Description:
Volunteering in Zambia puts you in the middle of one of the most spectacular environments in the world. With the Zambezi river, Victoria falls, Hwange National Park and home to one of the most important Lion breeding programs in the world Zambia is an awe inspiring place to be. Like many African countries it still has a low level of resources in key areas of education and health care. This program also lets you live in close contact with over 100 chimpanzees and other animals in need of care and attention, including bush babies, monkeys and squirrels. Witness incredible animal relationships in the close knit chimpanzee family structure and be part of the day to day care of the orphanage's inhabitants.
*African Lion Rehabilitation & Release in Zambia
This valuable project is seeking to provide a solution to the problem of rapidly decreasing lion populations by releasing into appropriate National Parks and reserves the wild borne offspring from rehabilitated captive bred lions, using a unique four stage programme.
The programme works alongside local conservation trusts to ensure that habitat is protected, that research is conducted to provide a basis for sound conservation management plans to be developed and that those communities bordering the conservation area are involved every step of the way to foster support for wildlife conservation.
All elements of the project are carried out in partnership with appropriate national and local authorities and we work alongside partner organizations to ensure that cross programme cooperation is maximised.
Highlights:
*Zambezi River
The Zambezi passes through six African countries and is Africa's fourth largest river. It's power has carved the spectacular Victoria Falls and the zigzagging Batoka Gorge. What's nice about the Zambezi is it is less developed and has many protected areas along it's banks. The river and the falls lay host to some exciting activities like rafting, abseiling, bungi jumping and river safaris.
*South Luangwa National Park
This magnificent game reserve contains some of the most intense and concentrated wildlife populations in the world. The Luangwa River is the most intact major river system in Africa and is the life blood of the park. The now famous 'walking safari' originated in this park and is still one of the finest ways to experience this pristine wilderness first hand. The changing seasons add to the Park's richness ranging from dry, bare bushveld in the winter to a lush green wonderland in the summer months. There are 60 different animal species and over 400 different bird species. The only notable exception is the rhino, sadly poached to extinction.
*Chimpanzee Sanctuary and Animal Orphanage
On the headwaters of the Kafue River, sixty kilometers west of Chingola, lies the Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphanage. The orphanage began when a couple to farm at Chimfunshi in the late seventies. Locally famous for caring for animals, they received in 1983 a young chimpanzee that had been confiscated from Zairean poachers. The Chimpanzee wasn't expected to survive, but they persisted and nursed the animals back to health. If you're in this remote part of north western Zambia, it is well worth a visit. In fact it's worth taking a trip here from anywhere in Zambia, such is the privilege of being able to spend time with these fascinating animals. In a world of commercialism, Chimfunshi thrives on unconditional love and absolute dedication.
Qualifications / Skills Needed:
Participants must possess enthusiasm and a willingness to learn about the environment and the people. Additionally, a love of working in the community and interacting with people is essential.
Language:
English
Cost in US$: Please visit website for details
Cost Includes:
Excursions,
Food,
Housing,
In-country orientation/Training,
In-country staff support,
Language instruction,
Pre-departure orientation/Training
and Registration fees
* Accommodation: Shared room in a volunteer house.
* Food: 3 meals per day - Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
* Airport pick up and drop off (from Victoria Falls airport, Zimbabwe).
* Training: Pre-departure information pack, on-site
Orientation and project induction provided
* Laundry service
* Support: 24 hour support from on-site coordinator
* Activities: Staff help organise weekend activities. (Activity price may be extra) Trips include: Bungee Jumping, White Water Rafting on the Zambezi, Helicopter Flights over Victoria Falls, Zambezi River Cruises, visits to Botswanas Chobe National Park and weekend excursions across to Zimbabwe
Experience Required: no
Typical Volunteer Projects:
animal welfare,
conservation,
parks,
veterinary
and wildlife surveying
Typical Volunteer: A Kaya volunteer shows enthusiasm, spirit and life to stimulate and bring something new to the local residents; love, patience and a listening ear for the people; and a good motivator with a positive and optimistic attitude.
Age Range: Must be more than 18 years old
This Program is open to
Worldwide
Participants.
.
Typical Living Arrangement:
Home-stays
Participants Travel to Zambia
Independently
Or
in Groups
Typically Participants Work
Independently
Or
in Groups
Application Process Involves:
- Online Application plus Application Assessment
Post Services Include:
Kaya Responsible Travel's Mission Statement: Kaya's mission is to promote sustainable social, environmental and economic development, empower communities and cultivate educated, compassionate global citizens through responsible travel.
Year Founded: 2008