Volunteer in Madagascar

A Madagascar volunteer experience is a truly unforgettable way to explore the rich and diverse local culture as well as travelling with a difference. Whether volunteering abroad for the first time or as a returning VolSol alumnus, we can help kickstart your volunteering journey in Madagascar today! If you’re looking to make a lasting impact on our volunteer programs in Madagascar and truly become a global citizen, our teams are ready for you to get in touch and help find the perfect volunteering opportunity for you. 

The ‘how’ in how to volunteer abroad in Madagascar is a pretty simple process that our team can guide you through. The hard part is choosing a program that you want to get involved in! Our Madagascar volunteer programs offer a breadth of opportunities to work with those in need of the support and contributions you can offer. 

Our ecologists and conservationists will find themselves spoilt for choice with our selection of Madagascar volunteer projects! Marine biologists have two options: Sea Turtle Conservation in Madagascar, and Marine Conservation in Madagascar. 

The Sea Turtle Monitoring Program is a vital initiative in the fight against extinction for many turtle species. This project specifically focuses on the preservation of the critically endangered Hawksbill sea turtle, and the endangered Green sea turtle. Your tasks will change depending on the season; rainy and dry season work differs. You’ll identify species diversity and their numbers, identify egg laying sites, and maintain clean and plastic-free beaches. The relationship the project maintains with the community is key to ensuring your hard work doesn’t go to waste, so community education also plays a large part in your role! 

Fancy a dip? Our Marine Conservation program allows you to get up close and personal with marine life in their natural habitat! The project requires you to be able to dive, so having PADI certification is an added bonus, however not essential! Our project can help bring hopeful volunteers up to PADI standard for open water and advanced water diving, you just need to do the course before arriving in Madagascar. 

This program allows you to learn more in-depth about the marine life present off the island, and the crucial conservation work our partner NGO carries out in the area. Part of that work is time-series data on the biodiversity beneath the waves, monitoring the health of the coral reefs, identifying different species, and working with local fishing communities. 

If you’re not ready to get your sea legs out, you can stay on dry land and work on our Forest Conservation program. Lemurs will be the focus of your stay, being the world’s most endangered mammal and only found on Madagascar and some neighbouring islands! You will also survey the reptile and bird populations to ensure their conservation and preservation of their natural habitats. 

Our volunteer organisations in Madagascar also focus on working with the local community, supporting them in any way they can. If you’ve been hoping to volunteer in Madagascar as a teacher, our English teaching Program could be a perfect fit for you! You’ll be able to work with both children and adults, and gain a wide range of experience in teaching techniques for different age groups. You’ll be supporting language lessons at the Oceanic Research Institute, helping to facilitate cross-cultural cooperation in ocean conservation! 

Community Development is another one of our fantastic projects available in Madagascar. You’ll be able to work closely with locals and make a lasting difference to the infrastructure on Nosy Komba. Not only will you be taking part in construction projects, but you’ll also be able to deliver lessons on the importance of sanitation and good hygiene practice, allowing you to fully involve yourself and understand the issues the community faces. 

Have we piqued your interest? Good! Are you ready to get started? Even better! Volunteering in Madagascar is only a few clicks away; choose your program, click ‘Apply Now’, complete the registration process, and let us take care of the rest. Get in touch with us today for more information on how we can make your volunteering experience in Madagascar unforgettable. 

Volunteering Solutions offers a wide range of programs in over 25 destinations worldwide. In the last 17 years, we have placed over 21,000 international volunteers across various projects and internships, helping them grow personally and professionally while making a difference to the world at large. We’ve hosted teen volunteering groups as well as gap year travellers, youth volunteers as well as family volunteering groups across various destinations.

Not only do we have our experience, but we have many accreditations that attest to our excellence in the field as well as our legitimacy as a volunteering experience coordinator. We are approved by WYSE Work Abroad, Go Overseas, and many other accreditors for volunteering abroad organisations. 

We have a dedicated team that ensures that volunteers have a smooth and memorable experience, learning from their peers along the way. From the moment you inquire, through the process of clearing doubts, filling out the application, making payments, accessing the Pre-Departure Guidebook, and reaching the volunteering location followed by Program Orientation – our team supports you every step of the way. We have in-country coordinators and representatives to assist you at the project sites.

