Sunset in Malawi on Broadreach conservation trip
High School Adventures

Malawi Malawi Wildlife Conservation

Explore the unique ecosystems of the Warm Heart of Africa – from tracking cheetahs across dry mimbo woodlands to snorkeling among the colorful cichlids of Lake Malawi. We will work alongside local scientists to learn hands-on wildlife research and conservation skills, filling our days with fieldwork, wildlife sanctuary activities, and unforgettable encounters with Malawi’s rich and unspoiled biodiversity.

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high school students observe wildlife in Malawi on Broadreach conservation program
high school students conduct research on wildlife in Malawi on Broadreach conservation program
elephants spotted on Malawi wildlife conservation program

Program Highlights

  • Work hands-on with sanctuary staff to assist in animal care tasks and behavioral observations of monkeys, baboons, pangolins and more.
  • Participate in real-world conservation fieldwork, including telemetry tracking of lions and cheetahs, deploying and collecting camera traps, and conducting elephant ID and behavior monitoring drives.
  • Wind through colorful fabric markets and engage in a traditional Malawian cooking class with welcoming locals.
  • Kayak through groves of colorful fish, stop at the island to take a dip in the turquoise waters of lake Malawi, the fourth largest freshwater lake in the world!
PROGRAM DATESCOSTAVAILABILITY
June 16 - June 30, 2026$6,780Opens 9/15*Enroll Now

*Enrollment open now for alumni only, general enrollment opens 9/15.

Malawi: Wildlife Conservation

2

Credits Available

10

Service Hours

Two natural science credits available through our partner university.

Course description: Explore Malawi’s rich biodiversity through hands-on fieldwork in its forests, grasslands, and freshwater ecosystems. From tracking wildlife in Liwonde National Park to studying endemic fish in Lake Malawi, students will learn conservation biology, field research techniques, and species management alongside local scientists, gaining the skills to design their own conservation plan.

Course objectives:

  • Understand and apply core principles of conservation biology.
  • Analyze wildlife behavior and ecology through hands-on field study.
  • Assess threats like poaching and explore mitigation strategies with conservation experts.
  • Apply advanced techniques used to recover endangered species.
  • Conduct and evaluate field research using professional methods.
  • Examine the cultural and ecological value of biodiversity in Malawi.
  • Explore how social and cultural factors influence conservation outcomes.
  • Create a species conservation plan using established frameworks and terminology.

10 hours of service learning through hands-on projects at a wildlife sanctuary, including trail maintenance, environmental clean-up, and creating educational signage for public use.

Requirements:

  • Available to students completing grades 9-12. No additional experience necessary.

Itinerary

Days 1-4

Get Hands-On at the Frontlines of Wildlife Rescue in Malawi

Begin your conservation journey at Lilongwe Wildlife Centre, where you’ll get an insider’s view of Malawi’s leading wildlife rescue and rehabilitation facility. Roll up your sleeves to help with essential sanctuary tasks like preparing animal feeds, cleaning enclosures, creating enrichment, and observing animal behavior. You’ll also visit with a Wildlife Detection Dog Unit to explore the frontline of conservation justice and the fight against illegal wildlife trade, with a special focus on pangolins, the world’s most trafficked mammal.


Days 5-9

Track Big Cats and Elephants in Malawi’s Premier National Park

Travel to the iconic Liwonde National Park, where you’ll use your new knowledge to dive into hands-on wildlife conservation. Learn to use telemetry and GPS to track lions and cheetahs, collect and analyze camera trap data, and assist with elephant identification and behavior monitoring. You’ll also conduct herbivore transects, explore the impacts of human-wildlife conflict, and contribute directly to real conservation efforts—all while surrounded by some of Malawi’s most stunning natural landscapes.


Days 10-12

From Bush to Beach: Culture, Kayaks, and Cichlids on Lake Malawi

Trade the bush for the beach as you head to the shores of Lake Malawi and settle into the laid-back village of Cape Maclear. Dive into local culture with a hands-on Malawian cooking class, then paddle crystal-clear waters by kayak and snorkel among colorful cichlids at Otter Point. Hike through Lake Malawi National Park with a local guide, explore vibrant markets and lakeside trails, and soak up the sun on a boat excursion.


Days 13-15

Hike Through History: Ancient Art, Highland Trails, and a Farewell to Malawi

Depart from Cape Maclear to scale the granite hills of the high plateau miombo woodlands. We will find ancient rock art from the late Stone Age, at least 30,000 years ago. Learn about how conservation of culture and land intertwine. On our way back to the city we stop at Nkhoma mountain, the vista view at the top allows us to say goodbye to Malawi one more time.