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Internship Abroad Malawi: Wildlife Veterinary Medicine Lilongwe

Malawi 4 to 12 weeks From 2,900 € Enquire now

Embark on a unique and immersive veterinary internship at a wildlife centre in Malawi’s capital Lilongwe! This program offers a rare opportunity to gain hands-on experience in wildlife veterinary medicine within a sanctuary environment. The externship is designed for students currently pursuing a veterinary-related qualification, providing both practical clinical skills and a broader understanding of wildlife care and rehabilitation.

Participants will build on practical skills and knowledge in wildlife veterinary medicine while enhancing their expertise through real-world clinical and rehabilitation work. By contributing to the health and well-being of wildlife in a sanctuary setting, externs play a significant role in supporting broader conservation efforts.

Note: This externship is exclusively for veterinary medicine students. It is not open to qualified veterinarians, and although it is open to vet students of all levels, it is most targeted to first- and second-year students.

Your trip at a glance

Highlights

Immerse yourself in the practical aspects of wildlife veterinary medicine at an award-winning sanctuary, contributing to your qualifications while working in a unique environment.
Work alongside dedicated professionals, including primate specialists and experienced wildlife veterinarians.
Participate in diagnostics, lab work, and procedures, as well as engage in day-to-day animal care activities, such as husbandry, enrichment, and integrations.
Acquire knowledge in wildlife rehabilitation and conservation, and actively participate in critical steps toward the animals' re-release into the wild.
Explore the beauty that Malawi, the 'Warm Heart of Africa', has to offer.

Locations

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Lilongwe Game Reserve

Plan your trip

Included in the programme fee
- Placement in the programme
- Assistance with travel arrangements
- Assistance with selecting travel insurance
- Assistance with booking flights
- Risk coverage certificate
- Pre-departure information pack
- Meals and drinks as per itinerary
- Accommodation during the programme
- Drinking water
- Programme-related equipment
- Learning material
- English-speaking support by long-term experienced staff
- 24/7 support throughout the programme
- Certificate

- Flights
- Airport pick up and drop off
- Visa fees
- Personal expenses and optional excursions
- Accommodation outside programme hours

Write An Email

Terry, your travel agent for Malawi

Don't hesitate to contact me if you would like to learn more about this journey! I answer all of your questions and assist you before, during and after your adventure abroad.

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Join our Internship in Wildlife Medicine in Malawi!

Become part of a team of veterinarians and wildlife conservationists and make a meaningful impact while advancing your veterinary career.

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Travelling to Lilongwe

Externship participants will fly into Kamuzu International Airport in Lilongwe. Upon arrival, the project team will greet you warmly just outside of the terminal and transport you to the wildlife centre, a short 30-minute drive from the airport. Once you have settled into your accommodation, the team on site will provide an orientation and tour of the surrounding area, including where you can find an ATM and different types of shops.

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Work as an intern

During the morning clinical sessions from Tuesday to Friday, participants assist with health checks, diagnostic procedures, and treatment plans under the supervision of a veterinarian. They also take part in preventative health care, which includes sedation procedures and parasite control. In the afternoons, the focus shifts to rehabilitation sessions where participants engage in animal husbandry tasks such as cleaning, feeding, and providing enrichment activities.

They work on integrating animals into new environments and observe their behaviour to ensure proper rehabilitation. Additionally, participants must be prepared to assist with any veterinary emergencies that may arise, gaining valuable experience in critical care situations.

It is important to note that since the centre does not operate solely as a vet clinic but primarily as a wildlife sanctuary, there may not be clinical work every day. On days with no procedures, externs will engage primarily in the work listed above as afternoon tasks.

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Accommodation at the project

The volunteer house can host up to 17 people across six bedrooms, with an additional charge for single rooms. The house features a fully equipped kitchen, a lounge area, indoor and outdoor dining spaces, two bathrooms, a laundry room, a garden and a terrace. Wi-Fi and cleaning/laundry services are provided. Situated in the heart of a nature reserve with a large forest and beautiful walking trails, you can unwind after a day's work and enjoy the soothing sounds of the forest as you explore the project grounds.

Free time and catering

Enjoy freshly prepared meals from our on-site chef every day except Sundays when the chef has a free day. However, he kindly prepares your Sunday meals ahead of time and refrigerates them for you. The vegetarian/vegan menu offers a variety of both international and local dishes.
As an extern, you'll work five to six days a week, leaving Monday and either Saturday or Sunday for leisure activities or exploration. Lilongwe city centre, with its restaurants, shops, and markets, is just a ten-minute drive away. Alternatively, there are many walking and hiking routes around.

