Are you a veterinary student looking to broaden your skills at a wildlife sanctuary in Malawi? This program is for you. All missions in Africa here
Participation in clinical and welfare activities for animals
Our partner has the opportunity to place you as a veterinary intern at its wildlife sanctuary in Malawi. This internship is open to people whose studies are related to the veterinary field. It will give you a real insight into the work of a sanctuary veterinarian. Specific tasks will vary according to the sanctuary's activity. You can expect to participate in clinical work and activities such as enrichment, observations...
One of the best sanctuaries in Africa!
This sanctuary run by our partner is considered 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 program. In 2023, it won the GFAS "Outstanding International Sanctuary" award.
Field experience at a sanctuary in Malawi
This internship is ideal for students who want to gain hands-on experience of working as a vet in a sanctuary. It's important to note that this is a wildlife sanctuary, not just a veterinary clinic. This means that purely veterinary work is not carried out on a daily basis. On non-veterinary days, trainees take part in animal care, especially for orphaned animals, integrations, observations and enrichment activities.
Under the supervision of a veterinarian
The veterinary component of the internship runs from Tuesday to Friday mornings (in addition to any emergencies). During these periods, interns will work under the direction of a veterinarian on a range of activities including diagnostics, preventive health checks under sedation, parasite management and other treatment plans. The specific work will depend on the different animals under our care at the time.
Clinical activity and rehabilitation
In the afternoon, externs learn essential skills in the rehabilitation and care of wild animals. These skills are important for wildlife veterinarians, enabling them to identify basic health parameters for a range of species, identify behavioral changes and quickly spot sick or injured animals. Afternoon tasks include basic breeding, enrichment and integration.
From 2 to 12 weeks, all year round
Rates
- 2 weeks £1,500 approx. €1,782
- 3 weeks £1,942 or approx. €2308
- 4 weeks £2,445 or approx. €2,668
- 5 weeks £2,817 or about €3348
- 6 weeks £3,155 or approx. €3750
- 7 weeks £3,477 or about €4132
- 8 weeks £3,769 or approx. €4479
- 9 weeks £4,044 or approx. €4805
- 10 weeks £4,287 or about €5095
- 11 weeks £4,527 or about €5380
- 12 weeks £4,744 or about €5,638
Included in price
- Housing
- Food, tea, coffee
- Airport transfer and all mission-related transport
- Framing
- Local SIM card and T-shirt
Not included in price
- Flights
- Visa
- Vaccination and TB X-ray
- Personal effects and excursions
- Be a veterinary student or equivalent
- Minimum 2 weeks
- From age 18
- English (basic level)
Housing
The volunteer house can accommodate up to 17 people at a time in six bedrooms (a single supplement can be requested for a private room). The house also includes a living room, kitchen, indoor and outdoor dining areas, two bathrooms, laundry facilities, outdoor terrace and garden. WiFi and cleaning and laundry services are provided. The building is located in the middle of the sanctuary, which means you'll be immersed in the bush after a hard day's work. Evenings are spent by the fire, listening to the sounds of the forest.
Location
The sanctuary is located in a 70-hectare nature reserve in the middle of Malawi's capital, Lilongwe. The reserve is home to wild animals such as antelopes, crocodiles, small carnivores and hyenas, as well as over 100 species of birds. There are 5 km of hiking trails through the forest and along the Lingadzi River, and an on-site café that's the ideal place for a quiet moment of reading or study.
Meals
Meals are prepared by the on-site chef every day except Sunday, 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 association know if you have any special dietary requirements. Volunteers are also welcome to buy other items such as meat if they wish.
Arrival
It's best to arrive on 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 10 minutes from the city with its restaurants, stores and markets, if you fancy a change of scene. The team is happy to organize game and movie nights, cultural shows and outings. Personal excursions outside Lilongwe can be booked through tour operators recommended by the center.
About the partner
Lilongwe Wildlife Trust (LWT) is one of Malawi's leading conservation organizations. Established in 2008. The NGO manages Malawi's only wildlife sanctuary and a range of other programs focusing on wildlife rescue and welfare, biodiversity research, conservation justice, environmental education and campaigning. All missions with LWT
