- Work on the world’s leading programme for the release of lions back into the wild
- Experience the African Bush in a very special way in the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park and become involved in many conservation activities
- Join the conservation education team in local schools – helping to save the future of the Zambian environment by educating the children of the community
- Become immersed in the local Zambian culture
- Enjoy some of the many optional adventure activities available in the “adventure capital of the world”
- Take advantage of optional excursions to see more of Zambia, Zimbabwe or Botswana
- Make friends for life with other international volunteers on the programme
Background
In 1975 over 200,000 lions roamed the African continent. There has been a drastic decline in this number over the past thirty years and this project, in partnership with local and national authorities, aims to find a solution to the problem using a unique four stage programme.
The involvement of volunteers on this project is essential to achieving the aims on all fronts. Days will be long but at the end of the day volunteers will know that they have given something back to Africa and made a difference to the animals and people with whom they have come into contact. The primary task for volunteers is to assist in all aspects of care for the animals in their charge, giving them opportunities to develop their natural instincts in preparation for their release into the next stage of the programme. Research will form a significant part of the duties - collecting data on the development of the lions and elephant monitoring in the National Park. There will also be opportunities to help with various community programmes which may include conservation and health education.
The daily work is varied but may include:
- Lion Walks – where volunteers will spend time each day in the wild with the lions in their natural environment. This is an essential part of their upbringing if their ultimate release is to be successful. A marked increase in the lions’ awareness of their natural surroundings has been observed, as well as improvements in their hunting skills. As well as walking with the lions volunteers will be involved in their care – including feeding and cleaning and observing any veterinary care needed to ensure they are kept in the best of health.
- Research – this is undertaken to improve better understanding of lion behaviour and ecology. Lion walks offer fantastic opportunities to observe the lions close up in their natural environment and volunteers will be involved in data collection and analysis. The research projects being undertaken will vary according to the needs of the project at any time but may include looking at character traits, spoor sizes or mane growth. Training will be provided to ensure volunteers can provide a useful input to this programme regardless of previous experience.
- Elephant Monitoring - conflict with humans is a manor issue for elephants in the region and in order to mitigate the conflict it is first necessary to undertand the ecology of the species. Volunteers will work with the research team to identify individual elephants, track seasonal changes, record locations and group sizes - and then this data can be linked to crop raiding incidents. The programme hopes to find patterns in elephant use in the Park to better understand why the conflicts arise and then be able to provide solutions to reduce them
- Conservation Education - volunteers will have the opportunity to visit local schools to gain support for conservation through education. The syllabus was originally devised under the WWF "We Care!" project and lesson plans are designed to give the children a good understanding of their environment and the need to conserve the remaining wild areas of Zambia. There will be classroom-based discussion and small group practical activities such as visits to the Lion Programme or the Victoria Falls themselves. Volunteers will work with the team to prepare lesson plans in advance as well as training in the best way to teach the children they will meet.
- Community Development - volunteers will have the opportunity to get involved in several community programmes which may include health education, sustainable use of natural resources or reading classes. Details will be given on arrival.
Volunteers will expect to spend 75% of their time on the Lion Rehabilitation and Release Programme, 20% on conservation work within the National Parks and 5% on Conservation Education. They will have one official stand-by day each week – which is a day off unless urgent need for assistance is needed.
A Typical Day in the Life of a Volunteer …
Animal needs rarely fall into any schedule but below is an example of a typical day on the project:
6.30am
|
Volunteers will meet their guide and clients for a lion walk, taking cubs from 4 months to 18 months out into the African bush. They will watch and record data and behaviour as the cubs practice their hunting skills on the many game species they encounter. |
| 9am |
Breakfast |
| 10am |
Volunteers may then visit a local school to take Conservation Education classes - there could be as many as 60 children in the class, which is great fun. Alternatively volunteers may help feeding the cubs or going out into the National Park to conduct elephant research. |
12.30pm
|
Lunch and a chance to relax during the hottest part of the day. |
| 2.30pm |
Afternoon duties could include a snare sweep before another lion walk |
| Evening |
Dinner at 7.00 pm at the volunteer base. Volunteers may venture into Livingstone Town to sample the night life. Or just sit out under the beautiful Southern skies and listen to the sounds of the African Bush as it comes alive at night. |
Voluntunteers at each project will be approximately be.
Zambia
Why visit Zambia?
For anyone out to experience the ‘real’ Africa, Zambia is that diamond in the rough. The country boasts some of Africa’s best game parks and shares (with Zimbabwe) some of the region’s major highlights, such as Victoria Falls, Lake Kariba, Lower Zambezi National Park and South Luangwa National Park. South Luangwa National Park is one of the best parks in Africa for night game-drives. More than 60 mammal species and over 400 bird species are found in this Park, which is also renowned for thousands of hippo and crocodiles. Luangwa is the birthplace of the Walking Safari and there is no better way to explore this wilderness. Featuring leafy woodlands, slow-moving river channels and lily-bedecked lagoons, South Luangwa is renowned for the expertise of its guides. It is also excellent for spotting leopards and is home to about 15,000 elephants and the same number of hippo. The Thornicroft's giraffe and Cookson's wildebeest are unique to the region.
