The Bundu people of Zambia believe that the Zambezi River contains a spirit called Nyami Nyami, the spirit brings them water to drink and fish to eat, so they call the Zambezi the “river of life”. Flowing through six countries, from Central Africa to the Indian Ocean, the river changes on its journey from a meandering stream to a torrent of raging rapids and colossal waterfalls.
Zambia provides access to remote and uncrowded wilderness areas on the Zambezi, as well as several top destinations along its course, including the Barotse floodplain, Sioma National Park, Liuwa National Park, the awesome Victoria Falls and the legendary Mana Pools National Park.
Victoria Falls stand between Zambia and Zimbabwe, with equally fantastic views on both sides- the towering column of spray and thunder of falling water can be seen and heard from miles around. The falls are nearly 2 km wide, and drop over 100m into an immense gorge, the shiny black rock face contrasting with the sea green river below to give a magnificent natural vista. Visitors can raft the rapids below the falls, or experience the superb 360 degree views from the Victoria Falls Bridge, as well as take walking safaris, and even microlight trips.
Mana Pools National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a top walking safari destination, with loads of big game, including elephant, buffalo, kudu, eland, zebra and waterbuck. This outstanding park consists of islands, sandbanks, pools and river frontage, all formed by the Zambezi, flanked by forests of mahogany, wild figs, ebonies and baobabs, and is one of the least developed protected areas in Southern Africa. With a huge concentration of hippos and crocodiles, as well as large numbers of elephant and buffalo during the dry season, this is a top safari destination, offering more than simply vehicle based trips, as visitors can use canoes or even go on foot to explore the region.
The Barotse flood plain sees the annual Kuomboka ceremony, when the local people abandon their homesteads for dry homes on higher ground. The King is transferred from his Palace in the lowlands to a residency in the highlands during the floods, and visitors can catch a glimpse of traditional tribal pomp and ceremony.
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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