Nestling alongside the magnificent Victoria Falls, Livingstone is a bustling town with a colourful past. Founded in 1905 when the Victoria Falls Bridge was completed, white pioneers were forced to move to Livingstone, along with the local people, with the threat of a one shilling a day fine for those who wouldn't comply.
The town was made capital of North Western Rhodesia from 1907-1935, and quickly became a prosperous manufacturing centre. The capital was moved to Lusaka in 1935, and though Livingstone was thriving, the decline of the Zambian (Rhodesian) economy eventually caused problems for industry, and soon after 1964 (Zambia's independence), tourism and manufacture declined, leaving the town with high levels of unemployment and poverty.
Now under a multiparty democracy, the country's tourism and trade base has started to improve, and with its excellent range of accommodation and proximity to the Falls, Livingstone is a great place to stop off.
Named in honour of David Livingstone, the town is currently experiencing a revival, and many of the classic art deco and colonial buildings are being lovingly restored to their former glory.
The spectacular Victoria Falls, with the world's widest curtain of falling water, is helping to turn Livingstone into the adventure capital of Southern Africa, with bungee jumps and all kinds of extreme water sports.
Blighted by poverty and social immobility, the Tanzanian community of Dar es Salaam is in need of help and support. By volunteering at this project, you will help provide children, youths and adults with the educational and life skills needed to avoid falling into the poverty trap.
Combine outdoors adventure with worthwhile volunteer work as you explore the best of Tanzania! Get up close to a range of wildlife, marvel at the incredible scenery, and make a difference to the lives of disadvantaged children!
Give underprivileged children a new lease of life and better future prospects! Help to teach maths, English and science and get involved with a range of activities as you explore the incredible island of Zanzibar!
Provide the children of Stone Town with the literacy, numeracy and communication skills they desperately need to build successful futures and absorb the amazing culture of Zanzibar!
Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa. Join this trip and feel a real sense of achievement as you reach the peak and witness spectacular views over Tanzania and Kenya.
Offer vital support to young boys in Tanzania – AIDS victims, and those who have been neglected or abused. Teach them the skills and show them the affection they’ll need to lead happier lives as adults.
Janet Horsley had an incredible time on her tailor-made gap year, blazing a trail through Africa, Asia, Australia and Latin America, read her story here.
Gap Year for Grown Ups have many Career Break Voluntary Projects in Africa for grown up gappers. Because Gap Year for Grown Ups is the leading authority and only specialist source of ideas and options for grown up gap years, it has the widest range of volunteering programmes in Africa. These include animal/wildlife conservation, teaching English in Africa, community volunteering in Africa and Voluntary work with children in Africa.
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