Lilongwe Wildlife Centre

  (6 reviews)

Join the renowned Lilongwe Wildlife Centre as an animal care volunteer or as a student member of the veterinary team!

Set in the heart of Malawi, the Lilongwe Wildlife Centre is currently the country’s only accredited wildlife sanctuary, serving as the sole beacon of hope for orphaned and injured wild animals.  Malawi is blessed with a phenomenal array of wildlife species, but issues, including deforestation and the illegal wildlife trade, have put these species at risk. 

The sanctuary is home to around 200 rescued wild animals; among them are monkeys, birds and small mammals, each with their own stories and a desire to be re-released. However, with increased pressure on the country’s animals, their habitats and future 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!

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From $2,074.00

  • Up to 18 Persons
  • All Meals Included
  • 14-84 Nights
  • Every Tuesday
  • Minimum Age 18

Speak To A Travel Expert

Lauren Mackinnon

Activities

Orphaned Animal Care
Orphaned Animal Care From October to January, known as 'orphan season', the centre typically rescues more orphaned animals. During this time, volunteers provide necessary support and nurturing to vulnerable infants, which may involve early starts and late nights to feed and comfort animals who often arrive from traumatic circumstances. Animal welfare is a top priority for the project, so a strict no-contact policy is in place. This policy is only lifted when contact is necessary for medical or rehabilitation purposes under the guidance of the vet team or sanctuary staff.
Food Prep & Animal Feeding @ Lilongwe Wildlife Centre
Food Prep & Feeding Caring for over 200 animals on any given day means there are a lot of mouths to feed. Volunteers will help prepare a variety of foods, including meats, fruits, vegetables, and vegetation, as well as any supplements the animals may need to ensure they have a well-rounded, natural diet. Volunteers will also deliver these meals to the animals, who will be happy to see you with bowls in hand!
Enrichment Making at Lilongwe Wildlife Centre
Enrichment Making Enrichment is an important aspect of care for captive wildlife because it keeps the animals stimulated and happy, which is great for their physical and mental well-being. It also helps prepare some of them for release back into the wild by encouraging their natural behaviours and skills. As a volunteer, you'll get to help create all sorts of enrichment items and activities, like puzzle toys, introducing new scents, or just rearranging an animal's enclosure.
Enclosure Cleaning @ Lilongwe Wildlife Centre
Enclosure Cleaning You will help maintain a safe and healthy environment for the animals by assisting with enclosure cleaning. This will include sweeping, scrubbing, refreshing bedding, and replenishing water sources. Your role is to ensure that every animal at the sanctuary, whether a long-term resident or just passing through, has a comfortable and clean place to recuperate their strength.
Observation & Monitoring at Lilongwe Wildlife Centre
Observation & Monitoring It's important to monitor the behaviour of animals in sanctuary care to assess their health, progress, and suitability for release. Most animals at the Lilongwe Wildlife Centre are primates that live in troops. Orphaned or single primates are integrated with foster mothers and troops within the sanctuary. As a volunteer, you will observe and monitor integration sessions to ensure positive interactions among the animals. You will also record data to establish a baseline of typical behaviour for each animal while monitoring wildlife at the sanctuary.
Veterinary Care – Veterinary Students Only
Veterinary Care – Veterinary Students Only If you are visiting the project as a veterinary student, you will have the opportunity to work alongside the on-site veterinarian, assisting in all aspects of care ranging from emergency operations to health checks and routine diagnostics. This is an excellent way of gaining first-hand experience in the field and expanding your knowledge base.

Itinerary

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.

Day 1 - The Adventure Begins: Upon arrival at Lilongwe International Airport, you will be greeted in Arrivals and taken to the project site, which is approximately 30 minutes away. After settling into your accommodation, you will have the chance to take a tour of the town, buy any personal items or snacks/drinks, and then return to the centre. In the evening, you will have the opportunity to socialize with other volunteers and possibly meet some of the resident animals.
Day 2-14 - Project Days: During your project days, you will be working closely with the animal care team, dedicating the majority of your time to rehabilitating injured, orphaned, and abused wild animals. Be prepared to get your hands dirty, work hard, and get a good night's sleep! Volunteers typically work from 8am to 5pm, five days a week. However, during the orphan season, feeding schedules may require working during less conventional hours, which may result in long days and night shifts. You will have two days off each week to relax and enjoy your leisure time.
Day 15 - Final Day: Today is unfortunately your last day, so bid farewell to your new-found friends and the centre’s resident animals. You will take a return transfer back to Lilongwe Airport, either for your return flight home or to continue your independent travel plans.

