Malawi5/5 (2 reviews)
Animal shelter in Malawi
Near Lilongwe in Malawi, help a sanctuary rescue and rehabilitate injured and orphaned wildlife, including cheetahs, and support research and community education.
- Where
- Malawi
- Length
- From 2 to 12 weeks
- Minimum age
- 18 years old
- Language
- English intermediate
from €2,156 for 2 weeks
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The project
Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2000, the national park covers approximately 3,200 km² and is an ideal destination for eco-responsible tourism.
Located on the border of Zambia, the sanctuary is home to no less than 100 species of mammals and 430 species of birds, thus contributing to sustainable tourism. In collaboration with the reserve, this center aims to shelter, protect, and monitor a variety of endangered species, including the cheetah, a species that was believed to be extinct in the country during the past two decades. Malawi has been ranked among the top 10 travel destinations: there is no better time to explore this amazing destination in southern Africa.
The NGO has opened a new veterinary clinic, providing veterinary students with an incredible opportunity to provide quality medical support to injured, orphaned, and mistreated wildlife from the heart of our sanctuary. This immersive project is also open to people without specific animal-related skills.
A project we follow
Projects chosen with care and followed through regular visits on site.
Your role
There are four key areas in which volunteers contribute:
- Wildlife rescue and rehabilitation.
- Animal research.
- Community education and awareness.
- Communication and campaigns.
A typical week
The working hours depend entirely on the animals being housed during your mission and the level of care they require. Ideally, volunteers work from 8 am to 5 pm, but this is often not the case as most orphaned animals need to be fed during nighttime hours, and some even require 24-hour care. We do our best to distribute this work among volunteers, but please be aware that there may be long days or even night shifts.
Accommodation and meals
The sanctuary is located within a 200-hectare reserve, housing wild animals such as antelopes, crocodiles, small carnivores, hyenas, and over 100 bird species. There are 4 kilometers of hiking trails that meander through the forest and along the river, with a bar and café at the visitor center. The town and its restaurants are just 10 minutes away, ensuring you are never too far from civilization.
Brand new accommodation facilities were established in early 2022 to cater to volunteers. The new building can accommodate up to 18 people at a time in six rooms. It also includes a living room, kitchen, indoor and outdoor dining areas, two bathrooms, a laundry room, an outdoor terrace, and a garden. The building is situated in the heart of our nature reserve, allowing you to experience the enchantment of bush life after a hard day’s work, spending evenings by the fire, listening to the sounds of the forest.
Meals
Meals are prepared by our local chef every day except Sundays. The menu is vegetarian, offering a mix of international and local dishes. Let us know if you have any specific dietary requirements, and volunteers are welcome to purchase additional products or meat if desired.
Arrival and transfers
The best option is to fly to Lilongwe (Kamuzu International Airport), and we will arrange for your pickup. The sanctuary is approximately a 30-minute drive away. If you are traveling by land, please contact us, and we will provide you with the best directions to reach the location. Arrivals and departures take place on Tuesdays.
Budget
How long are you going for?
Departure on Tuesdays
What is included
- Round trip airport transfers
- Accommodation
- All meals
- Orientation and training
- Supervision by the project coordinator
- Administrative fees
Not included
- Flight tickets
- Travel and repatriation insurance
- Visa
- Vaccines
Where your money goes
Donations are reinvested in full and directly into the local associations. How the costs break down
See the budget week by week
| Length | Total programme budget |
|---|
Getting ready to leave
Your application
An up-to-date CV and a cover letter describing your background and what brings you here.
Conditions to take part
- Minimum age of 18 years.
- Intermediate/advanced level of English (understanding instructions, ability to communicate).
- Copy of passport.
Insurance
For any project abroad, Freepackers requires travel insurance covering accidents, illness, repatriation and third-party liability. With Chapka Cap Student, you get 5% off.
Visa
British, Australian, Canadian, and American nationals, as well as nationals of most EU countries, need to obtain a 30-day single-entry visitor permit for USD 50, which can be extended up to 90 days. For other nationalities, please check online or with the nearest Malawi Embassy for information.
Health and vaccinations
Refer to the Institut Pasteur website for the latest travel advice. The center requires a negative tuberculosis test and vaccination against rabies. Malaria prophylaxis (e.g., Doxycycline or Malarone) is mandatory for all volunteers and interns.
Online language lessons
With Clic Campus: video lessons and an e-learning platform, from home.
