A leading ecotourism destination, Malawi is experiencing a major loss of biodiversity. Wild animals are suffering not only from the disappearance of their habitat, but also from poaching. This eco-participatory trip to Malawi allows you to get involved in a sanctuary where wild animals are recovered, cared for and then released. See allecovolunteering missionsin Africa.
Malawi, prey to the destruction of biodiversity
Malawi, one of the world's poorest countries, is bearing the full brunt of biodiversity destruction and climate change. To survive, the majority of the population depends on natural resources, whose decline threatens food security and human health. However, the NGO you'll be working for in Malawi is convinced that change is possible, and has been working towards this goal since 2008. Its mission is to rescue wild animals, rehabilitate them and return them to their natural habitat. It is the only organization in Malawi mandated by the government to rescue and rehabilitate wildlife throughout the country. It also works with local communities to improve cohabitation between people and wildlife.
A refuge for wild animals in Malawi
Your host NGO has created the only wildlife sanctuary in Malawi. The first animals taken in came from a zoo in the capital Lilongwe. Since then, the sanctuary has taken in animals that have been orphaned, injured, confiscated or trafficked. The shelter is accredited by the Pan African Sanctuary Alliance, the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries and the Born Free Foundation's PAW program. It welcomes around 200 animals on a permanent basis. When the animals arrive at the center, they are sent to the veterinary clinic. After quarantine, the animals are prepared for release whenever possible. Each animal is assessed before release, to ensure that it is fit to return to the wild. If it is not, it will live within the sanctuary.
Volunteering: contributing to conservation in Malawi
There are four key areas to which volunteers contribute: wildlife rescue and rehabilitation, animal research, education and community awareness, and communication and campaigning. Working hours depend on the animals housed at the time of your assignment and the level of care they require. Volunteer hours are from 8am to 5pm. However, as orphaned animals need to be fed at night or cared for 24 hours a day, working hours are highly variable. The center does its best to divide the work between volunteers. Be aware that there can be long days and even night shifts! The sanctuary has recently created a state-of-the-art veterinary clinic. Veterinary students will have the opportunity to provide high-quality medical care to wild animals.
Date for this ecovolunteering trip
- All year round
- Two weeks minimum
- Arrival and departure on Tuesdays
Fees
| Duration | Fees to be paid on registration | Estimated price after tax deduction |
|---|---|---|
| 2 weeks | 1770 € | 590.12 € |
| 3 weeks | 2256 € | 752.15 € |
| 4 weeks | 2840 € | 946.86 € |
| 5 weeks | 3136 € | 1045.54 € |
| 6 weeks | 3514 € | 1171.57 € |
| 7 weeks | 3873 € | 1291.26 € |
| 8 weeks | 4018 € | 1339.60 € |
| 9 weeks | 4315 € | 1438.62 € |
| 10 weeks | 4577 € | 1525.97 € |
| 11 weeks | 4834 € | 1611.66 € |
| 12 weeks | 5066 € | 1689.00 € |
Round-trip airport transfers
Accommodation
All meals
Orientation and training
Supervision by project coordinator
Local SIM card and WIFI
NOT INCLUDED
Plane tickets
Travel and repatriation insurance
Visa
Insurances
Mission eligible for tax deduction *.
The partner association's educational mission and its commitment to environmental and social development mean that it is considered to be an association of general interest. As a result, people who participate in and contribute to the projects are able to deduct up to 66% (in France) of the sums involved from their taxable income.
Accommodation in the heart of nature in Malawi
Set in a 200-hectare reserve, the refuge is home to wild animals and over 100 species of birds. Numerous hiking trails criss-cross the forest and run alongside the river. The center welcomes visitors and has a bar and café at reception. The eco-volunteer facilities were refurbished in early 2022. The new building can accommodate up to 18 travelers at a time in six rooms. It also includes a living room, kitchen, indoor and outdoor dining areas, two bathrooms, laundry facilities, outdoor terrace and garden. The building is located in the middle of the nature reserve, which means you'll experience the magic of bush life after a hard day's work - spending evenings by the fire listening to the sounds of the forest.
Leisure activities for a solidarity trip to Malawi
Malawi is an ideal destination for eco-responsible travel. It is home to a national park, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At the sanctuary, you have the advantage of being in the heart of nature yet close to a major city. The sanctuary is home to a rich biodiversity including over 100 species of mammals and 430 species of birds. The city and its restaurants are only 10 minutes away, as are the stores and markets, so you're never too far from "civilization".
The partner association
Le partenaire is a 1901 association registered in France, whose mission is to encourage participation in ethical and sustainable development projects. It connects NGOs, social action associations and government structures with volunteers. It promotes solidarity and participative travel. The partner is a certified WYSE Travel Confederation Member. WYSE is a global non-profit organization representing youth and student travel stakeholders worldwide. It is also a member of the AFNOR commission for the development of the international standard on responsible tourism, a member of the International Mobility Committee, certified as an Australian specialist, accredited by the international group ICEF, a member of EAIE (European Center of Expertise, Networking and Resources for the Internationalization of Higher Education) and a member of the travel4impact Network.