Additionally, Volunteering Solutions offers various support services, including:

• Medical and travel insurance at a nominal extra cost
• Fundraising assistance for volunteers facing financial challenges
• Weekend excursions and hikes in Madagascar
• Local transportation and airport drop-offs for a minimal extra cost

Upon completing your project, you’ll receive a Certificate of Completion, which will significantly enhance your career prospects. This experience will boost your CV/resume and expand your social network. It’s a journey you’ll cherish forever.

Volunteering Solutions also provides tailor-made projects for group volunteering (students, colleagues, or families) where people can work together and explore Madagascar most uniquely.

Our projects are based on Nosy Komba mainly, and there may be some crossover to Nosy Be! Nosy Komba and Nosy Be are two beautiful islands located off the northwest coast of Madagascar, each with its own unique charm.

Nosy Be is the larger and more developed of the two, famous for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and rich biodiversity. It’s often called the “Perfume Island” due to its production of ylang-ylang and other aromatic plants. Visitors flock to Nosy Be for its diving spots, where they can explore colourful coral reefs and swim with marine life like whale sharks and turtles.

Nosy Komba, on the other hand, is smaller and less commercialised, offering a more tranquil experience. Known for its lush landscapes and friendly lemurs, it’s a perfect spot for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle. The island is also home to local artisans who create beautiful crafts, making it a great place to pick up unique souvenirs.

Together, these islands provide a wonderful glimpse into Madagascar's natural beauty and rich culture, making them must-visit destinations for travellers seeking adventure and relaxation.

We have 5 different projects for you to choose from in Madagascar, take a look here;

• Sea Turtle Monitoring
• English teaching 
• Marine Conservation
• Community Development
• Forest Conservation 

No matter which program you choose to be a part of, you’ll definitely have an enriching experience.Programs are available for a minimum duration of 2 weeks to a maximum duration of 12 weeks. 

Think you could be a great addition to our team? Let us know if you fulfil the following requirements! 

- Be at least 18 years or older at the time of joining the project.

- Have an open mind and flexible attitude for working in a new and different environment.

- Should also be proactive and can take initiative.

- Should bring energy and enthusiasm to make a difference.

- Should be open to learning, and be friendly with everyone.

Apart from that, a Criminal Background Check Report is essential for volunteers who are joining Childcare, or Teaching programs. And you should be empathic towards the animals if you want to volunteer for wildlife conservation programs.

Our project prices start from as low as £646 for two weeks! This is what is included in the price: 

• 24 hrs Assistance and support from staff
• Comprehensive Pre- Departure Information
• Orientation
• Sleeping accommodation on camp for the program duration
• Three meals per day, seven days per week on camp
• Supervision and training by staff
• Airport pick-up in Nosy Be
• Transportation to program sites
• Travel & Medical Insurance (Available at an extra cost)
• Certificate Of Completion 

Like everywhere else around the world, volunteering in Madagascar comes for a minimal fee, which also covers your airport pickup, accommodation, and pre-departure booklet that contains all the information to get you started on your volunteering journey! Other than that, you'll also be provided with meals, pick up and drop from the project site to your accommodation, and most importantly, there will be 24/7 in-country support.

However, you can always fundraise to pay for your meaningful volunteer trip and experience the goodness of travelling abroad to make a difference.

Since our inception in 2007, we have sent over 21,000 volunteers to over 25 destinations across the world! We have much experience in providing unforgettable volunteering experiences across the world, and our excellence in the field is a testament to that!

We know what volunteers look for regarding safety and security during their stay. All of our accommodation is located in safe areas, with 24/7 support from VolSol staff. You will be provided with a full orientation about the country, the city, and the local area to ensure you are as best informed as you can be! 

Our pre-departure booklet provides comprehensive information about the do’s and don’ts of the area, and how best to respect the cultures and traditions of your destination of choice! 

