Zambia · Africa · Signature
Zambia – Victoria Falls – Signature
This Medical Mission Has Been Completed
August 6, 2022 — August 13, 2022
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Mission Archive · August 2022
The Need
***Note: Full COVID-19 Vaccination is Required for Participation***
Formerly a part of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland, Zambia is now a democratic republic located in the heart of Africa. While the tourism economy in Zambia is thriving, the quality of living for the country’s native ethnic groups is suffering. Life expectancy at birth is <50 years and 1.2 million children are orphans, primarily due to parental death from AIDS. Zambia has the nineteenth highest death rate in the world, due as much to dismal sanitation as infectious disease and autoimmune disorders. In the rural areas, less than 50% of the population has access to safe drinking water, and only 3.2% of rural families have electricity. Children average seven years of school, much of it missed due to diarrhea and other common illnesses.
In our experience, clinic in Zambia is one of the busiest trips that our volunteers work. At clinic, you will treat entire family units, elderly patients, expectant mothers, and orphans. Because Zambia has the nineteenth highest death rate in the world, you can expect to care for many ailing patients. Common diseases that you will treat include conditions related to AIDS, infectious diseases, autoimmune disorders, and diarrhea.
You and the rest of the volunteer team will also educate locals on how to stay healthy and how to care for their loved ones. One of the main focuses of this mission is dentistry. Because dental pain is common here and because all community members are encouraged to attend, the demand for dental care will be high. We will have many local dental students and a professor at the dental school available to help translate and provide oral care.
Our Work
International Medical Relief first served Zambia in 2016. Since then, IMR has served approximately 6,000 patients through nearly 200 staff and volunteers. IMR plans to continue to provide community health training, medical treatments, medical supplies and equipment, and clinic operations in order to provide sustainable health care to Zambia.
With diligent planning and preparation, IMR is dedicated to ensuring that specific goals are met on our missions, each in correlation to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 3 and 17.
IMR works to elevate vulnerable populations through shoulder-to-shoulder care with our local partners, creating workforce density, and a cadre of future healthcare and public health leaders in association to UNSDG 3: Good Health & Wellbeing.
In correlation with UNSDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, our organization works in collaboration and at the request of local hosts where we are under their direct influence and affluence. IMR never goes into a country without a formal invitation where there is a great community need for medical or dental care, and health education.
This Mission
HELPING BABIES BREATHE (HBB) – While all IMR global health missions have a training day to complete our wrap-around services, in Zambia, we will be conducting a certified Helping Babies Breathe (HBB) course. We are seeking all Helping Babies Breathe Master Trainers to join us for this special opportunity to give back not only with our training but also in the clinics.
International Medical Relief has organized several trips to Zambia in the past. In our experience, clinic in Zambia is one of the busiest trips that our volunteers work. At clinic, you will treat entire family units, elderly patients, expectant mothers, and orphans. On your special clinic day, you will have the opportunity to work with prison or elderly populations. Because Zambia has the nineteenth highest death rate in the world, you can expect to care for many ailing patients. Common diseases that you will treat include conditions related to AIDS, infectious diseases, autoimmune disorders, and diarrhea.
You and the rest of the volunteer team will also educate locals on how to stay healthy and how to care for their loved ones. One of the main focuses of this mission is dentistry. Because dental pain is common here and because all community members are encouraged to attend, the demand for dental care will be high. We will have many local dental students and a professor at the dental school available to help translate and provide oral care.
Lodging/Transportation
Your accommodations for this trip will be at a pleasant waterfront lodge. The site is fully equipped with many amenities. Located in the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park for close encounters with Zambia’s amazing wildlife and incredible views of Victoria Falls. Although this is a signature option, it is double occupancy. There is an upgrade option for a single supplement. The single supplement is based on price and availability at the time of booking. IMR will arrange safe and reliable transportation for the team to and from the airport and clinic. Although your car rides will be short, there will be ample scenery for you to enjoy!
Highlights
The highlight of this trip is serving patients who, without you and your team, would not have access to healthcare. In this humbling but rewarding service opportunity, you will work with isolated communities who will be eager to connect with you. Aside from clinic, you will seeing Victoria Falls, spotting the Big Five on a safari, and walking alongside lions and cheetahs. For the safari and walk, be sure you pack binoculars, camera, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and an area guidebook!
Extend Your Stay
Join IMR on an exclusive extension to Chobe National Park and have the opportunity to spend additional time “where the smoke thunders” – Victoria Falls! Stand in awe of your surroundings while you experience the wonderland sculpted by Earth’s natural elements. Victoria Falls is classified as the largest sheet of falling water in the world and is roughly twice the height and width of Niagara Falls.
