Zambia luxury voluntourism
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Highlights
This is a fantastic trip for the adventure and wildlife enthusiast who also wants to make a positive difference in the lives of the local people and get immersed in the culture. Here are just some of the things you can expect:
Your "taste of volunteering" project
Two thirds of Zambia’s population live on less than one dollar a day, yet it is one of the most expensive countries in Southern Africa, with inflation rates soaring every year.
Only a short drive from charming Livingstone town and the popular Victoria Falls you'll find yourself in the heart of real Africa. A tribal village, whose inhabitants lead simple, impoverished lives.
This is one of many villages that fall under the same cheifdom, and they have been fortunate to benefit from donations of supplies as well as specialist skills over the past few years. In the surrounding area there are twelve schools and three clinics. This is where you can roll up your sleeves and get stuck in and make a real difference.
You have the opportunity to teach at the school, assist at the medical clinic or work on one of the building projects, such as constructing a homes for widows.
The importance of the work here was highligted by a recent encounter between an aid worker and a pregnant woman who, at 9 months pregnant, had walked 37km (13hours) to get to a maternity clinic!
In your time here you will not only have positive impact, you will also gain unique insights into rural Zambian life and get to know your gracious hosts and they will benefit form your assistance and attention and the knowledge that the world cares about them.
Project Updates:
The 25th of April marked World Malaria Day. Fortunately, in Africa, malaria deaths have been cut by a third in the past decade. Yet the tragedy is that 75% of deaths occur in children under the age of five.
The government is failing badly in its duty of providing all children under the age of five and pregnant women with mosquito nets. Fortunately the charitable project in the Mukuni Chiefdom has gone some way to educate and to provide more vital nets, but as always there is more to do.
The amazing sights
At Hands Up Holidays we like you to decide what you want to see, so here are some of the highlights that you may want to consider visiting. So that you can get an idea of timing we have created a bit of a sample itinerary (you can find this on the right side bar), but you are always welcome to change it to suit your desires.
Zambia has beautiful scenery and lovely warm people, but one of the best know attractions are the Victoria Falls, considered by some to be one of the 7 natural wonders of the world.
Victoria Falls or ‘Mosi-oa-Tunya’ – ‘the Smoke that Thunders’ is an accurate description of the awe-inspiring spectacle you'll witness, when the meandering Zambezi River suddenly comes alive and turns into a mighty torrent that crashes down the 300 ft (90 meter) high basalt cliffs. Here the previously placid stream transforms into a violent river that cuts through dramatic gorges on its journey along the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe.
If you are willing to brave the spray, there is a great walk to the sheer wall of basalt that sits directly opposite the falls. A path passes along the edge, through the mist covered rain forest, and provides you with unparalleled views.
For those that prefer to stay dry there are also amazing views from the Knife Edge Bridge, the Falls Bridge and the Lookout Tree.
If you have the time and inclination, one of the most spectacular sights is the aerial view of the falls. It allows you to fully appreciate the grand scale and the awesome power of the river as it carves its way through the deep zig zagging gorges. Take your pick of Micro-light, plane or helicopter to enjoy these magnificent views. Drift over the wide tranquil upper Zambezi before arriving at the crescendo of the falls. It is truly a splendid natural phenomenon.
The falls can be very different throughout the year. In the peak flow season (March to April), the spectacle is at it’s best, but it can be hard to appreciate fully at ground level so it is best enjoyed from the air. In the dry season (November to December), you can see the whole spectacle from the ground. If you are feeling adventurous you can even walk out to the lip of the falls or across to Livingstone island.
Vic Falls is awash with fun filled activities, from relaxing sunset cruises on the upper Zambezi to spectacular bungee jumps from the Victoria bridge. You can find something for everyone. Popular choices are rafting, kayaking, river boarding, jet boating, horse riding, game drives, fishing and the list goes on. It is a fantastic place to hang out for a few days.
There are also numerous spectacular walks that you can do by yourself. If you don’t mind exerting yourself a little, it is well worth going deep into the gorge to the "Boiling Pot". Look up at the wide Zambezi thundering over the cliff, and watch it compressed into the Batoka Gorge, and go crashing and swirling over rapids. Or walk across to the famous Victoria Falls Hotel (the “grand old lady of the Falls”) for a “High Tea” in magnificent surroundings.
South Luangwa has been dubbed by some experts as one of the greatest wildlife sanctuaries in the world. This is mainly due to the concentration of game around the Luangwa river and its ox bow lagoons, which is among the most intense in Africa.
The Luangwa River is the life blood of the park. This is the place where the now famous ‘walking safari’ originated. Walking is still one of the finest ways to experience this pristine wilderness first hand. The changing seasons give the park a huge diversity and richness ranging from dry, bare bushveld in the winter to a lush green vegetation in the summer months. It is home to 60 different animal species and over 400 different bird species. Sadly, the notable exception is the rhino, which was poached to extinction.
Feel free to contact us if you have any enquiries about this trip.
With one person booking, please contact us for the price of your trip.
