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Lake Malawi Hippo Project
This is a four-week project where you will be taken by boat to monitor and take part in activities to prevent the extinction of the hippopotamus along the southern shores of Lake Malawi. You will be helping to contribute to the long-term survival of hippo in the lake.
Volunteer roleThere are two species of hippopotamus and both of these live in Africa:
1. The common hippo (Hippopotamus amphibius)
2. The pygmy hippo (Choreopsis liberiensis)
The hippo need volunteers to start protecting them before they become extinct! The volunteer role includes the following activities:
- Count and map all the hippos along the southern shoreline of Lake Malawi, information will be relayed to an environmental organisation in South Africa for analysis.
- To protect any larger permanent pods of Hippo, by monitoring the hippos and putting protective mechanisms in place (this is a long term objective and dependent on the availability of surplus funding).
- Educate locals on the important role hippos play in the lake ecosystem.
- Experiment with the planting of Jatropha (Jatropha curcas) trees as a barrier around crop fields. Jatropha has a toxicity that will hopefully deter hippos from entering the crop fields. Jatropha is being cultivated and used by an environmental organisation in the area to combat Elephant raids on village crops. The secondary advantage of this experimentation is that the seeds of Jatropha are one of the highest in producing oil, which can be utilised in the manufacture of Bio Diesel. Thus an economic value can be derived indirectly by the presence of hippos near the villages.
LocationThe southern shore of Lake Malawi from Palm Beach to Senga Bay.
Accommodation and MealsVolunteers will be camping and will be required to supply their own tent, sleeping mat and sleeping bag. The cost of the project includes campsite fees and food.
The team will camp at established lakeshore lodges as well as camps in local villages (with permission and payment to the local community). The ground support team will cater for volunteers.
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Programme Overview
Durations & Prices: 4 weeks £999
How to book & pay:
£195 deposit then balance is due 12 weeks before you depart
What is included?
Airport transfers
Orientation
Camping and Camping fees
Support and assistance
Meals
1-day safari & cruise |
What is not included?
Personal travel insurance
Flights
Personal items
Email/Internet and telephone calls
Soft drinks or alcohol
Tent, sleeping mat or sleeping bag
Visas
Any excursions not on itinerary |
Programme Summary:
Take part in activities to prevent the extinction of the hippopotamus, based along the southern shores of Lake Malawi.
Other Malawi volunteer programmes
Arrival dates: 5 May, 2 & 30 Jun, 28 Jul, 25 Aug, 22 Sept, 20 Oct, 17 Nov, 15 Dec
Malawi Travel Advice:
Visit our Malawi Travel Advice page for useful travel information. |
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Ask a question
If there's anything you'd like to know, call 01892 516 164
or complete the form below and we'll be able to help.
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