Orientation
On your first full day, you will receive a comprehensive orientation by the project leader or one of the project coordinators.
The orientation will include:
- An introduction to Malawian culture and values
- Basic local language lessons
- Your health and safety whilst in Malawi
- Safety drills
- Money and transportation in Malawi
- An introduction to the area, the Hippo project and staff
- Local food and practices
- Places to visit and things to do in your free time
- Excursions available in the area
Accommodation and Meals
For the duration of your programme you will be camping and will be required to supply your 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 rough camps in local villages (with permission and payment to the local community). The ground support team will transport all of your luggage and camping equipment to each over night point. The ground support team will also be equipped with a field kitchen to cater for volunteer’s meals. Food will be basic as there are no fridge facilities on the project. Fresh food is usually purchased by the ground crew in local markets, whenever possible, to support the local community economies.
You will have the opportunity to upgrade your accommodation at any of the lodges and also to eat restaurant meals, but these alternatives are subject to availability and are at an additional expense.
Free Time
The project incorporates 6 days at Lake Malawi National Park (Chembe Village), in Cape Maclear. This gives you enough time to complete a dive course (Open Water or Advanced), should you wish. Those not interested in scuba diving can hire sea kayaks and snorkelling gear and explore the local islands and beaches. There is also the opportunity to do community work in Chembe Village.
The expedition also includes a 4-day safari to Liwonde National Park at the south side of the lake, on the Shire River. The stretch of river that runs through this protected area has the highest concentration of hippos in the country with approximately 800 having been recorded! A day safari drive and a river cruise are included in the expedition fee. Please note that any additional activities are at the volunteer’s own expense.
As distances between over night points are relatively short, as previous experience has shown that hippos are most active and visible in the afternoons, the boat will normally depart for the next destination after lunch. This allows enough time to take part in ground activities where needed in the morning.
Support
Throughout your stay in Malawi you will have the support and guidance of the project leader and the support team. The project leader is a qualified field guide and the rest of the team consists of an experienced boat skipper, assistant skipper, support vehicle driver and cook. They will provide you with competent assistance and help you with any questions or advice you may need during your project.
In addition, we will provide you with a 24 hour emergency contact number before you depart, so that you can contact one of our UK staff at any time should you need to.
Minimum 17 years, maximum dependent on potential volunteers health.
