Volunteer Abroad Malawi: Wildlife Monitoring Liwonde
Start your adventure as a volunteer in our wildlife monitoring project in Liwonde National Park, Malawi!
In the breathtaking landscape of Liwonde, you will focus on monitoring endangered species. You will observe iconic animals such as lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and vultures and collect valuable data that will feed directly into local conservation strategies. The project includes monitoring and research work that will help fill critical knowledge gaps and support national and regional conservation efforts.
Experience unique moments as you learn more about the social dynamics of groups and individual wildlife. These include impressive events such as a take-over of a lion pride by a new male, the training of an adolescent cheetah in hunting, or the fascinating interaction between vultures and other scavangers at a carcass. Even if the project team does not track elephants or rhinos, you are likely to see them during your drives through the park. Immerse yourself in this unique opportunity to actively shape the future of Malawi's wildlife and learn about the wilderness!
Are you interested in protecting wild animals? Then take a look at our Wildlife Rescue Project in Malawi, which can be combined with this project.
Highlights
- Learn how to monitor endangered species in Liwonde National Park
- Support local conservation strategies through your data collection and monitoring efforts
- Learn about the local flora and fauna as part of an international team
- Enjoy breathtaking landscapes while contributing to species conservation
- Explore the beauty of Malawi during your time as a volunteer
Locations
Plan your trip
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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
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.
Volunteering: Wildlife monitoring in Liwonde National Park
Support the international team of conservationists in monitoring endangered species in Liwonde National Park and actively contribute to species protection in Malawi.
Arrival in Liwonde Nationalpark
For your journey to Malawi, we recommend travelling to Lilongwe via Kamuzu International Airport. There, you will be warmly welcomed by the project team in the arrivals hall. As a volunteer of the monitoring project, you will spend the first night (probably) at the Lilongwe Biodiversity Centre close to the city, another location of the organisation. The next day you will continue your journey to Liwonde National Park, where your adventure in wildlife monitoring will begin. The project always starts on Tuesdays.
Activities as a volunteer
The work in the field is intensive and requires early rises, long days, and a lot of patience. Activities include radio-tracking target animals, checking camera traps, and recording incidental sightings.
Working in a small team, you will learn how to carry out VHF radio tracking, animal identification, camera trapping, and the detailed process of data entry.
All surveillance activities are carried out by vehicle. You will have two trips per day - about five hours in the morning and three hours in the afternoon. To track the animals, you and your team will be constantly on the move, so the vehicle will rarely stop except to check one of the camera trap stations.
You will be travelling on unpaved gravel roads, which are usually very uneven and can become muddy in the rainy season - so be prepared for an exciting time.
Accommodation in Liwonde
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 large kitchen and an outdoor fire pit. The sanitary facilities include flush toilets and hot showers. There are fans almost everywhere and there is a mosquito net over your bed. The power supply is irregular and is often fed by an emergency power source.
It is therefore advisable to limit the number of devices to be charged and ideally bring a power bank or solar charger. Although there is no Wi-Fi, there is network coverage in the camp and the staff will help you access data on your mobile phone so that you can contact home.
There is also a room in the accommodation for researching and entering data - everything is very closely connected.
Free time and catering
Volunteer work usually spans five and a half days per week. Participants occasionally take breaks between the morning and afternoon observation sessions, although the work can be unpredictable and can lead to full days in the field (less so during the rainy season).
In the evenings there is the opportunity to sit by the fire, listen to the sounds of the bush, and talk about the day's events.
Meals are organised in the form of self-catering, with all participants sharing the cooking and cleaning work. This will therefore be part of your daily routine and there will be just vegetarian meals.
Most dietary requirements can be catered for (please let us know of any special needs when booking). However, as the location in Liwonde is quite remote, the choice of food may be limited.
This initial information will give you a wonderful overview of your time as a volunteer at the monitoring project in Liwonde!
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Arrival
How to get to Liwonde Nationalpark
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Orientation
About Liwonde National Park
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Project
Typical volunteer day
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Departure
Saying goodbye to Liwonde Nationalpark
FAQ – Learn more about this trip
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1. Liwonde Nationalpark
Liwonde National Park, located in the southern region of Malawi, is one of the country's most renowned wildlife reserves. Spanning over 548 square kilometers, the park is a haven for a diverse range of wildlife, including elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species. The Shire River, which flows through the park, attracts many animals and provides excellent opportunities for boat safaris.
Liwonde is also known for its successful reintroduction programs for species such as lions and cheetahs, enhancing biodiversity within the park. Visitors can enjoy game drives, walking safaris, and cultural experiences with local communities. Liwonde National Park offers an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts and contributes significantly to Malawi's conservation efforts.
Background about the wildlife monitoring project
Malawi is experiencing a conservation revolution: strict laws and successful measures against wildlife crime have led to an increase in wildlife populations and even the return of the "Big Five" to some areas. As a result, the "warm heart of Africa" has quickly made a name for itself as an up-and-coming pioneer in African nature conservation.
The Lilongwe Wildlife Trust was established in 2009 when the first and to date 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 it has developed into one of the country's leading conservation organisations, running programmes that include wildlife rescue, biodiversity research, conservation, environmental education, campaigns and other conservation initiatives.
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