Land and Lake Safaris 2010

What’s the background to the project?  
In July 2007, the Lilongwe Wildlife Centre was awarded the concession for an 80 hectare portion of land within the Lilongwe Nature Sanctuary, a pristine woodland setting set aside in the Centre of Lilongwe along the Lingadzi River. The Centre, in partnership with the Department of National Parks and Wildlife is creating a facility that will provide a haven for the countries orphaned and injured wild animals. Under the guidance and financial backing of the Born Free Foundation, Land and Lake Safaris and other local and International organisations, the Centre will become a modern-day rehabilitation and education facility, with a primary remit of returning Malawi’s wildlife back to the wild.  The Centre is extremely unique and offers an additional 60 hectare Wilderness Zone, in which animals unable to be returned to the wild can be released.

What is the accommodation like?
We have a basic purpose built camp close to the Centre for up to six volunteers.  The beds are dormitory style with toilets, showers (including hot water and electricity!), a kitchen and lounge area and a camp fire.  If you would prefer a little more luxury, let us know, as we have some good volunteer deals with some of the accommodations close by.   We’ll provide the food, and you’ll be cooking on an open campfire, with a little help from Joseph (our camp supervisor) if you would like.  We’ll also do your laundry for you. 

What else is there to do? 
By African standards, Lilongwe is a safe, clean and relatively quiet city with a bit of nightlife which we will be more than happy to introduce you to.  The Wildlife Centre is in the middle of town so it is relatively easy to move around the restaurants, bars and clubs.  As the ‘warm heart of Africa’ you’re bound to fall in love with Malawi like we have, and we can definitely recommend some trips to explore this amazing country.  Dependent on the length of your stay, we can help you organise all sorts of trips from safaris at the national parks to diving at Lake Malawi.  So if you get a chance to extend your trip after your placement we would definitely recommend it!

How do I get there? 
If you are coming from the UK, or even through Heathrow airport from some other destination, you may want to look at the following routes.
•     South African Airways via Johannesburg
•     Kenyan Airways via Nairobi
•     Ethiopian via Addis Ababa
We will arrange for all your airport transfers in Lilongwe.  If you are travelling overland or from elsewhere let us know and we can let you know the best way to get here.  If possible it’s best if you can start your placement on the first Monday of the month.

What about visas? 
No visas are required to enter Malawi for British Nationals. On arrival you can state that you are visiting Malawi as a TOURIST and that you will be staying at the Sanctuary Campsite. There is nothing illegal about this; it is just easier this way. They will give you a one month free tourist visa, which can be extended at a cost of MK 5000 [approx $35] per month for an extra 2 months allowing you a total stay for 3 months in Malawi. Occasionally you may be asked at the check in desk on your way here for a visa. In this event, please advise the check-in attendant that one month visas can be picked up on arrival in Lilongwe.

How much does it cost?
The following costs cover accommodation, food allowance, airport transfers (from Lilongwe Airport), work related transport and a donation to the Centre.  Note that you will need to arrange flights separately.

What does your contribution include?
The cost of the placement covers accommodation, food, work related transport and a much needed donation to the Centre.  100% of this donation goes towards the care of the animals.  You can

What about bringing money?
How you chose to bring money is completely up to you and there are “Pros” and “Cons” to each. Travelers cheques are sometimes hard to change, usually a charge is involved and you get a lower exchange rate, however, they are safe.  Dollars and pounds are both ok, dollars slightly easier. If bringing dollars please make sure they are dated past 1999 otherwise we (as in banks) cannot accept them here.  You can also use Visa debit and credit cards to withdraw kwacha (the local currency) from cash machines for any spending money if you would prefer.  Mastercards don’t work well over here, so please do make sure you have a Visa.

Overall we would suggest bringing some dollars ($100 and $50 get better exchange rates than lower denominations) and a Visa card.

You can pay the Born Free Foundation in the UK directly for your placement so you don’t have to carry the cash with you, but you are also welcome to pay in dollars when you are here.   This covers all accommodation, food, work related transport and a much needed donation to the Centre, 100% of which goes towards the care of the animals. 

What equipment do I need?
Basic equipment needed includes sleeping bag, good comfortable walking boots and mosquito net. You may need a waterproof jacket if you are coming in the rainy season, which is late November to early March and a warm fleece for May-August. Other than that, appropriate clothes for the time of year.  There will be a full recommended kit list in your volunteer pack.

How safe is Malawi?
Malawi, in particular Lilongwe, is friendly and inviting. There is very little violence and thefts are petty, i.e. pickpockets, so it is important that volunteers be careful when walking around town.

Malarial prophylaxis and additional vaccination requirements
Please seek medical advice from your local practitioner. Rabies and Tetanus are a must when working with animals. A yellow fever certificate is required for entry to neighbouring Zambia to do a South Luangwa Safari – a popular excursion for volunteers. Also check the following websites www.fitforttravel.scot.nhs.uk and www.masta.org/health-brief/brief
We ask that you complete a Proof of Health Clearance form for our records which requires your doctors signature.  This will be sent through in your volunteer pack.

Do I need insurance?
Full medical Insurance is advised and it is important that you mention that you are working with animals. One contact for you to look at on this is This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . £39 for three weeks all inclusive and covers you for working with animals. Longer insurance periods can be arranged. Please ensure your cover includes medical evacuation.

What other documents do I need to bring?
You will need to provide a copy of your passport and insurance details on arrival at the Lilongwe Sanctuary, in case there are any problems during your stay with us.

What about cell phones and internet?
Cell phone sim cards can be bought on arrival and used in un-blocked phones only. Internet is available at the Lodge if you have your own laptop, cards can be bought on site.  Those without laptops can use the internet cafes in town.

Our postal address
Lilongwe Wildlife Centre
P.O. Box 2140
Lilongwe

Further Reading on Malawi
Lonely Planet (Malawi) or Bradt’s guide to Malawi.
PLEASE NOTE: - Our project is based within the Nature Sanctuary following the signing of an agreement between the Lilongwe Wildlife Trust and National Parks. The existing zoo that the above guides talk about is now closed. The next versions of guides, due out in 2009, will tell the true story regarding the development of the new Centre - the Lilongwe Wildlife Centre.

How do I apply?
Please email Kate at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with your enquiry, and ideally the dates you are available and any specific interests you have.  You will need to fill in a short application form and if successful we will send you the full briefing pack.  Looking forward to hearing from you!
 
Don't Just Take It From Us...
Click here to watch a video which gives a tiny snapshot of Wildlife Centre volunteer life.
Click here to download and read Remke's volunteer testimonial.
Click here to download and read Tina's volunteer testimonial

Some useful e-mail addresses of previous volunteers and staff