Most Affordable & Trusted Volunteer & Gap Year Programs in Madagascar with IVHQ

If you are looking for a volunteering experience overseas and are interested in engaging in conservation efforts that help restore our sacred marine ecosystems, Madagascar is the perfect place for you. I spent the most amazing six weeks of my life on a beautiful island off the north west coast of Madagascar, participating in the marine conservation program. I loved everything about the project, especially the fact that I felt like I was doing something meaningful reinforced with a very academic and scientific approach. We did tons of sea grass surveys in order to protect an otherwise overlooked but nonetheless extremely important habitat, we participated in beach cleans to collect waste and we used the plastic to make Ecobricks that helped the development of the local community. We had daily rounds of turtle watch which consisted in observing and analyzing the turtle activity on our MPA (Marine Protected Area) and my favorite part of it all was of course getting to dive in our beautiful reef almost everyday of the week, studying and learning the species and being able to survey them.

Apart from the immense gratification that I got from volunteering, I now have very close friends that live all over the world and with whom I share memories that will last forever. Honestly, one of the best things about this whole experience was getting to know so many people from different backgrounds, getting to form this diverse family in such a short period of time and sharing every laugh and every single moment with them. Madagascar was much more than a journey for me, it was the experience of a lifetime.

If you are looking for a volunteering experience overseas and are interested in engaging in conservation efforts that help restore our sacred marine ecosystems, Madagascar is the perfect place for you. I spent the most amazing six weeks of my life on a beautiful island off the north west coast of Madagascar, participating in the marine conservation program. I loved everything about the project, especially the fact that I felt like I was doing something meaningful reinforced with a very academic and scientific approach. We did tons of sea grass surveys in order to protect an otherwise overlooked but nonetheless extremely important habitat, we participated in beach cleans to collect waste and we used the plastic to make Ecobricks used for the development of the local community, we had daily rounds of turtle watch which consisted in observing and analyzing the turtle activity on our MPA (Marine Protected Area) and my favorite part of it all was of course getting to dive in our beautiful reef almost everyday of the week, studying and learning the species and being able to survey them.
Apart from the immense gratification that I got from volunteering, I now have very close friends that live all over the world and with whom I share memories that will last forever. Honestly, one of the best things about this whole experience was getting to know so many people from different backgrounds, getting to form this diverse family in such a short period of time and sharing every laugh and every single moment with them. Madagascar was much more than a journey for me, it was the experience of a lifetime.

This was my first experience volunteering through IVHQ and I have nothing but amazing things to say about my entire experience. I received constant support from the IVHQ staff throughout planning the trip, during my trip and when I came returned.

The trip and experience itself was incredible, the staff on site were supportive, encouraging, and overall, amazing. I learned so much in just two weeks, and was able to make lasting memories ad friendships with the staff, other volunteers, and community.

Overall I would highly recommend going on a trip through IVHQ, it was an incredible experience and I plan on scheduling another volunteer trip with them again!

My experience in Madagascar didn't just meet my expectations, it beat them, by far.
The landscape is breathtaking, the locals are very friendly and the volunteers will become your best friends in no time. I went to Madagascar for just two weeks but I know it will be an experience I will remember my whole life.
The nature is challenging and at times a little difficult to adapt to but totally worth it. I did teaching but I had the chance to try out some of the other programs such as construction and forest conservation. Even though it was super fun, I can say that teaching was the most fulfilling of them all. Not only did you see the impact of your help inmediatly but the happiness and energy you get from the kids is just incredible. Little tip: I totally recommend bringing ballons or pencils or any other material for the class as it will make a huge dofference!!
So if you are sitting there just doubting about if you should go or not, just listen to me, GO!! I was scared and doubted and was intimidated too, it's normal but trust me, you will have no regrets and IVHQ is honestly a great organization that will make things very easy and make you feel safe at all times.

I loved my experience in Madagascar! The forest conservation program was everything I hoped for and more! I went to Madagascar for the turtles and the lemurs and it didnt disappoint. The programme was structured and we were always doing meaningful work. I loved that we were given a chance to interact with the locals and participate in community building activities while also accomplishing our own agenda.

My first time solo travelling abroad was made more special with IVHQ as I felt more confident and safe in my journey. I am definitely going to be going back to madagascar again!

It was one of the best experiences of my life. MRCI camp made me feel like I was truly living an adventure. Exploring the main island of Nosy Be was also a huge source of fun and entertainment. The staff were all amazing and incredibly nice and helpful. If there is anything that I would note is that you should choose your programs wisely because they are truly the deciding factor in everything. I would definitely go back for another round because life in Madagascar truly charmed me.
I am currently planning my next IVHQ volunteering trip to a new destination in the world. Then maybe I'll head back to visit Madagascar later.

Program details:
I did both construction and Turtle conservation. They were both amazing programs. While doing those, I also joined the teaching english programs in my extra time, and I have to say, they all had me visiting different amazing places and meeting the new cultures.

Free time:
Nosy be is an amazing place to hang out. Whether its renting scootors and cruising(funny story happened to me with that!) or simply taking boats and exploring other islands. And its extremely cheap considering the normal expenses you have in everyday life.

Hi my name is Matt Bradley, I am from Cape Town, South Africa. Volunteering in Madagascar on the Island Outreach Program was easily the most incredible experience I’ve had. With so many endemic species and untouched coastlines, you are able to get a real feel for how nature should be thriving. Conducting field surveys, cleaning up beaches, interacting with the local communities and working with an international team of volunteers definitely gave me a different perspective on life. The field surveys were an eye opening experience as you get an understanding to the extent of the variety of different species that call Madagascar their home. The highlight of the program would have to be the turtle watch surveys as well as playing football with the locals after the English lectures. IVHQ were extremely helpful and made all of this possible.

Hi, I'm Laura, from Reus, Spain. I am 22 years old and I volunteered in Madagascar for three weeks in the teaching project. The experience was amazing! I could teach kids classes in the mornings, and also English classes to adults in the afternoons. All the local people from Nosy Komba are so nice, friendly and interested in learning english as much as they can. This attitude and their smiles in their faces made my day everyday. Their lifestyle is really calm and atracts you to join their culture and all the beauty of the country.
On the other hand, there are all the other volunteers, lovely and open-minded people that you have to share everything with, and I will never forget. I am so glad to still be in touch with some of them and hope to see again soon!