Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2000, the national park covers approximately 3200 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 in the Top 10 of the best travel destinations, making it the perfect 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 also offers the chance to participate for individuals without specific animal-related skills.
There are four key areas in which volunteers contribute:
– Wildlife rescue and rehabilitation.
– Animal research.
– Community education and awareness.
– Communication and campaigns.
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 participating in eco-responsible tourism, but please be aware that there may be long days or even night shifts.
Duration during the week | Budget total mission |
|---|---|
2 weeks | 1770 € |
3 weeks | 2256 € |
4 weeks | 2840 € |
5 weeks | 3136 € |
6 weeks | 3514 € |
7 weeks | 3873 € |
8 weeks | 4018 € |
9 weeks | 4315 € |
10 weeks | 4577 € |
11 weeks | 4834 € |
12 weeks | 5066 € |
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 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.
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.
British, Australian, Canadian, and American nationals, as well as 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.
Refer to the Institut Pasteur website for the latest travel advice. The center requires a negative tuberculosis test and strongly recommends vaccination against rabies. Malaria prophylaxis (e.g., Doxycycline or Malarone) is mandatory for all volunteers and interns.
– Minimum age of 18 years.
– Intermediate/advanced level of English (understanding instructions, ability to communicate).
– Copy of passport.