Livingstone also cites the older name of Seongo, which translates to “the place of the rainbow” as a result of the immense and constant spray. If you’re lucky you may spot one of the many hippopotamus or crocodile that call the river home.
Since you’re already halfway around the world it would be a shame to miss on neighboring Botswana’s first and most biologically diverse national park. Chobe National Park has one the the greatest concentrations of game in all of Africa. Keep your eyes peeled on your private safari in search for the park’s noted population of lions and African elephants!
See the Extensions tab on this page for details on these amazing experiences!
Itinerary at a Glance
Day 1 · Saturday, August 6, 2022
Arrivals
Day 2 · Sunday, August 7, 2022
Orientation & Training Day
Day 3 · Monday, August 8, 2022
Clinic & Victoria Falls
Day 4 · Tuesday, August 9, 2022
Clinic & Horseback Riding
Day 5 · Wednesday, August 10, 2022
Clinic
Day 6 · Thursday, August 11, 2022
Safari Day!
Day 7 · Friday, August 12, 2022
Clinic & Mukuni Village
Day 8 · Saturday, August 13, 2022
Departures
Gallery
Your Journey
Clinic Photos
Full Itinerary
This itinerary is subject to change without notice.
Please note: You will be notified about the group flight option prior to the Early Bird deadline. Domestic flight arrangements should not be made until after the group flight is booked.
If you choose to fly independently, transportation between your arrival airport and your IMR accommodation is not included. If you wish to arrange transportation, you can contact flights@worldwidenavigators.com.
If you have any questions regarding flights, please contact flights@worldwidenavigators.com. Thank you.
Arrivals
You and the rest of your volunteer team will land at the Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport in Livingstone, Zambia. If you are traveling on the group flight or are purchasing airport transportation a la carte, you will board the transportation that will take you to your hotel to check-in by 5 PM for a team dinner. After dinner, your team leader will provide a general overview of the incredible days you have ahead!
Orientation & Training Day
Once you have socialized and dined with your team during breakfast, your team leader will dive right into orientation. During orientation, your leader will assign roles for the clinic, present IMR’s clinic protocols, and provide an overview of the many communities your team will serve. You will also review the supplies, laboratory-testing protocols, and educational materials that you will need to understand for clinic.
You and your team will provide training for local healthcare providers to continue IMR’s long-term, sustainable education efforts. Education is as important as medical and dental care for our patients. Each clinic includes basic health education according to the specialties and skills of the IMR volunteers, as well as the needs of the local people. When communities become empowered to take health and wellness issues into their own hands, they become self-sufficient. IMR provides learning opportunities for the local communities through classes and hands-on learning to sustain their well-being beyond our visit.
After training, you will have the rest of the day to explore Livingstone Falls, shop or walk with the lions!
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,
Clinic and Victoria Falls
Once you have indulged in a tasty and nutritious breakfast at your hotel, you will meet with the other volunteers assigned to your clinic. Today, you will travel for about one hour to reach the rural communities of Zambia. After a long but rewarding morning, your team will regroup for a transfer to the famous Victoria Falls! Here, you will pay witness to the Zambezi River’s raging waters as they crash down into the beautiful Batoka Gorge. After walking through the rainforest, you will arrive at cliffs that overlook the truly stunning cascade.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,
Clinic & Horseback Riding
For your second day of clinic, you will return to the outskirts of Livingstone to treat even more patients than you did yesterday. By now, word of your team’s great work will have spread and villagers will have traveled a long way to receive your medical treatment.
As an option, and at an additional expense, you can travel to the stables of Minor Hotels Resort to saddle up for a scenic, guided trail ride through Zambia’s breathtaking landscape. You will miss the afternoon of clinic, but you will go home with a unique set of memories from your experience.
At the end of the day, your team will regroup at the hotel for a traditional meal called Nsima.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,
Clinic & African Queen Cruise
After your third day of clinic work, your team will be treated to a cruise down the mighty Zambezi River. The African Queen is a luxury boat with fine amenities that will make your cruise relaxing, and the stunning sunset views along the river will be memorable.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,
Safari!
As a reward for your dedication to humanitarian aid, your sixth day in Zambia has been reserved for a fantastic, guided safari in Chobe National Park! Since the park lies across the border in Botswana, you will need to have a visa ready. While on safari, keep your eyes peeled for buffalo herds, hippos, elephants, leopards, giraffes, and more! The park features a wonderful on-site restaurant, which will be the perfect spot to stop for lunch during your expedition through the park.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,
Clinic & Mukuni Village
For the last day of clinic work, you will have the incredible honor of meeting the Chief of Mukuni Village. After you have finished your work for his people, the villagers will perform a traditional dance to thank you for your dedication to their health. You will also tour their humble village in an ox-drawn cart and pop into the homes of villagers who want to share their culture with you.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,
Departures
You will enjoy one final meal with your volunteer team before departing home. Return flights are available throughout the day, so you will want to budget your time accordingly.
