Volunteer in Madagascar

How You Can Help

Looking for an exotic destination to give back? Choose Madagascar. Giving service and working in this country will be a life changing experience. Large international organisations like the WWF have been helping on the ground and there are also wildlife charities accepting international participants.

Projects can be joined in the capital - Antananarivo and also more remote areas of the country. Fianarantsoa, a city in the South of the country is also a popular place to be based. There are lots of environmental protection and awareness, artistic and musical development through youth engagement, rural community development and building initiatives and also animal projects available to join.

If you love nature and wildlife then you will have the most amazing experience of your life by joining a comunity, conservation or wildlife volunteer program in Madagascar.

Conservation & Volunteering with Wildlife & Lemurs in Madagascar

Madagascar is home to 5% of the world’s plants and animals, and more than 80% of those cannot be found anywhere else in the world. The most famous of these animals is the lemur, but unfortunately they are in danger of becoming extinct due to deforestation. Less than 10% of the original forest cover actually exists today. If you’re inspired to help with the plight of the lemurs, there are plenty of organisations needing volunteers to redistribute animals back into the wild, manage forest environments and even inform local government about the conservation needs here.

This destination is probably most famous for being featured in the 2005 Dream Works film 'Madagascar' which highlighted the various exotic animals which inhabit the island. If you apply to join conservation projects in Madagascar you will be able to play a key role in helping preserve forests and animals. Types of species you might be working with include exotic bird species and also lemurs. There are also marine conservation projects available where you can live in a spectacular setting on the coast of the Indian Ocean. Tasks will include working to monitor and research the local coral reefs with the aim of protecting marine life, you might get to go on excursions, swimming and diving to record data and helping local staff.

Community Development Volunteer Programs in Madagascar

There is a population of around 22 million people in Madagascar and around 50% of people live below the poverty line - this might be a shock if the only images you have of Madagascar are beautiful beaches and wildlife. You can join group initiatives helping to improve lives and infrastructure providing a better future, there are also skilled / non-skilled medical and healthcare placements available where you will be able to work directly with people and alongside locally employed staff.

Group building and construction placements are very popular where you can make a lasting impression by helping build schools, community centres and also better housing. You can also apply for teaching placements where you will help school children aged 4+ learn in a fun environment, children are very friendly and will ask you lots of questions about where you come. You will usually help for around 20 hours per week on community projects with evenings and weekends free to relax or explore.

Accommodation

Home-stay, shared housing and hotel/hostel style accommodation is available. Homestays are very popular, hosts are chosen based on their interest in a cultural exchange. We search for locals who are motivated to learn about other cultures by hosting international volunteers in their home. You may live with a family, an individual, or local students. Two meals per day, breakfast and dinner, are usually provided.

How to Apply

If you would like to help communities, wildlife and nature then consider signing up to volunteer in exotic Madagascar. Madagascar is a difficult country to just turn up and help, most placements are organised by large international charities/organisations in conjunction with local NGO's and you will need to book a place in advance. These experiences usually come part of a package which include accommodation, meals, training, transfers, a donation and in-country support.

You will get a dedicated experinced in-country team providing assistance and help to international volunteers looking to integrate into the local community, within a supportive environment. The price can vary depending on the program and lenght of time you are looking to join for. You can apply by searching our featured placements above. You might also like to view all of our volunteer programs in Africa.

Volunteer in Madagascar for Free

It is difficult to find free opportunities in Madagascar and you won't be able to get a paid position unless you are working directly for a large organisation leading programs. There are organisations which offer low cost programs where you pay a sign up fee, this can be the best way to go if you are looking to save money. Also remember sometimes it is best signing up for a structured experience as paying for accommodation independently can be expensive. If you would like to help in a medical / healthcare / teaching capacity you might want to apply with Mada Clinics - they run rural projects which are free to join in rural areas helping local people.

Madagascar Volunteer Reviews

If you have ever volunteered in Madagascar and would like to share your experiences, rate your program or give advice to future participants please contact us.

"I joined a construction volunteer program in Madagascar with IVHQ who were a lot cheaper than similar organizations. I had always wanted to volunteer in Africa and this experience changed me for the better. I met some amazing people including international volunteers and local people and would urge anyone if you have the opportunity just go for it." - Jacob, Canada