Karl with a Vervet Monkey in Lilongwe, Malawi

In 2007, I had a great opportunity to work in Malawi to provide work with the Lilongwe Wildlife Centre. I was originally tasked with setting up a technical infrastructure at the Wildlife Centre which was due to last for two weeks.  I fell in love with the place and stayed for another two months working directly with the rescue animals and local villagers.  When you have a chance to get away from the surroundings of your natural environment and work somewhere like Malawi in the heart of the Rift Valley surrounded by nature, it really strikes a chord!

Malawian children on an educational at the wildlife centre

There’s no denying it – riding on the back ledge of a pick-up truck knowing that you’ll be spending the working day building safe environments for rescued monkeys, chopping up 15 kilos of fruit for feeding time, and constructing education centres does feel more fulfilling that a day in the office!  I love all of my work, otherwise I wouldn’t be doing it… but there’s something special about spending two months looking after monkeys, baboons, a leopard, and a hyena that you just don’t get when you’re sat with an athlete!

The river with crocodiles. This photo was taken from where we set up camp

One of the most rewarding parts of my time there was the opportunity to see life from the core of Africa.  I spent some time living in a makeshift camp in a woodland surrounded by hyena and a river populated by crocodiles… and I loved it!

My experience in Malawi was definitely an eye-opener.  It has given me a whole new slant on life and certainly makes me appreciate what I have in life.  Of course material possessions are great to have, but I now know that I could just as well survive with some sticks, an axe, and a few mangos, and I would be just as happy as I am now!