5 Best Internships in Zambia
Are you interested in aligning your passions with a purposeful cause? Then embark on one of these internships that offer a gateway to a transformative experience where you work alongside…
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Experience Real Africa and explore internship opportunities in the land of Victoria Falls, world-class safaris, and warm African hospitality.
Welcome to Zambia! Positioned at the heart of Southern Africa, this land-locked country is a hub of exciting activity. With over 70 languages, a rich heritage, and a plethora of indigenous cultures and traditions still in practice today, Zambia’s a great place to get a taste of the African way of life. It’s also a hotbed of developmental nonprofit work. This country is chock-a-block with incredible organizations doing important work in areas like education, female empowerment, wildlife conservation, and more. We’re partnered with several organizations around the town of Livingstone in Zambia. Our partners are accomplished nonprofits contributing to valuable causes, offering internship opportunities for a range of positions including NGO management, marketing and fundraising, communications, and education.
As well as allowing you to make an impact for these meaningful causes, an internship in Zambia comes with a heap of exciting travel opportunities too. Most notably, staying in Livingstone you will only be a short drive from one of the wonders of the world, Victoria Falls. As such you’ll have access to all kinds of exciting activities in your downtime, like white water rafting, bungee jumping, horse rides along the Zambezi River, and more. Beyond the Falls, you’ll have a range of Safari experiences to pick from, cultural immersion experiences too, and you’ll be in a perfect position to explore surrounding countries.
Zambia Highlights
The Victoria Falls
Witness the awe-inspiring power of nature with one of the wonders of the world: Victoria Falls!
World-class Safaris
Reconnect with nature and enjoy jaw-dropping encounters with the Big Five and all of Africa’s most iconic wildlife.
Authentic African culture
If you want the authentic African way of life during your internship, come to Zambia. Experience the varied cultures and proud heritage of Real Africa.
Community Integration
Many nonprofits in Zambia have a strong community focus, offering interns the chance to make meaningful connections with locals as they work alongside them.
Browse All Internship Opportunities in Zambia
SEO Internship
- Min. 10 weeks
- Remote OR Travel Options
- SEO, Website Management, Writing
Gain practical experience in SEO research and writing by joining the internal team at Roots Interns and working with an SEO specialist.
Find out more
Communications Internship
- Min. 10 weeks
- Remote OR Travel Options
- Writing, Digital Marketing, Social Media
Join our team at Roots and assist in running & developing our communication channels through various writing and research tasks.
Find out more
SEO Tourism Content Writing Internship
- Min. 10 weeks
- Remote OR Travel Options
- Creative Writing, SEO, Blogging
Sharpen your writing skills and learn to write content that is creative and optimized for search engines.
Find out more
NGO Development Internship
- Min. 12 weeks (in-person) / 16 weeks (remote)
- Livingstone, Zambia OR Remote
- Fundraising, Communications, Partnership Development
Join a growing nonprofit and contribute to sustainable community work through NGO development strategies.
Find out more
Curriculum Development & Teaching Internship
- Min. 12 weeks
- Livingstone, Zambia
- Education, Curriculum Development, Management
Craft enriching learning experiences, innovate teaching with curriculum development, and empower communities through education.
Find out more
Marketing & Fundraising Internship
- Min. 8 weeks
- Livingstone, Zambia OR Remote
- Digital Marketing, Fundraising, Research
Raise funds through individual or corporate funding campaigns and grant applications
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Female Empowerment Education Internship
- Min. 8 weeks
- Livingstone, Zambia OR Remote
- Education, Facilitation, Research
Help develop educational materials to uplifts girls and women in this African community.
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Writing & Communications Internship
- Min. 8 weeks
- Livingstone, Zambia OR Remote
- Writing, Social Media, Fundraising, Communications
Help a social impact organization define their message and grow their reach.
