Zambia 3.5-Week

The group will embark on a flight from the United States through Johannesburg, South Africa and continue on to Lusaka, the capital of Zambia.  From our safe and comfortable accommodations we will begin with an orientation to get to learn more about one another and the country of Zambia.  Visits to both private and public schools will be arranged, allowing students to experience the division of classes within Zambia and engage with students of their own age.  With Zambian students, we will explore topics related to government, urbanization, and the economy. Students are also expected to prepare and present presentations to the Zambian students on topics of similar interest and expertise. This provides them with the opportunity for an interactive exchange of cultural heritage and political history.

From Lusaka we will take a four hour bus ride east to the Katete District and Tikondani Community Center.  The center is a community-based organization that provides comfortable lodging for volunteers who come to work on income generating projects such as vegetable gardens, souvenirs and craft production such as weaving, knitting, sewing, pottery, and soap making.  Tikondani also has an early childhood center, community school grades 1 - 7 (600 children) and adult classes in the afternoons, along with courses for villagers.  Of course, the ghost dance in the village is a must see.

Continuing another four hours by bus, students make their way to Mfuwe. Mfuwe is a populated community on the edge of the world-renowned South Luangwa National Park.  The South Luangwa National Park, located in the eastern part of the country, covers an area of 3,500 square miles. It is renowned for its unspoiled beauty and its varied habitats which support one of Africa's richest concentrations of game and bird life. Over 50 species of large mammals and some 400 species of birds thrive in this last haven of wild Africa. Here, students will see large elephant herds of up to 50 individuals, an abundant number of buffalo, fourteen antelope species and Thornicroft's giraffe, unique to only this valley. This area is also known for its healthy population of leopard and lion. The meandering Luangwa River with its many ox-bow lagoons and shady ebony groves forms the eastern boundary of the Park while the western horizon is dominated by the spectacular Muchinga escarpment, rising almost a kilometer from the valley floor. The next few days are spent in workshops and service projects with game scouts, park wardens, and safari guides.  We will explore the park and learn about human/wildlife conflicts and wildlife management strategies in the region. Visit community organizations such as Tribal Textiles, the Elephant Orphanage Project, and a number of local schools will be arranged. A primary focus here is the work of the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) which works with over 500 local farmers in peanut butter and honey production. Students will also take several game drives in the park where they find all the magnificent animals of Africa.

A transfer from Mfuwe back to Lusaka will give us the opportunity to re-group and enjoy an afternoon at the modern shopping center before departing for a rural community  the following day. This portion of the program is focused specifically on community development and educational projects.  Program activities will focus on improvements the local high school.  We’ll help construct much needed school facilities while also engaging in educational and exchange activities at the school.  Sports, specifically soccer and netball, are extremely important to the people and students can participate in a variety of athletic activities within the community.

While staying on the banks of the Zambezi, students will enjoy a variety of adventure orientated activities. Activities include an elephant-back safari, a visit to Victoria Falls, and a boat trip on the Zambezi River.  The Zambezi also provides a perfect backdrop for debriefing and preparation for re-entry and travel home.

Leaving an incredible place such as Africa is always hard, but we realize that Zambia and the friends we have made will always be with us!  The group will return with flights from Livingstone to Johannesburg and then on to the United States and home.