The Butterfly Tree is a charity and not a volunteer business. However, we welcome dedicated and committed people to volunteer with the charity at Mukuni and Kamwi Villages, just a short drive from the mighty Victoria Falls. Unlike businesses there is no set charge for this opportunity, though we do ask participants if they would like to give a donation to one of our many projects, do some fundraising or take with them to Zambia items for the school or clinic. Over the past twelve years we have had a number of people from all walks of life who have made a substantial contribution, which has helped both the charity and the community in Mukuni. These include students, individuals and professionals from the US, Canada, Australia, Asia, UAE, Brazil, Argentina, Europe and the UK .

How volunteering works

We are very flexible as you will be independent, though working alongside a teacher, medical officer or a member of the team. The time scale can first be discussed with the charity. If you are interested in working at both the clinic and the school we suggest you help at the clinic in the mornings and school in the afternoons. The schools are closed for the Christmas break during much of December and April, and for the month of August. There is also the opportunity to assist with community-based projects such as constructing houses, painting classrooms, holding workshops or working with women’s groups. For those wishing to work with children you must have a DBS certificate if you are a UK citizen, or the equivalent from another country.

There are no facilities or accommodation available in Mukuni therefore we recommend that you stay in Livingstone at one of the backpacker’s places, such as Fawlty Towers if you want somewhere reasonably priced. If you want to be next to the Zambezi River Safpar’s Waterfront is a fun place with really good value food. For those seeking a more up market type of accommodation there is Minor Hotel Group with the choice of The Royal Livingstone and the Avani Victoria Falls. David Livingstone Safari Lodge and Spa and Protea Hotel closer to town. These arrangements along with flights will be your responsibility. To get to the village you can either take the local bus, which changes at the Victoria Falls and takes about an hour – it’s around £3 or £4 return or you can do a deal with a local taxi to take you for around £15 return. Zambians are extremely humble, friendly and obliging people.

Our volunteers have loved this life-changing experience vowing to return. Many have joined our cause to help improve the lives of these vulnerable people. Besides working with the charity the area has an abundance of activities, we recommend using Safpar for excursions including safaris, white water rafting and local tours. There is also micro-liting over the Victoria Falls and Livingstone Museum. It is close to the Botswana border where some of the best game in Africa can be seen at Chobe National Park. If you would like to volunteer with The Butterfly Tree please send an email to: carolyn@thebutterflytree.org.uk

Volunteer Code of Conduct 

To protect the people you may be working with you will be asked to sign our Volunteer Code of Conduct.