Tel. +44 (0)1273 600030 (UK)
1of9
Volunteering:
Malawi is known as ‘the warm heart of Africa’, both for its stunning beauty and friendly people. It’s also one of the most densely populated countries in Africa and one of the poorest countries in the world, which puts enormous pressures on its natural resources. As a result, the illegal trade of wild animals and their slaughter for bush meat is still a big problem in Malawi, at a time when conservation of both the environment and wildlife is more critical than ever.
The sanctuary was set up in 2007 as a People and Wildlife centre, the first of its kind in the world, securing a 120 hectare wilderness area right in the heart of Malawi’s capital city that was originally under threat from development. It is a Malawian CONGOMA registered, not-for-profit organisation with support from both the government and local and international charities.
The sanctuary provides jobs for over 40 local Malawian staff, and as a ‘centre for the people’ make every effort to ensure that the less privileged people in the communities benefit from the facility. For example, we organise wild picnics for local orphanages to come on a wildlife tour and enjoy the local playground, or run training scholarships for a number of children from the poorer local schools.
There have been some fantastic achievements at the centre within the last couple of years – there’s the rescue and rehabilitation of hundreds of animals including lion, leopard, antelope, baboons and crocodiles. The sale of wild animals on the side of the roads in Lilongwe has now been virtually eradicated thanks to local campaigning. The PAW (People and Wildlife) clubs in 12 of the poorest communities are fully supported by the chiefs and officials, with whom we have developed various income generation projects and we even have support from the UNDP and City Assembly for our city wide afforestation project plan.
We believe we can make a real difference working with the local communities in terms of raising awareness of the importance of respecting our environment and keeping wildlife in the wild, whilst also providing alternatives to practices such as deforestation and the illegal bush meat trade.
As a pilot ‘People and Wildlife’ project we also hope that our success will be used as a model for others around the world. In years to come we will be able to showcase the benefits of addressing conservation issues in partnership with the local communities through education and outreach, and become a true centre for the people and wildlife of Malawi.
Safari:
The lodge was completed in 2009. From the beginning of the project, the local community was involved to develop a lodge that limited its impact on the environment and supported the communities living near this National park.
In the construction of the lodge, only labourers from the local communities were engaged. Almost a year’s work, for a variety of skills, from builders to plumbers and carpenters. The furniture, including beds, tables and chairs were locally made by carpenters being trained at a nearby Catholic Mission station. The lodge is truly Zambian made and while not ‘5 star’ it has charm and a feeling of simplicity that is in touch with the natural surroundings.
For every guest through Responsible Travel we will make a donation to the Luangwa community project to help support community and conservation programs being run by South Luangwa Conservation Society and North Luangwa Conservation Project.
The lodge is self-sustainable with a plentiful water borehole and means to properly dispose of rubbish and wastewater. As a new lodge, the latest eco water saving taps and showerheads that reduce the flow and usage in to our chalets have been installed. Towel and linen washing is done on site and only when required. We have secure waste facilities to keep wild animals (especially baboons) out and to make sure our impact of the surrounding environment is minimal.
The lodge is owned and run by like minded individuals, one being the first Luangwa resident, Zambian National to own shares in a safari lodge in the area. Everyone is committed to the protection of the wildlife and habitat of the Luangwa Valley and also believe in employing and assisting the local communities.
We invite every traveller who books a holiday via us to send in a review. Because we don't run the holidays they're completely independent and unedited... remember to read between the lines though, as two people on the same holiday can have different views!
