Community Volunteer Projects
Although Malawi has a wealth of luxuries with its beautiful lake, stunning scenery, panoramic landscapes and intriguing culture, the country is still developing. Therefore, becoming a volunteer in Malawi’s communities goes along way to provide a better future for Malawian people.
There are many projects set up for volunteers to get involved with, including teaching in schools, helping in agriculture, building new homes, fixing wells, and much more. Many lodges around the country offer opportunities to become a volunteer and help out in the communities local to them. Some of Malawi’s local tour & safari operators also offer the chance to join volunteer projects, with one notable organisation, Fisherman’s Rest, specialising purely in such projects.
Places offering Community Volunteer Projects
Blantyre & Limbe
The largest urban area in Malawi, the conurbation of Blantyre & Limbe, is the country’s commercial capital.
Chintheche
Chintheche offers some of the best beaches on Lake Malawi, with a collection of luxury lodges right by the shore.
Dzalanyama Forest Reserve
Dzalanyama is approximately 40 km from Lilongwe and covers the steep range of hills which bear the same name. It's a beautiful natural environment to explore and enjoy.
Lower Shire Valley
The Lower Shire Valley is an extension of the Rift Valley and home to no less than three national parks/wildlife reserves.
Manda Wilderness (Mozambique)
A massive 100,000 ha area of Mozambique land which runs to the eastern shore of Lake Malawi forms the Manda Wilderness Community Reserve.
Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve
Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve is one of the two large wildlife areas in Central Malawi. A true wilderness, it has a promising future after recent mass restocking.
Ntchisi Forest Reserve
Ntchisi Forest Reserve contains some of the last remaining indigenous rainforest in Malawi. Some trees tower thirty metres overhead.
Viphya Plateau
The forested Viphya is a wonderful area for those seeking a combination of stunning scenery and solitude, with opportunities for trekking, mountain biking and various other activities.
Similar Activities
Conservation Volunteer Projects
Volunteering with wildlife is a becoming more common as Malawi continues to be at the forefront of wildlife conservation in Africa.
Market Visits
Malawi's bustling and colourful local markets sell everything from fruit and vegetables to arts & crafts, meat and traditional dress.
Museums & Historical Sites
There is much to see of Malawi’s history, beginning with the pre-history remains of the Karonga district and the Stone Age rock paintings near Dedza. Elsewhere, the colonial period is preserved in buildings dating from the David Livingstone era.
Music & Arts
Malawi has a wide range of performance arts to show its visitors from traditional dance to up and coming hip hop artists.
Tea Tasting
Tea is Malawi's second largest export, with acres of tea plantations in the south of the country. The Satemwa Tea Estate at Thyolo is a tourist hotspot for those wishing to take part in tea tasting.
Village Visits
Malawi’s people are its greatest asset - friendly, welcoming, colourful and vibrant. As well as the natural daily encounters with Malawians, there are widespread opportunities to visit real villages.