Livingstone, a vibrant city in southern Zambia, is names after the famous explorer David Livingstone. This historic town blends colonial charm with modern amenities. Visitors are drawn to its proximity to Victoria Falls, one of the world’s largest waterfalls, locally known as “Mosi-oa-Tunya” or “The Smoke that Thunders.” Beyond the falls, Livingstone offers thrilling adventures like white-water rafting on the Zambezi River, bungee jumping, and wildlife safaris in nearby national parks. The city’s rich cultural heritage is showcased in its museums and local markets. With its friendly locals and stunning natural beauty, Livingstone provides a perfect base for exploring Zambia’s diverse attractions.
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ZAMBIA
Volunteer in Zambia
Volunteering in Zambia
Zambia Highlights
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 kilometers from the world-renowned Victoria Falls, Livingstone regularly welcomes visitors of all backgrounds, drawn to the exciting adventures to be had in the areas surrounding this beautiful town.
CULTURAL IMMERSION
Stay in Livingstone in a welcoming Zambian community.
WONDERFUL WILDLIFE
Visit a number of national parks throughout Zambia.
WEEKEND ADVENTURES
Enjoy incredible activities while volunteering in Zambia, such as safaris, boat trips and rafting on the Zambezi River.
PROJECT VARIETY
Choose from a wide range of social impact and environmental volunteer projects in Zambia.
VICTORIA FALLS
Visit the mighty falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the world.
Our Volunteer Projects in Zambia
Explore our diverse projects ranging from Medical Volunteering and Teaching to our award-winning Female Empowerment project and more. Visit our individual volunteer project pages below to discover the unique opportunities we’ve created in Zambia, each designed to make a life-changing impact on local communities.
Important Logistics and Ground Support
Everything you need to know about volunteering in Zambia in one place!
Flights & Arrivals
Fly into Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport (LVI), where a group shuttle service will collect you and take you to your accommodation. Volunteers coming from Zimbabwe can request to get a shuttle across the border from Victoria Falls town. All projects start on Mondays, either weekly or bi-weekly. Please refer to your chosen volunteer project page for specific arrival details.
Location
Our base in situated in the heart of Livingstone. You will be staying in a comfortable, private house within the vibrant Victoria Falls Backpackers. Volunteers have access to all facilities, including a dining area, bar, swimming pool, and rock-climbing wall. The Backpackers is just a 5-minute walk from Livingstone’s town centre, with grocery stores, cafes, bars, and restaurants.
Meals
As an iconic tourist destination, Livingstone and its surrounds cater to international guests with a wide variety of food options. Enjoy authentic stews, local beers and of course – an open flame braai (barbeque). All of our projects cater for vegetarians, vegans and various food group intolerances with sufficient notice.
Communication
SIM cards can be purchased from most shops or at the airport with various packages allowing for phone calls and/or data usage. Our accommodation offers free WiFi that enables you to make contact with home. Power and electricity supply can be intermittent in Livingstone and its surrounds so do bring your power banks and embrace patience if you encounter an outage. TIP: Ensure your cellphone is enabled to allow for a foreign SIM card if you intend to use one.
Climate
Zambia is a landlocked country in Southern Africa, located to the east of Angola. There are two main climate seasons that affect the weather in Zambia, the rainy season (November to April), which is equivalent to summer, and the dry season (May or June to October or November), which corresponds to winter. The dry season is subdivided into the cool dry season (May/June to August) and the hot dry season (September to October/November).
Staff & Safety
Our goal is to provide consistent, high quality safety measures and support to every volunteer. Since 2004, our long-term success has relied on ensuring the safety of our volunteers in Zambia, our staff, local communities, and the public. We follow this philosophy as a fundamental responsibility as a volunteer organization in Africa. 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 volunteer work. Learn more about our health and safety protocols, or contact us with any concerns you may have.
Our favourite weekend activities in Zambia
Africa’s adventure capital offers no shortage of ways to spend your weekends as a volunteer. There’s something for everyone – from the adrenaline junkie to culturally intrigued traveller.
Why Choose African Impact in 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 large majority of Zambia’s population are young people, which is 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.
Working closely with African Impact and the African Impact Foundation, our volunteer projects in Zambia focus on empowering, educating, and enriching Zambian citizens. As a volunteer working in Zambia, your efforts will be integral to uplifting locals in sustainable and measurable ways.
Our impact on communities in Zambia
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Volunteer Experiences in Zambia
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Recent Zambia Volunteer Project Reviews
Zambia FAQs
WHAT IS THE HISTORY & CULTURE OF LIVINGSTONE?
Livingstone, Zambia’s backpacking epicenter, beautifully blends its rich cultural heritage with modern tourism. The city showcases a unique fusion of traditional and contemporary Zambian customs, reflected in its vibrant art, music, and cuisine. Visitors can savor local delicacies like Mikopo, a popular roasted meat dish served with chili, onions, and vegetables, often found in local bars. The bustling markets offer a treasure trove of handcrafted pottery, artwork, and intricate basketry, providing perfect souvenirs that support local artisans. For a quick local treat, try Vitumbuwa, a delicious fried dough snack. To delve deeper into Zambian history, the Livingstone Museum, the country’s oldest, offers fascinating insights into the nation’s past. This harmonious mix of experiences allows travelers to immerse themselves in Zambia’s cultural tapestry while enjoying the amenities of a popular tourist destination.
