Are you a veterinary student looking to broaden your skills at a wildlife sanctuary in Malawi? This programme is for you. See all our placements in Africa here
Involvement in clinical and animal welfare activities
Our partner can offer you a veterinary internship at its wildlife sanctuary in Malawi. This internship is open to those studying veterinary-related subjects. It will give you a real insight into the work of a vet at a sanctuary. Specific tasks will vary depending on the sanctuary’s activities. You can expect to take part in clinical work and activities such as enrichment, observations, and more.
One of the best sanctuaries in Africa!
This sanctuary, run by our partner, 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.
A field experience at a sanctuary in Malawi
This placement is ideal for students who wish to gain practical experience of veterinary work in a sanctuary. It is important to note that this is a wildlife sanctuary, not simply a veterinary clinic. This means that tasks purely related to veterinary work are not part of the daily routine. On days when there are no veterinary procedures, interns help with animal care, particularly for orphaned animals, as well as with reintroductions, observations and enrichment activities.
Under the supervision of a vet
The veterinary part of the placement takes place in the mornings, from Tuesday to Friday (in addition to any emergencies). During these sessions, trainees will work under the supervision of a vet on a range of activities, including diagnostics, preventive health checks under sedation, parasite control and other treatment plans. The specific work will depend on the different animals we are caring for at that time.
Clinical practice and rehabilitation
In the afternoon, the students gain essential skills in the rehabilitation and care of wild animals. These skills are important for vets specialising in wildlife, as they enable them to identify basic health indicators for a range of species, recognise changes in behaviour, and quickly spot sick or injured animals. Tasks carried out in the afternoon include basic husbandry, enrichment and integration.
From 2 to 12 weeks, all year round
Prices
- 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
- Be studying veterinary medicine or an equivalent subject
- At least 2 weeks
- Ages 18 and over
- English (basic level)
Accommodation
The volunteer house can accommodate up to 17 people at a time across 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 fireside 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 studying.
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 partner 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. A
