Baraka Zambia Volunteer Trip 2026

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, science, maths, sports etc. is also a valuable contribution.

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 and should be arranged independently.  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 12 and 15 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 15-17 if accompanied by an adult.

Accommodation in Kabwe and Lusaka is comfortable, but in Lusaka, it needs a bit of care. At Eureka, wild animals roam.

We will also be staying at the Roadside Hotel in Kapiri.

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 £350, on a first-come, first-served basis and is subject to availability. Please state this on your booking form.

The end of September is dry and getting hotter in Zambia. October is the hottest month and the rainy season runs from mid-November to April so the chances of rain are very low. The daily highs are up to 31°C, hovering around 22°C on average each day but can drop to 14°C at night. There is around 13 hours of daylight per day with a humidity of around 88% depending on where we are. Kabwe is cooler than Lusaka, and Maamba is hotter and more humid.

A lot of the food you will eat on this trip will be Western in style.

Maize is the staple food crop for much of the population of Zambia. Other produce includes cassava (a root vegetable), cowpeas, peanuts, pumpkins and sweet potatoes.

Typical meals include cereal, bread, jam, eggs and sausages for breakfast; sandwiches 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 Michael.

Visit here to find the kit list relevant to this trip.