Project African Wilderness: Mwabvi People

PEOPLE OF MWABVI

Meet the People of Mwabvi

Malawi is one of the few places in Africa where you can visit a rural community and meet the local people in a relaxed atmosphere devoid of any pressure or expectation; this has enabled PAW to increasingly incorporate the local population within its conservation efforts bringing significant benefits to both sides.

The people that surround Mwabvi are not ‘genuine tribesmen’ in exotic traditional dress, or hunter-gatherers eking out an existence in some pristine wilderness. They are in the main simple farmers living in close-knit rural communities who are happy to share their lives with visitors, and volunteers.

PAW offers a village experience, always optional and always attuned to the sensibilities of both traveller and villager alike, which can take a variety of forms, such as a straightforward visit to a village with a local guide to lead you through the traditional customs and courtesies, to a bike ride to a school to listen to the local children’s choir. As well as providing a glimpse into a world that is only too often seen from a passing car window, we believe that these contacts foster greater understanding of the challenges facing the developing world and give a better perspective as to how a tourist or volunteer can play a part in making a difference down at the grassroots level.