Most Affordable & Trusted Volunteer Programs in Madagascar from $550

I was looking for a reliable organisation to volunteer with, and came across IVHQ, who set me up with MRCI and it was the best time of my life!
First off: the food was awesome (rice, veggies, sometimes pasta or noodles, zebu, chicken, fish), the local staff were superb, the huts were spacious and clean, camp was really nicely laid out (we even had fancy western toilets and showers!) - I was very comfortable living there.
I did forest conservation on the island Nosy Komba: we did lemur studies (observing the diet & behaviour of wild lemurs and lemurs in the park), reptile transects (I LOVED these because it gives you the chance to walk through the forest and just look out for different species, I enjoyed being able to identify them too, it was way more interesting for me when I knew), line plots (frogs!)...I loved agroforestry, where we’d often go to local farmers’ plots to help clean/plant their land. Seedling collecting was great too, we got to plant it on MRCI’s plot of land, to encourage the growth of native species into the area, I was super interested in hearing different ways to farm to increase efficiency.
We had the chance to go to mainland Madagascar, in Ampohana, to build a clinic for the one doctor in the area. Such hard wrk making concrete in that heat, but I’m soooo glad I did it! At the opening ceremony a few weeks later, there were so many people there, I was so surprised at how they all rely on this small clinic?! Rum, zebu, dancing and music, it was the best celebration!
Free time at the weekends was well spent: we visited Nosy Iranjia and Tanikely, went on a whale shark trip, swam with turtles, saw sacred waterfalls, had party weekends in Ambataloaka and just hung out with everyone on the beach.
Met so many incredible people from all walks of life that I think I really can learn from, it feels so much like a family when it’s that intense for such a short period of time - I cried leaving them!
Would definitely go back 🤙🏼

My volunteer experience in Madagascar was Breathtaking. On board “The Spirit of Malala” the research and conservation vessel for the Island outreach program was an experience of a lifetime. I met lots of nice people, the staff were inspiring and really helpful.
The Island Outreach program which was abit of teaching, small construction, marine conservation, forest conservation and community development was truly a fulfilling adventure. The opportunity to do all these on and around the magnificently beautiful tropical Islands of Madagascar was life changing, i wish i stayed longer. I definitely came back a BETTER me.

Volunteering with IVHQ is one of the best opportunities I've had in my entire live. They are not only really organised, but also very committed on helping volunteers get prepared for their magical experiences. The support from my program manager was outstanding, she will always replied as soon as possible and guided me through every step. The quality of the project and the seriousness of MRCI (organisation in Madagascar) were incredible. The only drawback for people that come from less developed countries as me, is that the program is still a little expensive, although in comparison with other organisations it is impressively cheap! In overall, I would volunteer with IVHQ over and over again!!!

Volunteering in marine conservation in Madagascar for one month was an incredible experience. The support before, during and after my trip was impeccable. The IVHQ staff got back to me ASAP with all of my questions answered. They made me feel much less scared and more prepared. Whilst in Madagascar, the activities carried out were very well organised and well thought out in order to help the marine environment. I achieved my open and advanced open water fortifications whilst out there, both of which were completed quickly and thoroughly. I now feel like a confident diver and I feel as though I can carry on using my skills in order to further help the ocean. This trip has changed me as a person, helped me to grow and to become more independent.

I spent 1 month at MRCI and during that time I was able to take part in literally every aspect of the organizations' goals. I was initially signed up for Construction and teaching both of which classify under community development. Upon arrival, I was told about the Island outreach which is a 10-day outreach they run out of the nearby islands and Malagasy mainland with the dive vessel; The Spirit of Malala. The outreach was an incredible experience and when I returned to "camp" for the latter half of my time in Madagascar the staff continued to support me by allowing me to participate in Teaching, Construction, Forest walks, and Kyle the dive master even allowed me to obtain my PADI open water dive certification at a reasonable cost. My time in Madagascar was unforgettable and the MRCI staff have everything to do with that fact. I would highly recommend MRCI Madagascar to anyone and everyone.

