The Project

The centre is the only wildlife rescue and rehabilitation sanctuary in Malawi, promoting wildlife conservation both internationally and within the local communities. They have an extensive community outreach and education program and the centre is open to the public 365 days a year, welcoming hundreds of families and school children every week.

The project is still in the development stages which means volunteers can have a very real influence on the direction they take and there is a great team currently in place. Volunteers often extend their stay because they enjoy it so much and can see the value of their contribution. The centre couldn’t do their work without the support of enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers who really want to make a difference. It is a ground breaking project and the first People and Wildlife Centre in the world, a pilot project supported by a well-known international wildlife charity which is already being used as a model for other centres in Africa.

The centre operates on a strict hands-off policy as most of the animals are expected to be released or to live as naturally as possible without human contact. It can be difficult but you should refrain from touching or engaging the animals in human-like communications or interactions unless you are given instructions to do so (such as for orphan surrogacy).

Longer placements are available upon request.

The Location

Lilongwe, named after the Lilongwe River is the capital and largest city of Malawi. The city is located in the central region of Malawi, near the borders of Mozambique and Zambia. Lilongwe has existed for centuries as a small fishing village on the banks of the Lilongwe River. It has seen rapid population growth and has become the most populous city since 2008. While Blantyre remains the commercial capital of Malawi, Lilongwe is gradually replacing it as the economic capital of Malawi.

Lilongwe is divided into a New and Old City. The former has hotels, embassies and offices while the latter has markets, bus stations, cafes and restaurants. The modern shops of the City are contrasted by the street and walled markets of Old Town. The Lilongwe Nature Sanctuary is between the Old and New towns which is where the Wildlife Rescue Centre is located.

Lilongwe features a humid subtropical climate that borders on a subtropical highland climate, with pleasantly warm summers and mild winters. Due to the altitude, temperatures are lower than would be expected for a city located in the tropics. Due in part to the growth of the expatriate community and the increasing importance of tourism, the number of international restaurants has risen very rapidly over recent years. The city now offers a rich and internationalised diversity of cuisine. There is a diverse population of native peoples, Asians and Europeans, with several languages spoken and an array of religious beliefs.

Our Volunteers

There are various projects volunteers can contribute to and make a real difference to the wildlife at the centre and the local communities. You will be responsible for feeding and watering the animals, cleaning enclosures, providing enrichment and assisting with tours for visitors and activities school groups. You will make a positive difference to the lives of the animals at the centre by caring for and enriching the lives of a variety of wildlife.

You will receive a tour upon arrival and will get to know many of the animals and their stories of how they came to be at the Centre. A volunteer coordinator is on site to assist with any support or direction you may need during your placement and there is excellent onsite support at all times. O2E support staff are only a phone call or email away for any query you might have.

Conditions On site

You will spend your days in hot conditions. The work caring for the animals can be physically challenging but extremely rewarding.

Black mambas are an extremely dangerous African snake and may be seen around the centre. Instructions are given to volunteers about all the wonderful but potentially treacherous wildlife in the area.

Please Note

The second instalment of your project fees is due within 1 week after you paid the deposit on Volunteer World. This is a total of $495 AUD and comes off your balance. The balance is due 90 days prior to travel. For all further information about the fees, please scroll down to the section "Program Fees“.