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Description
Hi there! I am a dual citizen of the United Kingdom and Malawi with a passion for eco-tourism and community development. I am a co-founder of a beachside resort and a nursery school by Lake Malawi.
The resort is located in Nkhotakota district and has 4 chalets a walking distance from Lake Malawi. Lake Malawi is known as the calendar lake as it spans 365 km long and 52 km wide, as well as boasting the widest variety of fresh water fish in the world. The resort was built by my mother in 2009 and she has since retired. I hope to reopen it some day as an ecotourist lodge so that others can experience the spectacle and marvel of this beautiful lakeside setting too.
The resort is closely linked to the local villages and community; and employs all local Malawian staff. I have worked together with the local community to build a nursery school where we feed upwards of 100 children every day. I am keen to hear from anyone who has an interest in eco tourism and community development willing to contribute their time and skills to improving the resort and nursery school. -
Types of help and learning opportunities
Charity Work
Art Projects
Language practice
Help with Eco Projects
Elderly Companionship
Teaching
Light gardening
Creative DIY projects
Animal Care
Help around the house
Hospitality/Tourism
Light maintenance
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Interests
Technology
Sustainability
Politics / Social justice
Pets
Farming
Culture
Charity work
Photography
Music
Architecture
Animals
Water sports
Outdoor activities
Nature
Hiking
Beach
Camping -
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
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Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Travellers will benefit from living within a vibrant and welcoming village community, where the village chief is literally our next door neighbour. Volunteering here is about sharing everyday life together and learning from each other. You do not arrive as someone with all the answers. You come to experience village life, build friendships, and become part of the community for a while.
In Nkhotakota, travellers are welcome to join daily routines such as cooking, drawing water, preparing meals, chatting together in the evenings, attending church or community events, and spending time with local families. Many visitors pick up some Chichewa along the way, while local people enjoy practising their English. The exchange naturally goes both ways.
Volunteers may help with painting, simple building projects, gardening, reading with children, sports or arts activities. In return, travellers can learn local Malawian approaches to building, farming, cooking, and problem solving using the materials and resources available within the community.
The help also supports projects with a lasting impact. The Breakfast Club has provided nutritious breakfasts to more than 100 children every morning for over 10 years, helping children grow healthy, learn and develop. As the resort reopens, it will also help create jobs and income opportunities for local families.
By the end of their stay, most travellers leave with more than memories. They leave with genuine friendships, a deeper understanding of rural Malawian life, and the feeling of having shared something meaningful together. -
Help
We aim to build more classrooms this year so we are looking for volunteers with qualifications in building, early childhood development and teaching. In exchange, we will provide free accommodation at our resort by Lake Malawi.
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Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Chichewa, Chewa, Nyanja: IntermediateThis host offers a language exchange
This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
You can contact them directly for more information. -
Accommodation
Our Chalets
It means 'home' and that's what our design of the chalets aimed for - a homely, lakeside retreat to relax and get away from the rat rate. We have four chalets a stone throw from Lake Malawi and proudly feature thatched roofs to blend in with local aesthetic and ensure the accommodation is cool during summer days.
King Chalet
Our largest chalet, perfect for couples and families features two double bedrooms,/ one of which is en-suite; a second bathroom, kitchen and sitting room..
Double Story Chalet
This is the newest addition and is currently under construction and features 3 en-suite bedrooms, two sitting rooms and a kitchen.
Two Self-Catering Chalets
Each has two double bedrooms, a bathroom, and a small lounge. Ideal for families or groups who prefer communal dining on the lake deck..
The Lake Deck
The deck sits right above Lake Malawi and is the heart of the resort. It has a kitchen, bar area and can accommodate up to 30 people. It’s the perfect spot to view sunsets, engage with local fisher wo/men. There is a dining area and communal kitchen which is perfect for sharing meals. -
What else ...
There is fantastic wildlife by lake Malawi, including the widest range of freshwater fish in the world! We also get occasional visits from small monkeys and are blessed to have beautiful small birds in our garden all year round.
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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
We have wi fi via Starlink
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Can possibly accept pets
We have a 9 month old Boerboel puppy named Sako, she is friendly but can be a bit hyperactive at times
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How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
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My animals / pets
Sako (9 months)
Sako is a gentle boerbel who I adopted in 2025 at the age of 6 weeks old, she is playful, cuddly and enjoys walks by the beaches of Lake Malawi.