The mighty Zambezi River is tamed by the Lower Zambezi valley, becoming gentle as it spreads languidly across the Valley. Islands and floodplains create a densely vegetated habitat for a wide variety of wildlife, elephant in particular. This area is seasonal and many of the lodges and camps are closed from November to March. It is also an angler’s dream as fishermen try their luck on the mighty Zambezi, with the hopes of landing a tiger fish or rare, giant vundu. Avid birdwatchers also flock to Zambia to glimpse its fabulous diversity of birds.
Game viewing along the upper Zambezi River by canoe or cruise boat is rewarding and relaxing. Adrenaline junkies may want to experience the spectacular view while bouncing upside down from the end of a bungee cord off the Victoria Falls Bridge. Intrepid travellers will also be attracted by the white-water rafting excursions on the swirling waters of the Zambezi Gorge. Helicopter or micro-light trips over the Falls, game-drives in the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, horse trails along the Zambezi River and a visit to Maramba Market are also available. Most activities are accessible from the quaint colonial outback frontier town of Livingstone.
Highlights of Zambia
- Renowned for its pristine National Parks, including Kafue, South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi.
- It is named after the mighty Zambezi River flowing along its southern border, which is fed by the Kafue and Luangwa tributaries.
- Victoria Falls and the Zambezi River are accessible from nearby Livingstone Town.
- Livingstone is home to numerous activities for adventure seekers, including bungee jumping, white-water rafting and abseiling down the gorge.
- It boasts one of the largest areas of land under the protection of national parks in Africa, featuring abundant wildlife.
- Canoeing, rafting and fishing safaris, upstream from the Falls on the Zambezi River, are possible, as are canoeing trips on the Lower Zambezi.
- Kafue National Park is about the size of Wales or Massachusetts, with exceptional bird watching.
- The country, shaped by three great rivers, is characterised by water, including a trio of massive lakes - Lake Tanganyika, Lake Kariba and Lake Bangweulu.
Climate
| Seasons | Max | Min |
| Summer (November - April) |
30 ° |
26 ° |
| Winter (May - October) |
23 ° |
20 ° |
| Rainfall: April - May (Long rains) November - Mid December (short rains) |
Zambia's elevation on a plateau gives it a moderate climate, despite the fact that it is within tropical latitudes, and the average monthly temperature remains above 20 °C most months.
There are three seasons:
- cool and dry from May to August, when temperatures drop at night but the landscape is green and lush;
- hot and dry from September to November, the best time to see wildlife as flora is sparse;
- warm and wet from December to April, ideal for bird-watching.
The Victoria Falls are spectacular in April and May after the rainy season.
Key Facts
Population – 12.9 million
Capital - Lusaka
Currency – Zambian kwacha (ZMK)
Language – English is the official language, with Nyanja, Bemba, Lunda, Tonga, Lozi, Luvale and Kaonde being recognised regional languages.
Time difference – GMT +2 hours
Telephone – country code 260, international access code 00
'This was the most amazing experience ever! I walked lions in Zambia and I cannot wait to go back an do it all again. I cant even describe how totally awe inspiring it was. Even enclosure cleaning and meat prep could not put me off - in fact you even get to enjoy it! It is a humbling experience especially after talking with the project manager as you realise the extent of what the project is trying to achieve. It really gives you a new perspective and I have come back wondering what I can do now to help.
From the start of the process at initial enquiry right through to the last minute vaccination updates Amanzi were totally awesome. They answered all questions quickly and were so friendly and helpful.
I will definately be using them again and would tell everyone to give them a go - even if lions aren't your thing they have loads of other volunteer programmes you can choose from.'
Lesley, UK, aged 34 (Zambia Lion Project Volunteer)
I had a great time! With the animals and with the people. I would definitely recommend it, because it's such an experience to be 4 weeks in a complete different world. It's also nice that you know you can help the programme as much as you can.
Lars, Germany, aged 36 (Zambia Lion Project Volunteer)
I wanted to say thank you as I had the most amazing experience and will be definately be returning to the project as soon as I can. On that note - how far in advance can you book?
This was so much more than a holiday. It was the most fantastic time of my life and something which deeply affected me. This is certainly not the end of my association with the project as I am already planning to return and share my experiences with as many of my family and friends as I can...
The people and staff have been so welcoming and I will really miss the cubs.
Lesley,UK, aged 37 (Zambia Lion Project Volunteer)
Just letting you know we had the best time here! We happened to be here for the first lion release! Today five lions will be released into Stage 2 and there will be dignitaries, kings and many others for the celebration. We have been working hard and becoming lion walkers! Love it!
