Southeast Africa captivates with its rich tapestry of wildlife, from mighty elephants and lions to graceful zebras and giraffes, playful monkeys, and more. Yet, Malawi’s natural splendour faces daunting challenges: the illegal wildlife trade, bushmeat poaching, deforestation, and human-animal conflicts, which threaten its very survival. As a crucial nexus for wildlife trafficking in Southern Africa, Malawi is on the frontline of conservation.
Our partner in Malawi is dedicated to reversing this crisis. They work tirelessly to aid the country’s wildlife in peril, combat criminal activities, and empower those who safeguard these wild spaces. Established in 2008, their accredited wildlife sanctuary is a haven where our volunteers contribute to the rehabilitation of over 200 rescued animals, ensuring they receive the highest standard of care. The ultimate goal? Releasing these animals back into their natural habitat—each year, numerous wildlife find their freedom thanks to these efforts.
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As a volunteer, you’ll immerse yourself in the daily life of the sanctuary. You will help prepare nourishing meals, craft environmental and behavioural enrichments, and assist with cleaning tasks. While a typical day runs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., during the busy orphan season you might engage in nighttime or early morning feedings. Your dedication and flexibility will be much appreiciated!
Six-day work weeks are balanced with a restful day off, and an additional two days off per month are offered to those who stay longer.
Nestled within the sanctuary’s embrace, the accommodations are a magical place. Expect to be greeted by the sounds of hyenas and the sight of monkeys right outside your window! With a cap of 18 volunteers at any given time, you can stay in the communal house or upgrade to a chalet for privacy. A dedicated local chef prepares daily meals, creating a homely atmosphere for all.
Safety concerns are natural, and we’re here to address them. Your well-being is our priority, and we’ve covered all the bases to ensure a safe and supportive environment for your journey.
We’ve got you covered every step of the way! Your volunteering journey includes:
Airport pick-up and drop-off at Lilongwe Airport
Comfortable accommodation
All meals
Wifi
Volunteer uniform
Excursions in the community
Comprehensive pre-departure & on-site training
A donation to our Placement Partner
AEI Travel Manual brimming with key travel insights including packing list, currency information and in-depth placement description
Premium Individual Travel Insurance (up to USD 500,000 in emergency medical coverage)
24/7 emergency support throughout your placement
One tree planted for every volunteer to help offset carbon emissions and create more livable ecosystems for wildlife
Enrolment with the Global Travel Academy to earn a certificate in International Volunteering
Your flight, visa, airport taxes, and immunization are up to you. The required rabies vaccine ranges from $600 to $1000 in North America. Remember your TB test before embarking on this journey—we recommend that clients sign up for their TB test at the time they apply as getting results can take some time.
Venture on your days off to explore Malawi’s cultures and breathtaking landscapes. Join fellow volunteers on adventures to the Kuti Wildlife Reserve, dip in Lake Malawi, or embark on an enchanting safari in Zambia.The centre will ensure you find the best deals for these escapades.
Crave a break? The on-site café offers high-speed Wi-Fi and a cup of your favourite latte. Swing by volunteer appreciation nights to toast with a specially crafted cocktail or mocktail!
Their doors are open year-round. Choose your start date to align with your schedule. Placements start on Tuesdays, and volunteers are asked to arrive on the day they start their experience.
Considering fundraising to cover some or all of your placement fees? Many of our clients have been extremely successful with their fundraising efforts. For inspiration and ideas on fundraising for your adventure with us, check out the success stories on our fundraising page!
The vision is clear: a Malawi where wildlife is revered and safeguarded. Through partnerships with local and national authorities, this organization champions legal protection for wildlife, spearheads expansive environmental education, and supports pivotal conservation research. They have partnered with the Department of National Parks & Wildlife and Conservation Research Africa to build Malawi’s first Wildlife Research Institute in Vwaza Marsh Wildlife Reserve. Volunteers spend most of their time helping care for animals at the Wildlife Centre, which is world-renowned for its work in wildlife welfare and has won numerous awards and accreditations. Your volunteer work at the Wildlife Centre doesn’t just help animals; it fuels a movement.
Experience the thrill of Malawi’s exclusive wildlife sanctuary, where nearly 200 animals coexist within a verdant reserve brimming with over 200 bird species and other native fauna. Luxuriate in the wild’s beauty or delve into Lilongwe’s nightlife and cultural excursions. Mingle in the Wildlife Centre’s communal areas, jive to salsa, or unwind by the river. And with accessible Wi-Fi, you’re only a click away from sharing these moments with loved ones.
B Corps are certified by the non-profit B Lab to meet rigorous social and environmental performance standards, accountability, and transparency. We have been a B Corp since 2013, and since then, we have always been in the top 10% of quantifiable benefits to the environment and the communities in which we operate.
We acknowledge the traditional and contemporary custodians of the land on which Animal Experience International’s Barrie office is located. These people are the Ho-de-no-sau-nee-ga (Haudenosaunee), Anishinabewaki ᐊᓂᔑᓈᐯᐗᑭ, Mississauga, and Wendake-Nionwentsïo People and we recognize their continuing connection to the land, waters, and culture. We pay our respect to their Elders, past, present, and emerging.
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