The Department of Parks and Wildlife organized a trip to Malawi’s Mumbo Island for five university students to learn about environmentally sensitive waste management.

The Department of Parks and Wildlife chose Mumbo as the best example of a tourist facility in a National Park where waste management is handled perfectly.

Kayak Africa manager, Joseph Kamanje accompanied the students throughout, explaining how all waste generated is transferred from the island to the mainland for recycling. Even the waste from the dry compost toilets is buried on the mainland and used a year later as compost for tree planting. Kitchen waste is separated into organic waste and plastics and tins and these are also recycled back on the mainland. The students were fascinated to see how Mumbo staff members recycle wine bottles by cutting them into drinking glasses and candle protectors used on the island and sold to other lodges in Cape Maclear.

The trip was rated as “highly educational” by the students, who said they would now be sure to pass their exam with flying colours!