Volunteers are responsible for booking and paying for their own flights. Volunteers can fly directly to Livingstone Airport or alternatively into Lusaka, the capital city which is further North. If arriving into Lusaka volunteers will either do a connecting flight to Livingstone or take a bus to Livingstone (roughly 6-7 hours). DLZ will be more than happy to help volunteers to book bus tickets and have representatives in Lusaka to help you from the airport to the bus station and onto the right bus!

Once you get into Livingstone a DLZ staff member will collect you from Livingstone airport or the bus station at your designated arrival time and drive you to your new home – no problem!

Some volunteers fly to Victoria falls Airport in Victoria falls town in Zimbabwe.
Then they go to the zambian border by taxi which takes about 30 minutes to the zambian border.

You are of course free to travel before and after your project, as long as you arrive at your project location on the start date. We will be happy to help you organise any onward travel and drop you at the airport or bus station when you leave. Kindly note that you will be required to pay $55 per night for any extra nights that you stay for food and accommodation.

English is the official language of Zambia and most residents understand and speak English. It’s always nice to learn a little of any local language though since you may be working with communities, most of whom will speak Nyanja. Check out http://wikitravel.org/en/nyanja_phase book for more info and basic vocabulary. There are nearly 80 spoken languages in Zambia – don’t try to learn them all!

Kindly ensure that you have adequate volunteer travel insurance

You must have travel insurance (including medical and repatriation cover) prior to departure from your home country and which covers the duration of your stay.

It is possible to get credit for many of our volunteer projects; please contact your university for credit information. We will be happy to provide you with any information requested by your university or college.

You will require a business visa to enter Zambia for volunteering. These can be obtained at the airport on arrival or you can apply for a visa before arrival; check with the Zambian embassy in your country for more information.

Kindly check for the VISA application requirements for your country through the Zambian Immigration website. Some countries have a VISA FREE WAIVER. Kindly check for yourself for details.

Business visa are valid for 90 days. You will be required to pay for a business visa after 90 days.

You should have at least 2 full, clean pages in your passport and it should be valid for at least six months after your scheduled departure from Zambia.

YES! Outside of your volunteering commitments your free time is just that; yours.

You will have plenty of time to explore the local culture and attractions such as Victoria Falls, one of the world’s most exciting tourism destinations, and we offer specially planned excursions and activities on a regular basis.

There is also the Mosi-Oa-Tunya national park, Maramba and Zimbabwe market, our fabulous southern borders with Zimbabwe, Namibia and Botswana and the bustling night-life of Livingstone town. For more information see our *Activities page.*

It is important that you visit your doctor or travel clinic at least 8 weeks prior to departure to discuss and receive the necessary vaccinations or medications. You may have already been immunised against a lot of these diseases so don’t worry! A booster may be all you need.

Malaria: It is vital that you come with a supply of anti-malarial medication to last you the duration of your stay with us and beyond if applicable.

Tetanus/Diptheria: Recommended for all travellers, booster every 10 years.

Cholera: Recommended for all our volunteers. Cholera is an essential vaccine for all volunteers wishing to work in hospitals or clinics.

Rabies: Rabies is generally recommended for travellers who will spend a lot of time outdoors or working with animals or any long-term traveller.

NOTE: The above vaccines are not mandatory but recommend. Kindly ensure you check with your doctor before taking the vaccines.

Suggested Kit List

A couple of suggestions for those of you heading out to join us. Do remember that this is written specifically for volunteers coming out to work with DLZ; if you’re planning any great adventures before or after you stay with us then seek advice from someone who’s been there, done that!

This list is not exhaustive, just a few suggestions we got from past volunteers……

Clothing
-Light weight, cotton clothing is best for the Zambian climate

-Long sleeved shirts and trousers (for covering up in the midday sun and to protect from mosquitoes when out at night)

-Trousers/shorts for cycling (skirts won’t cut it!)
-Closed shoes/trainers/walking boots for days out in the national park or walking safaris

-Ladies – a scarf to cover shoulders can be useful if visiting culturally sensitive sites
-Wide brim hat
-Long skirts & long dresses for female volunteer to wear on a project.
-Scrubs are recommended for medical volunteers.

Toiletries
– You can buy most toiletries in Livingstone as there is a large shopping centre with a selection of products commonly found in Europe

– SUN CREAM! It can reach up to 40 C in the hot season (September to October) but is generally hot all year. Factor 30 is recommended as a minimum.

Medikits/Pharmaceuticals
– There are plenty of local pharmacies, some of the drugs are not allowed in Zambia. Kindly get in touch with us before you come with them.

– Malaria pills.

– Paracetamol/Aspirin for aches and pains.

– Diarreah pills.

– Plasters/Blister Pads.

– Hand sanitizer.

– Anti-sceptic cream.

Miscellaneous
– Books, toys, pens, pencils or other items relevant to your project!

– Books/Kindle/e-reader etc for spare time, evenings.

– Travel games.

– A USB stick with movies or your favourite TV shows on – movie nights are a favourite past-time at the volunteer house.

– Bedding are provided at the volunteer house

– Lots of soap/shower gel/conditioner – you can buy all of that in town and its heavy!

– Kitchen supplies (knives/forks/camping stoves etc); your meals are taken care of at the volunteer house or at your homestay.

– Comfort food; chocolate, crisps, cereal, biscuits, you can get it all in town.