Voluntary Work
Vounteers are needed to monitor the number and behaviour of the hippopotamus population of Lake Malawi. Carrying out these activities from a custom built boat, your time will be a great contribution towards the long-term survival of the hippopotamus in Lake Malawi.
Working alongside a project team, volunteers get invloved in the following:
-
Map the locations of the hippos, the information that you collect will be sent on to an organisation in South Africa, who will put it into a Geographical Information System. A years worth of data must be collected before numbers, movements and behaviours can be analysed.
- Protect the large permanent hippo pods that are found if necessary and where possible.
- Visit local schools to educate the children and locals about how important hippos are to the ecological ecosystem of the lake.
- Conduct experiments with the Jatropha tree (Jatropha curcas) to use as a barrier to protect crop fields. These trees have a toxic property which is hoped will defer the hippos from rampaging through the fields. This tree is also being used by environmental agencies as an elephant deterrent around village crops elsewhere. Another advantage of using the Jatropha is the fact that the tree’s seeds produce oil, and are one of the best at doing so. This oil can be used in the production of Bio Diesel – a great economic advantage for the local villages, all indirectly derived from the local hippo population!
What’s Included in the Programme
- Airport transfers to and from Lilongwe International Airport
- Orientation on arrival
- All camping fees
- Full support and assistance from your co-ordinator throughout your time in Malawi
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner each day
- One day safari and river cruise in Liwonde National Park and park entrance fees
- 24 hour support number and contact in the UK for emergencies
What’s Not Included in the Programme
- All flights
- Comprehensive travel insurance
- Tent, sleeping mat and sleeping bag
- All items of a personal nature, such as curios, gifts, clothing
- Soft drinks, beer, wines and spirits
- Any excursions over and above your planned itinerary in Malawi
Prices & Durations
Malawi Hippo Research - 4 weeks £999