Madagascar is an amazing country, Especially Nosy Be and its surrounding islands i.e. Nosy Kumba where the camp base is. The community is so nice and welcoming and safe to be in. The camp was much more spacious than i expected it to be, all staff were laid back and welcoming which made it so easy to settle in and made it feel like home for the 9 weeks i was their. Everyday we were driving at least once followed by a turtle watch and a beach clean or survey of some sort. I really feel like i fulfilled my volunteering expectations and beyond. Aside from volunteering we had a good share of down time which was not wasted, their was always walks we could go on and of course their was not one day that went by that i did not take advantage of living so close to a reef so i was out snorkeling every day, lets just say more than half of my time on Nosy Kumba was not spent on the island itself but instead in the sea. I would go back again in a heart beat. And i will definitely be recommending it to others, not just people that like the sea as the forest was quit challenging and not for the light hearted, which is exactly what i would expect from forest conservation. I will definitely complete more IVHQ programs around the world in years to come.

I cannot recommend the island outreach program enough! From the moment i arrived in Madagascar i received so much support from the local staff and other volunteers. The staff made sure i was safe and comfortable in my accommodation and always wanted to know about feedback to help the programs grow which i think is brilliant. The program itself was life changing and is an experience that will stay with me forever. It helped me get out of my comfort zone, grow as a person and i really felt like i had an impact on the local communities and wildlife. Every second of the program was incredible and i have made such good friends from the experience. If you're thinking about doing the island outreach program then just go for it! You won't regret it

I always dreamed to volunteer somewhere in Africa. I wanted to teach other, to help them and to motivate them to learn and grow personally. I went to Madagascar on a small island called Nosy Komba. I met so many great people, people who smile without a reason and do not judge. Best part of volunteering program were meeting local people, being able to work together with them. In the end I realised I came there to teach but for sure I can say that I have learned much more that I have taught. It really is life changing experience, it helps you to see out of the "box" in which we live. It helps you to start appreciate small things in life, values that you have completely forgotten about. Anyone who would like to grow personally, meet awesome people and start living should try something like that. :)

Within the module ‘Crossing Borders’ of my University I went to Madagascar for three month. I volunteered with the company IVHQ. They work with another organization, the Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute (MRCI). I followed the forest conservation program. I knew before, that Madagascar has a very special and endemic environment, but I was still surprised how gorgeous it is. I was living in a camp on the Island Nosy Komba, which is located in the North of Madagascar. It is a beautiful little Island with a 622 m mountain, compact forest and lots of beaches. I learned all the different species of lemurs, reptiles and birds. It was a pleasure to actually spot them in the forest. I worked from Monday to Friday and the work was diversified. During the weekend we were able to explore the Island Nosy Komba or other Islands around Nosy Komba, such as Nosy Be, Nosy Iranja and Nosy Tanikely. I was also able to travel to the Mainland of Madagascar. In the three month I learned a lot about the Forest, about the Malagasy culture and I made a lot of new friends. It was an unforgettable experience and it was absolutely worth it. Furthermore I wrote a Field Study Report for my University. I analyzed the impact MRCI has on commitment on environment and respect to nature. The results are very interesting; if you are interested in this topic you will find a conclusion here: http://www.madagascarvolunteer.com/mrci-impact-conservation-commitment-environment/ .
I made it to Madagascar and back on my own. I had to adapt on the culture, the lifestyle and also on the people, but after a few time this place which was so foreign in the beginning became the greatest experience I’ve ever had. Volunteering did not only increase my knowledge about how the world works , but also my self confidence. Volunteering with MRCI was a wonderful experience and I will never forget the beauty of the country and the kindness of both, local inhabitants and people from MRCI. My wonderful experiences will accompany me for lifetime.

I was a volunteer in paradise, I mean Madagascar, for 20 weeks with Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute via IVHQ, and in this time I discovered something very particular about this country, it makes time weird. On one side it feels that it was only a few days that I was living on camp, time flys in Madagascar. On the other when I came back to Mexico I did not feel that I was coming back home, I felt like I was leaving home. Like I had been there forever, and that is what Madagascar does, the culture, the people, the views, it all makes you feel something, something I can not quite explain myself. It's crazy to think that spending your days diving in the most gorgeous reefs, getting the chance to study amazing marine life, and getting to hang around teaching English to the cutest kids and kind people in the villages near camp is working as a volunteer. But here it is! and besides all this amazing things you know you are actually making a difference. that what you are doing with your time in that moment matters. There is nothing that can be compared to this, nothing more satisfying.
And the expectations i had? well, they were for sure exceeded. I came expecting to teach, to help, I left having learnt so much.
And in a way it all feels like a dream, like my very own Never Land. For me camp is the place where I discovered the me I like to be the most, the place where I've felt so loved and comfortable and free. The place that made me grow.
The people I met, the places I saw, it will all stay forever in my heart. Whatever happens next, Madagascar is now a part of me. So what did I get from my volunteering? I got a new family, an unconventional one but also a great one, I got tons of amazing memories and experiences and also I got me, I found me.
Thank you MRCI, for the best 20 weeks of my life.

