While volunteering with the Malawi Volunteer Organisation, during the week you will be living at the MVO house and participating in the project streams you have chosen.
MVO House is approximately a 3.5 hour drive from Lilongwe International Airport, just south of Monkey bay.
While volunteering with the Malawi Volunteer Organisation, during the week you will be living at the MVO house and participating in the project streams you have chosen. From Friday lunch to Sunday dinner you are free to explore the sights and visit the nearby towns and attractions. Here are some accommodation links for a few of the most popular weekend activities that you might consider for your free time while you are here.
Cape MacLear is approximately a 40min drive from MVO House - return transport is USD $50 per car. The Lake Malawi National Park is the world’s first freshwater national park and a World Heritage Site, it is located on the picturesque Cape Maclear.
The MVO can arrange a full day boating experience including lunch, snorkelling, fish and eagle feeding and general lazing around on the offshore islands. All costs are split according to the number of people – so, the more people you have, the cheaper the cost per person. Just let the MVO know if you would like us to arrange this for you.
Cultural experiences in the Njobvu or Mpale tourism village.
Approximartely 40min travel by car from MVO House lies the town of Mangochi. Transport will cost about USD$50 return per vehicle. Mangochi is situated between Lakes Malawi & Lake Malombe and has a number of historical monuments dating back to the beginning of the twentieth century.
From MVO House the round trip transport to Monkey Bay will cost about USD$40 and it will take around 20min. to get there.
The Liwande National Park is approximately a 2hr drive from MVO House - transport cost is USD$200 return, per car. The Liwande National Park is situated along the shores of the Shire River (here), running out of Lake Malombe just below the southern end of Lake Malawi.
Activities include early morning game walks, boat or canoe trips and game drives. You can arrange these activities directly when you book your accommodation.
Transport will cost around USD$250 return and it takes about 2½ hours to get to Zomba. The city is the former capital of the country and is in a beautiful location, below the plateau of the same name. This was the first settlement of the colonial administration and has some interesting buildings and monuments.
Venture further South from Zomba, towards the Mozambique boarder you will find the magnificent Mulanje Mountain Forest Reserve.
The Norman Carr Cottage is approximartely 5 min walk from MVO house. Taffy, the owner, gives our volunteers a special rate. This rate includes all meals, beautiful rooms, a huge bed, gorgeous outdoor bathroom with hot shower, sunset boat trip and morning snorkel trip. A local band plays after dinner. A luxurious and superb getaway. My favourite local spot.
Please understand that MVO volunteers are not permitted to use public transport as we cannot guarantee their safety. As a result, we provide high-quality, safe transport to and from each weekend activity. These costs are NOT included in the project fees, and must be paid by the volunteer. Transport can be arranged and paid in advance before the arrival of the volunteer, or on each Friday, before the volunteer leaves for the weekend activity. MVO will accept cash payment in USD or MKW. Please note that MVO does not accept responsibility for booking accommodation. This can be done easily and efficiently over the internet, when available.
Accommodation can be booked on the day but in the busy seasons you may find a lack of availability. Our personal recommendation would be to decide, prior to your departure, which weekend activities you would like to do on each weekend, and then make the accommodation arrangements and payment prior to departure to Malawi. Once your accommodation has been confirmed - let the MVO know and transport can be arranged.
Malawi is a landlocked country located in southeastern Africa and is bordered by Zambia (837Km) to the West, Tanzania (475 Km) to the North and East, and Mozambique (1569 Km) to the South. It covers an area of 118,480 Sq. Km. The capital city is Lilongwe.
The country is defined by its topography of highlands split by the Great Rift Valley and enormous Lake Malawi. The lake’s southern end falls within Lake Malawi National Park – sheltering diverse wildlife from colorful fish to baboons – and its clear waters are popular for diving and boating. Peninsular Cape Maclear is known for its beach resorts.
MVO House is approximately a 3.5 hour drive from Lilongwe International Airport, just south of Monkey bay.
