Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute
Our mission is to create a positive impact on this unique island nation and we invite you to join us as a madagascar volunteer on this extraordinary journey.
Who We Are
MRCI is an award-winning, government-approved organisation providing diverse volunteer opportunities in Madagascar for those passionate about making a difference.
We are located on Nosy Komba island which is the heart of MRCI and the home base for all volunteer programs. Turtle Cove is nestled between a beautiful tropical forest and a pristine beach, overlooking Nosy Be and the world-famous Lokobe Forest Reserve. Just meters from Turtle Cove, Madagascar Volunteer participants can experience incredible coconut tree-fringed beaches with easy access to MRCI’s home coral reef which has been declared a Marine Protected Area by the Department of Environment in conjunction with the local community and Department of Fisheries.
What Makes Us Different
Sustainable Research & Conservation
We actively engage in and contribute to sustainable research and conservation projects, with a deep commitment to safeguarding our planet's natural heritage.
Fostering Positive Impact
Community Well-being Focus
We work closely with local communities to enhance their health and educational circumstances, ensuring they have access to essential resources and support.
Partnering for Progress
We collaborate with local NGOs and conservation organizations, providing volunteer abroad opportunities that contribute to long-term progress and sustainability
Our Volunteer Programs
Our programs include environmental conservation and community outreach projects, offering diverse volunteering opportunities in Madagascar. From marine and forest conservation to turtle monitoring, English teaching, and community engagement, there’s a perfect volunteer work placement for you. Whether you’re pursuing gap year volunteering or professional development, MRCI welcomes you to join the Madagascar volunteer community
Marine Conservation
Participate in underwater surveys, coral restoration, and artificial reef construction to protect Madagascar's diverse marine
Sea Turtle Monitoring
Protect endangered turtles by identifying nesting sites, safeguarding at-risk nests, and documenting behavior during the peak nesting season on Nosy Komba's shores.
Forest Conservation
Help protect the Sambirano forests through wildlife monitoring of lemurs, reforestation work, and conducting the first-ever acoustic surveys of endemic bat species.
English Teaching
Empower rural communities by teaching English to children and adults, enhancing their job prospects in the thriving tourism sector while supporting local education.
Community Development
Support community-led infrastructure projects, including building classrooms, sanitation systems, and water access points to improve daily life and village resilience.
Medical Volunteer Program
Join local practitioners to provide crucial healthcare, specialized treatments, and medical education to remote island communities with limited access to care.
Content Creation
Join our Content Creators Program in Madagascar and become a digital volunteer capturing the impact of our conservation and community programs
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.
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Why Volunteer In Madagascar?
Madagascar’s breathtaking landscapes, rare wildlife, and vibrant culture make it an ideal destination for volunteering abroad. We believe in Madagascar’s potential for transformation and invite you to explore why so many volunteer abroad programs choose this island as their home.
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
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Become A Volunteer
Apply Today
Contact us to learn more about our exciting volunteer abroad opportunities and prepare for your life-changing journey. Our team will provide all the guidance and support you need to make the process simple and rewarding
Submit your online application now and take the first step toward making a lasting impact on both communities and the environment.

