Volunteer in Madagascar
Join conservation and community projects on the island of Nosy Komba. This is the right place for a career break, a summer abroad, or a meaningful travel experience.
JOIN US AS A VOLUNTEER!Our Volunteer Programs in Madagascar
Choose from seven hands-on projects across marine and forest conservation, wildlife monitoring, teaching and healthcare. Whether it's a gap year, a career break or a summer abroad, there's a placement to match your dates and interests and our team will help you choose.
Marine Conservation
Sea Turtle Monitoring
Forest Conservation
English Teaching
Community Development
Medical Volunteer Program
Content Creation
How To Join Our Volunteer Programs
We've streamlined our onboarding process into a simple, supportive journey. From your initial inquiry until you touch down on Nosy Komba, our team is with you every step of the way.
Online Application
A quick form to start the process.
The Follow-up
A staff member gets in touch to answer questions and confirm dates.
The Deposit
Secure a place on the calendar.
The Preparation
Detailed assistance with visas, gear lists, and flights.
The Arrival
A warm welcome and airport pickup to begin the program.
Who We Are — Madagascar Research & Conservation Institute
MRCI is an award-winning, government-approved organisation offering diverse opportunities to volunteer in Madagascar for people passionate about making a difference.
We’re based at Turtle Cove on Nosy Komba island — between a tropical forest and a pristine beach, overlooking Nosy Be and the world-famous Lokobe Forest Reserve. Just metres away, volunteers explore coconut-fringed beaches and our home coral reef, declared a Marine Protected Area by the Department of Environment alongside the local community and Department of Fisheries.
What Makes Us Different
Sustainable Research & Conservation
Real, ongoing projects with a deep commitment to safeguarding Madagascar's natural heritage.
Fostering Positive Impact
A safe, inclusive platform for volunteers worldwide to support communities, wildlife and ecosystems.
Community Well-being Focus
Working closely with local communities to improve health, education and access to resources.
Partnering for Progress
Collaborating with local NGOs and conservation organisations for long-term, sustainable progress.
Become A Volunteer
Get Involved
We welcome support from individuals, students, professionals, and organizations that share our passion for conservation and community development. Whether you're a student seeking an internship, a researcher looking for a partnership, or a donor wanting to make a lasting impact, there are various ways to get involved.
Why Volunteer In Madagascar?
Madagascar’s breathtaking landscapes, rare wildlife and vibrant culture make it one of the most rewarding places in the world to volunteer abroad. With year-round start dates and programs from one week to three months, our projects suit students, graduates, gap-year travellers and career-breakers alike.
Dive coral reefs, track lemurs, teach in local schools and live alongside a Malagasy community making a genuine, lasting impact while gaining experience that stays with you for life.
What Previous Volunteers Have To Say
Posted on bxs0200Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Wirklich extrem schöne Erfahrungen gemacht, super Leute aus der ganzen Welt kennengelernt. Hat zwar kein Strom aber mit meinem 28W Solarpannel und einer 20000mAh Powerbank konnte ich ohne Probleme mein iPhone, GoPro und Applewatch benutzen und laden.Posted on Chiara TealTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Absolutely stunning scenery and a beautiful coral reef to swim in. Staff are all friendly and helpful, while staying there they can support you with sourcing sim cards, doing laundry, getting a boat to Hell-Ville or other local islands (highly recommend Nosy Iranja - it is stunning and The care the locals put into making our time there special didn't go unnoticed) Clean accommodation, you'll get used to the creepy crawlies in no time. Food is very carb heavy, pancakes for breakfast most days, but some of the food was absolutely fantastic. The camp has lots of steps and is on an inclined side of the mountain, so not really suitable for anybody with a physical restriction (you might also have difficulty with accessibility to the boats or getting to / from the camp due to lack of hand rails on a bridge over the water etc so ask in advance if that is relevant to you)Posted on Alice WilliamsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I stayed in Madagascar for 4 weeks with MRCI and had one of the best months of my life. I experienced so many wonderful things during my stay including swimming with turtles, a shark and seeing so much beautiful wildlife as well as meeting so many amazing people! The food on camp was all delicious and the staff was wonderful! I would definitely recommend coming here if you love nature however if you are looking to explore lots of urban areas this may not be the place for you. The camp is located 30 mins walk from the local town but other than that you’d have to get a boat to get to other larger towns. I would say 4 weeks is a perfect amount of time to stay but anywhere between 3-5 weeks would be ideal, in my opinion. I did the turtle program which is the most relaxed out of them all but I did do some teaching and the diving course which, although expensive, I would highly recommend. This definitely made my experience feel more varied so I didn’t get too bored however some people who didn’t experience other programs did find the turtle program slightly repetitive after a while and there is a fair bit of free time so it’s good to be able to occupy yourself easily. There is easy access to weekend trips which are super fun and give you greater knowledge and experience of other nearby islands. Overall, an incredible experience! 🙂Posted on Charlotte BondTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. MRCI is fabulous place for immersion in learning and culture. I throughly recommended this organisation to anyone wishing to make a positive difference while enjoying the beautiful area!Posted on Office StationTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had a wonderful time at MRCI @ Nosy-Komba island to contribute in protecting endangered turtles species, participate in recycling initiatives to save the local environment. The local staff are very welcoming and supportive and I learned a few sentences/words in Malagasy language and enjoyed eating the local food. Ibrahim BahattabPosted on Zackhary FrancoisTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great experience and chance to meet amazing people. Opportunity to learn and engage in multiple programs as well. Come prepared for living in accommodations typical for an underdeveloped country, so it doesn’t inhibit your enjoyment & experience!Posted on Caileigh ReillyTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had the most memorable 4 weeks with MRCI!!! I was able to experience both the Forest and Turtle programs which I couldn't recommend enough!! MRCI does a beautiful job at informing their volunteers and supporting them every step of the way, which I found extremely helpful as a this was my first voulenteer trip! This was a truly wonderful, lifechanging experience not only because of the people I met, but also how much i've learned! This is such a fantastic opportunity for anyone who is interested in learning about other cultures and is passionate about making a positive impact on the land around you!! I'll never forget my time spent at MRCI!Posted on Vittoria IngramTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I really enjoyed my time in the teaching program, I’ve learned a lot and really recommend it! The staff was always nice and ready to help if needed. Be ready to live in a typical accommodation, so don’t expect a 5 star hotel, the goal is to come in touch with the local life style and have an immersive experience. I loved the fact that the age range was from 18 up to 60/65 which helps you interact with not only a lot of different cultures but even ages. I recommend this experience to anyone who is opened to new cultures and experience, I’ve learn so much and had an awesome time !Posted on haley KadelbachTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Amazing experience! Very organized programs and friendly staff. I did the forest program and had an excellent time. The guides are very knowledgeable and the coordinator is very passionate! Would definitely recommend for other people looking to volunteer abroad








