Airport transfers on any days other than specified Mondays: $100.
We recommend bringing around $100 per week to cover expenses such as drinks, meals out and souvenirs.

All prices are in USD.

What’s included in the cost?

• Project contribution: this goes directly to our project partner, and provides funding to ensure the programme can continue to meet its goals. For this project it will cover things like staff costs, equipment purchases, maintenance of buildings, equipment and vehicles, and fuel.
• Accommodation and three meals per day.
• Return airport transfers (Mondays).
• Laundry service and housekeeping
• Camping trip to Majete (stays of 2 weeks or longer)
• Comprehensive orientation and supervision.
• Practical instruction by experienced staff members.
• Equipment and materials required to do your work.

What’s not included?

• Flights to Malawi (Blantyre International).
• Visa fees (if applicable).
• Travel insurance (compulsory).
• Administration fee ($40).

The inclusive transfer is as follows:

Arrivals - Mondays: there is one airport collection from Blantyre International Airport on a Monday. A team member will be at the airport from 0900 to collect all the volunteers arriving that day. You will depart from the airport no later than 1530.

The latest your flight should arrive for a same-day transfer is 1500. Should your preferred flight arrive later than this, please arrange to arrive the night before and overnight in Blantyre.

Departures - Mondays: there is one transfer every other Monday, which arrives at the airport at 0700 on Monday morning.

Flights should depart later than 0900 to allow plenty of time to check-in. Please do not book flights departing before 0900.

The Thangadzi Lodge will be your home away from home on the project. The lodge is nestled in the heart of the conservancy, in amongst the riparian forest on the banks of the river. The lodge area is unfenced, so wildlife roaming through the camp is to be expected.

The lodge is made up of 4 thatched chalets which can sleep up to 8 people sharing (same gender and similar age sharing). Each chalet has a private verandah with stunning views into the bush and onto a tributary of the Thangadzi River. Each chalet has two comfortable single beds with bedding and linen provided, shelved storage area, and an open-air attached en-suite bathroom.

Bathrooms have a toilet, basin and an outdoor shower with hot and cold water. The rooms are fully equipped with lights and electrical sockets (UK plug type).

The camp has a large central communal area with a fully equipped kitchen, dining area and lounge laid out in an open space with various seating areas. To add to your comfort, it overlooks an incredible eco-pool and the Thangadzi Lodge water hole.

Bedrooms and communal areas are cleaned every day. A laundry service is available every other day. Washing powder is provided if there are items you would like to wash yourself.

Facilities

The lodge is completely off the grid and powered by solar energy. Please bear this in mind when bringing items that require charging. A power bank is a useful extra. No heat-generating items are allowed (hair dryers, straighteners etc).

There is a small communal safe where you can put cash, passports or valuables you may have with you.

There is no cellphone signal but the lodge has WiFi which is charged at $10 a week per device. You are welcome to buy a Malawian SIM card at the airport if you wish to use 3G when on activities away from the lodge or on your way to the conservancy.

Meals

You will receive three home-cooked meals a day. Clean, safe drinking water is available from a water dispenser in the main lodge and tea and coffee are available all day. Vegetarian and vegan options are available. Should you have any dietary requirements or food allergies, it is important you let us know before you arrive. If you have specific dietary needs such as gluten or dairy intolerance the project may ask that you bring specialist food items such as gluten-free flour and pasta with you. The chefs will be able to prepare these for you alongside other volunteer’s meals.