Fat Monkeys is a small, family run lodge in Cape Maclear, Malawi. It is one of the most travelled locations in Malawi, the entire economy is centred around catering to tourists from all over the world.

But this tourism has come to an abrupt end due to Covid-19. 

As the situation is easing in other places of the world, and businesses are re-opening, in Malawi we are only seeing the beginning of the pandemic and it’s impact on our local communities and businesses.

We, Fat Monkey’s management, have co-produced a plan with staff to work reduced hours, for reduced salary to try to ensure an income for the 30 members of our staff for as long as possible. Staff who have all been with us for many years, and who we deeply care about.

In Malawi there are no unemployment benefits, no furlough and no support for businesses or individuals.

All the 30 staff support their wider family who both live in the local community and in the surrounding areas. As paid jobs are rare, and the majority of people survive through farming or fishing. 

Our estimations are up to 450 people in total rely on the income which we provide to these families.

We cannot afford to pay staff salaries for much longer, reserve finances are running out and it is coming to the point staff will be made redundant and our long-standing business will have to close its doors. 

But, in the spirit of our staff taking reduced hours and pay cuts - we are going to do everything we can for our staff and their families. 

At the reduced staff hours we need £5000 to provide salaries and running costs for 3 more months. 

We hope, after 4 more months, the situation will improve and tourists will start to return to this beautiful place and pick up the local economy. 

We just need to provide our staff with an income and keep them in their jobs until then.

If you are able to donate to support us and our staff it will be appreciated more than you could ever imagine. 

Thank you, 

The Fat Monkeys family.