Wildlife conservation holidays are an ever popular way of doing something unusual yet rewarding. Whether you are a student looking for a gap year adventure, a worker desperate for a sabbatical to refresh yourself, or a grown up gapper wanting to give something back, this form of ethical tourism can provide you with that exotic and fulfilling experience you’ve been searching for. However if you have always agreed with W.C. Fields’ famous sentiment ‘never work with animals’, you are probably thinking that a wildlife conservation holiday is the wrong choice for you. Think again however, as the Born Wild programme could be just what you are looking for.
Bucking the trends of other wildlife conservation holidays, the Born Wild programme combines aspects of conservation, community and sports. In the heart of Malawi, you will find yourself immersed in awe inspiring wildlife one day, and caught up in the fascinating traditions of local village life the next. The perfect cocktail of animals and people, every day of this experience will be different and challenging, as you are plunged into the culture and lifestyle of a different country.
Conservation
Many aspects of the Born Wild programme are similar to those of other wildlife conservation holidays; work out in the field with experienced researchers to identify herds, families and species of animals and birds that you only ever dreamt that you would see in a zoo. Or perhaps you prefer a more hands on approach, in which case you might find yourself working on erosion control, or the building and developing of agricultural plots and irrigation methods. If, in an unexpected moment of nostalgia, you find yourself missing the ardours of education or work, enjoy learning something new – for example, the principles of crop diversification or organic farming and sharing this knowledge with local farmers.
Community
Described as ‘the warm heart of Africa,’ Malawi is renowned for its friendly inhabitants. Make the most of their welcoming and fascinating traditions as you visit their local schools, orphanages and businesses. Showing you a different side of the country to the traditional wildlife conservation holidays, this part of the Born Wild programme gives you the chance to teach people new skills and help to improve their quality of life. Offer them your knowledge of business, as you educate them in the basics of book keeping, or assist them with basic business plans. Or make the most of your own schooling by giving them the most basic educational, music or dance lessons. If you find your heart strings sufficiently tugged upon, you might find yourself contributing to youth and social work, or the AIDS awareness training so vital in local schools. A far cry from the work that you do at home, this is a wonderfully enriching and educational experience.
Sports
Imagine a world where every other Wednesday is not spent at a University lacrosse game, or Saturday afternoons are not dedicated to watching your son play football from the sidelines. The benefits of sport to a community are widely recognised, not only in improving health but also in changing attitudes towards teamwork. Help to enrich these communities with the basics of sports such as hand eye coordination, and then watch with a sense of satisfaction as they take on netball, soccer or volleyball training. Feel the benefits as you see a community brought together by activities that we so often take for granted.
Wildlife conservation holidays are often seen as revolving around the protection of vulnerable species, but humans can be vulnerable too; the Born Wild programme is bursting with opportunities to partake in exciting and rewarding opportunities that are of enormous benefit to both animals and communities in Malawi. So leave the drudgery of your daily routine behind you as you take off for a wildlife conservation holiday like no other.
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