An absolute scam. Don't go there!

Everything is still under construction, including the so-called 'conservation programs' managed by an obscure organization Madagascar Research & Conservation Institute. The premises are messy and hazardous with construction material scattered everywhere and power for only 2 hours a day. Hygienic conditions are appalling with 20-30 people sharing a single toilet/shower and no proper cooking and washing facilities. Food is scarce and inadequate with only rice, instant noodles, salad and beans in canned tomato sauce dished out every single day. Drinking bottles can only be filled from a tap inside the toilet and the water is not treated. Hardly a coincidence that after two weeks more than 50% of all volunteers (including myself) and the zoologist tested positive with salmonella typhi (typhoid fever). A very sick US volunteer was treated in hospital for three days and has been repatriated today.

IVHQ should immediately cancel this program and only resume it if and when the minimum standards will be met. In any case they should tell people about the real conditions on Nosy Komba. Unsuspecting and full-fee paying volunteers are presently financing MRCI's still non-existing conservation curriculum, as well as the construction of some ruthless businessman's private 'corner of paradise'. Totally unethical and unacceptable.