Zambia: The Smoke That Thunders
Faith in Action
Livingstone & Mukuni Village, Zambia
Wildlife Conservation & Village Discovery
1 Week of Service • Cultural Immersion • Servant Leadership
Did You Know?
Victoria Falls is known locally as “Mosi-oa-Tunya” — “The Smoke That Thunders” — for the massive spray and roar produced as the Zambezi River plunges more than 350 feet into the gorge below. Zambia's wildlife is just as awe-inspiring, and just as threatened: elephants and other iconic species face a serious poaching crisis, driving urgent conservation efforts across the region.
The Smoke That Thunders
The psalmist wrote, “The voice of the Lord is powerful; the voice of the Lord is majestic” (Psalm 29:4), describing God's voice the way people have long described great waters and thunder. Locals named Victoria Falls well — few things on Earth roar louder. Zambia's wildlife carries that same majesty, and it's under real threat. Your team will spend this mission trip joining wildlife conservation efforts — supporting anti-poaching patrols or elephant sanctuary care, depending on the week's greatest need — as a tangible act of stewardship over creation that still thunders with the glory of its Maker. You'll also spend a day in the village of Mukuni, visiting a local orphanage and delivering school supplies to children who need them. Students who serve in Zambia come home changed — not because they ended poaching, but because they discovered what it means to protect what still declares God's glory.
The Worldwide Faith in Action Difference
Cross-Cultural Ministry • Daily Devotions • Wildlife Conservation Partnership • Orphan Care & School Supply Outreach • Zambian Culture & History • 1 Week of Hands-On Servi
The Worldwide Navigators Difference
Sojourn – Gain a better understanding of the community you’re visiting. Learn about different religions or spiritual practices. How do these impact the communities? How does religion or spirituality influence local traditions?
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Savor – Will you choose sweet or savory? Take the time to visit local markets and discover unique local ingredients. Learn how to prepare traditional meals & local favorites.
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Tip of the Tongue – Each morning, take the time to learn a few basic greetings and phrases in the local language. Learn how to write greetings & your name in the local script.
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A Wrinkle in Time – History influences our present. Discover the history of the country you visit. Hear the stories of your guides & their family history. Where do they come from?
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Journal Journeys – Take some time to reflect on the day’s events and document your journey. Spend a moment journaling about the day had & day ahead. These are memories for a lifetime!
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Culture – From local dances, festivals, or simple gestures to communicate – all of these make up a country’s culture. Learn and practice cultural norms & how to show respect in the culture you visit.
1 of 1Itinerary
Welcome to Zambia! After arriving into Livingstone, we’ll settle into our accommodations and gather for a welcome dinner. Opening devotional and orientation: what does it mean to serve as the hands and feet of Christ in a new culture?
Visit Victoria Falls and hike through the surrounding rainforest, taking in the mist and roar of “The Smoke That Thunders.” Evening devotional on the majesty of God’s creation.
Ferry into Botswana for a safari and boat cruise through Chobe National Park, encountering elephants, hippos, and abundant wildlife along the Chobe River.
Meet our local wildlife conservation partner and learn about the week’s project — anti-poaching patrol support, elephant sanctuary care, or wildlife monitoring, depending on the greatest current need. Devotional: praying for the week ahead.
Our week of service begins! Work alongside conservation professionals on anti-poaching and wildlife protection efforts. Afternoons include team debrief and reflection on the day’s work.
Continue conservation work alongside professional staff, learning firsthand what it takes to protect Zambia’s most vulnerable species.
Conservation work continues, with today’s devotional focused on stewardship of creation.
Conservation work continues. Today’s devotional theme centers on protecting what reflects God’s glory. Evening: team reflection on the week’s conservation work.
Visit the village of Mukuni, touring traditional huts and tasting local food and drink. Spend the day at a local orphanage, delivering school supplies and spending time with the children. Closing devotional and celebration.
Final group devotional and debrief: what did God teach us this week? Depart for home.
Extend Your Trip
Add a Day: Devil’s Pool & Canopy Adventure
For adventurous groups, add a day at the edge of Victoria Falls itself — swim in Devil’s Pool, a natural rock pool right at the lip of the falls (seasonal availability), then zip-line through the jungle and swing across Batoka Gorge on a free-fall gorge swing.
Optional Extension: Day 11 — Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park
Extend the trip one additional day to Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park for a walking safari and a picnic along the banks of the Zambezi River.
Choose Your Impact
Every Faith in Action mission trip pairs a full week of hands-on service with a tour component that immerses students in local history, culture, and faith. This Zambia itinerary can be shortened, extended, or modified to fit your school’s calendar and budget.
Value — 7–8 Day Group Trips
Airfare • Ground Transportation • 2.5–3 Star Accommodations • Daily Devotions & Debriefs • 2 Meals Per Day • Tour Entrance Fees • Daytime Tour Director • 1 Week of Service (Wildlife Conservation)
Classic — 9–10 Day Group Trips
Airfare • Ground Transportation • 2.5–3 Star Accommodations • Daily Devotions & Debriefs • 2 Meals Per Day • Tours & Entrance Fees • Daytime Guided Tour Director • 1 Week of Service (Wildlife Conservation) + Cultural Excursions
Epic — 10–12 Day Group Trips
Airfare • Ground Transportation • 3.5–4 Star Accommodations • Daily Devotions & Debriefs • 2 Meals Per Day • Tours & Entrance Fees • 24/7 Guided Tour Director • 1 Week of Service (Wildlife Conservation) + Extended Cultural Immersion • Final Night Celebration Dinner & Commissioning Service
Interested in adding or modifying activities? All Faith in Action itineraries can be customized — extend the service week, add a second conservation partner, or swap in additional cultural excursions.
Value
3-6 Day
Group Trips
- Airfare
- Transportation
- 2.5 - 3-Star Accommodations
- Daily Activities & Excursions
- 2 Meals Per Day
- Tours & Entrance Fees
- Daytime & Self-Guided Tour Director
- 1 Impact Project
Classic
7-12 Day
Group Trips
- Airfare
- Transportation
- 2.5 - 3-Star Accommodations
- Daily Activities & Excursions
- 2 Meals Per Day
- Tours & Entrance Fees
- Daytime Guided Tour Director
- Up to 2 Impact Projects
Epic
7-14 Day
Group Trips
- Airfare
- Transportation
- 3.5 - 4-Star Accommodations
- Daily Activities & Excursions
- 2 Meals Per Day
- Tours & Entrance Fees
- 24/7 Guided Tour Director
- Up to 3 Impact Projects
- Final Night Celebration Dinner
Interested in adding or modifying activities? No problem! All Worldwide Navigator itineraries can be customized to your liking!
In collaboration with our partners