Volunteer ZambiaLove Volunteers, along with our partner NGO in Zambia, organises volunteering roles in orphanages, schools, hospitals and community health clinics. As a volunteer in Zambia, there are no minimum skills or qualifications required, just a willingness to take part and to improve the lot of the least privileged in Zambian society.

Zambia is one of Africa’s smaller countries, sitting in the south of the continent. It is landlocked and borders Tanzania, Malawi, Zimbabwe and Angola. More than seventy tribes live within its borders. As a peaceful country, heavily dependent on tourism, Zambia is a very enjoyable place to visit and offers some superb adventure activities.

Zambia volunteer programs are located in the capital Lusaka which is convenient for the Zambezi and transport links to other destinations in the country, and in the capital, Livingstone, which is convenient for trips to the Victoria Falls.

The challenge of volunteering in Zambia is one which brings intense rewards. Volunteers in Zambia are able to make a genuine difference by offering valuable support to communities in need. The unique programs being run in Zambia combine volunteering abroad, new language learning, cultural activities, and cultural awareness programs. These are sure to provide you with an incredibly fulfilling experience. Check out more about Zambia in Lonely Planet's Guide.

Start and Duration

Volunteers in Zambia can start any day of the year and can attend for any length of time up to six months. Nevertheless, a recommended minimum period of two weeks is suggested, not least since two weeks’ program fees are the minimum that we can charge.

Volunteer Requirements

Zambia volunteer placements are available for skilled and unskilled personnel from all nationalities. Individual volunteers in Zambia as well as couples, families and groups are welcome to apply.

The minimum age is 18 and the only other requirement is competence in English to at least intermediate level. Younger volunteers in Zambia may be considered if accompanied by an adult. For more information about this please contact us. Apply Now!

Project Descriptions for the Zambia

Program Costs

Love Volunteers is a not-for-profit organization and is one of the most affordable ways to help out in a developing country while being immersed in the local culture.

Fees for volunteer programs in Zambia start at US$400 (€305) for two weeks, which includes accommodation, food, an airport pick-up, orientation and 24/7 in-country support.

Other volunteers periods available. Please, contact LoveVolunteers for pricing of other periods.

A Love Volunteers registration fee of US$235 (approximately €170) is charged in addition to the program fees and covers any placements you undertake for twelve months from the start of your first placement. The fee is refundable if you choose not to volunteer more than three months prior to the start of your initial placement. This fee ensures 24/7 pre- and post-placement support from Love Volunteers, checking and vetting of local organisations, a comprehensive information pack, as well as administration and marketing costs. Given Love Volunteers is a not-for-profit organisation we also ask volunteers to cover any bank charges incurred by international money transfers.

Food and Accommodation

While in Zambia, all volunteers have the unmissable experience of living with a local host family, at a home within easy reach of their volunteer project. With this opportunity to experience cultural immersion within a Zambian family, volunteers in Zambia have a ready –made source of information, and someone on hand to help them to show them around. The host family will provide two meals each day (three meals over weekends if staying in your accommodation).

Some aspects of the cuisine in Zambia have not changed for one thousand years. Among typical dishes is Nshima, which is made from maize or corn flour. It plays a very large part in Zambian culture to the extent that songs, traditions and rituals surround Nshima. Other ingredients used in Zambian cooking are the peanut, cassava and chilli pepper. Ifisashi is a favourite dish and consists of peanuts cooked along with green vegetables and sometimes meat. Another traditional dish is samp, prepared using dried beans and hominy. Meat, often beef or game, is generally grilled. Also popular is a concoction containing rice, sugar and peanut butter, known as bambara. Among certain tribes, specialities include insects and mice.

Lunch can be eaten at a cafe or restaurant close to the project. Inexpensive and tasty food can be easily found. Lusaka in particular boasts a huge number of restaurants and snack bars covering cuisine from every nation.

Orientation

The format of the orientation depends on your arrival time. Most volunteers in Zambia tend to arrive in the evening. In this case, the orientation begins the following day with a talk at the volunteer house or local restaurant about the country, security, transport, the project and local health issues.

You will be taken to the local town and shown around places of interest such a supermarkets, internet cafes and restaurants. You are also given time to change money, buy bottled water, snacks etc. If time allows, you will be taken to the project and have project orientation the same day.

A Typical Week

The structure of the week varies for different projects, but we aim to be flexible. Provided some notice is given, we will try to accommodate your plans. That said, a typical week volunteering in Zambia looks something like this:

Weekdays: At about 7.30am you'll have breakfast with your host family. At 8-8.30am you'll make your way to the project to start at about 9am. Here you'll meet local staff who will start you on the tasks for the day. You'll get breaks throughout the day and finish between 3pm and 5pm. In the afternoon you are free to socialize or perhaps take a trip to the shops or visit a cafe or restaurant. Alternatively, you can continue helping out on your project.

Weekends: Volunteering during the weekends is possible or you may visit orphanages where the children will be delighted to be entertained. Otherwise, this is your time to relax, perhaps just chilling at home or you could arrange to explore the local town or travel further afield. Extended weekends can be arranged to allow for safari trips, but remember our local team need plenty of notice.

About the Country

Although one of the world’s poorest countries, Zambia is very much a tourist destination. With the Victoria Falls just 11km from Livingstone, as well as several other spectacular falls nearby, not to mention the legendary Zambezi River, there is a lot to do and see in the country. A lot of visitors also visit for the wildlife and to take part in walking safaris.

With high mountains, such as the Muchinga Mountains, barren Plateau land to the north-east and east, and rapids and falls for rafting, the country invites exploration. Zambia’s natural lakes, the Mweru, Banweulu and Tanganyika all lie in the north.

Travelling around Zambia tends to require patience, but it is generally rewarding. The country has a huge number of game parks and wildlife reserves. It is also a mecca for keen anglers. The Lower Zambezi National Park is famed for its stunningly scenic flood plain, best viewed by taking a boat rides on the river.

The relaxed vibe of Livingstone makes it a city well worth visiting. The town is a mixture of the old world and new fast development. Similarly, Lusaka is a blend of the authentic African experience and unattractive modern structures. Nevertheless, it is noted for its lively atmosphere.

Apply now! Or check out the FAQ or contact page for more information.