If you’re interested in extending your stay in Zambia, our partner Worldwide Navigators offers exclusive trip extensions just for IMR volunteers! See the Extensions tab on this page for details.
Your Journey
Clinic Photos
Extension Photos
Extensions
You’re journeying halfway across the globe. Why not extend your stay in Zambia to experience some of its top tourist attractions? Join us on an exclusive trip extension to visit some of the area’s highlights.
Livingstone, Zambia
You got a taste of the highlights around Zambia. This extension lets you experience even more!
Highlights:
- Visit one of the world’s seven wonders, Victoria Falls in Livingstone
- Explore Botswana’s famous Chobe National Park by safari
- Experience drumming in the rural African village, Mukuni, and more!
Itinerary:
Day 1: Travel to Livingstone (Victoria Falls)
Located near the Zambezi River in southwestern Zambia, the bustling town of Livingstone is famous as the home of the magnificent Victoria Falls. One of the original natural wonders of the world, the World Heritage Site is known locally as The Smoke that Thunders. This spectacle is accessible from both Zambia and Zimbabwe and is an ideal place to combine game viewing and water sports. There is much to do including excellent fishing, a thrilling bungee jump and arguably the best commercial whitewater rafting in the world. You can hike around the falls, try zip lining, or enjoy the incredible bridge swing.
Those seeking more leisurely activities can take sunset cruises along the river with champagne and snacks included, meander through the vibrant local Livingstone Market, or discover the region’s history and archaeology at the Livingstone Museum.
On arrival at Livingstone airport, your driver will meet you and transfer you to Protea Hotel where you will stay for three nights. On the outskirts of Livingstone lies a hotel that is just as worthy of marvel as the epic natural wonder that lies next to it. Here, you’ll find Protea Hotel by Marriott Livingstone, and if you travel just 10 km from this stunning hotel, you’ll find the epic Victoria Falls or, as the locals affectionately call it, Mosi-oa-Tunya, “the smoke that thunders.” It’s a hotel that complements your travel style. Protea Hotel by Marriott Livingstone has deluxe rooms with electronic door locks, digital safe, writing desk, free Wi-Fi access, international plug points, hair dryer, satellite television, direct dial telephones and more.
Day 2: Botswana! Chobe National Park
The ultimate safari experience unfolds on a day trip to Chobe National Park in Botswana, which boasts the world’s largest elephant population. The game cruise on the Chobe River brings you close to brilliant bird life, pods of wallowing hippos, primeval crocodiles, and elephants in their sheer number. The afternoon land-based safari heads deeper into the Park to spot the elusive big cats that call Chobe their home. A buffet lunch is included today.
Day 3: Mukuni Village Tour, Victoria Falls & Sunset Cruise
Mukuni Village is close to the border gate and is home to about 6,000 people from the Leya community, who have lived in the Falls area for many generations. Guides are available to take you through the village to get an insight into the traditional lifestyle of rural Africans.
You will also enjoy a guided tour of Victoria Falls today. A view of the Victoria Falls is something you will never forget, and the best way to see them is on a guided tour. Discover how the Falls were formed and what local customs and traditions surround them. These tours are extremely informative and end with a visit to the local arts and crafts center.
In the evening, your group will experience an African Queen Sunset Cruise. The African Cruise Company fleet is made up of the impressive African Queen, a triple deck 70-foot catamaran and the slightly smaller, but equally luxurious, African Princess. Both offer the charming combination of panoramic views of the mighty Zambezi River at various times of the day, gracious hospitality and great river and birdlife sightings – creating unforgettable experiences that will take you back to an era when time stood still.
Day 4: Departure Home
Today marks the end of your stay in Livingstone. You will be transferred back to the airport for your onward journey and international departure home.
What’s Included:
- 4-Day, 3-Night Tour
- Ground Transportation
- 2.5 to 3-Star Accommodations
- Daily Activities & Excursions
- 2 Meals Per Day
- Tours & Entrance Fees
- 24-Hour Emergency Service
You Will Need to Provide:
- Customary Gratuities
- Travel Insurance
- Personal Souvenirs/Gifts
- Currency Exchange Fees
4-Day, 3-Night All-Inclusive Tour starts at $1,100. Contact Worldwide Navigators to book this extension or get more information.
Flights & Prices
This mission has been completed. The details below are retained for reference; applications and early bird offers for this trip are closed.
Mission minimum donation: $4,500
For current travel arrangements and donation amounts, please view our upcoming missions.
Prepare to Go
A Walk Through Clinic
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