Volunteer at a wildlife sanctuary in Malawi. Malawi is experiencing significant destruction of its biodiversity. Wild animals there are suffering not only from habitat loss but also from poaching. Get involved at a wildlife sanctuary. See all eco-volunteering opportunities in Africa.
The only wildlife sanctuary in Malawi
Our partner is an NGO that runs Malawi’s only wildlife sanctuary. This sanctuary is regarded as one of the best in Africa for its facilities and high standards of animal welfare. It is accredited by the Pan African Sanctuary Alliance (PASA), the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) and the Born Free Foundation’s PAW programme. In 2023, it won the GFAS ‘Outstanding International Sanctuary’ award.
Around 200 wild animals
This sanctuary is home to around 200 wild animals, the majority of which are primates. The species entrusted to the sanctuary have been rescued from illegal activities or from human-wildlife conflict. Most of these animals have suffered abuse and benefit from a unique, tailored programme provided by the team. The NGO’s aim is to release as many animals as possible back into the wild. Those that cannot be released are cared for and live safely within the sanctuary.
Volunteering here will allow you to understand and participate in the work of rehabilitating wild animals.
Participation in all the sanctuary’s activities
You’ll spend most of your time with the animal care team. You’ll help with various tasks involved in the rehabilitation of injured, orphaned and abused wild animals. Expect to get your hands dirty, work hard and sleep well!
Indeed, animal rehabilitation isn’t always glamorous. You’ll prepare their food, clean the enclosures and wake up at 3am to feed orphaned monkeys! However, you’ll be making a real difference to animal welfare.
Here are some of the tasks you will be assigned
- Cleaning, hygiene, feeding and enrichment activities for the animals
- Care for orphaned animals
- Observation of animal behaviour.
- You will learn a great deal about enrichment, observation and rehabilitation techniques for wild animals.
Working hours depend on the animals at the centre and the level of care they require. Volunteers at the Wildlife Centre usually work from 8 am to 5 pm, but during the orphan season, feeding times may be scheduled at less convenient hours, so days can be long and night shifts may be required. However, if this does not suit you, the team can rearrange your schedule. Volunteers in Lilongwe have two days off per week.
From 2 to 12 weeks, all year round. The busiest period is between October and January, as the shelter usually takes in a larger number of orphaned animals.
- 2 weeks £1,500, or approximately €1,782
- 3 weeks £1,942, or approximately €2,308
- 4 weeks £2,445, or approximately €2,668
- 5 weeks £2,817, or approximately €3,348
- 6 weeks £3,155, or approximately €3,750
- 7 weeks £3,477, or approximately €4,132
- 8 weeks £3,769, or approximately €4,479
- 9 weeks £4,044, or approximately €4,805
- 10 weeks £4,287 (approximately €5,095)
- 11 weeks £4,527, or approximately €5,380
- 12 weeks £4,744, or approximately €5,638
Included in the price
- Accommodation
- Food, tea, coffee
- Airport transfers and all transport related to the assignment
- Supervision
- Local SIM card and T-shirt
Not included in the price
- Flights
- Visa
- Vaccination and TB screening
- Personal belongings and excursions
- Travel insurance
Accommodation
The volunteer house can accommodate up to 17 people at a time in six bedrooms (a single supplement may be charged for a private room). The house also features a lounge, a kitchen, indoor and outdoor dining areas, two bathrooms, a laundry room, an outdoor terrace and a garden. Wi-Fi, cleaning and laundry services are provided. The building is situated in the heart of the sanctuary, meaning you’ll be immersed in the bush after a hard day’s work. You’ll spend your evenings by the fire listening to the sounds of the forest.
The venue
The sanctuary is situated within a 70-hectare nature reserve in the heart of Malawi’s capital, Lilongwe. The reserve is home to wildlife such as antelopes, crocodiles, small carnivores and hyenas, as well as over 100 species of birds. There are 5 km of walking trails through the forest and along the Lingadzi River, and an on-site café which is the ideal spot for a quiet moment of reading or study.
Meals
Meals are prepared by the chef on site every day, except on Sundays, when volunteers are invited to cook for themselves. The menu is vegetarian/vegan and includes a mix of international and local dishes. Please let the organisation know if you have any special dietary requirements. Volunteers are also welcome to buy other items, such as meat, if they wish.
Arrival
It is best to arrive on a Monday or Tuesday, although arrivals are possible on other days of the week. A member of our team will meet you at the airport.
The Wildlife Centre is just a 10-minute drive from the city, with its restaurants, shops and markets, should you fancy a change of scenery. The team is happy to organise games and film nights, cultural performances and outings. Personalised excursions outside Lilongwe can be booked through tour operators recommended by the centre.
About the partner
The Lilongwe Wildlife Trust (LWT) is one of Malawi’s leading conservation organisations. It was established in 2008. The NGO manages Malawi’s only wildlife sanctuary and runs a range of other programmes focusing on wildlife rescue and welfare, biodiversity research, conservation justice, environmental education and campaigning. All missions with LWT
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