Our projects are based on the island of Nosy Komba, a more rural and isolated project site than our other destinations. You may have difficulty finding items you use on a daily basis, so here are some items we suggest taking along with you:

• Microfibre towels. Towels are not provided, and microfibre towels are a great space-saving alternative to regular towels. They also dry super quickly, making them useful for beach days as well as regular use.
• Reef-safe sunscreen. Not all sunscreens are made equal! Some sunscreens contain chemicals that cause damage to reefs, and if you’re volunteering on a marine conservation program, you may undo all of your hard work! In fact, it’s a good idea to check if all of your toiletries are reef-safe. 
• A small bum bag to keep your valuables nearby and handy when on the project and in your free time! Nothing worse than having to hold your phone the whole time.

If you are working with children, it is also advisable to bring some donations to the project you will be joining. For example, colouring books, teaching materials, toys, stationery etc. You can also buy these locally to help support local vendors and small businesses. 

The best time to visit Nosy Komba is during the dry season, which runs from April to November. Specifically, from June to September, you’ll find the most pleasant weather with less humidity and minimal rainfall, making it perfect for beach activities and exploring the island's natural beauty. October can also be a good time as the weather remains warm and the sea is calm. The rainy season, from December to March, can bring heavy rains and storms, so it's best to avoid those months if possible.

We welcome volunteers from all over the world and different walks of life! We firmly believe that diversity and inclusion can only make the world a better place. We want to champion global citizens with an international vision and a deep commitment to the betterment of our society. Our volunteers should be compassionate, enthusiastic about change, diligent, and open-minded. 

Our projects cater to group volunteering in Madagascar, as well as family volunteering groups, student volunteering, gap year travellers, as well as teenage travellers looking to expand their horizons. 

You can easily apply to volunteer in Madagascar and be a part of our mission trips by following a few simple steps. Once you have decided which program you wish to join, and in which destination, you can go ahead and fill out the application form here.

You will receive a welcome email from the team, acknowledging your application. We will then send your Booking Confirmation in 7-10 working days. Once you receive your Booking Confirmation you can log into your account to view your trip details and make your final payments.

If you can’t decide which program to join, or where to travel, you can always write to us at [email protected] - and our Program Advisors will assist you.

Before travelling to Madagascar, please ensure that you meet the following general requirements: 

• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your expected return date.
• Ensure your passport has at least two blank pages for your visa and other necessary stamps upon arrival and departure.

You can get an e-Visa or a Visa on arrival. Click here for more details on the process of an e-Visa. 

If you don’t have longer than 2 weeks to spare, we can still help plan the trip of a lifetime in Madagascar! Short-term volunteering in Africa couldn’t be easier. The minimum duration of our projects in Madagascar is 2 weeks, so you can still volunteer short term and make a difference in the local community. 

With a maximum stay of 12 weeks, you can spend a quarter of the year in Madagascar on our projects! 

Our marine conservation project has a minimum duration of 4 weeks to allow you to truly see the impact you make and how your hard work will benefit marine life and the local community. Worried that you’ll find yourself bored after a while? We can assure you that there is no way this will happen, especially not in such a fascinating and diverse country as Madagascar! You have the option of multiple weekend trips and excursions to different parts of Madagascar to truly involve yourself in the malagasy way of life! 

Want to know more about what trips are available to you? Just email [email protected] for more information on this! 

Of course, when you are travelling to a new country, it’s obvious that you’d want to explore and experience the area, making the most of your journey. 

Madagascar’s biodiversity and unparalleled natural beauty make it a captivating destination for all travellers. You will spend Monday-Friday working, and the weekends will be free for you to explore Madagascar. 

Known for being the home of lemurs, the oldest primate in the world, you can spend a weekend exploring the national parks here! You’ll be able to catch a glimpse of the elusive creature, as well as marvel at the other-wordly geological structures present. 

The baobab tree has now become Madagascar’s calling card, featuring so heavily in the country’s representation! Experience it in real life, walking through the avenue of baobabs. This stretch of the trees is found in Kirindy Mitea National Park, where the trees are believed to be 800 years old. 

Nosy Komba and Nosy Be are both known for its beach culture and idyllic waters, so you can spend a weekend soaking up the rays on the Malagasy coast!