Why We Don’t Do Voluntourism — And What We Do Instead

We don’t do voluntourism. In our minds, it implies a fleetingexperience and momentary impact. In fact lot of “voluntarism” has undertones for “fixing” the world. It gives the impression that someone travels across the world, to change lives.

What if we said, “No”? That’s not it.

Here’s what we do instead.

What it’s Like on Community Projects in Malawi

Yes, you are taking part in our community projects and programmes, but it’s so much more than a moment spent planting trees or reading books with students.

Travelling to Malawi to stay with Fisherman’s Rest and taking part in our community projects is all about changing perspective and getting a deeper understanding of the world.

Making your norms shift. Spinning the world as you know it on its head.

It’s not about your impact at all. It’s more about immersing yourself in another culture, another place, in what feels like another time.

Learning.

Allowing yourself, your thoughts, and your life to be challenged.

And if you let yourself, you’ll be changed.

Changed on a deep and undefinable level that’ll influence your decision-making, your choices, and your reasoning.

We’ve heard about cultural trips where you found:

• Smiling photo ops with people whose stories you never really heard
• A luxury-separate-from-reality itinerary that made you feel more like a tourist than you’d ever thought possible
• You’re left with a lingering question: “Did this actually have a purpose — or did I just tell myself I’m being helpful?”

It really is time we move all that baggage aside and search for something that not only feels real, but is real.

So what’s different about our trips?

If you were to only learn ONE thing about Fisherman’s Rest Lodge and Community Projects.

It’s that projects have been established for 30+ years, and hosting groups came in second. That’s how we invite you into everyday life and not a volunteer experience or “voluntourism”.

People wanted to connect with the projects we did; they wanted to experience Malawi on a deeper level.

And the staff team in Malawi were all too happy to dive in and show people the real, raw and beautiful side of Malawi that most people miss.

The parts you don’t see in 5* luxury. Or a tour.

We serve people who want:

More integrity in their travel. More intimacy with each experience. More impact on lives, because they’re experiencing something pre-existing and sustainable.

Don’t just take it from us!

“I knew we were going to see and experience Malawi, but I NEVER imagined the depth of connection I’ve had here and the community and people who’ve welcomed us as family. There are no words to describe it, you have to come here and experience it.” – Caroline Griffiths

What we don’t do:

✅ “drop in” — you’re invited into an ongoing relationship with people in Malawi that outlasts your visit.
✅ photos of people — we sit with them. Laugh and cry at the absurdity of life together.
✅ sugarcoat poverty — but we don’t exploit it either.
✅ tell kids to be grateful — we let them witness lives that expand their own.

Here’s what Emyr shared with us after experiencing Malawi.

“I knew about Fisherman’s Rest Community Projects before I visited. I’ve been on the mailing list for years. I sponsor a student at the local school. But it wasn’t until I got here that I realised just how much you do and how much of an impact the team and staff make on a day-to-day basis. It’s remarkable.”  Emyr-Wynne Jones

This isn’t voluntourism or a bucket list experience.

It’s a remarkable belief shift (that only you can discover!)

For you.
For your children.

Everyone on our team wants you to experience an unedited version of Malawi, where a visit is all about participation and conversation.

And for the first time in years?
You travel, and you don’t just give of yourself, your time and your energy.
You really do feel it.

📅 Ready to join us in Malawi?

🌍 Explore trips or book your place here