Malawi

Malawi Quick Facts ,
Full Country Name: Republic of Malawi
Area: 118,000 sq km
Population: 15.4 million
Capital: Lilongwe
Borders: Mozambique, Zambia and Tanzania
Religion: Christian is the main religion of Malawi followed by other indigenous religions
Time Zone: Standard time is +2 hours in advance of Greenwich Mean Time
Languages: Official language is English but the National language is Chewa
Country Dialing Code: +265
Climate: Malawi’s climate is hot in the low-lying areas in the south of the country and temperate in the northern highlands. The altitude moderates what would be an otherwise equatorial climate. Between November and April the temperature is warm with equatorial rains and thunderstorms, with the storms reaching their peak severity in late March. After March, the rainfall rapidly diminishes and from May to September wet mists float from the highlands into the plateaus, with almost no rainfall during these months.

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Travel Highlights
Malawi is a landlocked country in southeast Africa that was formerly known as Nyasaland. It is bordered by Zambia to the northwest, Tanzania to the northeast, and Mozambique on the east, south and west. The country is separated from Tanzania and Mozambique by Lake Malawi.

The Great Rift Valley runs through the country from north to south, and to the east of the valley lies Lake Malawi (also called Lake Nyasa), making up over three-quarters of Malawi’s eastern boundary. Lake Malawi is sometimes called the Calendar Lake as it is about 365 miles (587 km) long and 52 miles (84 km) wide. Lake Malawi was “discovered” by the missionary-explorer Dr David Livingstone just over 150 years ago. Although totally landlocked, Malawi is not denied its “inland sea”. This vast body of freshwater fringed by beaches of golden sand is not only a scenic wonderland but it provides water sport opportunities for those looking for something beyond sun, sand and swimming.

The Shire River flows from the south end of the lake and joins the Zambezi River 250 miles (400 km) farther south in Mozambique. The surface of Lake Malawi is located at 1,500 feet (457 m) above sea level, with a maximum depth of 2,300 feet (701 m), which means the lake bottom is over 700 feet (213 m) below sea level at some points.

Malawi is blessed with a rich diversity of flora and fauna and has no less than nine National Parks or Wildlife Reserves. Whilst it may not have quite the sheer numbers of large mammals (particularly predators) as some of its better-known neighbors, it makes up for this in other ways. Malawi provides intensive and exclusive wildlife viewing in unspoilt areas of genuine wilderness. Having a sundowner, unwinding in the glare of a sunset and hearing the sounds of singing birds and roaming game, Malawi is both a country to relax in and a country to have adventure in.

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Projects Available in Malawi

Volunteering Teaching of disadvantaged and vulnerable children in the rural areas schools, orphanages and secondary schools
Volunteering with both domesticated or wildlife animals, children and communities in Africa.
Volunteers can be attached to a specialty group of professionals such as architects, engineers, pharmacists, mechanics etc
Help uplift the community through building and refurbishment projects and community development programs such as construction
Volunteering in the Medical center to help with vaccinations, immunization, treatment, counseling, education and protection of diseases and health care issues!
Make a real impact in women empowerment, legal aid, advocacy and basic human right issues.
Volunteer with organizations and centers that work with disadvantaged teenage girls.
Work with project that cares for environment, agriculture, permaculture, wetlands and natural resources management.
Internship opportunities for students and participants.
Enjoy cultural tours, adventure trips and safaris

Application and Fees

Program Cost

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• All airport pick up and drop off from the project
• Work permit application and arrangements
• Detailed Handbook for Volunteerism
• Country and Project orientation programs including safety briefings
• Full board and lodging stay, which includes all meals a day
• Tour and Game drives (subject to project)
• Assistance from Country coordinators
• Certificate of Participation

What the fee excludes:

• Personal travel insurance for the duration of your placement which must include cover for repatriation
• All transport to the destination (ie flights)
• All items of a personal nature, such as souvenirs, curios, gifts, clothing (work and other)
• Email/internet and telephone calls
• Soft drinks, Medications, and Entertainments
• All visas for border crossings
• Any excursions over and above your planned itinerary