Victoria Falls Treevolution

Based in the Victoria Falls World Heritage Site near Livingstone, Zambia, you will be part of a multi-national volunteer event, with the goal of planting 5,000 - 10,000 trees and educating local children about conservation. You will be part of a team of 100 volunteers from across the world coming together in one event to make a positive change in the hearts and minds of the Zambian people. You will also have the chance to attend environmental workshops run by key speakers from world organisations, including the United Nations. You can be involved for 1, 2 or 3 weeks and it is reccomended you stay for as long as you can to get as immersed as possible and have the biggest impact.

Six Reasons to Become a Volunteer with Smaller Earth 

• Live and work with volunteers from all over the world
• Be part of a truly unique event that will create a lasting impact
• Explore the stunning area around Livingstone, the capital of Zambia's Southern Province
• Plant fruit trees at local schools to educate them, and provide a food source
• Learn about a new culture and language
• Go on many option excursions including Elephant rides, Canoe Trips and Bungee Jumps off Victoria Falls!

Victoria Falls Treevolution

As well as planting trees in the Victoria Falls World Heritage Site you will also:

• Plant trees in Dambwa Forest - a Lion Rehabilitation release site 
• Educate local children about the dangers of deforestation
• Take part in talks and workshops on conservation

A Typical Day

• 07.30: Rise and breakfast
• 08.00: Briefing on the day’s activities, which group will be going where, etc.
• 08.30: Leave with group to pick up planting supplies, tools, and trees
• 09.00: Arrive at planting site; brief introduction to the community, the area, where trees will go
• 09:20: Tree planting demonstration and overview of tree types being planted
• 09.30: Begin planting
• 12.00: Break for lunch
• 13.30 Continue planting
• 15.30 Finish planting, delivery of environmental education material
• 16.00 Return to camp and free time
• 18.30 Dinner
• 19.30 Workshops and educational talks (on some days)

Program Highlights

• Help plant up to 10,000 trees in Zambia; one of the world’s five worst countries for deforestation
• Be part of the team that helps preserve Zambia’s fragile biodiversity
• Educate Zambian children about their natural environment at local schools
• Attend lectures and workshops on a variety of environmental subjects
• Listen to presentations by notable speakers, including a speaker from the UN, who will focus on topics specific to the Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation (REDD) campaign
• Offset the carbon emissions of your flight to Africa through the tree planting you take part in
• Explore Zambia, a beautiful country in the heart of sub-Saharan Africa
• Stay on the banks of the Maramba River, only 4km from the Victoria Falls, one of the seven wonders of the world!
• Enjoy some of the many activities Livingstone has to offer, such as white water rafting, lion walking, elephant back safaris, and bungee jumping
• Participate in our closing celebration with local musicians and entertainment
• Enjoy the company of dozens of volunteers from all over the world

Location and Accommodation

You will stay at the Maramba River Lodge, about 4km from Victoria Falls. You will be sleeping in a beautiful tented camp area sharing with one other volunteer. There is also a central area for eating, and chatting with other volunteers. You will have access to clean ablution blocks, as well as to the lodge’s other facilities, including a swimming pool, chill deck, bar and curio shop. Accommodation upgrades to chalets are available, but have to be pre-booked.

Meals

Volunteers will be served three well-balanced, delicious meals a day – meat and vegetarian options will be available. Meal times will be dependent upon each day’s activities. (Example of meals: oats, cereal and fruit for breakfast; rolls/sandwiches with cheese and various salads for lunch or pasta/cous cous/rice salad; dinner will include meat/vegetable stews, barbecues, tasty pasta and sauce etc.)

Age Range and Required Experience

No specific prior experience is required for the project. As long as you are over 17 and in good health, we’d love to have you on board! Please note that the project does involve quite hard physical work.

Orientation

You will be picked up from Livingstone International Airport. Upon arrival at the lodge, you will be given a project orientation that covers the following: 

• Explanation of surrounding area and living facilities
• Introduction to the project team
• Detailed introduction to the project and your tasks
• Detailed introduction to ‘Trees for Zambia’ - the problem and the solution
• Run-down of your daily itinerary
• Responsible tourism tips

Getting There and Travel Opportunities

You’ll have to fly to Livingstone International Airport on the Sunday, where you will be picked up by one of our project representatives. You will then be taken to Maramba River Lodge, where you will meet the rest of the team. At the end of your stay, you will have to fly out again on a Sunday (so either July 8, July 15, or July 22). We will take you back to the airport.

Known as the adrenaline capital of the world, Livingstone has plenty of fun activities to offer! You will have weekends off, so that you can either rest, or do some of the following activities:

• White-Water Rafting on the Zambezi - $155 per person
• Victoria Falls Bungi Jumping (111m) - $120 per jump
• Abseiling - Half day US$95, Full day US$100
• Gorge Swing US$60
• Zambezi River Cruise - $55 per person
• Elephant Back Safaris - $160 (extra $10 for park fees)
• Game Drive - $50 per person
• Helicopter flights - 15 mins US$135, 30 mins US$270
• Zambezi Canoe Trip (not white-water rafting) – Half day: (mornings only) US$100 per person Full day: US$130 per person
• Livingstone Town tour - $40

Please note that all prices listed above are a guide and could change before your trip.

 What's Included?