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Baraka Zambia Volunteer Trip 2023

13th May 2023 - 23rd May 2023

11 days/Zambia /Project Trip

Overview

This is a unique trip that gives you the opportunity to make a genuine difference for some African children. Helping at the projects is not compulsory but willingness to get stuck in and do your best to help will be useful.

Highlights include:
• Unique and hands on experience working to improve Zambian communities.
• Make friends and work alongside Zambians, known to be some of the warmest people in Africa.
• Meet the Baraka sponsored children.
• Be part of some genuine responsible tourism projects.

We start the trip in Lusaka where we spend time with some of Baraka’s college sponsored kids before visiting a Baraka-supported school enroute to Kabwe and assisting at the Baraka Learning Centre near Kapiri-Mposhi. We will also spend some time at the Baraka Safe House in Maamba, home to 27 teenage girls on their journey out of poverty. The next part of our adventure will see us transfer to Livingstone for a visit to the incredible Victoria Falls before our flights home. There is also the chance to take part in an optional two-day safari in the Chobe National Park in Botswana for an additional cost.

You don’t need any building experience to take part — just enthusiasm, a willingness to work hard and the desire to make a difference!

This unique trip gives you the opportunity to make a genuine difference for some of Zambia’s children. Working on the projects is far from compulsory on this trip but a willingness to muck in is appreciated by the locals who find all our efforts useful. If you are not keen on painting or manual work, interacting with the kids and teaching English, sports etc. is also a valuable contribution.

This trip is run in conjunction with Baraka Community Partnerships and will be led by Andy McKee, Co-Founder of Baraka. Baraka has been working in Zambia for over 10 years and has achieved a lot with volunteers at their various projects. To learn more about Baraka please visit www.barakacommunity.com or http://www.facebook.com/BarakaCommunityPartnerships.

Zambia has a generally laid-back attitude across the country and sometimes things take longer to happen than you would expect, this is often affectionately referred to as ‘African time’. You should be prepared for the odd last-minute change of plan and it’s important you allow a degree of flexibility.

Flights are not included in the cost although can be organised upon request by contacting The Different Travel Company on info@different-travel.com.

You will be advised what time to arrive and depart to meet transfers from the airport. If you cannot make this transfer, private transportation can be arranged at additional cost.

If you require any further arrangements such as extra nights’ accommodation, single rooms or any other arrangements please let Different Travel know at the time of booking.

The group will generally be between 8 and 12 people. Andy McKee is leading the tour on behalf of Baraka Community Partnerships. He will be assisted by Zambian colleagues and friends.

The minimum age to participate in this trip is 18 years old, or 16-17 if accompanied by an adult.

Accommodation in Kabwe and Lusaka is in chalets that are comfortable but in Lusaka they are in need of a bit of care. At Eureka there are wild animals roaming. In Livingstone we will be staying at Jollyboys, a comfortable lodge in the centre of town.

The trip cost is based on two sharing a room. If you do not have a travel partner you will be assigned a room-mate of the same gender.If you would like to request a single room, this is available for £325 on the main trip and £145 on the Chobe safari extension, on a first-come, first-served basis and is subject to availability. Please state this on your booking form.

May is the end of summer in Zambia when temperatures are typically cooler. Chances of rain are pretty low. The daily highs are up to 26°C, hovering around 19°C on average each day but dropping to 11°C at night. There is around 13 hours of daylight per day with a humidity of around 71%.

Maize is the staple food crop for much of the population. Other produce includes cassava (a root vegetable), cowpeas, peanuts, pumpkins and sweet potatoes. Typical meals include biscuits, bread, jam, eggs and sausages for breakfast; salads, bread, cold meat and cheese for lunch; and beef or chicken with lots of vegetables for dinner.

If we are informed in advance, the majority of special diets such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, etc. or any dietary preferences can be catered for to the best of The Different Travel Company’s, and our local partners’, ability. However we cannot guarantee that food preparation will have taken place in a contamination free environment.

Western toilets are found in hotels and restaurants catering to foreign visitors, however facilities may be more basic in remote areas. You should take toilet paper with you wherever you go as this is not often available. Where bins are provided it is customary to dispose of toilet paper rather than flushing.

