Are you keen to spend a gap year in Africa? Travel to Malawi! This landlocked country in southern central Africa, bordered by Tanzania, Zambia and Mozambique, is a real gem. You can travel through the country as part of a larger overland trip or give back and volunteer helping people, communities and wildlife.
Nairobi to Joburg
• 27 days, 6 countries
• £2,759
Cape Town to the Serengeti
• 40 days, 8 countries
• £3,599
Travel & Backpacking in Malawi
If you want to travel, go backpacking, volunteer, work, study or book an adventure, we can help you book a trip to Malawi.
Unlike its neighbours, Malawi does not have large plains full of animals but has instead Lake Malawi, a huge expanse of water covering 20% of the country which is the centre of much of the country’s economy and tourist industry.
The name of the country refers to the lake. Malawi means ‘land of fire’ or ‘bright haze’ and refer to the sunrise over the lake. It is the Lake which dominates the country – running most of the length of Malawi it is essential for fishing and tourism as well as for transport.
Several resorts offer water sports and beach holidays to tourists. It is a cheap place to learn to dive and you get the chance to see some of the 500 species of fish – most of the world’s aquarium fish originate in the lake.
There are plenty of other things to do and see in the country. The Mulanje Massif in the south of the country offers spectacular trekking whereas the Nyika plateau National Park in the north contains unspoiled scenery, wild animals and purportedly the best trout fishing in Africa!
The most memorable aspect of the country is the people. Malawians are well known for their friendliness, hospitality and open welcome that they give to all strangers. It is for this reason that Malawi is known as ‘Africa for beginners’.
Volunteer in Malawi
If you want to spend time in a developing country in Africa then Malawi might be the country for you. There are lots of special volunteering opportunities in Malawi where you can make a big difference to the lives of local people.
The main objective of most organisations is to enhance the livelihood of the poor societies and to be part of the tasks to help improve education and develop infrastructure.
Local charities and NGO’s need volunteers for various types of projects including educational projects in nursery, primary, secondary schools up to adult vocational training. There are also several medical projects in hospitals as well as HIV projects, sports, music, art and orphanage projects.
Bespoke volunteer packages can be joined generally from 2 to 12 weeks, with some adventure options included. Shorter and longer placements can also be applied for. Organisations can also arrange safaris for wildlife enthusiasts. All safari programs are tailored to your specific interests.
