MAKE A DIFFERENCE, LEARN NEW SKILLS, LIVE IN THE BUSH: A LIWONDE VOLUNTEER’S EXPERIENCE
University student Max White reflects on his time on a research volunteer placement in Liwonde National Park.
Making a difference, learning new skills and living in the bush was exactly what I wanted from a volunteering experience. I settled on a placement in Liwonde National Park in Malawi with the Lilongwe Wildlife Trust. The focus of the placement was monitoring species of special concern.

I spent three weeks on the programme, and I wasn’t ready to leave when the day finally rolled around. I had the chance to be ‘on safari’ daily, observing the species of Liwonde whilst also learning about data entry, camera trapping and finding out how these help to inform conservation strategy.
It was a real privilege to spend time in Liwonde – the animals are beautiful, the scenery is mind-blowing and the people made the whole experience even more special.
Nature is, of course, unpredictable and I did not know what would be in store, but the programme exceeded my expectations.
To anyone out there, at any age and career stage or path, who might be tempted, I would highly encourage you to go ahead and book on!