You will never be asked to do anything outside your physical capabilities and teamwork will be encouraged at all times. No volunteer should feel they have to do something they are not happy or comfortable doing. Be open and honest if you feel you cannot do what you have been asked to. If you do have any reservations about any job you are assigned, please do not hesitate to raise these with Andy.

Essentials

E-tickets + pre-departure info
Passport (with two blank pages) + copy
Visa approval documentation
Insurance policy details
Pen for immigration forms
Cash (£) /+ Credit + ATM card(s)
LED head torch + spare batteries
Adaptor (multi-prong option)
Sunglasses
Mobile phone + charger
Camera + spare batteries
Portable power bank

Clothing & Footwear

Boots or sturdy shoes for project*
Trainers/sandals for casual wear
Flip flops for showers
Knee length shorts
Non-cotton t-shirts
Long sleeved shirt
Long lightweight trousers
Fleece/warm sweater (evenings)
Underwear + socks
Swimwear
Wide brimmed hat or cap
Casual clothes for free days
Work gloves + goggles (project)

Hygiene

Shampoo + conditioner*
Toothbrush + toothpaste*
Antiperspirant deodorant*
Biodegradable shower gel*
Wet wipes*
Toilet paper* (1-2 rolls)
Sun cream (SPF 50+)
Hand sanitizer
Feminine hygiene products*
Nappy sacks* (for used toilet paper)
Hair brush or com
Travel towel

First Aid Kit

Prescription medicine
Anti-malaria medication
50% DEET insect repellent
Ibuprofen and Paracetamol
Plasters + blister plasters
Imodium (Loperamide)
Rehydration (e.g. Dioralyte)
Muscle rub (tiger balm/Deep Heat)
Anti-histamine tablets/cream
Indigestion remedy (e.g. Gaviscon)
Lip balm with SPF protection
Scissors/tweezers
Spare glasses/contact lenses

Optional

Portable power bank charger
Video Camera + charger
iPod/MP3 player
Walking pole(s)
Notebook/diary
Books/playing cards

Luggage

Kit bag/duffel bag
Suitcase (optional)
Day pack
Combination padlock(s)

Eating and Drinking

Energy snacks
2 x 1-litre water bottle(s)
Water purification
Electrolyte tablets (e.g. NUUN)

Sleeping

Sleeping bag liner
Ear plugs (essential)
Pyjamas

Please note: This list is just a guideline and is not exhaustive. The items on this list do not take into account your personal preferences based on your previous trekking experience, or individual requirements. For information about items on this list please refer to the trip dossier or contact The Different Travel Company on info@different-travel.com

*Please ensure you pack your hiking boots into your hand baggage in the unlikely event your checked luggage goes missing or is delayed.

*Please consider eco-friendly or biodegradable options.

Itinerary

Day 1 (Saturday 13 May 2023):

Lusaka
We arrive in Lusaka and transfer to Eureka Lodge. This evening we will have a briefing about the days ahead. Eureka Lodge is a nice base with thatched chalets and tame wildlife roaming around. It is not unusual to walk around the grounds and come face to face with a giraffe or zebra!
Meals: None

Days 2 (Sunday 14 May 2023):

Lusaka Sponsored kids’ day
Today you will volunteer at an educational but fun day for all the kids, and you will be asked to help out with games and lessons. This is a great opportunity for you to interact with college and university students that Baraka supports.
Meals: Lunch and dinner

Days 3 (Monday 15 May 2023):

Lusaka – Kabwe
Today we travel to Kabwe. We will be visiting the Baraka-supported Upeme School enroute. We will transfer to Luangwa Safari Lodge where we will stay for the following four nights.
Meals: Dinner

Day 4 – 6  (Tuesday 16 – Thursday 18 May 2023):

Kabwe – Baraka Learning Centre – Kabwe
We will spend the next few days helping at the Baraka Learning Centre, which assists over 20 rural schools and thousands of pupils. You will help with activities with various tasks around the centre with the infrastructure but also assisting and interacting with the Centre’s many children. You will see first-hand the work that the centre does for local schools and children.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner

