Zambia - Safari Camps and Lodges

Overview

Zambia is still one of the least visited of Southern Africa’s countries but the wide open spaces of the Luangwa and Kafue National Parks and the famous Victoria Falls, make it a fantastic destination. The planes are abundant with wildlife which includes elephant, lion, leopard, hippo, buffalo and a huge variety of birds.

We work exclusively with a number of luxury lodges/safari camps from The River Club situated right on the Zambezi to Flat Dogs deep in the bush. Each one owning its own style, environment and local tribe that they work in close partnership with.

Our Favourites

The River Club  www.wilderness-safaris.com
A world famous safari lodge based on the edge of the mighty Zambezi River, a stone’s throw away from the vibrant town of Victoria Falls – home to white water rafting and bungee jumping. This colonial style lodge attracts clients from all over the world wishing to venture into the nearby Lower Zambezi and Mosi-oa-Tunya National Parks, where you can see elephants, giraffe, rhino and more. 

Centred around a colonial-style house, with a comfortable sitting area, large dining room, impressive library and wide veranda where breakfast and tea is served. Manicured lawns spread out beneath the trees and a croquet court is an ideal venue for a Pimm's-soaked croquet game. The pool has been built to seem part of the river itself, a secluded deck with hammocks and loungers provides respite, and beauty treatments are available in the calico 'massage' tent.

With the Zambezi National Park just across the river, hippo and elephant are regularly heard and seen, birdlife is particularly rich and tiger fishing is a challenge for keen fishermen.

Here you will predominantly be needed to help their dynamic safari team run this  lodge, whilst spending time on community projects in the nearby village. They can take 2 volunteers at a time and are open all year round.

Camp Activities
Walking, elephant viewing, fishing, horse and canoe safaris, game drives, white water rafting, bungie jumping, abseiling, helicopter and micro light flying.

The Wildlife Camp  www.wildlifecamp-zambia.com
A small yet buzzing, privately owned camp and campsite, on land owned by the wildlife conservation society of Zambia.  It is located on the banks of the Luangwa River bordering the South Luangwa National Park. 60% of the proceeds of the accommodation goes to conservation and education in Zambia.

It has a comfortable lodge and chalets catering for the 3* market, a number of self-catering chalets for families who wish to do their own thing and a camp site nearby, popular with overland trucks.

Camp Activities
Game walks, drives, plunge pool and camping out in the bush.

How you help

The River Club
In the Lodge
Help out with management, reception, catering, cooking and general house-keeping as well as helping the rangers provide the game viewing and fishing activities. There is a fair degree of stand-in management required and running departments whilst staff are away.  If you have catering experience, this will be put to good use training the chefs and develop island lunches.

On Community and Conservation projects
When time permits you will be able to help on the local village projects driven by The River Club whose ultimate goal is to expand and develop the children’s education with a sponsorship programme. You’ll have the opportunity to help develop self sufficient farming initiatives with a clean water project and introducing semi commercial chilli farming.

Wildlife Camp
In The Camp
Work will be split between the camp helping with management, reception, catering, cooking and housekeeping with helping the safari guides with their walking safaris. All guides find themselves acting as ‘tea bearers’ so be prepared to carry a large backpack!

On Conservation and Community projects
By working and immersing yourself in the local culture you will see for yourself what the managers are doing to improve the lives of the local communities. About one day a week can be spent teaching local school children English and sport.

Conservation initiatives to protect the environment are taken very seriously and your help with animal snare collection, erosion control, controlling vehicle and tourist impact on animal behaviour will be greatly appreciated.

Your base

Your Team
You will be joining the dynamic camp and safari teams who are made up of both African and European staff. 

Accommodation
River Club
Accommodation is in a simple stone cottage with shower, loo, electricity and running water!

Wildlife Camp
A mixture of safari style tents and rooms with shower and loos or camping out in the campsite. In the past we have found that our volunteers may be asked to move around from time to time depending on the nos of guests and room availability.

Weather and Seasons
It is cool and dry from May to August, hot and dry September to October, and rainy from November to April, with most showers falling at higher altitudes and mainly in the afternoon. The busy season is from about May – October when there should be plenty of guests in all the camps.

Time In/Out

Time In
In both camps the working hours vary but they usually start early with a rest at midday and work late.  There will be time off at the discretion of the Manager when the camp is low on guests.

Time Out
River Club
There is plenty to do in Livingstone and Victoria Falls which are both about 45 minutes away by car. Walking, elephant viewing, fishing, horse and canoe safaris, game drives, white water rafting, bungie jumping, abseiling, helicopter and micro light flying. NB You will need to pay directly for all activities not provided by The River Club.

Wildlife Camp
Plenty to do in the immediate area - game walks, drives, plunge pool and camping out in the bush.

Costs/Dates

Dates
Flexible departures dependent on local weather/seasons. Placements are for 12 weeks but can be extended when on the ground.

Cost

£2400 current until 31st August 2010.
In rare circumstances there may be an increase in cost, if for example the hosts are unable to get local park fees. In these cases the cost will be confirmed on application.

Includes:
UK
Consultation and briefing on all aspects of the placement.
Organisation and preparation of entire placement from start to finish.
Exclusive access to researched work placements.
Supporting travel documents including effective fundraising guide.
Management, advice and 24-hour backup and support.

In-country
Management and support by an in-country director and placement manager.
24-hour emergency backup and support.
Living allowance of £40 per month (if applicable).
Payment to the host towards your management care.
Airport pick-up and transfer to and from the placement.
Full board and accommodation.
Access to amenities at staff rates.

Not included:
International and internal (if applicable) flights, visas, medical expenses (recoverable through travel insurance) and inoculations, personal expenses – such as drinks etc and any independent travel at weekends, National Park fees (if applicable), travel insurance.

View and Print full details

You can view and print the details of this destination in pdf format by clicking the link below:

Zambia Solo Leap career breaker destination - PDF