The thought of packing up your kit and volunteering in an unknown land may at first seem daunting, so break the process down into easily manageable steps.

How long can I commit to a project?
The longer you stay the more you will gain as will the people you work with. It takes time to get to know a community. We recommend at least a month but 3 will give you far more insight into a foreign culture and the rewards are expediential.

What do I want to achieve during this time?
Everyone has their own goals and interests and only you truly know what your aim is. All our programs will test you and help you grow as a person. Once you are here you are able (with a few days notice) to change your program if you are dissatisfied or uncomfortable in your placement. We highly recommend a mixed program with two options being the best choice. (Ie one month in a school and two weeks on  a game farm). When filling in your details tell us exactly what interests you. We will make every effort to help you achieve your goal.  We work on e-mail but you are most welcome to Skype or phone. Once we have tailored a program for you and agreed a start date you can look at flights.

What about flights?
Check on the Internet for good flight deals. There are two routes by air into Zambia. You can fly to the capital city Lusaka where one of our staff will meet you. From there you can either fly (1 hour) or take the bus (5 hours) to Livingstone. We have a dedicated staff in Lusaka who will manage your transit. Or you can fly to Johannesburg in South Africa and then up to Livingstone. There are 3 flights every day to Livingstone so this is a very easy option. We will meet you at the airport and you can spend the rest of the day by our pool or having a nap.

OK. So I have booked a flight now what?
Once you have your departure date you can confirm your program with us. To do this we will need your deposit payment at least four weeks before departure and the balance two weeks before departure (unless otherwise agreed).

Flight and program booked and paid!
Great. Now for the Jabs. You can check out the web sites on our healthcare page for the latest info or phone your local GP get their advice and book your appointment (s). You may also want visit the dentist prior to departure.

What about Visa’s?
Volunteer Zambia organizes your work visa and it will be stamped into your passport on arrival. This will cover your program duration as booked. If you extend while in country you will be billed an additional visa fee.

Insurance
Check out our links and surf the net for good deals. Do not buy unless you have read the small print. If you don’t understand all the terms then ask someone that does. Make sure it covers repatriation to your home country and evacuation to an area with good medical facilities (Johannesburg). Also that it covers adventure sports if you intend (or think there is even the smallest chance) that you will partake in such sports. Most policies also cover lost or stolen property. Once you have your insurance cover you will need to FAX or e-mail us a copy.

Cool. So its all booked, I have all my jabs my malaria meds and good insurance. I leave in a month. Easy. Now what?What to bring. Below is a comprehensive list. This will vary to an extent with time of year and season and each person will have their own requirements. So it’s not exclusive or exhaustive.

Documentation (required by everyone)

• Passport

• Flight Ticket, e-ticket or conformation number.

• Driving Licence (optional)

• Insurance documentation

• Inoculation certificates

• Documentation on qualifications if required by your program and requested by Volunteer Zambia.

• Photocopies of the above to be left in your home country with reliable person.

• Photocopies of the above to be brought with you and given to Volunteer Zambia on arrival.

• Credit card and some cash. Travelers cheques are hard to change and banks take a big commission.

• (For security money can be paid into Volunteer Zambia’s account in the UK or Zambia and drawn as required in Livingstone). There are two ATM machines in Livingstone. 

 
Equipment:

• Good walking shoes are essential.

• Glasses if required or adequate supply of contact lenses and solution for the duration of your trip.

• Any personal medications

• Sunscreen

• Torch

• Mosquito repellant (can be bought in Livingstone)

• Malaria meds (highly recommended)

• Hat or cap.

• Good travel bag small.

• Good travel bag or rucksack large.

• All toiletries

• Camera and film or memory cards (we have free internet so you can send home photos rather than store them).

• Cell phone (we can pre buy a local sim card for you so you can give your family the number pre departure).

• Cell phone charger. Please note we use 3 pin square British type sockets.

• Sleeping bag

• Your cloths (don’t forget those). Check out the season and plan accordingly. Ask VZ if not sure.

• Some good books.

• Small items for gifts (books, pens, sweets, toys, sports good etc).

• A decent penknife (Leatherman) is always handy. Make sure its in your main bag or it will get confiscated at the airport.

• Guidebook is useful but we have them here and you can borrow and photocopy pages if required.

• Money belt.