Arrival

How to get to the Wildlife Centre

For your trip to Malawi, you will fly into Kamuzu International Airport (LLW) in Lilongwe. Upon arrival, our project team will warmly welcome you and transport you to the centre, a 30-minute drive from the airport.

After settling into your accommodation, the local team will provide a thorough orientation, showing you the surrounding area, including the nearest ATM and nearby shops. They will also answer any questions you may have, ensuring your adventure begins smoothly.
Orientation

How the centre operates

The wildlife centre follows a holistic approach to wildlife conservation. Not only do they welcome veterinary students to learn from and assist the resident vets with wildlife medical care, but the project also runs a sanctuary volunteer programme whereby individuals passionate about animal welfare can assist with daily sanctuary and animal husbandry tasks. Beyond that, they operate a wildlife monitoring and research project in Liwonde National Park. These initiatives support the Malawian Government in implementing progressive measures against wildlife and forest crime and offer various educational programs for young people on environmental issues.

Emphasizing sustainability, the project uses solar energy and local ingredients for cooking, avoiding firewood. The site includes a recycling station, organizes waste collection campaigns in local rivers, and prioritizes natural materials in building work.
Project

Typical Day as a Veterinary Extern

Participants will work from Tuesday til Friday, assisting in a combination of veterinary and sanctuary work and help with other tasks on either Saturday or Sunday.

You will begin your day with a morning meeting at 8 am, followed by clinical rounds to make health assessments, participate in general rehabilitation work, and assists with procedures as needed until 12.30 pm when you have a break for lunch. There are generally no surgeries performed on site, except for minor procedures. Animals who require big surgeries will be transferred to a larger vet clinic in Lilongwe. Vet externs at the centre will primarily be administering medication and performing health check-ups. After lunch, you will assist with sanctuary work, including animal husbandry tasks, caring for orphans, assisting with integrations, and creating enrichment activities for the animals.

Note: Exact schedules may fluctuate based on the needs of the animals and we ask participants to keep this in mind.
Departure

End of your project

FAQ – Learn more about this trip

Before travelling to Malawi

Our program offers a range of services included in the price to ensure you have an unforgettable experience. These services include your placement in the program, assistance with travel planning, travel insurance, and flight bookings. Before departure, you will receive a certificate of risk cover and a detailed information pack. You will also receive a thorough introduction and support from experienced English-speaking staff. Please note that flights, visa costs, travel insurance, snacks, tuberculosis tests, malaria prophylaxis, and soft / alcoholic drinks are not included in the price.
This externship is exclusively for veterinary medicine students. It is not open to qualified veterinarians, and although it is open to vet students of all levels, it is most targeted to first- and second-year students. This is because participants will not be taking part in complicated surgeries and half of the work is with animal husbandry and sanctuary tasks. Therefore, it is ideal for students earlier in their studies who would like exposure to wild animal care and be able to work side by side with some of the top Malawian professionals in their field.

Before traveling to Malawi, consult your doctor about potential risks, vaccinations, and protective measures. A negative tuberculosis test and proof of rabies vaccination are required by the project team. Malaria prophylaxis, such as Doxycycline or Malarone, is strongly recommended due to the high risk of malaria in Malawi. Additionally, bring a first-aid kit with medications for diarrhea, pain, and travel sickness. Travel health insurance is also a prerequisite for participating in the project.
Yes, every Natucate participant must obtain appropriate international health insurance for the duration of their programme abroad.

Additionally, specific medical preparations may be required before travel. Since Natucate does not provide professional medical advice, we strongly recommend consulting your doctor about necessary vaccinations, medications, or other health precautions. For more detailed information on health and safety, you can also visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
As an externship participant, it is crucial to bring some essential items. Important documents such as your passport and a copy, flight ticket and a copy, credit/debit cards, proof of travel medical insurance, proof of vaccinations, and driving license (including an international driving license, if available) should be packed. Ensure you include any necessary medications in your luggage.
You will receive a health and safety briefing by the project staff on arrival, in addition to information on house rules. Please note that the sanctuary operates a strict “hands-off” policy which means volunteers are not permitted to have contact with animals unless it is required for medical or rehabilitation purposes.

