The Orbis Conservation Challenge
Purpose: Lake Conservation
2024 Dates Coming Soon…
The Orbis Conservation Challenge
Join Miranda Krestovnikoff and her family for an adventure to Lake Malawi and Liwonde National Park. An immersive look at lakeside life in the Warm Heart of Africa followed by time spent on riverboat safaris, 4 x 4 game drives and tracking wildlife on foot.
2024 Headliner - Miranda Krestovnikoff
“In the last 20 years I have presented television and radio stories around the world, on environmental issues, travel, wreck diving, fine foods, metal detecting, classical music, local history and marine conservation, but my real passion is exploring the wildlife I see around me from day to day.
Through my work on and off screen, I hope to convey my love for our environment and the need for effective conservation and my desire to connect people with the world and the wildlife around them.”
Miranda will be joined by her two children Amélie (18 yrs) and Oliver (15 yrs)
Summary
Your first few days will be spent in the hustle and bustle of Chembe village, a lakeside community on the Southern Shores of Lake Malawi. Explore the street side markets, kayak to Otters Point or join Miranda and her family as they visit a local school, learn more about lake conservation and visit village based projects trying to recycle plastic and empower local womens groups. Miranda will be diving too and would love you to join her as she swims with the Cyclid Fish, learning more about these beautiful mouth brooders, and the fascinating ecosystems in which they thrive. After a night on Domwe/Mumbo Island you will head to the wilds of Liwonde National Park and spend two days under canvas, discovering the incredible wildlife via river boat, 4 x 4 land rover and on a walking safari.
Highlights
Discovering the winding sandy tracks of Chembe Village.
Your first sundowner on the beach of Lake Malawi.
Diving with the Cyclid Fish.
Joining the Malawian children for a day at school.
Sleeping on Domwe/Mumbo Island.
Watching herds of elephant on the banks of The Shire River.
Sunrise in the wilds of Liwonde National Park.
The smells, sounds, sights of your evening safari drive.
The stars, stories and memories around the campfire at the end of another brilliant day.
Purpose
Our Purpose for this years expedition is Lake Conservation. We have teamed up with Ripple Africa to support their mission to help conserve the fish reserves in the lake.
Ripple Africa work hand in hand with local lakeshore communities, asking them what can be done to protect their lake and food source. They create small working groups within fishing communities who come up with solutions that will work for them and conserve this precious source of food and business for the lake side villages.
In 2021 Ripple Africa are extending their operations to include Cape Maclear and we will be joining one of their community groups to learn more about their work. To find out more please visit their website. (Fundraising page to be set up 3 months prior to travel.
“The Orbis challenge for me was the most amazing thing I have ever done....the experiences, memories and friends I have made will last a life time. Seeing the different culture and way of life in Malawi was a real eye opener for me and puts a different perspective on life for sure. Truly happy people who don’t have a lot but make the most of what life has given them. ”
Expedition Outline
Day 1: Arrive and Transfer to Cape Maclear
Day 2: Village acclimatisation and market day
Day 3: School activities, first dive
Day 4: Village project visit, second dive
Day 5: Kayak to Domwe Island, beach lunch, sleep under the stars
Day 6: Dive site three, transfer mainland and onto safari.
Day 7: Wildlife Safari. River/Game Drive/Walking
Day 8: Depart or further travel
What to expect from The Orbis Conservation Challenge
Your Team: All our teams are hand picked and by application only. We want you to know what to expect and to be passionate about your expedition. Your team will be between 15-25 people and will be supported by our local Orbis Team.
Your Accommodation: We aim to provide you with a mix of accommodation types. Expect youth hostels, eco-island retreats, canvas tents…all accommodation has mosquito nets, and good sanitation.
Health and Safety: Malawi has malaria and we strongly suggest you take anti malarials, Lake Malawi also has areas where bilharzia is present. We only dive/swim in areas that are regularly tested and free from bilharzia. Please contact us for further health and safety or see our FAQ guide.
Activities: We pack it in! Each day will be filled of things to get involved in. We know Malawi inside out and try and eek out the days from dawn to dusk. We can shift things around and tailor your days to suit your interests so if you have wish list then do let us know.
Local Travel: We are specialists in local travel. We want you to learn as you travel and really get a sense of why Malawi is known as The Warm Heart of Africa. Our guides know everyone and they love to push you just a little out of your confort zone so you can get the most out of your local travel experiences. See our purpose for further info.
Your Support Team: Our home is in Malawi and our local team of guides and support staff will become an integral part of your team. They are there to make sure you are supported throughout your expedition but also to translate, educate and choose the best tunes for the road trips too!
Our team in 2018 chat about their experience taking on the inaugural Sport with a Purpose Orbis Challenge in Malawi.
Watch Dame Kelly Holmes as she takes on The Orbis Challenge - Sport with a Purpose event in Malawi. 2018.
Dame Kelly Holmes talks about her experience on The 2018 Orbis Challenge- Sport with a Purpose event.
Stay a little longer.
We want to show you every bit of this region of Africa because it is simply amazing! Let us know how many days you can add on and we can help you plan- take a local guide or pick up car and head off on a self drive adventure.
Wildlife Safari
We would recommend two add on nights at the beautiful Majete Wildlife Reserve. The reserve now has The Big Five and offers a combination of 4 x 4 game drives and river boat safaris. The lions are a highlight!
Lake Malawi
The Lake of Stars. Eco-Lodges for luxury retreat, back packers for some local action, kayaking adventures or scuba diving courses with the Cyclid Fish, the lake is an essential part of your Malawi to-do list. Our favourite place is Mumbo Island!
Purpose
Use your time in Malawi to Travel with a Purpose. Get involved with one of our linked communities, share your business skills with a Malawian entrepreneur or visit a local family on our village homestay air b n b scheme.
Adventure
We want you to see the whole country! And if you have the time then do head North. Northern Malawi is beautiful, wild, an adventurers paradise. National Parks, Plateaus, Lake shore and stunning rural communities. Explore by 4 x 4 self drive, guided or motorbike!
Further Information
Costs, Inclusions and Payment
Travelling to hidden gems of the world can be pricey. Your tourism dollars go miles in Africa and provide employment for our Malawian staff. suppliers and support for our community links. Our prices are competitive whilst also reflecting the incredible Orbis service you get pre/post travel and the back up support we offer during your time in Malawi. So dig deep…it will be worth it- stay as long as you can!
The cost of The Orbis Conservation Challenge is £2,300 (excluding flights). Flights are around £600-£900- we can help you source these if needed. This price covers everything in country - all accommodation, activities, guides, porters and food. Your tips, visas and drinks (alcohol) are additional.
You need a 20% deposit to secure your place. From there we will try and be as flexible as we can with a payment plan that suits you.
