Culture Week in Mangochi, Malawi

• Accommodation
• 3 meals p/day & 2 p/day at weekends
• Arrival airport transfer (Sat/Sun arrivals)
• Filtered drinking water, coffee & tea
• 1 day orientation
• Daily transportation to project
• In country 24/7 support & emergency assistance
• Fundraising support
• University course credits (where applicable)
• Certificate of Completion 

• Airfares
• Travel Insurance
• Tours, Souvenirs & spending money

You will participate in our orientation day on Monday of your first week of employment here, which will acquaint you with the area and the people here. From Tuesday on, your program will run as usual for the remainder of the week.

Schedule

• Breakfast at the accommodation – 0700hrs to 0800hrs
• Introduction meeting, House rules, Setting Expectations, Health and Safety Advice and explaining & handling of documents (Code of Conduct, Child Protection Policy, Media Consent, Etc…)
• Malawian brief history, Lessons in Malawian Culture, Do’s and Don’ts and Basic Malawian Language Lessons.
• Lunch at the accommodation – 1200hrs to 1300hrs
• To ensure participants are well-acquainted with the surroundings, the coordinator will guide the participants to key spots like supermarket, ATM, and currency exchange center and assist in obtaining a local SIM card with data (Airtel Network) for seamless communication during their stay (if not already obtained).
• Walk to the Malawi Lake.
• Malawian “Nsima” Cooking lesson.
• Dinner at the accommodation – 1900hrs to 2000hrs.

Programs begin every Monday, and volunteers are required to arrive the day prior, for orientation before the project. Your accommodation on the Sunday is included in the program fees.

A free airport pickup is included when arriving to Lilongwe International Airport (LLW). You must arrive between 06:00 to 24:00 on Sunday.

If arriving outside the pickup times you can book a private transfer and any extra night’s accommodation for an additional fee.

Alternatively, if arriving early you could wait at the arrival’s terminal for the pickup time, book accommodation at the airport and meet us during the pickup times or make your own way to the project (we will advise on how to do this).

From the international airport to the Mangochi accommodation, it takes approx 4hours 45min by road to the accommodation.

Monday

• Breakfast at the accommodation.
• Introduction meeting covering house rules, expectations, health and safety, Malawian do’s and don’ts, culture, history, basic Chewa language, and document handling.
• Tour the compound and local area, including shops and SIM card assistance.
• Lunch.
• Visit Mangochi’s Local Market to experience the vibrant atmosphere, explore diverse stalls, and interact with local vendors.
• Visit the nearby river for relaxation and scenic views.
• Dinner at the accommodation.

Tuesday

• Breakfast at the accommodation.
• Visit Mangochi town to explore its historical and cultural significance, including the museum and monuments.
• Lunch at the accommodation.
• Visit a cultural village to engage in traditional activities, witness indigenous performances, and learn about local customs and traditions firsthand.
• Dinner at the accommodation.

Wednesday

• Breakfast at the accommodation.
• Exploration of Lake Malawi National Park, including picturesque views and optional swimming in the lake.
• Lunch in nature, either as a picnic or at a local eatery.
• Leisure time on the beach for relaxation and enjoyment.
• Hands-on cooking class to learn and prepare local dishes, immersing oneself in the culinary culture.
• Dinner featuring the dishes prepared in the cooking class, fostering camaraderie and creating lasting memories.

Thursday

• Breakfast at the accommodation.
• Liwonde National Park exploration, discovering diverse wildlife and scenic landscapes.
• Lunch in nature or at a local eatery.
• Further exploration of the national park, engaging in optional activities like guided walks, bird watching, or boat safaris.
• Dinner at the accommodation.

Friday

• Breakfast at the accommodation.
• Creative bracelet handicraft lesson, exploring artistic expression and cultural exchange.
• Lunch at the accommodation.
• Visit to a local fishery to immerse oneself in the regional fishing lifestyle.
• Meeting to discuss individual placements and gain insights into ongoing programs.
• Visit to witness the ongoing projects firsthand.
• Evaluation session to reflect on the week’s activities, challenges, lessons learned, progress, and program effectiveness.
• Dinner at the accommodation.

*** This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances ***

Here’s a list of top things to see and do in Mangochi and the surrounding area:

Relax on Lake Malawi’s Beaches
Mangochi is close to some of the lake’s best beaches, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or enjoying a sunset. Cape Maclear and Monkey Bay are nearby and popular for their laid-back vibe and crystal-clear waters.