Travelling to Malawi

For your trip to Malawi, we recommend flying into Kamuzu International Airport in Lilongwe. While you will generally organize your travel independently, we are happy to assist you if needed. You can also reach out to your Natucate contact person via message during your journey and throughout the externship.
Upon arrival at the airport, the project team will warmly welcome you and transport you to the centre, approximately a 30-minute drive away.

On-site in Malawi

The house provides comfortable accommodation for up to 17 people across six bedrooms. For those who prefer more privacy, a single room is available for a small additional charge. The house features a spacious lounge, a fully equipped kitchen, and cozy dining areas both indoors and outdoors.

To ensure a comfortable stay, there are two well-appointed bathrooms and a laundry room. Free Wi-Fi and a laundry service are also provided. For protection, mosquito nets are available for each bed. You will also receive a local SIM card to stay connected with your loved ones while abroad.

Located in the heart of the nature reserve, the house offers an idyllic setting. After a day's work, you can enjoy the unique atmosphere of bush life. In the evenings, relax around the accommodation, gaze at the stars, and listen to the soothing sounds of the forest.
It is not possible to guarantee specific species you will work with during your stay, because the sanctuary rescues and releases animals on an ongoing basis. However, species which are typically cared for at the sanctuary include: spotted hyenas, serval cats, African grey parrots, wood owls, olive and yellow baboons, and blue and vervet monkeys.

The majority of the animals at the sanctuary are primates. Please note, the sanctuary does not care for large animals such as elephants and rhinos. The nature reserve in which the sanctuary is located is also home to different wildlife species, including vervet monkeys, crocodiles, porcupines (though they are quite elusive), bushbucks, common duikers, monitor lizards, bush pigs, and spotted hyenas (bush pigs and hyenas are nocturnal so you are unlikely to see them during the day).
On site all food and accommodation is included in your fee, but it is good to budget for snacks, leisure activities and excursions that you will need to cover on your own.
ATMs are available nearby, and local currency can be used for supermarkets and cafes, but the excursions can be paid for in USD or local currency.
The local climate features warm temperatures with distinct dry and rainy seasons. The dry season, from May to October, is typically sunny and pleasant with minimal rainfall. Daytime temperatures can be high but usually cool down at night. From November to April, the rainy season brings frequent and heavy showers, transforming the landscape into a lush, green environment. Temperatures remain warm, and humidity levels increase during this period. It is advisable to bring light, breathable clothing and be prepared for variable weather conditions.

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1. Lilongwe Game Reserve

Lilongwe Wildlife Reserve, located in the capital city of Malawi, Lilongwe, is a vital sanctuary for the conservation of wildlife and environmental education. Established to protect and rehabilitate injured, orphaned, and rescued wild animals, the reserve spans a diverse landscape of forests, grasslands, and wetlands. It is home to a wide range of species, including antelopes, primates, and various bird species. The reserve also plays a crucial role in community outreach and education, promoting conservation awareness among locals and visitors alike. Through guided tours and interactive programs, Lilongwe Wildlife Reserve offers a unique opportunity to learn about and contribute to wildlife conservation in Malawi.

Lilongwe Wildlife Reserve, located in the capital city of Malawi, Lilongwe, is a vital sanctuary for the conservation of wildlife and environmental education. Established to protect and rehabilitate injured, orphaned, and rescued wild animals, the reserve spans a diverse landscape of forests, grasslands, and wetlands. It is home to a wide range of species, including antelopes, primates, and various bird species. The reserve also plays a crucial role in community outreach and education, promoting conservation awareness among locals and visitors alike. Through guided tours and interactive programs, Lilongwe Wildlife Reserve offers a unique opportunity to learn about and contribute to wildlife conservation in Malawi.

Background on the Lilongwe Wildlife Centre

Malawi is currently experiencing a conservation revolution: in recent years, the government has passed strict laws and dismantled organised wildlife crime syndicates. Significant investment in protected areas has increased wildlife populations and the Big Five have returned to some regions. As a result, Malawi has quickly gained a reputation as an emerging leader in African conservation.

The Lilongwe Wildlife Trust was founded in 2009 when the first and so far only wildlife sanctuary in Malawi was opened. Many of the first animal residents were rescued from a neglected zoo in the bustling capital Lilongwe. Since then, the Trust has developed into one of the country's leading conservation organisations, running programmes that focus on wildlife rescue, biodiversity research, conservation, environmental education, campaigns and other conservation initiatives.