Volunteer Abroad Malawi - Dennis

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Name: Dennis

Age: 34

Project: Wildlife Monitoring

Location: Liwonde National Park, Malawi

Duration: 3 1/2 weeks (September til October)

Review Volunteer Abroad Malawi: Wildlife Monitoring 

As part of the Volunteer Project Wildlife Monitoring, I had the opportunity to spend three and a half weeks in Malawi and gain valuable experience. In order to share this experience and make preparations easier for future participants, I will describe my impressions below. It is important to me to mention in advance that these are exclusively my subjective and individual impressions, which may not necessarily be shared by other participants.

Preparation for my volunteering trip in Malawi

The prior consultation for the project was, in my view, excellent. Daniel provided me with early and comprehensive guidance about the local conditions and necessary preparations. Key requirements included submitting proof of rabies vaccination and a negative tuberculosis test. A visa was not required for my trip from Germany to Malawi (via Ethiopia).

About a week before departure, Edith from the local partner organization contacted me and provided detailed information about procedures for my arrival day. She also added me to a WhatsApp group with all other volunteers on site. This was very practical, allowing questions to be clarified early and information to be shared.

Additional preparations should include the following:

• Obtaining appropriate outdoor clothing: Especially in suitable colours (beige, brown, olive, etc.), which not only protect against annoying flies but also look professional. I recommend wearing long sleeves and long pants even in warm temperatures to protect against insects. Suitable insect repellent is also essential.

• Familiarise yourself with malaria risks: Assess the risk—possibly in consultation with a doctor—and obtain the appropriate medication. It’s also recommended to assemble a travel first-aid kit, as it can be very difficult to obtain suitable medications locally. I personally did not take malaria prophylaxis and only had medication for acute treatment, which I didn’t need.

• Learn about local wildlife in advance: Depending on your experience level, familiarise yourself with the park’s wildlife beforehand. You don’t need extensive prior knowledge, but since much of the work involves species identification, you should be able to confidently recognize: lion, cheetah, spotted hyena, African wild dog, elephant, impala, kudu, ellipsen waterbuck, warthog, reedbuck, southern gerenuk, vervet monkey, baboon, black rhinoceros, white-backed vulture, palm-nut vulture, white-headed vulture. These species are most likely to be part of the project (though you may not see all of them). You should also familiarise yourself with their English names. Naturally, you’ll encounter many other species on site, which you can learn about there. A field guide is recommended— it’s very useful for on-site work.

Project in Malawi

The local partner offers two types of volunteering: helping at the Wildlife Center or participating in wildlife monitoring at Liwonde National Park. Some volunteers choose a combination of both, participating in each project for a set period. It’s important to know which project you are part of, as procedures and conditions differ significantly between the two!

Arrival in Malawi

My arrival went smoothly, and Edith picked me up punctually at Lilongwe Airport. I withdrew local currency from an ATM at the airport, although I was told this isn’t always possible, so I recommend bringing some reserve cash in US dollars (I brought $300). Edith also provided a SIM card at the airport, preloaded with 30 GB for my nearly one-month stay, which was more than enough.

The Wildlife Center is the first stop for all volunteers, regardless of which project they join. The drive from the airport to the Center takes about 30 minutes. Even for wildlife monitoring volunteers, the first night is spent at the Center in Lilongwe. Because transfers to the National Park are not daily, volunteers may spend two or three nights at the Center before heading to the park. I was lucky to start my journey the very next day at 7:30 a.m. The drive to the National Park takes five to six hours and gives a first impression of the local environment. If possible, shop before heading to Liwonde, as opportunities there are limited. You can also use the WhatsApp group to ask current volunteers if anything should be brought, which can be extremely helpful.

Start at Liwonde National Park

I arrived at the Research Center around 12:30 p.m. and was warmly welcomed. Usually, two resident scientists and up to five volunteers are on site. The Center is at the park’s edge and fenced, so you won’t encounter large animals inside, though you will see smaller mammals like baboons and vervet monkeys, as well as many bird species.

