Experience the amazing wildlife and help out in our boutique safari lodge in Chikwawa, Malawi

Details

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  Description

  Hello. My name is Sarah, from Canada originally, but I have called Malawi - the warm heart of Africa - home for almost 10 years.
  
  I have built a boutique lodge located 2km before Majete Wildlife Reserve in Chikwawa, Malawi, Southern Africa. The lodge has been open for just over 2 years now.
  
  Have you ever wanted to experience the African bush? With amazing wildlife and beautiful scenery, this is the place! The lodge is situated in a peaceful area of the Shire Valley with serene views over the Shire River and surrounding mountains.
  
  I'm looking for volunteers with tourism and hospitality management experience, or who are looking to gain more skills in this area, and who are interested in helping run the lodge for a month or longer (this is open to negotiation).
  
  The lodge has 22 Malawian staff working in various capacities and you would be assisting our Malawian Lodge Manager.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Charity Work

  Help with Eco Projects

  Teaching

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects

  Babysitting and creative play

  Hospitality/Tourism

  General Maintenance
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  We are nestled in the heart of rural Malawi, between two vibrant villages. By joining us, you'll have the unique opportunity to engage with and support the local Malawian community daily. Many of our staff members are from the neighboring communities, offering you an authentic glimpse into village life. Additionally, during your stay, there are opportunities to visit the Majete Wildlife Reserve, where you can experience the beauty of African wildlife.

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  Help

  Our staff are all local Malawian. Some of them have prior experience in hospitality, however, there is still potential to grow their understanding of the needs of tourists and hospitality management processes. Part of your role will be to help us take this to the next level.
  
  This aim would be met by helping alongside our staff as a team and providing training and supervision through leading by example. We are looking for volunteers who do not necessarily have experience (although, that would be amazing!), but are quick learners, have common sense and can help make sure things run smoothly.
  
  Both the help and the hours are varied, as our busy periods rely on when guests are staying, but will not exceed 25 hours per week so an adaptable and flexible approach is vital. In general, some of the responsibilities will include: greeting guests; general management and day-to-day operations; assisting the maintenance and gardening department; overseeing building projects; areas or processes you see require improvements. The role is flexible depending on your skills and preferences but you will not be required to prepare or serve food and drinks to paying customers.
  
  There are two rural communities near the lodge where teaching opportunities would also be available.

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  Languages spoken

  English: Fluent
  Spanish: Intermediate
  French: Intermediate

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  Accommodation

  You will be permanently on site at the lodge. You will live, most of the time, in a comfortable, spacious 12-bed dormitory with shared factilities. If the dormitories are booked out, you will stay in one of our permanent tents. All meals will be provided through our lodge kitchen. There is a fully-stocked bar, where you will be able to purchase drinks at cost price.

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  What else ...

  On site, we have a pool that you can use. We also have a spa which you will be welcome to use the services at cost. There are also many nature trails leading out from the lodge that you can explore! And don't forget - safaris in Majete Wildlife Reserve!
  
  We are only a couple of hours from Blantyre, with opportunities to explore the city when we go there for grocery shopping and other things.
  
  Chikwawa is ideally positioned to travel from and explore many other areas of Malawi, including Mulanje Massif and Lake Malawi.
  
  Malawi really lives up to its name as the "warm heart of Africa". It is a wonderful, safe place and people embody the true essence of African hospitality.
  
  Helping at the lodge will provide a great opportunity to meet new people and gain experience running a safari lodge.

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  A little more information

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    Internet access

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    Limited internet access

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    We have pets

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    We are smokers

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    Can host families

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  Can host digital nomads

  The lodge has plenty of seating options in the main lounge and dining area. We have a stable WiFi connection with Starlink that you will have access to.

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  Space for parking camper vans

  We have a designated camping area where a campervan/motorhome may be parked. You will have access to the dormitory shared facilities. Please note, however, there is no electricity outlets at the camping area but we have charging stations in the reception area.

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  More than two

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  Hours expected

  Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week