What Can I Expect

Volunteering is an amazing experience you will never forget. Malawi is known as the warm heart of Africa due to its friendly atmosphere and welcoming people. If you have never volunteered before it is normal to feel excited and nervous. We have many years of experience managing volunteer programs in Malawi. We want your trip to be special and for you to have peace of mind that you are in safe hands.

Below is a video of when Rudimental and Beating Heart Records joined our group of volunteers to visit Tilinanu Orphanage and Mkhnkhu school.

We are here to help plan your trip

Before you go on your trip there is a lot of planning and preparation to do. We are here to help and advise you. We can put you in touch with previous volunteers and you can call or email us at any time if you have questions. We will guide you through the experience from start to finish.

We will look after you when you arrive

When you arrive we are there to pick you up from the airport and to help you settle into your accommodation and placement. We provide you with a comprehensive induction program which will give you information on your project, practical considerations, how to communicate with those at home whilst you are away and respecting local cultural issues and practices. We are here to help and support you.

We want you to see traditional Malawi

We want to make sure you see, hear and feel the real Malawi. We try to make sure you visit the local villages, markets and understand the local history and culture. You will be meeting a diverse range of people from backpackers, aid workers, to local chiefs and villagers. You will be immersed in the local community. Malawi is also a very beautiful country and there will be plenty of time to relax and see the wonders it offers.

Practical Stuff

Accommodation

We offer a variety of accommodation options to help you get the most out of your trip.

Backpackers Lodge – With the choice of a private room or bed in a small dormitory, staying at a backpackers offers home comforts after long days in the Malawi sun. Most of our volunteers choose this option to ensure they are rested for the day ahead. With wi-fi, a choice of Malawian and English food and a really lovely, welcoming atmosphere, this options comes highly recommended by all past volunteers. Whilst a backpackers is perfect for any length of stay, we do particularly recommend this option for volunteers of 2 weeks or less, to ensure you get the most out of your trip.

Home stay – Home Stay accommodation is often better for long-term volunteers. It encourages integration, local understanding and generates income for trusted community individuals and families. Living in the very midst of real life in Malawi you will truly become part of the community in which you work.

Tilinanu Volunteer House – This option is only offered after your interview. The volunteer house is within the walls of Tilinanu Orphanage, the girls’ home. This is prioritised for Love Support Unite Africa volunteers on long stays, teaching and working at Tilinanu.

Lilongwe Volunteer House – This accommodation is suitable for any length of stay. You will stay with fellow volunteers and project leaders in a volunteer house close to the city centre and backpackers. Again, the option will only be offered post-interview.

A typical day

A typical volunteer’s day is filled with satisfying work and lots of fun experiences. You are usually required to be ready to volunteer from around 9am after a good breakfast. The day’s events depend on the project you are on and are subject to change. You are usually finished for the day around 4.30-5pm and return back to your accommodation for free time and socialising.

Free time

We encourage you to explore Malawi during your trip, There are some great places to see. Visit tranquil Lake Malawi, try and spot one of the big five on Safari or just unwind at the beautiful Kumbali lakeside retreat. You can find some examples of the trips we can arrange on our FAQ page. If the trip you are interested in isn’t on there then just ask us, we can use our Malawian contacts to arrange most excursions.

We would love you to volunteer with us. Have a look at Kirsty, one of our volunteers having fun with the children at the school. This sums up what we are all about-grass roots, hands on experience. Maximum love and joy guaranteed.