia with IVHQ as a post grad trip before starting my career. I traveled seeking purpose and meaning, and wow did I find it. Not only was I valued as a volunteer, but these children needed me, the staff needed me, and I made incredible friends along the way. I stayed for a short 2 weeks, and taught 4-6yr old boys and girls English and basic skills. The children greeted me with such warm hugs every morning and were eager to return to class the next day. The teaching experience was great, I helped occasionally with construction as their project was nearby, and the rest of the afternoon following lunch I was free to do anything in the area that I pleased. I was immersed into Zambia culture and welcomed with open arms. Though I spent most of my time with the children, I made countless friends, saw landmarks I never imagined I’d have the opportunity to see, and truly was able to feel like a local for a short period of time. The staff is so welcoming and delightful. Go volunteer! You’ll be glad you did.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Go- and stay a while. 2 weeks was phenomenal, but not long enough. I am now caught searching for time to return. You will love it. Keep an open mind, and spend your time giving to this community! They are so grateful!
68 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers