Volunteer in Malawi

30 Years Experience

IVI is an Australian charity & non profit organisation founded in 1989 and is one of the pioneers of overseas volunteering successfully placing over 20,000 volunteers globally.  We accept volunteers from all over the world and place them in meaningful overseas missions.  

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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.

Mangochi is a lively lakeside town in southern Malawi, perfect for those looking to soak up local culture and enjoy easy access to Lake Malawi’s beaches. Known for its colourful markets, friendly locals, and mix of Muslim and Christian traditions, it’s a great base for exploring nearby fishing villages and scenic resorts. It offers a unique blend of cultural experiences, access to nearby beaches and wildlife areas, and a chance to engage with welcoming local communities in a region rich in natural beauty.

You will be accommodated at our centre in simple, shared rooms of 4-8 people of single gender. Western-style flush toilets are available, and laundry facilities are limited, so expect to wash your clothes by hand. Bucket and brushers provided. Wifi is not included so please buy a local sim if you need data. Fans and bed linen are provided.
We encourage mindful use of resources like water, electricity, and paper. In Mangochi, electricity runs at 230V with a 50Hz frequency, using Type G plugs (around 15 amps), so please bring the right adapters and converters for your devices.

There are numerous local transportation options, including mini-vans, and taxis, that run every 30 minutes to the centre of Mangochi. The downtown area of Mangochi, which is about 20 to 30 minutes’ drive from the centre, has ATMs and Western Union transfer services. There are local stores close by that can be reached on foot in just 5–10 minutes.

3 meals per day are included during your volunteer stay (2 at weekends). 

Malawian cuisine is simple and hearty, with most meals centered around nsima—a thick porridge made from maize flour, served with vegetables, beans, or meat. Other common dishes include chambo (a type of fish from Lake Malawi), sweet potatoes, cassava, and rice. Street food like fried dough balls (mandasi) and grilled corn is popular and inexpensive. Meals are often shared with family or guests, and hospitality plays a big role in daily life. Volunteers will likely experience both traditional home-cooked meals and local food markets, gaining a taste of the region’s flavours and customs.

Volunteers are strongly encouraged to take up the 1 week introduction to Malawi to ease volunteers into the lifestyle and pace of Malawi. You will get to know your town and it’s facilities and everything required to make your stay comfortable. Most volunteers benefit greatly from having a deeper understanding of the local culture, language and customs before commencing your chosen project.  

The introduction week is not mandatory however so for those who want to get straight into it, no problem, a brief orientation will be provided, showing you the local area and explaining the general norms/ do’s and don’ts, etc.

An arrival airport pickup is included in the cost of your placement. . Accommodation on the Sunday is included in the program fees. Arrivals are on Saturdays and Sundays (please check the individual project for the pickup window times, as they can differ). 

If arriving outside the pickup times we can arrange a private transfer and extra nights accommodation, depending on availability, or you can make your own way to the project. 

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.

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