
Join the world renowned Lilongwe Wildlife Centre as an animal care volunteer or as a member of the veterinary team if you are a veterinary student.
Set in the heart of Malawi, the Lilongwe Wildlife Centre is currently the country’s only accredited wildlife sanctuary, serving as a sole beacon of hope for orphaned and injured wild animals. Malawi is blessed with a phenomenal array of wildlife species, but issues such as deforestation and the illegal wildlife trade have put these species at risk.
The sanctuary is home to around 200 rescued wild animals; amongst them are monkeys, birds and small mammals, each with their own stories and a desire to be re-released. However, with an increase in pressure on the country’s animals, their habitats and their survival, the team at the centre requires consistent help in the form of volunteers.
The Lilongwe Wildlife Centre offers two focuses: one which invites volunteers to help out with animal care and support around the sanctuary, and another which welcomes veterinary students to assist the on-site vet in all aspects of care (such as incoming exams, minor trauma, health checks and routine diagnostics). Both roles have the potential to make a real difference to the lives of Malawi’s at-need animals, and you could contribute to Lilongwe’s incredible efforts by becoming a volunteer today!
Set in the heart of Malawi, the Lilongwe Wildlife Centre is currently the country’s only accredited wildlife sanctuary, serving as a sole beacon of hope for orphaned and injured wild animals. Malawi is blessed with a phenomenal array of wildlife species, but issues such as deforestation and the illegal wildlife trade have put these species at risk.
The sanctuary is home to around 200 rescued wild animals; amongst them are monkeys, birds and small mammals, each with their own stories and a desire to be re-released. However, with an increase in pressure on the country’s animals, their habitats and their survival, the team at the centre requires consistent help in the form of volunteers.
The Lilongwe Wildlife Centre offers two focuses: one which invites volunteers to help out with animal care and support around the sanctuary, and another which welcomes veterinary students to assist the on-site vet in all aspects of care (such as incoming exams, minor trauma, health checks and routine diagnostics). Both roles have the potential to make a real difference to the lives of Malawi’s at-need animals, and you could contribute to Lilongwe’s incredible efforts by becoming a volunteer today!
This itinerary is set as a two-week block with volunteers able to choose their own schedules according to preference but within reason. If you choose to volunteer for a longer duration, the number of project days would increase.
To secure a place on this project a deposit of $245 is required at the time of booking, with the remaining balance due any time up to 60 days prior to your start date.
Select a duration below to see the available start dates. All dates shown are currently available for you to join this project!
The on-site volunteer accommodation can host up to 18 people at a time across six triple-share same-sex bedrooms. It includes a lounge, kitchen, inside and outside dining spaces, two bathrooms, laundry space, an outdoor deck and a garden. The building is located within the heart of the wildlife centre, which means you’ll experience the magic of bush life after a hard day of work – spending evenings by the fire listening to the sounds of the forest.
All meals are included and prepared by the project’s local chef, apart from on Sundays when the chef has the day off. The menu is vegetarian with a mix of international and local dishes. Special dietary requirements can be catered for but please let us know in advance so the team at the project site have plenty of time to prepare for your arrival.
If you would prefer to dine elsewhere on occasion, there are many delicious restaurants just a short drive away and the wildlife centre’s on-site restaurant serves fantastic lunches. Whichever option is your preference, you can certainly look forward to indulging on the local Malawian cuisine!
You will need to arrive at Lilongwe International Airport between 9am and 5pm on your project start date, where a project representative will be waiting to transfer you to the wildlife centre. This transfer takes approximately 25 minutes.
If you arrive in Lilongwe a day early, we recommend that you spend a night at the Mumbuya Camp or Kiboko Hotel.
Most visitors to Malawi will require a visa to enter, and whilst visas can typically be obtained on arrival at the airport, we advise arranging your visa in advance via the Malawi e-visa system at https://evisa.gov.mw/. It takes approximately 5 days to receive your visa after applying and a single-entry tourist visa which allows for a stay of up to 90 days costs approximately US$50.
The construction work undertaken on this project requires a moderate level of fitness. The other tasks, however, are not particularly physically strenuous, but a fair level of fitness is advised. No specific skills or experience are required, just a commitment to this dedicated project and its commendable ethos. However, if you do have specific skills or experience that you feel will greatly benefit one of the project’s programmes, this is always warmly welcomed and every contribution has a lasting impact on the endangered species that need it most!
To volunteer on this project, a chest x-ray or skin test will need to be provided to show that you do not have Tuberculosis. This is ESSENTIAL, as without it you will not be granted access to the volunteer areas on site. All other vaccinations will depend on the medical history of each volunteer. We recommend that you consult your Doctor/GP regarding your own vaccination needs to ensure you are fully protected and prepared to volunteer in Malawi.