Day 7 (Friday 19 May 2023):

Kabwe – Lusaka
Today we leave Kabwe and travel to Lusaka. Upon arrival in Lusaka we will return to stay at the Eureka Lodge for the night where there will be some time to relax.
Meals: Breakfast

Day 8 (Saturday 20 May 2023):

Lusaka – Maamba

Today will be spent on the road as we travel to our next stop in Maamba. It is a long journey but we will be rewarded on arrival by meeting the lovely girls of the Baraka Safe House whom we will join for dinner. We stay at the basic but comfortable Naipolela Lodge for the next two nights.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner

Days 9 (Sunday 21 May 2023):

Maamba
Today we will visit the Maamba Safe House, a safe haven for 27 teenage girls from poor rural backgrounds. The house was set up to support them on their way out of poverty, offering a chance to pursue their dreams of education without worrying about their next meal, their personal safety or how to pay rent.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner

Day 10 (Monday 22 May 2023):

Maamba – Livingstone
We head to Livingstone today for a guided visit to the stunning Victoria Falls. Located on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe it is one of the world’s largest waterfalls with a width of 1,708m.
(NB. An entrance fee of $30 must be paid directly.) After spending some time by the falls we will check into our overnight stay at Jollyboys, a comfortable lodge in the centre of town.
Meals: Breakfast

Day 11 (Tuesday 23 May 2023):

Livingstone
You will transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Meals: Breakfast

OPTIONAL SAFARI EXTENSION

Day 11 (Tuesday 23 May 2023):

Livingstone – Chobe
We will leave the main group and depart early for a two-day safari in the Chobe National Park in northern Botswana.
The area is known for its large herd of elephants and Cape buffalo as well as lions, antelopes, hippos and more.
After a day of animal spotting we will return to spend the night at the Elephant Lodge.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 12 (Wednesday 24 May 2023):

Chobe – Livingstone
We will continue our safari today before returning to Livingstone in the afternoon for our final night at Jollyboys, a comfortable lodge in the centre of town.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch

Day 13 (Thursday 25 May 2023):

Livingstone
You will transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Meals: Breakfast

N.B. Adventure travel is unpredictable so the itinerary may change due to flight schedules, climate etc. We will do our best to keep to the itinerary however we cannot be held responsible for changes outside of our control. Your guide and tour manager will have the final say in the interest of the health and safety of the group.

Costs & How to pay

Total trip costs:

  • 10-11 participants: £1,765pp
  • 12+ participants: £1,675pp
  • Each person must pay a deposit of £200 at the time of booking.
  • The remaining balance* of the trip cost is due no later than 10 weeks prior to departure.
  • There is also a suggested donation of £100 per person to be paid directly to Baraka. This donation will help us purchase materials for the project work undertaken and any funds donated will be match funded by a private donor.

*NB: The maximum cost you will pay is a £200 deposit plus a balance of £1,565 (plus any single supplements, optional extension or extra arrangements). This price may reduce subject to group numbers.

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT

  • A single room is available for an additional cost of £325.
  • Single rooms are not guaranteed and are on a first-come-first-served basis, subject to availability,

OPTIONAL CHOBI SAFARI EXTENSION

  • You can opt to join a two-night safari extension for £475 in a twin room
  • The costs are based on a minimum of 4 participants.
  • You must pay a £200 registration fee at the time of booking and then a further £275 no later than 10 weeks prior to departure.
  • A single supplement is available for £145 subject to availability.

FLIGHTS

  • Flights are not included in the cost although can be organised upon request by contacting The Different Travel Company at info@different-travel.com.

What's included

  • Transfers and transport in Zambia (as specified)
  • Accommodation (twin rooms)
  • Meals as specified
  • Activities as specified
  • Support staff from Baraka

What's not included

  • International flights
  • Visa (US$25)
  • Some meals as specified
  • Vaccinations and anti-malaria medication
  • Optional activities
  • Travel insurance, personal expenses (e.g. tips, drinks, souvenirs etc.)
  • Single supplements

Have a question?

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