Volunteer Programs in Livingstone, Zambia

I had an INCREDIBLE time!! I saw so much and experienced a new way of living new cultures. I felt so welcomed and loved right away. I made friends that will last lifetime from around the globe. I would honour to be able to help in clinic and deliver babies. I had an absolutely incredible time and 100% will be booking another trip through IVHQ!!!

Hello , My name is Kyoung ju KIM. From South Korea. I had a great time for 3 weeks through UCESCO. Doing volunteer with my daughter and son. We learned a lot from there. We did teaching and cooking for Peggy Lucas School which is located in Kibera slum. It's very safe. Ucesco staff managed everything well if we need something. It was really have a worth that doing volunteer there. Anyone who is afraid of apply, Don;t be afraid. Also, you will meet volunteers all of the world. it's amazing that I can do something for anyone else. It's possible to do volunteer work with teenagers, and it's possible for all volunteers to do what they can do. Three weeks was a really meaningful time in Kenya.

At 54, it was my first time volunteering and my only regret is that I didn't do it sooner. With UCESCO, everything was well taken care of. I lived in a building with other volunteers, who were btw just amazing!!! Bonding among volunteers was facilitated by shared meals, prepared by a very special local lady, who also supported us in many other ways. This allowed me to focus 100% on the project (teaching in high school). Most UCESCO people I worked with, used to or still live in the slums, so their involvement is selfless and truly comes from the heart. I have now witnessed firsthand how a small NGO works and can highly recommend volunteering with UCESCO. Their work addresses a major problem in Africa, and seeing this work from the ground was an amazing experience.

The people in Livingstone Healthcare made the whole experience so worth while! The staff was amazing!! As well as the interactions with all the people in the community. It couldn’t have been any better!!

Volunteering in Zambia in childcare was an amazing experience and I learnt so much. Incredible people and children as well as observing Africa’s beauty. It has given me such a deep appreciation for the world around us.

Volunteering in Zambia was an adventure from start to finish — and one I’d happily sign up for all over again! From the moment I arrived, everything was fairly well organised and the team made me feel instantly welcome. The medical placement itself was fantastic: I got to roll up my sleeves, help out wherever I could, and even sit in on counselling sessions. Observing doctors and technicians in action was eye-opening, and I loved the chance to share ideas and swap knowledge — especially since I went in with an open mind and zero expectations of “matching” EU or other so-called developed country healthcare standards. I travelled solo, but it didn’t take long before I was surrounded by great company. I met some truly lovely people, including one of the pragram managers, who even joined our group for a safari (because in Zambia, wildlife comes as part of the volunteer perks). When I wasn’t in placement, I made the most of my free time — exploring the country, diving into local activities, and enjoying plenty of fun with my fellow volunteers. This was my third time volunteering with IVHQ, and yet again, it didn’t disappoint. Zambia, you’ve been wonderful — until next time!one

I am so so happy that I chose IVHQ for my first volunteering trip. As a solo traveler, choosing IVHQ was a great choice that surprised me in so many ways. Their support online and through the local coordinators, their readiness to help, how organized they are, the accommodation that felt like home, the local team that felt more like a family… everything was perfect to be honest, way beyond my expectations. I am looking forward to going on more trips with them and have already invited so many of my friends to do so.

Both the online team and local team were friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. It was my first solo trip, and their guidance made it as easy as possible, and when I did have an issue, they could help give advice and sort it out. The accommodation was lovely, with brilliant staff and delicious local food. The other volunteers were wonderful, all like-minded people of all ages from around the world. All excursions could be organised through the local team, who gave us a good price and sorted everything, normally with pick up and drop off to our accommodation.

I volunteered in Livingstone, Zambia with IVHQ, and I truly loved every moment of it. The volunteer community there was wonderful and made my experience even better. We did so many fun activities together — safaris, bungee jumping, and visiting Victoria Falls. The local team was super helpful and kind. The food was tasty and more than enough, and the accommodation was good. There are also some new buildings that were just recently completed, and there’s a good chance you’ll be placed in one of them. It takes a bit of time to find your rhythm at your placement, and in my opinion, you really need to figure out on your own how to make an impact. The teachers were very friendly and supportive, and they let you focus on the areas you’re best at. There was no pressure at all, which made the whole experience even more enjoyable.

I am beyond grateful for my 1-month volunteer experience with African Impact in Cape Town. From the moment I arrived, the warmth and professionalism of the team made it unforgettable. When I first arrived at the airport, Thulani, the program manager, was already waiting, and ready to give us an engaging introduction to the history and scenery of Cape Town. After a 20+ min drive we arrived at The Lenox hostel. The Lenox became my home for the month, and the staff made sure it felt that way. Everyone was very kind and welcoming at all time. I got a bunk bed in a shared room with four amazing fellow volunteers from different countries. The room was very spacious and comfortable. The facilities were bright and welcoming, with breathtaking views of Lion’s Head and Table Mountain from the lounge balcony. I joined the Early Education program, which I highly recommend if you love working with children and creating engaging learning experiences. Through this program I worked with four different nonprofits located in Khayelitsha, their work is centered around fostering children and youth development. Our schedule was almost the same every day; breakfast with all the volunteers, then going out to support an org. in the morning, coming back to the Lenox for lunch (amazing fresh and delicious food by the way) and then going back to support another org. in the afternoon. Our day concluded around 5 pm, after documenting our experiences, and preparing for the next day. Then dinner time, a great time to get to know the other volunteers and share stories. The rest of the afternoon was free time for us to unwind and enjoy visiting places around Cape Town or do a sightseeing activity planned by the staff. The most rewarding part was getting to work directly with nonprofits like Ikasi Soccer School and foster care homes like Fikelele. My favorite task while on project was to sing and play with the kids. Witnessing the impact of our efforts and the joy on the children’s faces are core memories from this experience. I don’t think I can put into words how fulfilling this experience was for me. This experience taught me so much about collaboration, creativity, and the joy of giving back. Volunteering with African Impact was life changing. It’s a core memory filled with friendships, personal growth, and unforgettable moments. I wholeheartedly recommend this experience to anyone looking to make a difference while exploring the vibrant culture of Cape Town.

