Volunteer Abroad Malawi: Wildlife Monitoring Liwonde

Our programme offers a variety of services that are included in the price to ensure that you have an unforgettable experience. These include placement on the programme, assistance with travel planning, travel insurance, and flight bookings. Before departure, you will receive a certificate of risk cover and a comprehensive information pack. You will receive a comprehensive introduction and will be looked after by experienced English-speaking staff. Flights, visa costs, travel insurance, snacks, Tuberculosis test, malaria prophylaxis, and soft drinks are not included in the price.

The project is looking for volunteers who are willing to work for the protection of animals. You should be able to work independently and be keen to observe and analyse the animals closely and collect data. You will also be out and about early in the morning and prepare your meals together with the other volunteers.

Before travelling to Malawi, it is advisable to seek advice from your doctor about possible dangers, vaccinations, and protective measures. The project team requires a negative Tubercolosis test and proof of a rabies vaccination. Malaria prophylaxis (e.g. Doxycycline or Malarone) is strongly recommended, as Malawi is a high-risk area for malaria. In addition, you should not forget a first-aid kit with medication for diarrhea, pain, and travel sickness. Travel health insurance is also a prerequisite for taking part in the project.

Yes, every Natucate guest must take out suitable international health insurance for the duration of their programme.

In addition, it may be necessary to make certain medical arrangements before travelling. As Natucate cannot give professional medical advice, we strongly advise you to consult your GP about any vaccinations, medication, or other health measures you should consider. You can also find detailed information on health and safety on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

As a volunteer, it is important to bring some essential items:

• Important documents such as passport and copy, flight ticket and copy, credit / debit cards, proof of travel medical insurance, proof of vaccinations, and driving licence (if available, including international driving licence).
• Any necessary medication should also be in your luggage.
• We also recommend long-sleeved, light cotton clothing, trainers, and light hiking boots or wellies for possible off-road activities.
• A torch can also always come in handy.

With these preparations, you are well equipped to actively participate in the project as a volunteer and make a significant contribution to species conservation.

At least four weeks and up to twelve weeks.

Are you also interested in protecting wild animals in a sanctuary? Then take a look at our Wildlife Conservation Project in Malawi, which can be combined with this project.

You should be at least 18 years old.

For your journey to Malawi, we recommend travelling to Lilongwe via Kamuzu International Airport. In principle, you organise your journey yourself, but we will be happy to support you if you wish. You can also contact your Natucate contact person by message during your journey and the project period.

From the airport, the project team will give you a warm welcome and take you to the Lilongwe Wildlife Centre for the first night before continuing to Liwonde National Park the next day.

As a volunteer for the monitoring project, you will probably spend the first night at the Lilongwe Biodiversity Centre, one other location for conservation efforts. The next day, you will continue to Liwonde National Park, where your wildlife monitoring adventure will begin. We will be happy to help you organise your journey to ensure that everything runs smoothly.

There will be a maximum of five volunteers.

The research camp is designed for communal living and offers "bush basic" accommodation in shared rooms for up to five volunteers. The camp has a spacious kitchen and an outdoor fire pit for socialising in the evenings. The sanitary facilities include flush toilets and hot showers to ensure a comfortable experience. The power supply is irregular and is often fed by an emergency power source.

We therefore recommend limiting the number of devices to be charged and ideally bringing a power bank or solar charger. Although there is no Wi-Fi, the mobile network is available at the camp and the staff will be happy to help you access data on your mobile phone so that you can easily contact home.

Yes, please let us know who you would like to be accommodated with when you make your booking.

Meals at camp are organised on a self-catering basis, with all participants sharing cooking and cleaning duties. Most dietary requirements can be catered for; please let us know of any special needs at the time of booking. As the location in Liwonde is relatively remote, food choices may be limited.

Yes, the team focuses on vegetarian or even vegan dishes.

English is spoken in the project.

The target species while monitoring are the following: Carnivores - Cheetah & Lion. Ecologically important - Vulture & Hyena. Other species - Pangolin, Zebra, Hartebeest & Roan Antelope.

You will have regular contact with your team and the local organisation, who will be your point of contact. You can also get in touch with our Natucate team at any time - we want you to feel taken care of.

Additional costs include expenses for snacks, leisure activities, and excursions.

You can make regular contact with your home country via SIM card and stay in touch with family and friends.

Liwonde National Park in Malawi is characterised by a tropical savannah climate with hot and humid conditions. The rainy season lasts from November to April and brings heavy but short downpours that transform the landscape into a lush green. During this time, temperatures often rise to over 30 degrees Celsius, accompanied by high humidity.

From May to October is the dry season, which is characterised by more pleasant temperatures and significantly less rainfall. The days are warm and sunny, with average temperatures between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius, while the nights are cooler, and temperatures can drop to 15 degrees Celsius. In the dry season, the water in the rivers and waterholes recedes, which means that animals are more likely to be found in these places, providing excellent opportunities for game viewing. In contrast, the rainy season provides lush vegetation and abundant birdlife, although the dense bushes and tall grass can make it difficult to see the animals.

Volunteers are taken to the nearest Clinic /Hospital and emergency protocol is in place for emergencies. We ask all volunteers to be covered for medical evacuation.