Yours always,
POW!!

Upon arriving in Madagascar I had no idea what to expect but when I arrived on Nosy Komba it exceeded my greatest expectations. The camp is the most beautiful place in the entire world, waking up to the incredible view of Lokobe Strict reserve and the stretch of turquoise blue water in between never gets old and the thought of it as I am writing this review makes me miss it so much. I had so many great experiences while I was there and all I can say is go and experience them for yourself and I guarantee you won't regret it.

I've just spent 6 weeks out on Nosy Komba (an island in the north madagascar) teaching during my Gap Year and couldn't tear myself away! I extended my stay as much as I could and will definitely be going back to this beautiful country soon. The IVHQ program which links to the Marine Research Conservation Institute on the ground was a perfect way to learn the language and get to know the locals, great trips with fellow volunteers on weekends to! If you are thinking of going the Teaching is the program for you, no prior experience needed, just a willingness to jump in and make a difference. Contrary to the other programs (except construction) you really feel the difference you are making in the communities. There are five sites you teach in, all a little bit of a scenic walk away (half hour to an hour maximum) over sandy beaches, over rocks and in the jungle. There are both children's classes (around 10 years old) and adult classes, the schedules are very flexible so if you have a favorite it an be accommodated. The camp was a great buzzing atmosphere with young volunteers from all over the world in an assortment of basic but comfortable huts for 6. There is a lovely common area for reading in hammocks, card games, or just chatting as you overlook the reef with the abundant turtle colony poking their heads up now and again. The food is nice but repetitive with a base of rice and beans, sometimes with meat or fish and some vegetables, but we found ways to spice it up with avocado or curry powder. There is no wifi on camp which is quite refreshing, for a long stay it is easy to get a local sim card, but as a teacher you get access to wifi in some of the villages you visit so might not even need it. For charging devices there is a generator at camp which is on 2 hours a day, otherwise once again teachers have an advantage getting off camp and going to an internet cafe in Nosy Be or a lovely restaurant half hour away in Ampangorina. I loved my volunteering experience meeting so many wonderful people from all over as well as being so immersed in the local culture and making friends with the local students in our english classes. If you do end up applying then make the most of it! Join the facebook page and don't be afraid to ask for any advice. When you apply you can also tick the "Have you been referred to IVHQ by an IVHQ Ambassador or IVHQ Partner?" and enter my code (2f79a30c).

The four weeks i spent on the IVHQ program in Madagascar was incredible. I have completed many teaching programs around the world and i can confidently say this has has been the most enjoyable and rewarding program so far. The NGO (MRCI) is very well organised and supportive throughout your whole stay and the staff are great. The living area and meals were well worth the money. The actual teaching experience itself was probably the most rewarding thing i've ever done. You form an incredible bond with everyone in the local village from adorable 5 year old kids to 40 year old adults, they all show their appreciation for you every single day. One of the things i will never forget is how the children would shout my name and wave with the happiest faces i've ever seen! Thank you for everything. I'll never forget it.

I am coming to the end of my stay here at MRCI on Nosy Komba. I started as a volunteer in the teaching program and after 4 months became the teaching coordinator! The growth that i have seen in the project itself is overwhelming, you can really see the students improving and the impact you are making on the local community and school. In the six months I have been here we have expanded to a new school on Nosy Be, and our class sizes have grown noticeably. The day to day life is absolutely unbelievable surrounded by stunning views and loving locals and volunteers. My volunteer experience was irreplaceable and my time as an employee has taught me so much for the future. MRCI is currently, and always, looking for new enthusiastic teachers to join our team and continue the amazing work that is happening. I would recommend to anyone to either apply for a job within the teaching program, or at least consider volunteering with the teaching project here in Nosy Komba. It isn't something you will ever regret.

I had a great time meeting people around the world and getting close to them. I was in the forest for half of my experience here and it was a lot of fun getting data from all the lemurs and reptiles. The second half half of my trip was mostly in the water where i saw beautiful scenes. The thing i enjoyed most in Madagascar is the place is covered with life. The staff here in Nosy Komba were awesome and always there to help. overall my experience here was well beyond my expectations and I can't wait to see some of the friends i've made here again.