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Sustainable Development Internship
- Min. 8 weeks
- Livingstone, Zambia
- Program Development, Monitoring & Evaluation, Fundraising, Communication
Gain practical experience in NGO management, communications, program coordination, and fundraising
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Public Health Internship
- Min. 4 weeks
- Livingstone, Zambia
- Public Health, Medicine, Community Outreach, Healthcare Assistance
Bridge the gap in community healthcare and expand accessibility in Livingstone, Zambia.
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Female Empowerment & Gender Equality Internship
- Min. 4 weeks
- Livingstone, Zambia
- Gender Equality, Female Empowerment
Gain work experience with projects that support girls in underprivileged communities.
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NGO Management Internship
- Min. 4 weeks
- Livingstone, Zambia
- Marketing, Fundraising, Facilitation, Monitoring, NGO Management
Get a thorough insight into the nonprofit sector during this varied and hands-on internship.
Find out more
Why Choose Roots Internships in Zambia
We can give you several reasons why you should join Roots for an internship, but also find out from our previous interns how internship positions in Zambia can boost your professional career and grow your interpersonal skills.
I had a wonderful time working with roots and my placement organization. I was walked through the interview process and enjoyed how well heard I was. My interests, schedule, and goals were taken into account at every turn. I felt supported during my stay and the accommodations were very nice. One of the best parts about this internship was how flexible it was. At the beginning this was a bit of a challenge but once you find your own rhythm and goals, its the best. I did everything from working one-on-one with a few of the kids from the school, facilitate girl power group, facilitate lesson plans with teachers, help create a business plan, mission and vision statement, and so much more. Each day was new and different, a real adventure. My whole experience was so pleasant that I decided to come back after my internship and I’ll be staying here for the rest of the year! My life has been changed for the better because of this experience.
Shelby Hughes, University of Southern California Price – Education Internship Female Empowerment
Going into this internship I had no idea what to expect and what the outcome might be. I hoped it would help me find and solidify what I want to do as a career but also expose me to many different opportunities and open new doors for places to explore around the world. Interning at Baobuyu did it all and more! I was able to work in collaboration with other interns and our supervisor on daily tasks and activities with our community programs but I was also given a tremendous support to start my own initiatives and projects. While I was there I started my own club and facilitated a fundraising campaign all on my own. Now that I am reflecting on my time with Baobuyu I am cherishing everything we were able to accomplish, create, learn, and grow together during this time. I know I will take everything I have learned into the future with me as I move forward and will always remember how I was able to find my passion and a new home across the world. I am forever grateful.
Katie Oliver, Northeastern University, Sustainable development internship
I do not have a single bad thing to say about my 9 week internship with Free Haven. Anyone who is interested in NGO management or the general behind the scenes of running an NGO would benefit greatly from working with Free Haven. From admin tasks, to social media, and teaching I got to try and experience everything. The Team was incredible and I am sure I will be back in the near future.
Caroline Antpoehler, NGO Management, University of Exeter
This was an experience I will cherish for the rest of my life. Doing something with your skills in an organization that really needs it, and seeing that what you do really makes a difference, gives you a feeling of satisfaction you will never have experienced before. That, and a setting that is very rough, but also very beautiful, makes this internship worthwhile. If you love animals and you are keen on doing a marketing and communications internship in Africa – look no further.
Daphne Vermeiren, Leuven University, Marketing and Communications
Important information about Zambia
Internship locations in Zambia
Livingstone
Livingstone, the ‘tourism capital of Zambia’, is a small town in southern Zambia. Famed for its proximity to Victoria Falls, it is a hub of tourist activity. It is also positioned only a short drive from the Zimbabwe and Botswana borders.
More Zambia Information
Weather and Climate
Zambia’s weather offers lush vitality in the wet season and prime game-viewing opportunities during the dry season. It’s a year-round destination.
Zambia’s climate is predominantly tropical, with distinct wet and dry seasons. The wet season, from November to April, brings heavy rains and high temperatures, particularly in January and February. The dry season, May to October, is cooler and ideal for safaris, with warm days and cool nights. September and October mark the hottest period before the rains return. Victoria Falls influences humidity in the Livingstone area, and the Zambezi River adds to the local climate too. Victoria Falls experiences its peak flow from February to May.