Accommodation and supplies in Liwonde National Park

The site includes the Research Center, separate sanitation facilities for men and women, and the accommodation building, which houses up to five volunteers in two double rooms and one single room. There are Western toilets and showers with running water, always kept very clean. Beds have mosquito nets and fans; otherwise, the accommodation is simple. The Research Center has a fully equipped kitchen and a common/work area where most daily activities take place.

Since supplies are limited, expect occasional shortages of electricity and water, though careful preparation can prevent problems. Always ensure water filters are filled and that sanitation water supplies are sufficient. Charge phones, cameras, and other devices in advance, and bring a fully charged power bank.

A cook is available on Mondays and Thursdays to prepare lunch and dinner; other meals are self-cooked. Volunteers can coordinate group cooking or manage their own meals. While sufficient food is provided, options are limited.

Be aware that many things taken for granted in Germany (specific foods, fuel, electricity, water, etc.) may not always be available in Malawi. This is a valuable experience, but it requires planning. Since the on-site diet is vegetarian and low in protein, I brought protein bars, protein powder, and a shaker—this was very practical.

Activities and tasks in the project

After arrival, I settled into my room and received a detailed project introduction. It became clear that the scientists are passionate about the project, making the most of limited resources and contributing greatly to wildlife conservation in Malawi.

The main task, as the name suggests, is monitoring the target species: lions, cheetahs, African wild dogs, spotted hyenas, zebras, cow antelopes, vervet monkeys, and various vultures. To track their locations and movements, volunteers typically drive into the park twice daily for 3–4 hours per trip. Observations are recorded in writing. Some animals have tracking collars detectable via radio antennas, though this doesn’t guarantee seeing the animals, as they often hide—stay alert!

Every trip to the park is unique. You see something new each time, and the park’s landscapes, featuring a broad river and palms, are stunning. The main downside is tsetse flies, which can be bothersome depending on area and time of day.

Monitoring also includes setting up and analyzing camera traps. Once a week, volunteers check all cameras, replace batteries if needed, and transfer data to a laptop. Scientists later analyze the images with volunteers, which is fun and improves species identification, especially for nocturnal animals rarely seen in the wild.

Additionally, volunteers assist with daily tasks: errands in town or the market, report writing, coordinating with rangers or park management, and more. With luck, you may participate in special activities like tagging animals, depending on the project schedule.

Advice: Take every opportunity to participate. I joined the Rangers Run 2025, a half marathon through the park to raise awareness for ranger work. This was an extraordinary experience and allowed me to immerse myself fully in the local culture. Park trips run Monday to Friday, twice daily, with no trips Saturday afternoon or Sunday.

Free time during the project

Sundays were reserved for optional activities with park guides. We met Nelson, an excellent guide who accommodated our individual wishes. With him, we did walking safaris, a boat trip, and a birding tour, where we identified 84 bird species in a single day!

Departure from the Monitoring Project

After three weeks, my adventure ended. I was picked up at the Research Center, spent one night at the Wildlife Center in Lilongwe, and was then transferred to the airport the following morning. Everything went smoothly. My time in Malawi was an absolutely positive experience that I would recommend without hesitation.

My highlights in Malawi

• Beautiful park with abundant wildlife and scenic landscapes
• Observing rare animals such as cheetahs, black rhinoceroses, and African wild dogs
• Large variety of bird species
• Very little tourism
• Insight into real scientific work with a sustainable impact on conservation
• Immersion in the authentic local culture, impossible on a typical tourist trip
• Warmth and passion of the local people
• Learning the individual animals and their stories
• Exchange with like-minded people—scientists or volunteers

Key points to keep in mind

• On-site supplies are limited. Be aware and prepare accordingly
• This is scientific work, not a safari! Focus is on monitoring, not general wildlife observation or photography
• Simple tasks, like running errands, can become time-consuming
• Plans are often flexible and subject to change. Don’t be surprised if things don’t go as originally planned