Debbie, USA, aged 58 (Zambia Lion Project Volunteer)
I had and amanzing experience with Amanzi Travel. Everything was so simple, they found flights for me at a good price, they picked me up and dropped me off on time. Any questions I had they were very helpful in every way they could be!. I would so recommend this company, it's very safe as safety always comes first with volunteers, pick them if you want to get the best out of your money for a life-changing experience .
My project in Zambia (Lion Rehabilitation ) was brilliant and the project co-ordinators went out of their way to ensure we had a brilliant time. It was an absolutely amazing experience and I would love to return in the future! All the staff involved were brilliant at organising activities and had a wealth of knowledge which they were all happy to share. I would truly recommend this experience to everyone . I really would have liked to stay more than 2 weeks!!
Sandra, Spain, aged 36 (Zambia Lion Project Volunteer, Chimpanzee and Wildlife Orphanage)
Congratulations on 4 years of a fantastic company!!! We only ever hear fantastic things from our volunteers through Amanzi Travel!! A massive well done.
Nicola, Project Manager (Zambia Lion Project Volunteer)
We believe that the project could succeed in releasing lions into the wild. Management and staff are very committed to their work and have a real passion for lions.
Marie-Helene & Guillaume, UK, aged 33 (Zambia Lion Project Volunteer)
Working so closely with the lions and the Zambian people on a daily basis was a fantastic experience and can only be described as life enriching. I would recommend volunteering with these lions to anyone with a passion for animals, it's an experience I'll talk about for years to come. Amanzi Travel made the process simple, and in my view, could not have been more helpful.
Adelle, New Zealand, aged 38 (Zambia Lion Project Volunteer)
I had an incredible time, all the staff were excellent, the lions are amazing, the programme itself is remarkable and everything surrounding the last few weeks was fantastic. I just wish I could have stayed a lot longer! I also wanted to say a big thank you for helping me book the trip in the first place. Your knowledge and enthusiasm about the project really came across when we initially spoke. I'll be in touch when I am planning my next trip.
Michael, UK, aged 28 (Zambia Lion Project Volunteer)
Going to Africa and working with the wildlife there had long been a dream of mine, but it wasn’t till I retired from teaching that I was able to go. My three weeks spent in Zambia working with the lions was the best experience of my life so far. Being with the lions on a daily basis and getting so close to them was wonderful. All the people I met on the project, both staff, volunteers and locals were friendly and helpful and the fact that I was by far the oldest volunteer really didn’t matter. I was also able to visit Victoria Falls and Chobe National Part in Botswana, both places not to be missed. I just wished that I could have stayed longer, but I shall certainly return to Africa next year.
Gill, UK, aged 59 (Zambia Lion Project Volunteer)
Great to deal with professional people who treated us sensitively when we had a couple of problems regarding our trip. Thank you!
Very valuable project – it is an ethical project with the interest of lions its sole aim.
The whole walking with lions experience was truly amazing, and unforgettable. It is great how confident you can feel after only 2 weeks with the lions - we only wish we'd had more time. The days are varied including working in local schools, elephant research and the numerous lion walks (both with and without clients), where you begin to feel like a member of the pride more and more each day. It is the best thing we've ever done, and we are still talking about it now to friends and families. We fell in love with one lion in particular each and have chosen to sponsor them! We look forward to receiving the newsletter to see how they're getting on. It's surprising how you can bond with them so quickly! We're considering going back to volunteer at the next stage already and we're not even home from our round the world trip! The project and experience was amazing.
Russell and Helen, UK, aged 30 (Zambia Lion Project Volunteer)
Fantastic experience. Thanks for all you did. Having an 8 month old leopard rubbing his head against your face while you are loading him into a land rover, an orphaned baboon snuggling up to you for warmth at night and walking young lions along the edge of the Zambezi river are just a few of many highlights of my 3 months in Africa. Earning and obtaining the trust of these magnificent animals is a very special experience which for certain will live with me for the rest of my life. Africa is magnificent, as is the work and dedication of the people who run these projects. I would get on a plane back there tomorrow if I could.
Paul, UK, aged 48 (Zambia Lion Project Volunteer, Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary)
I feel impressed with the guides and lion handlers and how dedicated everyone is with the work and the research, makes me proud to have been part of a worthwhile project. It’s good to look at life with a different perspective.
Mark, Wales, aged 32 (Zambia Lion Project Volunteer)
I feel this is an excellent program, both in helping with the lion re-population issue and the help given to the local community. I have gained a feeling of true self satisfaction in helping with the lion project and great esteem for the work in the local villages. It was awesome to see the smiles on the faces of the children at the schools.
The elephant mitigation bough me great pleasure, due to helping the local community. I loved the lion walks and meeting new friends, I found it a pleasure working with all the staff both at management level, the handlers and staff at the white house.
I felt totally safe during my stay both in the accommodation and on lion walks, visits to the villages etc. The staff were very re-assuring and well trained. I felt at total ease, thank you all!
It has made me feel more appreciative of what I have at home and given me a first hand experience of the needs of people in other countries such as Zambia and Zimbabwe etc.
Pietro, UK, aged 50 (Zambia Lion Project Volunteer)