Safety and Support
Throughout your nonprofit internship in Zambia we’re here to support you. Zambia is generally safe for travelers, with a welcoming populace and a peaceful environment. However, like any destination, travelers should exercise basic precautions such as safeguarding belongings and avoiding isolated areas after dark. Livingstone maintains a strong focus on tourist safety, as it’s a major travel hub. The area is well-patrolled, and tourist facilities adhere to high standards. Victoria Falls viewing areas are secure, and adventure activities are conducted with reputable operators.
Zambia Travel Requirements
- Visa – Western tourists visiting Zambia typically can obtain a visa on arrival or online. Interns will need to get a Business Visa upon arrival, which is valid for 30 days. Once in Zambia, you need to apply for a Temporary Employment Permit (TEP), which is valid for a maximum of three months (and can be extended for another three months). Applying for the TEP can be done online. Check the latest requirements and ensure your passport’s validity before travel.
- Travel insurance – You want to have a carefree experience during your internship abroad, so it’s important to get the right travel insurance; a package that is suited for your upcoming trip. Check out our page with more information on flights and insurance.
- Police Clearance / Background Check – This is a standard policy for most of our internships with an NGO in Zambia, as you are often working with vulnerable individuals. The procedure on how to obtain a police clearance/background check varies per country.
- Vaccinations –
- Yellow Fever
- Typhoid
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Meningococcal meningitis
- Rabies
- Polio
ZAMBIA FAQS
Can I travel to neighboring countries during my internship in Zambia?
Yes, you can easily travel to Zimbabwe and Botswana from Livingstone. We recommend a day trip to Zimbabwe for the other side of Victoria Falls or a trip to Botswana for Chobe National Park. If you do plan to venture to other countries though, be sure to get a multiple-entry visa and spare yourself buying a new one upon returning.
What languages are spoken in Zambia?
Loads! The country has a huge cultural, and lingual, diversity with over 70 languages in use. The main languages spoken in Zambia though are English, Bemba, Nyanja, Tonga, and Lozi.
Is it easy to travel around Zambia?
Traveling by bus is achievable and affordable, however, due to the country’s size it takes a lot of time. Alternatively, internal flights are available, though more expensive.
What's Livingstone like?
Its proximity to the Falls and Chobe National Park make Livingstone a hub of tourist activity. It has a bustling center with all the necessary amenities, quieter neighborhoods around the outskirts, and a number of traditional African villages nearby. You can get a nice mix of African life and exciting adventure activities like white-water rafting, bungee jumping, and safaris.
Is Zambia an expensive country?
The exchange rate from the kwacha to the dollar or the pound is very favorable, so the cost of living is very low. However, many of the activities around Livingstone are quite expensive.
Recent Blogs About Zambia Internships
What to Expect from an NGO Management Internship in Zambia
What to Expect from an NGO Management Internship in Zambia
Read authentic advice and insights from our intern alumni, India, who spent time working for an NGO in Zambia with Roots.
What You’ll Gain From an NGO Management Internship in Zambia
What You’ll Gain From an NGO Management Internship in Zambia
Find out what makes our NGO management internship in Zambia worthwhile, from lessons learned to impact made. This is what makes Roots internships unique!
HOW TO APPLY
If you’re ready to apply for this internship, here’s what to do:
APPLY
Fill in the application form (it will show in a new screen) which includes sharing your CV to us.
SPEAK WITH AN ADVISOR
We’ll set up a call with you to go through your application.
INTERNSHIP MATCHING
If we feel it’s a good match, we’ll set up a call between you and the supervisor for this internship.
PAYMENT
If everyone’s happy, we’ll provisionally confirm your placement! We’ll then send you the invoice for the deposit, getting started with the booking process and all the info you need.
CONFIRMATION
Only once we receive payment of the deposit your placement will be confirmed.
NEED TO MAKE AN ENQUIRY FIRST?
Or if you’d just like to ask us some questions about this internship first, just fill in the contact form below. We’ll be happy to assist!
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