Work directly with rescued animals, gain conservation skills, and contribute to meaningful rehabilitation efforts
This Wildlife Sanctuary program provides hands-on experience in the rescue, care, and rehabilitation of animals in Malawi. Participants will work alongside experienced conservationists and veterinarians, assisting in animal husbandry, behavior monitoring, and enrichment programs. The program also includes community outreach and education initiatives, giving you a well-rounded understanding of conservation efforts in the region.
The sanctuary is home to a variety of species, including primates, antelopes, and other rescued wildlife. You’ll be part of a passionate team dedicated to giving these animals a second chance while also promoting conservation efforts in Malawi.
Learning Objectives
A leading conservation initiative in Malawi is committed to wildlife rescue, biodiversity research, and environmental education. Operating the country’s only accredited wildlife sanctuary, it provides care for injured, orphaned, and rescued animals while engaging in advocacy efforts to combat wildlife crime and promote sustainable conservation practices. Through scientific research and community outreach, the program aims to protect Malawi’s natural heritage and inspire environmental responsibility.
This program is structured to provide a comprehensive understanding of wildlife rescue and rehabilitation. You’ll actively participate in the daily tasks of the center, while receiving mentorship from experienced professionals.
You can combine this sanctuary program with the Wildlife Research Program, allowing you to experience different aspects of conservation in Malawi.
You’ll stay at a comfortable shared house with other interns and volunteers, right in the 180-acre the sanctuary is based in. The reserve is home to a range of wildlife, including antelopes, small carnivores, hyenas, and crocodiles, so you’ll find yourself staying in a wonderful natural environment. The house features six bedrooms, a lounge, kitchen, indoor and outdoor dining areas, two bathrooms, a laundry space, and a garden with an outdoor deck. Wifi and cleaning services, including laundry, are provided. Nestled in the heart of the sanctuary, the accommodation offers an immersive bush experience—unwinding by the fire in the evenings while soaking in the sounds of the surrounding wilderness.
Make sure to visit your doctor and dentist for a check-up before your internship and to get all the recommended vaccines and/or medications necessary to stay healthy. A rabies vaccine is strongly recommended and we do not advise you to come for a placement without it; animal care tasks will be limited and you will be required to sign a waiver if you choose not to have the vaccination. Additionally, the organization requires you to take a TB test (and receive a negative test result) as even if you have been vaccinated against TB, you may still be a carrier of the disease and pass it onto the animals.
Wifi access is limited in Malawi, so the organization will provide you with a local SIM card upon arrival for you to purchase a data bundle. Before you travel, ensure that your phone is unlocked for international carriers.
Meals are cooked by the in-house chef every day except on Sundays, when you can sample local restaurants in the nearby urban areas, or order takeaway meals. The menu is vegetarian with a mix of international and local dishes. It’s recommended to only drink water from bottles (filtered water is provided on-site).
You’ll be based in the capital, Lilongwe, which is a bustling and vast city. Although you’ll spend most of your time on the project, you’ll have the weekends to explore the area and get a glimpse into Malawian city life. There are plenty of markets to visit, hikes to climb, and people to meet in this energetic location. You’ll also be less than 2 hours away from Lake Malawi, the third-largest lake in Africa.
Program arrival dates are always on a Tuesday, while end dates are flexible and will be discussed with your during the selection process.
What you’ll pay (2025 rates)
2 weeks GBP 1,885
4 weeks GBP 2,830
6 weeks GBP 3,540
8 weeks GBP 4,181
10 weeks GBP 4,672
12 weeks GBP 5,129
Some of our most commonly asked questions for programs in Malawi.
You can expect to foster a unique connection with the local community, as well as having many opportunities to explore various projects during your internship. If you wish to know more about what to expect, make sure to read our blog from a previous intern who traveled to Malawi!
The minimum length of our internships in Malawi is two months, but the ideal length is closer to four months, if possible. This ensures you have an adequate amount of time to make a tangible impact. Luckily, the length of our programs is customizable so you can apply for a summer, remote, hybrid, or gap-year internship!
Yes, but you must ensure with your supervisor that your university approves this. You can also purchase transfer credits to add onto your internship experience.
Personally, you can prepare by learning about the history and culture of Malawi and reflecting on your internship goals, and we’ll be here to help you with the rest! Ask us any questions you may have about placement logistics, matchmaking, check-ins, advice on visa/insurance, or anything else you may think of. If you wish to know more about preparing for your internship, you can check out our ultimate guide to NGO internships in Africa!
Unfortunately, it is not possible to receive any kind of stipend while interning for a nonprofit organization. Your internship will be unpaid so we’ve put together a few tips on how to fund your internship. There will be opportunities for professional and personal growth and you’ll leave with a wealth of knowledge that is invaluable!
If you’re ready to apply for this internship, here’s what to do:
Fill in the application form (it will show in a new screen) which includes sharing your CV to us.
We’ll set up a call with you to go through your application.
If we feel it’s a good match, we’ll set up a call between you and the supervisor for this internship.
If everyone’s happy, we’ll provisionally confirm your placement! We’ll then send you the invoice for the deposit, getting started with the booking process and all the info you need.
Only once we receive payment of the deposit your placement will be confirmed.
Or if you’d just like to ask us some questions about this internship first, just fill in the contact form below. We’ll be happy to assist!
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ABOUT US
At Roots, we create the perfect balance between meaningful work and valuable learning through internships with nonprofits & social enterprises in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America.TEST
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ABOUT US
At Roots, we create the perfect balance between meaningful work and valuable learning through internships with nonprofits & social enterprises in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America.
CONTACT
UK: +44 139 269 0255
US: +1 617 500 6179
internship@rootsinterns.com
OFFICE: Cape Town, South Africa
SOCIAL
SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER
ABOUT US
At Roots, we create the perfect balance between meaningful work and valuable learning through internships with nonprofits & social enterprises in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America.
CONTACT
UK: +44 139 269 0255
US: +1 617 500 6179
internship@rootsinterns.com
OFFICE: Cape Town, South Africa
SOCIAL
SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER
