Trip Details

Wildlife Conservation Volunteer in Madagascar

Fed a lemur recently? If, like 99% of the population, the answer is ‘no’ then perhaps this project will whet your appetite for a furry adventure! Join the TRU team in LEMURIA LAND; a private, species rehabilitation centre for lemurs, in the heart of Madagascar. As a volunteer, you’ll be responsible for the care and wellbeing of these sweet, docile – and, sadly, endangered, creatures.

Care for Lemurs as a Volunteer in LEMURIA LAND

Each day you’ll be looking after the lemurs, cleaning their cages, gathering their favourite nibbles from the forest, and feeding them. So, as an animal lover, this is as ‘hands-on’ as any job can be! (It’s hard work but someone’s got to do it:).   However,  you will also learn about why they are endangered, and importantly, what we can do for the wider endangered species on our planet. And we hope that you will take this knowledge home, sharing it with others to keep making a difference in the world!

Adventure awaits You in Madagascar!

During your stay, you’ll experience the beautiful beaches, canyons, waterfalls and, of course, rainforests of Madagascar. However, there are also plenty of places to relax with your new friends at your accommodation in Nosy Be. Truly, Madagascar is an incredibly special place, and it’s said that those who visit leave a little of their hearts here; in fact, many of the centre’s staff have made it their life vocation. And we’re sure you’ll understand why, when you come and volunteer here in Madagascar!

Why be a Wildlife Conservation Volunteer in Madagascar?

  • Learn all about the conservation of Lemurs and other endangered creatures
  • Deepen your understanding of our impact as humans on our planet
  • Explore Madagascar with new friends and fellow volunteers
  • Experience the most amazing beaches, forests, waterfalls and mountains
  • Stay in our safe and comfortable accommodation with Wifi included
  • Enjoy Malagasy cuisine, with all meals and beverages* included

*tea, coffee and drinking water

Get in touch to find out more or browse through our many other volunteer experiences.

Trip Itinerary

In this exciting conservation volunteer program, you will be involved in preserving Madagascan wildlife, with plenty of time in between looking after lemurs, to enjoy and explore your magnificent surroundings.

Monday to Friday

On Monday, you will meet LEMURIA LAND’s team and be introduced to your furry friends for the week!

8:30 to 10:00 a.m – each day will begin by cleaning the lemurs’ cages.

You will then collect fruits and green leaves for the lemurs, and will also get to prepare their feed and feed them.  Once the lemurs have had their lunch, you will have yours – a picnic each day at 12:00 noon, with a further break at 2 pm.

4:45 p.m – the day is done! Once you have taken the lemurs back to their cages, you will be taken back to the volunteer centre, where you can enjoy the rest of your day.

Please note:

Cost of transport to locations is not included, but will usually be around £1.50 per day.

This schedule can be changed depending on weather conditions and unforeseen circumstances.

Evenings and Weekends

At the end of a rewarding day, you can choose to explore the area or simply kick back with your new-found friends back at your accommodation. Many of our volunteers plan their exciting weekend adventures together!

Places to Visit

With all-year-round sunshine, Nosy Be is a paradise for water activities. The golden beaches are the highlights of Nosy be where you can swim, snorkel or just sit back and enjoy the sunshine. These are some of our favourite beaches …

  • Palm Beach
  • Andilana Beach
  • Ambatoloaka Beach

Trip Accommodation

Nosy Be, where you will be staying, is an idyll for nature lovers! You will find lemurs, unique bird species, reptiles. and many other animals, including some pretty spectacular plant species!

And for the explorers amongst you, there are volcanic lakes, hikes, rum distilleries, Ylang Ylang plantations and breathtaking coral reefs that are practically begging to be discovered!

Further, if you come in May, you’ll enjoy the four-day Donia Music Festival. However, all year round you will have the opportunity to swim among turtles, stingrays or manta rays. This is truly an adventure you will not forget!

About the Accommodation

In our centre, there is a dining room, a communal lounge area, and a beautiful garden to relax. There is also a refrigerator where you can store food and beverages.In addition, you also have a balcony and large roof terrace to spend some time with your new-found friends.

There will always be others who, like you, are volunteering overseas, and there are staff on-site 7 days a week to help you.  Wifi is available in communal areas of the volunteer house so you can catch up with friends and family – if you get the time!.

Food 
Malagasy cuisine is an experience in itself! Whilst it mainly consists of vegetarian dishes including rice and vegetables, non-vegetarian meals will also be available twice a week, in addition to daily vegetarian meals. And if you need to be eased into African food, we always have a mix of Western and Malagasy cuisine on offer. You can also use the kitchen facilities to cook for yourself or eat out at any of the local restaurants at your own expense.

Facilities
There is an ATM about 15-20 minutes away from the centre, accessible by bus or Tuk-Tuk.
The closest local supermarket is also around 15-20 minutes away by bus or Tuk-Tuk from the accommodation.
Wifi is available in communal areas of your accommodation.

Transportation

Transportation is available to all surrounding areas. However, transport costs are not included in the programme and extra provision must be made for your excursions.

Trip Country Info

Madagascar

Population: 25,054,000
Capital: Antànanarivo
Language: Malagasy (official) and 17 dialects apart from the official Malagasy language and French.
Currency: Ariary (Ar or MGA)
Time zone: UTC +3:00

Because of its isolation from the major continents, Madagascar is considered as a jewel in biodiversity terms, an exotic country with a high concentration of endemic species. Madagascar’s flagship species are 100% endemic with 101 lemur species. Of 285 bird species recorded 105 are unique to the country. Three fourths of Madagascar’s 860 orchid species are endemic to the island and 6 of the world’s 8 baobab species are found nowhere else in the world. But, human presence constantly threatens these wonders. Over 90% of Madagascar’s wildlife is endemic and cannot be seen wild anywhere else on earth.

Madagascar’s cultural richness differs from one ethnic group to another. And, 18 ethnic groups form the Malagasy population whose culture is based on the respect of the ancestors and the unity of the living.

Madagascar is the world’s fourth largest island. It is one of the richest countries for biodiversity, but economically one of the poorest nations. 75.3% of Malagasy live under the poverty line, and the gap between the rich and poor is widening day by day. Despite dire poverty, Malagasy society remains open-hearted to everyone who takes time to discover and enjoy its natural and cultural heritage. This land of smiles and contrasts is ready to take you on your next adventure whether helping out in local communities or just exploring. This island located at the crossroads of the African and Asian worlds will surely amaze your senses. Madagascar will certainly shift the way you see the world.

Madagascar’s wildlife is found nowhere else on Earth, this is due to the isolation of the country.  In Madagascar the locals are kind and friendly, you will receive a warm welcome, despite the country not being one of wealth, the people are proud, and are proud of what they have.

If you want to move it move it in Madagascar get involved in one of our volunteering projects here.  You will be spending your gap year in a destination that offers a kind of hospitality from the Malagasy that you would get nowhere else.

Participant Criteria & Requirements

Standard Requirements

MUST have a yellow fever vaccination and must obtain a certificate as proof
Travel Insurance
Under 18's Parental Consent

Additional Requirements

Team Player
Open Mind
Insect Repellent
Hat

What's included

  • 24/7 support in case of emergencies
  • Accommodation
  • Airport Pick up
  • English speaking coordinator
  • Meals
  • Orientation

What's not included

  • Flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Vaccination
  • Visa