Overview
Volunteer in Madagascar

If you’re looking at African expeditions, why not live in one of the most beautiful and remote parts of Madagascar to work with village communities and Malagasy biologists on this multi award-winning scheme. 80% of Madagascar’s wildlife is unique to the island but in danger of disappearing as the needs of extreme poverty clash with Madagascar’s conservation needs… this is where the project comes in.

This program focuses sensitively on local needs, with diverse project work in three categories: sustainable livelihoods, health and sanitation, and environment. It provides volunteers with wonderful opportunities to get involved in all sorts of great volunteer work, including building and construction, wildlife research, teaching, promotion of ecotourism and much more, being immersed in the fascinating Malagasy culture.

View Film Footage, images, blogs, volunteer stories from the field, volunteer video diaries and more at the programs media centre

Quite possibly the best thing I’ve done in my entire life

Rac Farnsworth, 2007 volunteer

What Difference Does This Project Make?

Madagascar is one of the world’s top conservation priorities. Eighty percent of its plant and animal species are found nowhere else on earth, but poverty poses an enormous threat. With 70% of the population below the poverty line and little access to clean drinking water, help is needed now. In the past five years, pioneers working with established teams have increased access to water and sanitation by 30%. Thousands of trees have been planted, schools have been built in remote communities and income-generating projects, such as beehives and vegetable gardens, have spread across the region.

Highlights

Work with experienced development and conservation professionals on the ground; working in remote areas with impoverished local communities on projects that they have requested; getting the chance to sample a wide range of project initiatives, from building schools to working with scientists planting critically endangered palms; getting fantastic vocational experience in sustainable development; having a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the fascinating Malagasy culture.

Location

Set in the Indian Ocean, Madagascar - the world's fourth largest island - has a colourful and unique human culture, as well as breathtaking natural scenery and flora and fauna found nowhere else on Earth (some 80% of Madagascar’s wildlife is endemic to the island).

Field Conditions

Volunteers camp for the duration of the scheme in some of the most beautiful campsites in the world. Food is simple, but tasty and nutritionally balanced. Whilst working in the remoter villages, toilets are 'long drop' and showers are cold; while at the campsite in Fort Dauphin, conditions are less basic and electricity is available. Volunteers should be prepared for physical work, adventurous road journeys, and sometimes long walks to reach remote and beautiful project sites. The work and lifestyle is challenging, but incomparably rewarding. You will be both part of a team and part of an interface with the local community, with its fascinating culture.