African Impact responded to this reviewDecember 30, 2024

Love your video Maria! Really captures the essence of volunteering with us in Cape Town :)

African Impact Livingstone is doing an incredible job in promoting sustainable and community development and empowerment. Their initiatives not only enhance local livelihoods but also offer cultural exchange and awareness. The dedication, hard work and research of the staff in supporting education, health, sports, conservation, medical, parenting and much more is truly inspiring. Volunteers have the opportunity of assisting, helping and getting stuck in /involved with a variety of projects. I volunteered to help children appreciate the benefits and attributes of sport, games and fitness. Team work, having fun and respecting the rules of sport. I’ve had the most precious experiences with over 100 school children of various Year Grades and ages. Resources and equipment is limited within every project so when volunteering don’t expect to use or have resources and materials, medical supplies & equipment as you may have in your home country. Respect the hard work provided and incredible enjoyment and benefits children and the community receive. The food at the centre is varied nutritious with limited spending budget, and accommodation basic but clean provides everything you need. Hot water showers and electricity supply is also limited but again if you have western world ideals perhaps this isn’t for you. Personally I’ve had the most incredible four weeks of my life and already organising my return trip in 2025. The surroundings in Livingstone provide what you need. Activities like Chobe safari, village tour, fabric market or thrilling activities are also offered via Victoria falls Backpackers reception. African Impact staff, Sports coach, management, cooks, groundsmen and housekeepers, security and community staff/drivers are all special human beings that care & ensure your stay is comfortable and suitable. The backpackers bar is both quiet and lively when required. The pool a refreshing necessity in the Zambian heat. Keep up the fantastic work;your positive impact is making a real difference in the communities you serve and inspiration to myself and other volunteers. I will miss you all and thank you for being YOU, beautiful inside and out. Much love Vimala ❤️

I enjoyed my time with the African impact team in Livingstons, Zambia. The team are professional, supportive and friendly. They are willing at all times to help out both in terms of during project activities and during leisure time. They take their work extremely seriously and are passionate about what they do

I spent 3 weeks in Zambia and had the most amazing time. The staff are all very welcoming and friendly. I absolutely loved being on project, the children were so enthusiastic about learning which made our job even more enjoyable. There is plenty of activities to do in the evenings and on weekends.

I spent a month in Zambia and it was one of the best months of my life. The staff were incredibly nice and helpful if I ever had a problem. All the volunteers were lovely and program really felt like you were making an impact. All the activities on the weekend were also very well organised. I would definitely recommend to anyone who was thinking of doing it.

I thoroughly enjoyed my experience teaching in Zambia. Things were organised well here and there was a good variety of after school activities but I felt the evening time could have been used more productively. I would have loved to spend an hour one/two evenings a week with the local elderly people perhaps at a care home. The group dynamic was good for the first half of my time here until all the original people left and 9 Italians joined. Although efforts were made by management to encourage them to be inclusive and to speak English, they didn’t comply. This created a split in the group and greatly affected the overall dynamic. The rooms are organised by gender but a girl and a boy were sharing a bed for the majority of the nights. This group were just highly disrespectful on a lot of levels. When I was sick, the staff on the ground were so attentive to me and guided me towards the correct medicine to purchase also. One thing that took me by surprise was when I asked about buying school supplies for the school I was volunteering in and leaving them with the principal for her to decide how best to use them. I had fundraised and gathered donations that I assumed I would have the liberty of deciding how my that money should be spent, to be told that any donations had to be left with African Impact and would be used as incentives/prizes for their projects. The staff were so lovely and I met a lot of lovely people. However, I think volunteers should be over the age of 18 as immaturity affects impact hugely.

This has been the most amazing experience of my life. The people of the organization are just wonderful and the program is incredible. It makes you understand what is really important in life. Zikomo!

A wonderful honest grass roots charity - a group of very sincere people doing their best to help others from severely tough backgrounds. The work they do and the programs they run are highly relevant and the community welcomes them with open arms. If you are thinking of doing something meaningful with your time then African Impact is a terrific option.

I would recommend the Girl Impact programme in Livingstone, Zambia to anyone! It has really been the most fulfilling and incredible month. Teaching girl impact is really fascinating and i think that the girls in the communities really enjoy the sessions. It’s just incredible and I cannot wait to come back!

To write a short review on how incredible my time spent here in the greater Kruger area with this team has been, is impossible. This will forever be the greatest trip of my life. I have made incredible memories and ever more incredible friends. I have loved every second of my 12 weeks here and I wish I didn’t have to leave so soon.

This was a life changing experience. African Impact is the real deal and they are doing everything the correct way. They are leaving a lasting impression on the community in Livingstone. The staff is incredible. The food is amazing. The live is real.