IS ZAMBIA A SAFE PLACE TO VOLUNTEER
Zambia is generally considered a safe destination for volunteers, though like any country, it has its own set of considerations. Here’s a balanced overview:
Political stability: Zambia is known for its political stability compared to many African nations
Crime: Petty theft can occur, especially in urban areas. Exercise caution with personal belongings.
Rural areas: Often safer, but may have limited infrastructure and medical facilities.
Wildlife areas: Take necessary precautions when working near wildlife.
Health concerns: Be aware of potential health risks like malaria and get appropriate vaccinations.
Road safety: Road conditions can be poor, and driving standards may differ from what you’re used to.
Cultural sensitivity: Respecting local customs can help avoid misunderstandings.
Natural hazards: Be aware of potential risks like flooding during rainy seasons.
Common sense: Use the same precautions you would in any unfamiliar place.
The majority of volunteers in Zambia have safe and rewarding experiences. The key is to be well-prepared, vigilant, and follow safety guidelines provided by our African Impact team.
DO I NEED A VISA TO VOLUNTEER IN ZAMBIA?
Yes, most international visitors need a visa to enter Zambia. Here’s a concise overview of the visa situation:
- Visa requirement: Most nationalities require a visa to enter Zambia.Visa types: Options include single-entry, double-entry, and multiple-entry visas.
- Visa on arrival: Available for many nationalities at major points of entry, including international airports.
e-Visa: Zambia offers an online visa application system for convenience. - KAZA Univisa: If you’re also visiting Zimbabwe, this visa allows entry to both countries.
- Visa-free countries: Some nationalities (mainly from within Africa) don’t need a visa for short stays.
- Validity: Tourist visas are typically valid for 90 days from the date of entry.
- Requirements: You’ll need a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned stay, and proof of onward travel may be requested.
- Fees: Vary depending on visa type and nationality.
- Processing time: Can range from immediate (for visa on arrival) to several days for e-Visa applications.
It’s important to check the most current visa requirements with the Zambian embassy or consulate in your country, or on the official Zambian immigration website, as regulations can change. If you’re volunteering, your organization may provide specific guidance on the appropriate visa type for your activities. Our team of Destination Specialists will always be able to assist you.
DO AFRICAN IMPACT VOLUNTEERS IN ZAMBIA GET PAID?
The short answer is, no. At African Impact, our mission is to provide the best international volunteer programs in Africa that create true impact in local communities. While our Zambian volunteer work may be unpaid, we absolutely believe that epic adventures and sustainable impacts go hand-in-hand. We firmly believe in the power of responsible volunteeringto positively transform the lives of volunteers and local communities alike in Zambia. Our volunteer activities are 100% integrated with local communities – we won’t run a project unless the community not only wants us there, but actually has ownership of the project.
I WANT TO VOLUNTEER IN ZAMBIA! WHERE DO I SIGN UP?
Take a look through the African Impact volunteer programs in Zambia above. Compare our list of options, and find the one that aligns with your interests and goals most. Then click on the individual volunteer project page to see step-by step instructions on how to apply!
Other Destinations in Africa
African Impact offers exciting and diverse volunteer and internship projects in 6 different destinations in Africa, each with their own impact areas. Scroll left and right to view them all.
11 PROJECTS
SOUTH AFRICA PROJECTS
This part of Africa offers the perfect balance of stunning nature, incredible landmarks, fascinating history, and so much more. There’s a reason this incredible country is consistently rated as one of the top travel destinations in the world!
4 PROJECTS
KENYA PROJECTS
This East African country is a favoUrite travel destination for many travelLers – with world-renowned sites like the Maasai Mara Game Reserve on your doorstep, you can see why! And we believe it has some of the best wildlife viewing on the continent.
2 PROJECTS
MOZAMBIQUE PROJECTS
Think endless white sandbanks, crystal clear turquoise waters and breathtaking marine life. Home to some of the world’s finest beaches, stretching along the coast of the characteristically warm Indian Ocean, Mozambique is like no other.
9 PROJECTS
ZAMBIA PROJECTS
With one third of the country made up of national parks as well as being home to one of the seven natural wonders of the world, Zambia holds everything that there is to love about Africa. This unique landlocked country is big, it’s bold and full of incredible wildlife.
2 PROJECTS
ZANZIBAR PROJECTS
This tropical island paradise, located just off the coast of Tanzania, boasts palm tree-lined beaches, crystal clear waters teeming with marine life, and a unique blend of cultures. And don’t forget the white sand beaches you’ll see everyday.
2 PROJECTS
ZIMBABWE PROJECTS
A beautiful setting that boast an abundance of diverse wildlife and varied landscape – ranging from vast grassy savannas to tropical forests. This is the place to be if you are interested in the conservation of Black Rhinos!
