3 independent reviews for Malawi wildlife sanctuary volunteering vacation
Reviews for Malawi wildlife sanctuary volunteering vacation
Chris Wade review 2 Jul 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Waking up to the monkeys chattering in the morning, hanging out with the animal carers, I went to the lake for a weekend too, which was awesome fun.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Just do it, you won't regret it! You're part of a working sanctuary, so be aware that you won't just be cuddling animals all day, but if you love wildlife then you'll want to see all the animals get back into the wild, and being a part of that process is really fulfilling.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. I was only there for a short time and worked only on animal care in the end, by my own choice. But you really feel part of the team and the bigger picture e.g. fighting ivory trafficking which is a big story for Malawi at the moment. It seems that the charity is very well respected and making a big impact overall so I felt honoured to be a part of it.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Definitely a working vacation, but it certainly beats lying on the beach all day and lifelong memories! I shall be back!Kat Wendels review 24 Mar 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Great from start to finish - the staff, the country, the project, the work - I was sad to leave and hope to go back. I went for the animal work which I really enjoyed but an unexpected highlight of the trip was getting out into the community to see one of their fuel briquette projects.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
I still enjoyed my short stay but go for longer if you can. They have rules on working with some of the orphans who are more sensitive and this work is reserved for longer term volunteers. You can also get involved in more of the wider charity work that way.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Absolutely. As a volunteer you tend to focus on the rescue and rehabilitation work, but it was great to hear about everything else the charity is doing and feel that you are contributing to the bigger picture.They run the only wildlife sanctuary in the country as well as the government's wildlife emergency response unit so they're doing a lot to help wild animals in need. I also learnt about all their work with the government on things like setting up a new wildlife crime investigations unit and updating the wildlife act. I only saw a bit of the education work but what I did was very encouraging, the kids loved it and the educators were really passionate.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Steve Boud review 13 Oct 2014
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The first game drive in South Luangwa National Park where we saw so many animals, close up and without lots of other vehicles in pursuit.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
The stay at Lilongwe was very much oriented towards animal care. There was some opportunity to go out outreach which for me was brilliant. volunteering at the Kuti reserve seems to offer more opportunities for getting involved in the local community.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes definitely. It offered local employment, gave wild animals a sanctuary and worked to return them to the wild and the Project carried out conservation education and community education projects.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
A great experience. I got to know some local people and volunteers from different countries and I learned about animal conservation and the social/ economic situation in Malawi.Holiday Reviews
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