Visit Lake Malawi National Park
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this park is home to unique freshwater fish species and great for snorkelling, diving, and boat tours. It’s a must-see for nature lovers and only a short trip from Mangochi.

Explore Local Markets
Mangochi’s bustling markets offer a lively mix of fresh produce, crafts, clothing, and street food. It’s a great way to experience everyday life and pick up a few local items.

Take a Boat Trip on the Shire River
Enjoy a relaxing boat ride and spot hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of birds. Some tours offer sunset cruises or fishing trips with local guides.

Discover Cultural Sites
Mangochi has a rich mix of Christian and Muslim influences. Visit historic mosques, churches, and colonial-era buildings that give insight into the town’s diverse heritage.

Visit Liwonde National Park (1–2 hours away)
A great day trip or overnight option, this park offers guided safaris with chances to see elephants, hippos, antelope, and more. It’s one of Malawi’s top wildlife destinations.

Enjoy Local Cuisine
Try fresh chambo fish from Lake Malawi, maize-based dishes like nsima, or local snacks like mandasi (fried dough balls) from roadside stalls.

Visit the Mangochi Museum
Located in a former colonial building, this small but interesting museum showcases local history, traditional tools, and artifacts from the region, including Mangochi’s time as a colonial administrative centre.

Go Birdwatching
Mangochi and the surrounding lakeshore areas are great for spotting birdlife, including fish eagles, kingfishers, and herons. Bring binoculars and enjoy the peaceful natural setting, especially early in the morning.

Additional Requirements

• Participants above 60 must secure medical clearance. For those under 18, a signed parental consent form is mandatory.
• A reasonable level of fitness is essential as a significant portion of activities occur outdoors under the sun.
• It’s mandatory to have a yellow fever vaccination and obtain a valid certificate. It is required upon entry into Malawi. Lack of this certificate could result in entry refusal.
• Other recommended vaccines include diphtheria, Hepatitis B, Meningococcal meningitis, rabies, and typhoid. For individuals at the highest risk, selective vaccines like Cholera might be advised for consideration.

Additional Equipment

Packing List
        Clothing

• Lightweight, breathable clothing for warm weather
• Long sleeves and pants (for protection from sun and mosquitoes)
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Sandals or flip-flops
• Swimwear (for lakes or pools)
• Light jacket or sweater (for cooler evenings)
• Hat and sunglasses (for sun protection)

Documents

• Passport
• Flight info, insurance, vouchers, visas, and vaccination certificates

Health & Safety:

• Hand sanitizer, face masks (if required)
• First-aid kit (medications, sunscreen, insect repellent, rehydration tablets)

Essentials:

• Toiletries (shampoo, soap, etc.)
• Day pack, small travel towel, reusable water bottle
• Moneybelt, locks for bags
• Personal entertainment (books, cards, music player)

Optional Items:

• A small backpack for day trips.
• Waterproof bags to keep electronics safe.
• A camera or smartphone to capture memories.
• A travel journal to jot down your experiences.

For information on holidays and any programs affected, please see the following link:MW – Holidays – All Programs

Malawi is located in southeastern Africa and shares borders with Mozambique, Tanzania, and Zambia. It has a population of around 20 million people, the majority of whom live in rural areas and rely heavily on subsistence farming. The economy is primarily agricultural, with maize being the staple crop. Malawi remains one of the world’s least developed countries, and many of its communities face daily struggles related to food security, education, and healthcare. Despite these challenges, Malawi has made progress in areas such as reducing HIV prevalence and increasing school enrolment. Its capital city is Lilongwe, while other major towns include Blantyre, Mzuzu, and Zomba.

Malawi has a tropical climate with three distinct seasons: the cool dry season (May to August), the hot dry season (September to November), and the rainy season (December to April). The temperatures vary depending on altitude, with cooler weather in the highlands and hotter conditions in the low-lying areas near the lake and southern regions. Volunteers should be prepared for warm to hot days and cooler evenings, especially in the dry season. The rainy season brings lush green landscapes and supports farming, but can also cause flooding and transportation challenges in rural areas.

Malawian culture is shaped by a mix of ethnic traditions, with the Chewa being the largest ethnic group. Music, dance, and storytelling are central to community life, especially during festivals and ceremonies. Christianity is the dominant religion, followed by Islam, and traditional beliefs are also widely respected. Malawians are known for their hospitality, strong sense of community, and deep respect for elders. English is the official language, but Chichewa is the most widely spoken local language, and learning a few basic phrases can go a long way in building connections with locals. Cultural norms emphasize modesty, politeness, and a slower, more relaxed pace of life.

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