Volunteer at a wildlife refuge in Malawi. Malawi is experiencing a major loss of biodiversity. Wild animals are suffering not only from habitat loss, but also from poaching. Get involved in a wildlife sanctuary See allecovolunteering missionsin Africa.
Malawi's only wildlife sanctuary
Our partner is an NGO that runs Malawi's only wildlife sanctuary. The sanctuary 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.
Around 200 wild animals
The sanctuary is home to around 200 wild animals, the majority of which are primates. The species entrusted to the sanctuary come from illegal activities or conflict between man and wildlife. Most of these animals have been mistreated and benefit from a unique and adapted program. 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 in safety in the sanctuary.
Becoming an ecovolunteer will enable you to understand and participate in the work of rehabilitating wild animals.
Participation in all sanctuary activities
You will spend most of your time with the animal care team. You'll take part in the various tasks involved in rehabilitating injured, orphaned and abused wild animals. Expect to get your hands dirty, work hard and sleep well!
Indeed, animal rehabilitation is not always glamorous. You'll be preparing their food, cleaning the enclosures and waking up at 3 a.m. to feed orphaned monkeys! But you'll be making a real difference to animal welfare.
Here are just some of the tasks you will be entrusted with
- Cleaning, hygiene, feeding and enrichment work with animals
- Care for orphaned animals
- Observing animal behavior.
- You'll learn a lot about wildlife enrichment, observation and rehabilitation techniques.
Working hours depend on the animals at the shelter and the level of care they require. Wildlife Centre volunteers generally work from 8am to 5pm, but during orphan season, meals may be scheduled at less sociable times, so long days and night shifts can be arranged. However, if this doesn't suit you, the team can rearrange your schedule. Lilongwe volunteers have two days off a week.
From 2 to 12 weeks, all year round. The busiest period is between October and January, as the shelter generally receives a greater number of orphaned animals.
- 2 weeks 1,500 about 1782 € €%% weeks
- 3 weeks 1,942 about 2308 € €%% weeks
- 4 weeks 2,445 about 2668 € €%% weeks
- 5 weeks 2,817 about 3348 € €%% weeks
- 6 weeks 3,155 about 3750 € €%% weeks
- 7 weeks 3,477 about 4132 € €%% weeks
- 8 weeks 3,769 about 4479 € €%% weeks
- 9 weeks 4,044 about 4805 € €%% weeks
- 10 weeks £4,287 or about €5095
- 11 weeks 4,527 about 5380 € €%% weeks
- 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
- Travel insurance
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
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