What to Do in Zambia While Volunteering

Livingstone is a city in the South of Zambia and has become one of the top travel destinations in Africa. The most obvious reason for its popularity is its proximity to one of the world’s most famous Seven Natural Wonders, the mighty Victoria Falls. Seeing the Falls is one of the reasons to visit Zambia, but this only scratches the surface of what’s to offer in this special part of Africa.

If you’re volunteering in Zambia for a short or long time, or exploring Southern Africa bit by bit, there are lots of fun things you can do in Livingstone! But if you’re on a budget and have limited time, you can’t do them all. So, here’s a quick guide with our best options for a busy weekend in Livingstone.

6 Best Things to Do in Zambia on the Weekend

1. Sign Up for an Adventure Package to the Victoria Falls

You will want to see Victoria Falls from the Zimbabwean side. You will need to arrange for a taxi to take you over the border. The taxi driver will wait for you while you pass through immigration and get your visa and passport stamped. It’s best to go early in the morning, as there can be a long wait. If you leave it until mid-morning expect the whole process to take up to 1 to 2 hours. The price of the visa varies depending on which country you’re from, but most cost around $30. Your taxi driver will then take you across the bridge into Zimbabwe.

2. Swim in the Devil’s Pool

Now that you’ve got a better understanding of your environment, it’s time to go check out the Falls from the Zambian side. From this angle, you will get to see the ‘back’ of the falls, where the Zambezi River drops over the edge and the thunderous mist rises up.

One of the best ways to do this is to book a tour to the Devil’s Pool. This is a rock pool right on the waterfall’s edge! Try to book ahead, as this is a popular tourist activity that can only be accessed in the dry season. Many hotels and backpackers will try to sell you the package deal with lunch that will set you back around $160! However, try to seek out the walking tour through your accommodation and expect to pay around $80 – $100. If you can afford it, it’s a worthwhile experience and makes for a great photo opportunity.

3. Take a Day Trip to Chobe National Park in Botswana

A safari at Chobe National Park offers both a boat safari on the Zambezi River and a land safari by jeep, giving you two different aspects to enjoy in one day. Also, choosing this activity gets you to tick off another country on your bucket list and get a stamp from Botswana in your passport. Now, who doesn’t want that?

A one-day safari will set you back $150, and you can book through most hotels and backpackers. The immigration process is much easier (and quicker) than in Zimbabwe, and you’re led through the whole process by your tour guide. When you finally get there, expect to see hippos, crocs, elephants, lions, and leopards, to name just a few.

4. Hang Out at Fez Bar in Livingstone

After an awesome day on safari, you may be keen for a night out, and Fez Bar is where it’s at. This is a popular bar for tourists and backpackers, and It’s great for a boogie if that’s your thing. Especially on a Friday night! However, I recommend just taking some cash and leaving your phone at home, as it can get busy and you may be at risk of being pick-pocketed. Always get a taxi back to your hotel, and never walk home alone. Livingstone is generally pretty safe, but like any town or city, it’s always smart to keep an eye out for trouble.

5. Go Whitewater Rafting in Zambia

If you have the time and the budget, I highly recommend going whitewater rafting on the Zambezi River. There are many extreme adrenaline-filled activities to do, and whitewater rafting at Victoria Falls is among the best. You can do a full-day or half-day experience for approximately $170, which sounds expensive, but trust me, it’s worth it. You’re bound to fall out of your raft and even flip the whole thing, which is intense and scary at the time. But the professional local staff will have your back. They know the rapids like the back of their hands!

6. Enjoy a Sunset Cruise on the Zambezi River

For the perfect finish to a perfect weekend, you have to do the sunset cruise on the Zambezi. It can cost $65, last around three hours, and even include dinner and unlimited drinks! However, if you’ve booked a full-day white-water rafting trip, you can get the sunset cruise for free. The sunsets over the Zambezi are second to none. Expect to see some hippo submerge next to the boat, and an elephant or two on the banks of the river. Take it all in while making some new friends as you sip on sun-downer drinks.

Why Volunteering is the Best Thing to Do in Zambia

In Zambia, there is something for everyone. You can contribute to female empowerment, help protect the environment, or assist with medical needs. Or if you prefer, you can just fly in for some fun! Remember, mixing a little bit of helping with a little bit of enjoyment can make your experience really special.

And there you have it! A weekend full of exciting activities in Livingstone. If you mix your travel journey with meaningful volunteer work at African Impact, it will definitely become a travel experience that changes your life and stays with you forever.