Volunteer Programs in Zambia

Rich in culture, wildlife, and some of Africa’s most iconic natural landmarks, Zambia’s beauty is simply unmatched. Filled with incredible communities, volunteering in Zambia is an opportunity to experience genuine, authentic African travel while making real impacts. At African Impact, we primarily work in one extraordinary community in Zambia; Livingstone.

Livingstone, Zambia

Often considered Africa’s adventure capital, Livingstone is a community filled with kind locals, unique cultural activities, and endless opportunities for bucket-list experiences. Located less than 8 kilometres from the world-renowned Victoria Falls, Livingstone regularly welcomes backpackers of all backgrounds, drawn to the exciting adventures to be had in the areas surrounding this beautiful town. Leap off the famous Victoria Falls Bungee Jump. White-water raft down the powering Zambezi river. Take a helicopter tour to see Livingstone in new heights. Joining a Zambia volunteer program in Livingstone means adventures truly never end!

While establishing itself as the backpacking hub of Zambia, the Livingstone community honours its culture in beautiful ways. Zambian culture celebrates a distinctive blend of traditional and modern customs, making for some truly unique forms of art, music and food. Visit a local restaurant to try Michopo, a roasted meat dish commonly found at bars and served with chilli, onions and veg. Journey through local markets to see beautiful pieces of pottery, art, and basketry, and support local businesses by filling your suitcase with some life-long souvenirs! Or, snack on some Vitumbuwa – a fried dough dish that makes a delicious afternoon snack – before visiting the Livingstone Museum, the oldest museum in Zambia.

At African Impact, our mission is to provide the best international volunteer programs in Zambia that create real, sustainable impacts on local communities. While our  Zambia volunteer work may be unpaid, we absolutely believe they are a life-changing experience for volunteers and locals alike!

As an African-based company, we know first hand the incredible adventures available on our stunning continent. We live and breathe all things African travel and are passionate about immersing volunteers in the heart of some of Africa’s most incredible natural environments and communities. Developing meaningful relationships with locals, learning about unique African cultures, and exploring breath-taking natural wonders, you’ll experience the true spirit of Africa and the people, places, and wildlife that make it so extraordinary.

To us, epic adventures and sustainable impacts go hand-in-hand. We firmly believe in the power of responsible volunteering to positively transform the lives of volunteers and local communities alike. Developing our projects with local community stakeholders, everything we do is measured, designed, and implemented with the community’s goals in mind. As a volunteer joining one of our projects, your work will not only be a life-changing experience for you but make actual, sustainable impacts on the lives of locals.

This combination of incredible adventures, responsible impacts, and cultural immersion allows us to go beyond the conventional understanding of “volunteering abroad” and offer innovative African volunteer travel experiences that – while unpaid – can truly transform lives!

Why Zambia?

While incredible development has occurred in Zambia throughout the past decades, much work remains to be done. Zambia is currently one of the world’s poorest countries, with over 60% of its population living in poverty. The population of Zambia is predominantly comprised of young people, rapidly doubling every 25 years. This fast population growth puts additional strain on the availability of employment opportunities, health care, and social services, making it difficult for many citizens to escape an intense cycle of poverty.

Community Development Volunteer Projects

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. Our programs in Zambia offer volunteers various opportunities to get involved in community projects, from supporting gender equality initiatives to promoting environmental sustainability and sports coaching and development. 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.

We currently offer volunteer programs in Zambia in the following areas: Medical Volunteering, Teaching, Environmental Sustainability, Sports Coaching, and Female Empowerment. Visit our volunteer project pages above to explore the unique volunteer opportunities for life-changing impacts these programs offer and how you can make an impact with us!

Zambia Program Fees

Our volunteer programs in Zambia start at $1,145 and increase depending on which project you join and how long you volunteer work in Zambia. These costs cover volunteer accommodation, meals, 24/7 African Impact in-country support, project and airport transportation, project orientation, and any project equipment volunteers may need.

African Impact Sustainability Fund

As a commitment to sustainable development in the communities we work in, all volunteers pay an additional $25 to the African Impact Sustainability Fund. This money goes directly to the African Impact Foundation, which independently ensures the sustainability of our projects in local communities and guarantees impacts continue long after volunteers leave. Learn more about the African Impact Sustainability Fund.

Established in 2004, providing high-quality volunteer experiences in Africa has been in our DNA for 16 years. Our volunteers, staff, and local communities’ safety is our top priority and something that is never compromised. From the moment you arrive in Zambia to the end of your adventure, we take the utmost care in ensuring your comfort and safety as you carry out Zambia volunteer work.

To learn more about our health and safety protocols, please visit the following links. If you have additional questions, we would love to answer them. You can click here to contact us, and one of our team members will be in touch with you shortly!

Our Safety Tips in Africa

FAQs on Volunteer Safety

Eager to start your volunteer adventure in Zambia? Here are a few of our award-winning programs where you can make an impact!

Teaching and Community Development, Livingstone

Medical and Community Development, Livingstone