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 25 - 32 of 46 reviews
Default avatar
Sidney
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best trip

I spent three and a half months in Zambia and I wish I stayed longer. I loved every second there. I was on the teaching project and because of that I am now studying to earn my masters degree in education. In the mornings, I taught a Grade 6 class and in the afternoons I volunteered at an after-school program for kids of all ages. The afterschool program was my favorite part and I fell absolutely in love with the children. They are all so smart, loving, and incredibly eager to learn. On weekends, there was always something to do. From going on safari in Botswana to visiting Victoria Falls, I had experiences that I had only ever dreamed of!
I highly recommend going to Zambia! I am a young woman and went on my own and it was the best thing I've ever done. I wanted a place where I would feel comfortable as a solo traveler and Zambia will be hard to beat.

What would you improve about this program?
Everything ran very smoothly for me. I know that some people on other projects were not as happy but on the teaching project, I was very happy and glad I chose that one.
74 people found this review helpful.
Response from International Volunteer HQ - IVHQ

Hi Sidney, it is awesome to see that our Zambia program exceeded your expectations! We would love to have you back on any of our IVHQ programs, and really hope that you do have the opportunity to volunteer with us in the future! Acacia - IVHQ Program Manager.

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

Amazing experience!

Volunteering in Zambia with IVHQ was one of the best decisions of my life. I had the most amazing experience and cannot wait to return! I would highly recommend the Kindergarten program. I was able to teach children that were so eager to learn, and it was something I have honestly never experienced before. In the morning we would go to our placements and teach, and later in the day we would go to "homework club" and help with English and Math. The kids are so much fun and so loving and thankful that you are there spending time with them. I truly loved every minute of it, and my heart and soul gained more than I could have possibly imagined. I am planning on volunteering in other countries through IVHQ in the future. Thanks again for the opportunity and hospitality, IVHQ!

72 people found this review helpful.
Response from International Volunteer HQ - IVHQ

We are so happy to hear you loved your time volunteering in Zambia with IVHQ! It would be great to have you volunteer with IVHQ again! Acacia - IVHQ Program Manager.

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

Volunteering experience in Zambia with IVHQ

Since returning from my IVHQ experience in Zambia for 3 weeks, I'm already thinking about which program to do next. It was the most life-changing experience which allowed me to grow as a person and learn so much about myself and the world. The program exposed me to a new culture and an extremely eye-opening experience. IVHQ was outstanding in both the lead up to the program and during my time in Zambia. They made me feel supported and they were always professional and approachable. I did the teaching program in Zambia which was phenomenal. I was able to learn many new skills whilst having the most rewarding experience. I made many new friends, embraced a new culture, explored a beautiful part of the world and I made memories which will last a life-time. I highly recommend an IVHQ program as you will undoubtedly have an unbelievable experience.

What would you improve about this program?
I have no comment as I found the program excellent in every way.
71 people found this review helpful.
Response from International Volunteer HQ - IVHQ

It is amazing to hear that you had a life-changing and eye-opening experience in Zambia. It sounds like your time on the program was incredibly meaningful and fulfilling. We would love to have you volunteer with IVHQ again! Acacia - IVHQ Program Manager.

Dafne
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Zambia stole my heard

I’ve been home for a week now after 12 weeks of volunteering in Livingstone, Zambia. Many people have asked me “How was it?” And I must say, it’s nearly impossible to answer that question and to describe all the experiences and feelings this trip have offered, but I’ll make a try.

The best moments were definitely seeing the progress the students made during my time there. Volunteers in Zambia get a lot of responsibility teaching, because there are such lack of teachers. My second day I was told that grade 6 was my new class together with another volunteer and after that day we were teaching them alone everyday. At first it was a little terrifying but it also give you the chance to really connect with the children. They became my students after a while and seeing them develop and learning was the best thing I’ve ever experienced.

When we weren’t teaching we helped vulnerable children and families in the community building houses with money we raised from fundraisers. On the weekends we explored our surroundings. We saw the Victoria falls, went on safaris, tried white water rafting went on hikes.

This trip has been an eye opener for me. I’ve seen real poverty, true joy and experienced so much love. I would recommend everyone to do this trip. It makes you appreciate things more and gives you new friends from all over the world!

