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Waste Reduction Volunteer Program in Zambia

Empower Communities to Turn Waste into Opportunity

Join the award-winning eco-bricking project shaping Zambia’s future. Calling all passionate environmental advocates! This groundbreaking project, recognized for its innovative approach and impactful results, offers a unique opportunity to make a real difference in the world. Step into the heart of Livingstone, a vibrant town in Zambia, and become a key player in the fight for a sustainable future. Get involved with sustainable eco brick building projects, awareness workshops, and community initiatives that encourage people to use plastic waste to improve their communities and lives. This plastic bottle bricking initiative goes beyond traditional volunteering, offering an immersive experience where you’ll actively contribute to the environmental conservation movement in Zambia.

Project Highlights

  • Get involved with sustainable eco brick building projects, and community initiatives that encourage people in a small town to use plastic waste to improve their lives
  • Learn how to make and use eco bricks for more sustainable construction projects
  • Host awareness workshops on plastic pollution to educate locals on plastic and its impact on health, wildlife, and the environment
  • Tick one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World off your bucket list by visiting Victoria Falls in your free time
  • Live and work in the ‘Adventure Capital’ of Africa, where you can bungee-jump, go white-water-rafting or take to the skies on a microlight flight

Quick Facts

Livingstone, Zambia

Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport

Specific Start Dates

10 days - 12 weeks

Impact: Environmental Sustainability

$1,955 – $5,150
Apply Now

Project Destination

Zambia is an adrenaline-pumping adventure woven with the soul of a friendly, vibrant town. When you’re not busy contributing to plastic waste reduction, you can bungee jump off the Victoria Falls Bridge, the misty spray of Mosi-oa-Tunya, “the Smoke that Thunders,” swirling beneath you. Or you can take a dip in the legendary Devil’s Pool, perched precariously at the edge of the falls! Adventure isn’t all that awaits you as a volunteer in Zambia, Livingstone’s heart beats with the rhythm of a rich culture and history. After a day of ecobricking in Zambia you can enjoy dinner overlooking the Zambezi river and take in the most spectacular sunsets you’ve ever seen.

ACCOMODATION

All African Impact volunteers stay in a comfortable, private house located within the vibrant Victoria Falls Backpackers. Volunteers will have access to all the facilities, including a spacious dining area, bar, swimming pool, and even a rock-climbing wall! ​

The Backpackers is conveniently located a short 5-minute walk away from the town centre of Livingstone, where you’ll find grocery stores, cafes, bars, and restaurants. Bedrooms sleep 4-8 people, with bunk beds in each room, and there are shared bathrooms with hot water showers.

At the Backpackers, you will receive 3 meals a day, cooked by local chefs, which are a combination of international and local flavours. For breakfast you can expect cereal and toast, along with a cooked option, such as eggs or pancakes. Lunch could be a wrap, pizza or sandwich paired with a fresh crispy salad. For dinner you might have a pasta dish or an authentic stew!

To keep in touch with family and friends back home, Victoria Falls Backpackers has complimentary WiFi for you to use during your stay. You can also purchase a SIM card with data bundles if you wish.

Weather in Livingstone tends to be stable and sunny from August until late October when the “monsoon” rains start to hit. Either side of this time, the weather is very pleasant. The climate is tropical or subtropical depending on altitude, with a hot, humid, and rainy season from mid-November to March and a dry season from April to mid-November. October is typically the hottest month of the year.

Participant Requirements

AGE

Our minimum age for ecobricking in Zambia is 17 years of age. Please note that Parental Consent is required before arrival for those aged 17. We can also accept volunteers 15 years of age, if traveling with a parent, but other adult companions need to be discussed ahead of time.

To travel to Africa, many people are required to obtain a visa either upon entry to the relevant country or beforehand. Please note different countries require different passport validity periods.

But don’t panic, our Journey Team will help direct you and answer your questions during our Pre-departure process.

Project Impact Areas

ECO-BRICKING

Every scrap of plastic you collect becomes a mighty EcoBrick, a warrior in the fight against pollution and these bricks get put to good use, we build everything from chicken coops to school benches with them! We also run a swap shop with school students to encourage them to get involved. The students can swap EcoBricks they have made for stationary, toys, and football jerseys.

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CONSERVATION WORKSHOPS

Spark the fight against waste through education, igniting local innovation with practical solutions. Become a knowledge warrior, planting seeds of change and watching eco-consciousness blossom. Using our environmental education curriculum, volunteers deliver workshops to schools, community groups, women’s groups, and local businesses on the importance of waste management and why environmental conservation is important.

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ENVIRONMENTAL CLEAN UPS

Gear up for epic clean-up initiatives alongside people from the local community. Picture this: you’re not just litter picking, you’re battling plastic pollution that affects the natural landscape around you including the amazing animals that call the Zambezi river home. Witness the transformative power of collective action as you restore the natural beauty of Zambia, one piece of plastic at a time.