Durations & Prices

To secure a place on this project, a deposit of $245 is required at the time of booking. The remaining balance is due 60 days before your start date.

Flexible Payment Options: If you select a start date more than 3 months in advance, we offer convenient payment plans, allowing you to pay off your balance in instalments.

Select a duration below to see the available start dates and book your place today!

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Accommodation

Twin Room at the Lilongwe Wildlife Centre
Bathroom at the Lilongwe Wildlife Centre Living Room at the Lilongwe Wildlife Centre Outside Area at the Lilongwe Wildlife Centre

Accommodation

The on-site volunteer accommodation can host up to 17 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. Wi-Fi is available at the volunteer house and you will be provided a local SIM card on arrival.

Lilongwe Wildlife Centre Meals
Lilongwe Wildlife Centre Lunch Lilongwe Wildlife Centre Chef Lilongwe Wildlife Centre Cafe

Meals & Beverages

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 great 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 sampling Malawian cuisine!

Project Details

Getting There

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 a local hotel. If you need recommendations, please contact the travel team. 

Visa Requirements

Most nationalities do not need to obtain a visa to enter Malawi, and entry is permitted free of charge on arrival. Please note, however, that visas are your own responsibility and we recommend checking your own requirements with your country’s embassy and online via Malawi Tourism's website.

Fitness & Skills

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!

Vaccinations

To volunteer on this project, you will need a chest x-ray or skin test to show that you do not have Tuberculosis. Also, you'll need to be vaccinated against Rabies. These are ESSENTIAL, as without them, 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.

News & Stories

4

Cheese & Toast

UPDATE | May 2025

Cheese, a yellow baboon, arrived at the sanctuary as an orphan in 2022. Thanks to dedicated volunteers and generous donations, Cheese has flourished at Lilongwe and formed an incredible bond with his best friend, Toast, another orphaned baboon. Together, they are thriving and relishing every moment in their troop. Just look at how much they've grown!

1

Geoff, Mani and Dasi Move to New Outside Enclosure

UPDATE | Feb 2025

Rescued warthog Geoff and duikers Mani and Dasi move into a new outdoor enclosure this week. Watch as volunteers help to release them and the trio explore their new environment. They'll stay here for the next few months before their release back into the wild!

2

Boots & His Foster Mother Thriving

UPDATE | Jan 2025

The vervet youngsters who arrived at the Lilongwe Wildlife Centre with the onset of the rainy season are now progressing toward being integrated into troop life over the next few months. Look at how relaxed Boots is, safely in the care of his new foster mom, Lulu. She will help him develop the skills to survive when he is old enough to be released back into the wild.

Reviews

Claire Reigneaud, 2024
         

An interesting experience but sadly not so many animals the time I was there. Malawi is very welcoming!

Justyna Mucha, 2023
         

It has been a fantastic experience, which has given me a good understanding of wildlife rehabilitation process. I was impressed by professionalism and commitment of the team at Lilongwe Wildlife Trust and it was great to be a part of it. Malawi really is the warm heart of Africa! In the picture is my most loved Pauline - duiker, who I had the pleasure to take care of

Sarah Marsden, 2022
         

Great experience. Very different from previous ones. Very little hands on due to important reintegration work. Extremely friendly staff. Great accommodation and food was amazing.


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What's Included

  • Accommodation
  • Three meals per day
  • Airport transfers
  • Full orientation and support from the project managers
  • Local SIM card
  • Project t-shirt

What's Not Included

  • Flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas (if required)
  • Soft and alcoholic drinks

Speak To A Travel Expert

Lauren Mackinnon Call us on +44 208 885 4987 Submit an Enquiry
From
$3,190.00€1,914.00£1,595.00$2,074.00
  • Up to 18 Persons
  • All Meals Included
  • 14-84 Nights
  • Every Tuesday
  • Minimum Age 18
Download Project Guide Image Download Project Guide