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3 Oct 2025
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Description
Ahoy there, adventurers, explorers and seekers.
I'm Luke, a fellow Workawayer of 4 years. During my travels, I connected with many inspiring people and worked on some brilliant projects all over Southeast Asia and Africa. In 2023, I decided to slow down a bit and self-build a home on the beautiful shores of Lake Malawi.
** PLEASE READ THE FULL DESCRIPTION BEFORE SENDING A MESSAGE **
Hoping to connect with people who are willing to share their knowledge/experience and help out on small-scale projects. People who are interested in off-grid living and have a genuine interest in nature.
ABOUT LAKE MALAWI -
First off, it's truly AMAZING and I'm so grateful for being able to live here. It's the 4th largest freshwater Lake in the world and is home to the most species of lake fish anywhere on earth. It has crystal clear waters and it's quite warm, even in the winter. It's perfect for swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, and scuba diving.
** WHERE YOU'LL SLEEP **
A 5m bell tent is situated above the house, offering spectacular views over the lake. A double bed with mosquito net and an outside covered area where you can chill.
There is no mains power supply here.
We use solar power banks for phones, laptops and lights. Water is pumped from the lake, treated, and then placed in a plastic container with a ceramic filter for drinking. Shared use of compost toilets and a cold water shower with spectacular views (hot water is possible from around 11 am - 1 pm).
I now have Starlink internet, which is on from 7 am until 8 pm, but if you need to work online, you'll need to bring a solar power bank.
There's an open-plan kitchen with a large dining table where we may share meals together, a gas hob and charcoal burners for cooking, which you are welcome to use.
In your free time, you can relax in a hammock and play the guitar. You can borrow the kayak or paddleboard and explore the island a few hundred meters away. Try your luck beating me at chess, play Monopoly, poker, Hero Quest and other games we have. You can go for a wander, and I can also organise hikes and boat trips if you wish, depending on the length of your stay. Oh, and if you know how to set up a fishing rod properly, you can try your luck at catching some fish.
** HELPING HOURS **
3-4 hours Monday - Friday. Usually, early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid being incinerated by the sun if working outside.
** FOOD ARRANGEMENTS **
Maize flour and beans provided daily - staple Malawian food - nsima & beans.
I strongly advise volunteers to bring some of their own food with them to suit their dietary requirements. Most food items are not easily available in the village. If you want meat, bread, eggs, pasta, potatoes, snacks etc, they should be bought before arriving at the house.
They can be easily purchased in Nkhatabay, Mzuzu, or Karonga, where there are large shops and supermarkets. Vegetable leaves, tomatoes, onions, bananas, etc, can sometimes be bought from passing vendors.
The kitchen is available for your use between 6 am - 6 pm with pots, pans, plates, cutlery, etc, allowing you to cook comfortably during your stay. I usually prepare an occasional meal for everyone to share. General cleanliness, such as sweeping and washing dishes, is shared, and I would expect volunteers to help out with these on occasion.
**TASKS ** (7/09/2025) Currently, I need help with the following tasks:
● Building a stone Pizza oven (I've made a start).
● Pointing stone walls. Filling holes, removing excess cement, etc. Tidying up stone work.
● Sealing the walls with brick sealer.
● Removing grout, cleaning and re-sealing glass windows with silicone.
● Digging steps and laying stones.
** HOW TO GET HERE **
Lilongwe is Malawi's international airport. From there, you'd make your way to Mzuzu, then Nkhata Bay, and from Nkhata Bay to Usisya.
If you are already in the country;
The nearest port coming from the South > Nkhata Bay. Travel to Usisya town via the Ilala ferry. Leaves Nkhata Bay early Sunday morning around 1/2 am.
The nearest port coming from the North > Karonga. Travel to Usisya town via the Ilala ferry.
Nearest City > Mzuzu. Take a motorbike trip over the lush mountains to Usisya town and then a short walk to the house. Around 40,000MK pp. Amazing views!
I will advise you on how to get here and often meet people in Usisya.
Blessed to live in this amazing paradise, I must emphasise to Workawayers that this location is very REMOTE.
This exchange isn't for the 'luxury traveller', people scared of bugs and wildlife or anyone who needs babysitting.
But, if you are looking for an authentic off-grid experience, to reconnect with nature, enjoy a simple life and love water, you'll love it here! Reach out if you can genuinely help with some of the above-mentioned tasks.
Safe travels 🙏
Luke.