90 people found this review helpful.
Response from International Volunteer HQ - IVHQ

Thanks for sharing your awesome review Dafne - we're really happy to hear that you enjoyed your volunteer experience in Zambia. Zambia is such a beautiful destination and I'm glad you were able to experience the people and culture first hand. Thanks for being such a great volunteer.
Will - IVHQ Program Manager

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

Month in Zambia

My experience in Zambia has been life changing. It has made me grow in so many levels and made me learn lots of life lessons that not even school can teach you. Neverthelesss, as Nelson Mandela said “Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world”, and as a matter of fact i feel i have partly accomplished a small change by contributing to the education of zambian kids. It fills my heart to know these kids are one step nearer to reaching the life they deserve and can hopefully be rewarded someday with a job. The good thing about volunteering is we also got to know the country in depth and in a bike tour i saw how these 5 year old kids and parents worked for 10h in a quary just to earn 50 cents at most in a day. And then you realize how lucky you are now everytime you see a 50cents coin...
This trip has inspired me in infinite ways, i have grown as a person and that is something nobody can take away from me(education and life lessons). Everything i have learned will remain carved in my heart and mind.
I feel step by step we volunteers can make a bit of a change because chances are that in some years those roots will blossom into people’s oportunities to live.
I personally recommend volunteering in any kind of project to every single being on earth, as it is one of the most rewarding things you will probably do. IVHQ is contributing to change a great amount of people’s lifes and that is priceless.
Will always remember each and every smile i saw back in Zambia.
Thank you IVHQ!

73 people found this review helpful.
Response from International Volunteer HQ - IVHQ

Christina - It's awesome to hear how inspired you're after your volunteering experience in Zambia. The children is Zambia love learning and I'm sure they appreciated being taught by you. Thanks again for a being a great volunteer! Will - IVHQ Program Manager.

Niamh Hanbidge
Niamh
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Livingstone, Zambia - The most amazing volunteering experience!

Travelling solo to Zambia was the best thing I have ever decided to do! The application process with IVHQ was so seamless and they were extremely supportive from the get-go. I felt very comfortable in my decision to travel alone, knowing that IVHQ would assist me with any issue I had. The local support team went above and beyond to help myself and the other volunteers, which is a really fantastic thing as you are in a completely new country and it can be quite a culture shock!

I volunteered with a school in an extremely poor part of Livingstone, Zambia. This really was a life-changing experience as it completely opened my eyes and I gained invaluable perspective. I was absolutely heartbroken leaving the children and family who ran the school, but my heart was so full with love for such a humbling and inspiring experience. I cannot thank IVHQ enough and I really cannot wait to volunteer with them again as soon as possible! Thank you IVHQ and Dream Livingstone!

56 people found this review helpful.
Response from International Volunteer HQ - IVHQ

Thanks for sharing your experience about your time in Zambia Niamh. It's awesome to hear that you had a life changing experience and we hope that you will volunteer with us again in the near future :)

Read my full story
Default avatar
Ana
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Traveling on my own- First time experience

As a first time traveler, the thought of going halfway across the world on my own was simply terrifying. I have always been passionate about helping others, and exploring new parts of the world but the opportunity never really presented itself. One day I randomly came across the IVHQ website, when I realized that my dream COULD become a reality. I started to research more about the program, and sure enough I was on my way to Africa! Embarking on this journey on my own would have never been possible if I didn’t have the support from IVHQ. IVHQ provided me with a sense of security, but also led me to a yearning to explore the world even more. I was able to work with a students of all ages and shared my love for teaching with them. I met wonderful people from across the globe that showed me the beauty of unity and culture. I never thought that I could feel so at home in a completely different country, but I know that this is only the beginning of my volunteer journey with IVHQ.

71 people found this review helpful.
Response from International Volunteer HQ - IVHQ

I'm glad to hear that IVHQ were able to help you turn your dream into a reality and we hope you will volunteer with us again in the future. Thanks again for choosing IVHQ and being a great volunteer! ^William - IVHQ Zambia Program Manager

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

Totally worth it!

My name is Emily from Venezuela. Volunteering with IVHQ in Zambia was the ultimate experience! I always wanted to volunteer with children and this experience was everything (and even more) I was expecting. First days were a little bit frustrating because kids had to get used to have me in their classroom but when they got used to it everything was easier. Meeting and teaching them was the most heartwarming thing I have ever done. Seeing them running and smiling towards me every single morning to give me the “good morning teacher” was the most beautiful thing to see. Even tough I was the teacher I’m pretty sure those little kids teach me more valuable things because I learned a lot of lessons about happiness from them.
Without any doubt, Zambia is an incredible place with awesome people and breathtaking views. Totally worth it! This is a five stars experience and I am very glad I did it. I’m so grateful with the staff from the volunteer house for being so friendly and helpful.
Thank you IVHQ for this unforgettable experience, looking forward for my next adventure!

72 people found this review helpful.
Response from International Volunteer HQ - IVHQ

Thanks for sharing your experience! Zambia is a beautiful location and I'm sure the smiling faces of the children will stay with you as a memory forever. Thanks again for going above and beyond during your time in Zambia and we look forward to you joining the program again :) ^William - IVHQ Zambia Program Manager

Questions & Answers