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Impact title

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On-the-ground Project Support

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FLIGHTS & ARRIVAL

A friendly face from our Base Team will be ready to meet you at the airport and drive you to our Volunteer Accommodation. Just look out for the African Impact sign!

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SAFETY

On arrival you’ll have a comprehensive induction to prepare you for project work, the local culture, people and wildlife; and of course, how to stay safe!

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STAFF

24/7 support: Our base teams are on hand every day to make sure you have the most amazing and memorable time in Africa.

Program Experience

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Recent Volunteer Reviews

“Had a fantastic time on the ecobricking project in Zambia. Was really impressed by African Impact and their work in Livingstone. Loved how there was such an emphasis on community involvement and sustainability. Great diversity in day to day work and a fantastic place to volunteer in. Would absolutely recommend the organisation and the location.”
Benjamin, United KingdomEvironmental Conservation & Eco-bricking, Zambia
“This was one of the best things I have done in my life to date. Whilst I was out in Livingstone I really felt like I was in fact making a difference and that my money was going towards many different projects. The African Impact team were amazing and really care about what they were doing which was infectious to all volunteers. This experience opened my eyes to many different issues which I did not even realise existed.”
Lucy, United KingdomEnvironmental Conservation & Eco-bricking, Zambia

Gallery

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A captivating view of Livingstone, showcasing its natural beauty and African Impact's volunteer experiences.

Recommended activities in Zambia

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SAFARI TIME

Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park offers a convenient safari where you can spot elephants, zebras and more, against beautiful backdrops of the Zambezi River. The real highlight of the park is the re-introduced white rhino, which you can track on foot – unforgettable experience! There’s also Chobe National Park across the border in Botswana, famed for its huge elephant population. An overnight safari to this National Park is a popular weekend activity that many past volunteers have enjoyed.

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VICTORIA FALLS

The mighty Zambezi River beckons with exhilarating activities: cruise its vast expanse, battle the rapids on a white-water rafting expedition, or explore hidden waterways on a tranquil canoe trip. Feeling truly adventurous? Take the plunge with a heart-stopping bungee jump or soar through the gorge on a thrilling swing – all within easy reach of the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls.

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TOURS AND MARKETS

Livingstone has a rich culture and you can embark on a walking or cycling village tour to a local African village, giving you further insight into the traditional way of life. You can also shop at some of the many markets and stock up on locally hand-made goods for your loved ones back home or find interesting local foods to try.

Project Dates & Rates

When would you like to volunteer?

Give us an idea of your travel plans, you can also say ‘I’m not sure yet.’ We’ll take it from there.

How long would you like to volunteer?

This is the place to select your preferred duration(s). The African Impact team recommend at least 4 weeks for a truly memorable experience!

10 days $1955
2 weeks $2150
3 weeks $2450
4 weeks $2750
5 weeks $3050
6 weeks $3350
7 weeks $3650
8 weeks $3950
9 weeks $4250
10 weeks $455
11 weeks $4850
12 weeks $5150

Personal Information

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By opting in to SMS and WhatsApp communication, you give consent to receive text messages from African Impact that will assist in booking your placement. You can opt-out at any time by texting STOP.
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Project Fee Includes:

  • Accommodation
  • All meals
  • Airport transfers
  • All project related transport during your stay
  • All activities and entrance fees as per the workshop itinerary

Project Fee Excludes:

  • Flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Visa-related costs
  • Weekend trips or tours
  • Snacks, soft drinks, gifts, and souvenirs
  • Mandatory contribution of US$25 that is donated to the African Impact Sustainability Fund

Ecobricking in Zambia FAQs

How are Eco-Bricks used in Africa?

Waste pollution is becoming a serious problem across Africa, and there is a great need for collaborative community initiatives that put reducing, reusing, and recycling waste first. EcoBricks are one of those solutions! By taking excess waste, cleaning it, and using it to build firm bricks, EcoBricks have quickly become a game-changer in sustainably reducing waste and building eco-friendly community infrastructure.

Absolutely! Rather than bringing in new materials to build community structures, EcoBricks reuse and recycle previously discarded items and give them new life. By doing this, EcoBricks also reduces excess non-biodegradable waste from community environments, creating a genuinely cyclical approach to sustainability.

Africa is a vast continent with diverse cultures and safety considerations that vary depending on the specific country and region. We prioritize the safety and well-being of our volunteers and carefully assess each program location. Additionally, our program staff are available to support you throughout your placement, ensuring you have a safe and enriching experience.

More about African Impact

How it works

Find a project

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Connect and plan your trip with our Destination Specialists

secure a place

Pay your deposit to secure your booking

start preparing

Start finalising your trip with our Journey Team

Accreditations & Awards

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