SOME GOOD NEWS
*** On 7 February 2024, the Malawi Government announced visa exemptions for nationals of 79 countries. Nationals of these countries, which include Australia, Canada, Germany, Russia, the UK, and Member States of the Southern African Development Community and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa, can now enter Malawi without a visa for up to 90 days for business and tourism purposes. ***
FREE entry if you're from one of the above countries 🙌
Types of help and learning opportunities
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Interests
Self development
Farming
Charity work
Culture
Plant care
Music
Gardening
Drawing & painting
DIY & crafts
Art & design
Nature
Mountain
Hiking
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
You have the opportunity to experience authentic Malawian village life. You can meet the village Chief and interact with the local community if you wish.
You can learn how to make traditional Malawian food and explore some of the medicinal plants/herbs people still use here.
You can experience a trip in a hand-made canoe with the local fishermen. (at cost around 6,000mk)
You can take a short boat trip to an established Lodge (at cost).
We can share stories around a campfire under a blanket of stars.
Learn what off-grid living is really like.
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
3-4 hours - Monday - Friday - flexible.
● Building a stone Pizza oven (I've made a start).
● Pointing stone walls. Filling holes, removing excess cement, etc. Tidying up stone work.
● Sealing the walls with brick sealer.
● Removing grout, cleaning and re-sealing glass windows with silicone.
● Digging steps and laying stones.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Accommodation
5m bell tent situated above the house on the mountainside with amazing views over Lake Malawi. There is a double bed with a mosquito net and an outside covered area where you can relax/cook/chill, etc.
Drinking water is treated and placed in a plastic container with a ceramic filter.
**I now have running water, a compost toilet and Starlink internet. Yey! (7.09.2025).
You're welcome to use the shower to wash or jump in the lake, whichever you prefer.
Maize flour and beans provided daily - staple Malawian food - nsima & beans.
Volunteers should bring their own food with them to suit their dietary requirements. Most food items are not easily available in the local village. If you want meat, bread, eggs, pasta, potatoes, snacks, etc, they should be bought before arriving at the house. They can be easily purchased in Nkhata Bay, Mzuzu, or Karonga, where there are large shops and supermarkets. Vegetable leaves, tomatoes, onions, bananas, etc, can sometimes be bought from passing vendors, but this is not guaranteed.
The kitchen is available for your use between 6 am - 6 pm with pots, pans, plates, cutlery, etc, allowing you to cook comfortably during your stay. I will, however, prepare an occasional meal for everyone to share. General cleanliness tasks, such as sweeping and washing dishes, are shared, and I would expect volunteers to help out with these on occasion.
Open-plan kitchen with a large dining table, a gas hob and charcoal burners for cooking, which you are welcome to use.
The sunrises and sunsets here are some of the best I've seen anywhere in the world, a photographer's dream!
Relax in the hammock, play guitar, beat me at chess, borrow the kayak or paddleboard and explore the island a few hundred meters away. I can also organise hikes, boat trips and scuba diving if you wish, depending on the length of your stay.
What else ...
There are beautiful hiking trails to explore as well as a completely untouched island a few hundred meters from the shore.
There are 2 established lodges a boat trip away you can visit. Return boat trip (at cost)
You can cruise the Lake on the Kayak, try standing up on the paddle board or snorkel with the hundreds of colourful fishes.
You can learn how cassava flour is made and cook traditional nsima.
PADI-certified scuba diving is available in Nkhata Bay. Check out 'Aqua Africa Malawi' for prices.
I can also help you plan your adventures in and around Malawi.
For your own safety all workawayers who wish to stay with us MUST have valid health insurance.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
Yes. But you MUST bring a solar power bank with you if you need to work online. Internet bundles are easily available and cost around 25,000mk ($16) for 65GB of data, monthly.
How many Workawayers can stay?
One
My animals / pets
Zuwa (sun)
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
Feedback (1)
He helped us build a large compost bin which we are very greatful for. He helped lay some steps up to the house and worked on some… read more
I stayed with Luke and Jax for about 3 weeks and got to experience a small local fishing town and how big part the lake has in the daily life. The cultural experience you get here is nothing… read more
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Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
Feedback
He helped us build a large compost bin which we are very greatful for. He helped lay some steps up to the house and worked on some… read more
I stayed with Luke and Jax for about 3 weeks and got to experience a small local fishing town and how big part the lake has in the daily life. The cultural experience you get here is nothing… read more
