Meet Becca, a 26-year-old solo female traveller from the US who came to Livingstone with one goal: finally paddle the mighty Zambezi River, and maybe figure out whether kayaking was actually her sport after all. What she found at Jollyboys Backpackers was a home, a community, and a whole lot of world-class whitewater.
Volunteering at Jollyboys: Finding a Home in Livingstone
There’s a quote on the wall at Jollyboys that reads: “I never knew of a morning in Africa when I woke up that I was not happy.” – Ernest Hemingway.
I saw it on my first morning, curled up on the couch and already surrounded by people from New Zealand, Bulgaria, Canada, South Africa, Spain and the US. I wasn’t convinced it would be true…but it didn’t take long before I understood it completely.
When planning my trip to Zambia, I spoke to many people about their time on the Zambezi and in Livingstone and quickly discovered that Jollyboys was the place to be. As someone who travels as much as my life allows I know the culture of a hostel has a huge impact on your trip, and as someone who loves to volunteer, when I saw Jollyboys on worldpackers, I knew it would feel like home if I could give back. I reached out and felt incredibly lucky to be accepted as a volunteer! I danced around when the team said yes to my dates!
When I arrived I was picked up at Livingstone Airport by Millas, who told me within five minutes, “We’ll help you have the best time so you come back next year.” That welcome set the tone. As I walked into the hostel, I was greeted by Stella, and given space to settle in, and I already felt safe, supported, and strangely at home.
Volunteering at Jollyboys Backpackers gave me the perfect blend of purpose and freedom. I could manage my own hours as long as things got done, which meant I could be on the river five or six days a week and still help with hostel life. I organised quiz nights, rallied teams for walking tours, joined the beer pong tournaments, and captured every moment of it. It was so nice to throw on an apron and help with dishes, learn how they make local dishes and spend time with the kitchen staff who always brought joy into my day. I loved having the opportunity to get to know the staff and feel more engaged with the community whilst always trying my best to contribute to the playful, friendly atmosphere Jollyboys is known for.
The best part was how easily I could connect with people. Every day brought new travellers, new stories, new plans, and new friendships. Soon it became normal to greet everyone as they returned from their adventures, share hugs, cook together, or hang out by the pool swapping tales from the river. It was the kind of environment where people extended their stay simply because the vibes were too good.
I came as a solo traveller, but I didn’t feel alone for even a day.
Solo Female Travel in Livingstone: Safe, Social & Surprisingly Easy
Before arriving, I had nerves about travelling solo, especially for something as high-adrenaline as kayaking the Zambezi. When I made the 38-hour journey to Zambia, no emotion was left out but the most prominent one was excitement. I wrote in my journal “The feeling of not knowing who I will meet or how it will go is exciting!” You only see a river for the first time once and I was fully present to savour that moment. Luckily Livingstone immediately felt like a place where I could breathe and fully embrace the excitement of what was to come.
Between the staff at Jollyboys, the travellers and paddlers passing through, and the friendly local community, I always felt supported. I made fast friends who joined me on the river as well as trips to Victoria Falls, safaris in Chobe National Park, and others who just popped over for dinner or trivia night. Jollyboys became a hub for all of us, paddlers, backpackers, and curious adventurers.
Livingstone is one of the easiest places I’ve travelled in as a solo female traveller. Safe, kind, social, and full of people excited about life. It’s hard not to feel uplifted here.
Kayaking the Zambezi River: A Dream Years in the Making
My journey to the Zambezi actually began in 2018 in Alaska, where I started guiding rafts. I loved rivers from the start, but kayaking scared me. Rolling scared me. Swimming scared me. Being upside-down in the current? Absolutely not.
For years I tried, quit, tried again, and never quite committed, until July 2024, when I decided enough was enough. No more relearning, no more second-guessing. I borrowed gear, practised consistently, and finally got my roll solid. With Zambia already on my calendar, I worked hard to prepare for the legendary Zambezi, though I still wondered if I’d be ready.
Flying to Zambia alone, I was nervous. But my mantra became Do it scared. And honestly? I’m glad I did.
Thanks to Jollyboys, the logistics were easy. They helped organise kayak rental, equipment, and shuttles straight to the river. What I expected to be overwhelming was suddenly simple and smooth, almost too easy for something as iconic as the Zambezi.
And then I paddled it.
Sharing shuttles with paddlers from around the world, surfing waves I’d only heard stories about, sitting around the pool afterwards comparing rapids, it was everything I’d dreamed of and more. The energy on the Zambezi is unbelievable. Everyone who’s there genuinely wants to be there, and the stoke is contagious.
Honestly? The stoke is higher than the river.
Leaving the Zambezi… and Already Planning My Return
As my time in Livingstone came to an end, I felt genuinely emotional. I had come alone, unsure of my abilities, but left with friends, confidence, joy, and a whole new sense of belonging. The longer I stayed the harder it became to accept that the end of my trip was near.
People kept asking me to extend my stay. I wanted to. A lot.
I fell in love with Livingstone, with Jollyboys, and with this river. This experience became a core memory for me, one I’ll carry forever. And yes, I’m already planning when I can come back.
See you downstream.
Ready to Experience the Zambezi Yourself?
If you’re dreaming of kayaking or rafting the Zambezi River, Jollyboys can organise guides, shuttles, gear rental, and everything you need to get on the water safely and easily.
📩 Contact us to plan your Zambezi adventure now.
🌍 Interested in volunteering? Apply via Worldpackers and join the Jollyboys family.
Zikomo and happy paddling!
