Want to host during the festival? Apply here!

The Dzaleka Homestay Program is a community-based tourism initiative in Dzaleka Refugee Camp, Malawi. This program helps in building the capacity of refugees, create business and job opportunities within the camp, and promote social cohesion between refugees, local and international guests.

The program transforms Dzaleka Refugee Camp into a tourist destination by showcasing its multiculturalism, rich diversity, and the resilient, inspiring stories of the people who live there. We train refugee hosts in skills such as safety and security, entrepreneurship, tour guiding, and fine and performing arts, enabling them to generate income by offering various services to guests. This helps to improve housing conditions and the overall livelihoods of refugees throughout the camp.

Check out the frequently asked questions below, and don’t hestitate to contact us at !

Tumaini Letu Guest Homestay FAQ

1. What is the Tumaini Letu Homestay Program?

The homestay program connects festival visitors with refugee families in Dzaleka Refugee Camp, offering a unique opportunity to experience daily life, culture, and hospitality within the community while attending the Tumaini Festival.

2. What makes this program unique?

Unlike hotels or guesthouses, the homestay offers a chance to connect directly with refugee families, learn their stories, enjoy authentic meals, and contribute to intercultural exchange and understanding.

3. Who can join the homestay program?

Anyone attending the Tumaini Festival is welcome to participate, whether traveling alone, with friends, or in a group.

4. How are host families selected?

Host families are carefully chosen by Tumaini Letu for their hospitality, safety, willingness to welcome visitors, and having an extra room available for guests.

5. Is it safe to stay in a homestay at the camp?

Yes. Families are vetted to ensure safety, and hosts are trained in how to host guests. Please contact us at dzalekahomestay@gmail.com if you have specific concerns or questions about your stay.

6. What can I expect during my stay?

You’ll stay in a family home, share one daily meal with your host (what they would normally eat), and take part in everyday activities. Facilities are basic: toilets are usually squat, pit-style, and showers are typically bucket showers. Most homes don’t have refrigerators, and not all have electricity.

7. What meals are included?

One meal per day is included, prepared by your host family. For other meals, you’re free to explore the many restaurants in the camp, which offer chapati, Congolese and Ethiopian cuisine, BBQ, rice, nsima, and even smoothies. You may be able to prepare food, depending on the home.

8. How long can I stay with a host family?

Most visitors stay for the duration of the Tumaini Festival (2–3 nights), but longer stays can arranged – and not just during the festival! Please contact dzalekahomestay@gmail.com for more information.

9. How much does it cost?

The program costs $20 USD per person per night. $15 goes directly to the host family, and $5 supports the recruitment, training, and management of the program.