We believe that when you travel, there should be no compromises. Even if you are limited on time you should be able to explore while still doing some good in the world. This is what we do. In fact, we are the experts in Africa. We create volunteer travel experiences that change lives (and not just your own). Named the Top Volunteer Abroad Organization in 2017, we are expanding our extremely popular Expedition Programs that take you #BeyondVolunteering. They are not your average tourist holidays; they are the ultimate way to see, do and achieve as much as possible in a short time period. Join our team of passionate staff on the ground for a week or two of volunteering with local communities or wildlife, with a whole host of adventure activities thrown in for good measure. We think they are the ultimate way to discover some of Africa s most iconic destinations. The bustling little town of Livingstone in Zambia is set against the backdrop of Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park (translating to the smoke that thunders ) surround the town which, itself, is settled beneath blue skies and ablaze in sunshine. The Zambezi River flows nearby home to crocodiles, hippos, and extreme sports. Beauty abounds; you ll even find bursts of tropical vegetation at traffic intersections. However, there is more to this community than natural beauty. It is tightly-knit and incredibly friendly; hospitality is central to many of the cultures found in the area. Although English is spoken throughout Zambia (most adults will speak at least 4 different languages), it also has over 70 languages, with Tonga and Nyanja being the most common in Livingstone itself. There is plenty to do here in your free time. Between visiting local villages, going on Rhino Walks, eating out, and taking dips in nature s infinity pool, you won t be bored. Spending your time helping out with local education, building work, and sporting efforts won t be all work and no play either. Volunteering is more than rewarding it s fun, too.
\ Our staff will be waiting eagerly to receive you at Livingstone Airport when you arrive. We ll transport you to Livingstone Backpackers, the volunteer accommodation, where you will be inducted to prepare for your volunteering experience the following day. After a day of settling in, we ll have a team meeting so you can meet all your fellow volunteers. That night, we ll host an ever-romantic movie night under the Zambian starry night. Your first volunteer opportunity will take place at Mwandi Community School. Our Sports Coordinators will lead you and your fellow volunteers as you facilitate and partake in sporting activities with the schoolchildren. The second volunteer opportunity of the day will be at a community project. You ll be a part of various clubs that grow the talents of the community s youth. This may be an arts and crafts club, a mathematics club, or a reading club. You ll spend your morning at another sports project which takes place at Linda Community School. Your afternoon will be spent at a community club once again, be it arts and crafts club, mathematics club, or reading club. Our evening activities feature a special treat sundowners on the vast Zambezi River*. This body of water is home to hippos, crocodiles, and other wildlife. Enjoying its splendor in the gentle light of sunset is an enviable way to end your day. *Not included in fee Get ready for some hands-on work! Our Project Coordinator will take you to one of our Eco-Brick building sites. Eco-Bricks are innovative building bricks made out of waste material that would otherwise pollute environments. We ll all work together to build the facilities the community needs whether that a kitchen, a classroom, or water storage infrastructure. If you still have some extra zest left in you that afternoon, you can join a bicycle tour through Livingstone. Experience the local communities by peddle. This morning we ll visit Linda Community School once again. This time, to teach girls how to farm so that they are equipped to provide for themselves. Our afternoon activities are designed to immerse you in Zambian culture. Over 70 languages are spoken in the country, each with its own distinct culture. You ll enjoy local cuisine and a dance show, as well a Q&A session to answer all of your burning questions. You ll have the weekend free to enjoy the very best of Livingstone and the surrounds. Make the most of the streaming sunshine and expanding nature by going river rafting, enjoying a meal at Elephant Café, or taking the plunge (literally) and bungee jumping. You may choose to spend this time resting up as well for the busy week ahead. Either way, there s something for everyone. Please note: Weekend excursions are optional and come at an additional cost.
Its back to the rise and grind. In the morning, our volunteers will visit a local school and assist local teachers in education outreaches. Some of the work you ll do includes grading papers or providing one-on-one attention to the children who need it most. After the final bell rings, we ll run an afterschool program. You ll facilitate activities for all the children who have extra energy after the busy day that are designed to further their development while they simply have fun. We ll return to Mwandi Community School for another sports session. The children are sure to be awaiting eagerly on the sports field to throw some balls and engage in team strategy (you ll have to remind yourself not to get too competitive). That afternoon, we ll wind down and get in touch with our creative sides by running and Arts and Crafts Club. Art is a great form of expression, while craft allows the development of finer motor skills. We ll start the day off with one of our volunteer-favorites; the Rhino Walk. You ll walk through the bush to see this endangered member of the Big 5 in its natural habitat. You re likely to see plenty of other wildlife, too, even some buffalos or elephants. In the afternoon, we ll take part in our local Health Sciences outreach. At this Health Club, we hold workshops on a variety of health-related topics that are tailored to the Livingstone context. We ll start the day off with a tour which will take you to the surrounding villages that pepper the Zambian countryside. We ll cook and enjoy Zambian dishes under the keen instruction of local ladies for an unforgettable lunch. After having our eyes and stomachs well-fed, we ll head to Linda Community School where we ll teach rugby to the schoolgirls. Prepare to have your expectations blown out of the water as these indominable girls score try after try. Today marks your final day of volunteering! We will visit Libuyu Community School for a final sports session with local schoolchildren. In the afternoon, we ll all get in touch with our most logical selves as we teach a mathematics class. These aspiring mathematicians are sharp enough to challenge your own skillset, so we ll all be sure to brush-up in preparation. Once again you have the weekend free to check all the activities off your list before you board your plane home. You may choose to enjoy local sites like Victoria Falls (this Natural Wonder of the World is an absolute must-see) or wind-down in one of Livingstone s local restaurants. You may also choose to venture over to Chobe National Park in neighboring Botswana for a phenomenal safari experience. As sad as it is, these two weeks will draw to a close. We hope to see you for another adventure. Please note: You will fly home on the Monday.
You will stay in the private African Impact wing of Livingstone Backpackers Livingstone s liveliest and most vibey backpacker hostel. It is located just a 5-minute walk away from Livingstone town center where you will find grocery stores, cafes, bars and restaurants. This accommodation boasts the best of the hostel experience with dining area, bar, swimming pool, and rock-climbing wall included. It was voted the #1 Hostel in the whole of Zambia, so prepare to have a good time. However, you can always retreat to our private wing for some downtime. The house has 24-hour security and individual lockers to store your valuables. Bedrooms sleep 4-8 people with bunk beds in each room. Bed linen is provided and a cleaning service will attend to your room daily so you don t have to sweat the small stuff. Note: Do remember to pack your own towel. 1160 2031 Airport pick-up and drop-off 14-nights accommodation in the African Impact wing of Livingstone Backpackers 3 delicious meals a day (weekdays only) Walking safari, village tours, and cycle tour Volunteer project fee, which covers all training and resources needed to make an impact All transport and transfers 24-hour support throughout from our staff team on the ground (while volunteering) and our Destination Specialists You can arrive on any Monday to Livingstone International Airport. We will meet you at the airport to bring you to your accommodation and drop you off at the end of your stay. Airfare to and from Livingstone Medical and travel insurance Visa-related fees Weekend meals Any additional activities/excursions Souvenirs, snacks, soft drinks or gifts