Madagascar Volunteer

Research & Conservation Institute

   
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Ankarafantsika National Park

Volunteers taking part in any of our combination volunteer programs will get to spend a 4 day transfer tour in the Ankaranfantsika National Park.

450km north of Tana and 110km south of Mahajanga is one of the larges and last remaining sections of dense dry deciduous forest, Ankarafantsika. The National Park is almost 1,350 km² in size and consists of mostly low, spare deciduous forest with tropical grassland areas and gallery forest around the Ravelobe Lake.

The Park is home to several bird and lemur species. There are eight species of lemur to be found in Ankarafantsika and the golden-brown mouse lemur is only found here. The Park is also one of the finest birdwatching venues in Madagascar with 129 species to be found here, of which 75 are endemic. One may also spot up to 10 species of frogs and 45 species of reptiles, including several species of chameleons, vulnerable snakes and the extremely rare Madagascan big-headed turtle, as well as crocodiles around the lake.

Ankarafantsika National Park boasts more than 800 species of flora in the park with a high rate of endemic plants and the 11 well maintained trails (or circuits that include staircases and footbridges) offers visitors a glimpse into the park’s ecosystems.

Examples of some of the trails:

The Ankarokaroka trail takes about 4 hours and leads through the savannah where volunteers staying at the Park will spot plenty of wildlife. It then leads up to a large hole (lavaka) caused by erosion which is surrounded by a wonderful rocky landscape with amazing views of the forest.

Along the Source of Life trail, volunteers visiting the Park will be able to spot water birds around the lake, as well as several lemurs and reptiles. Visitors will also be afforded a glimpse into the life of the Sakavala communities as well as stopping at a couple of sacred sites used in their rituals. This trail takes about 3 hours to complete.

Both the Source of Life and the Ankarokarota circuits are extremely rewarding in terms of wildlife.

The Retendrika circuit is 2 hours long and is perfect for birders and botanists. Visitors will be able to spot many medicinal plants and flowers, as well as the birds that feed on them.

The 2 hour long Coquereli circuit is an easy trail, allowing visitors to discover some of the more well known species of lemurs, birds and reptiles.

When visiting the National Park, the Nightwalk is a must for spotting rare nocturnal lemurs and other night creatures. Guests can also enjoy a boat ride on the Ravelobe Lake whilst the guide shares the legend of Ravelobe – a feared, dangerous man – and take in the stunning scenery, water birds (fish eagles, ibises, herons) and even the odd crocodile.

There is also an a la carte restaurant for guests to enjoy meals and a gift shop to buy some souvenirs of your amazing stay in Ankarafantsika National Park.

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Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute

2 days ago

Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute
Meet Solly, our much-loved Marine Conservation Officer.Solly’s dream is to become a PADI Diving Instructor.MRCI has undertaken to create this GoFundMe account in collaboration with Emily Borth to help Solly achieve his dream.Please donate and help us make Solly’s dream come true!The link can also be found in our story Highlights!https://gofund.me/176e591d ... See MoreSee Less

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Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute is at Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute.

2 weeks ago

Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute
Look at the goodies we just recieved! As our volunteers and staff know, getting new eqipment, spare parts etc. is a real challenge! Luckily, @lunamoonsailing just arrived from South Africa, with a “boat-load” of spare parts, new aluminium tanks, a new generator and many other things! It feels like Christmas morning!#Madagascarvolunteer #mrci #nosybe #nosykomba #lunamoon ... See MoreSee Less

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Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute is at Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute.

1 month ago

Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute
Thanks all for the funds that we received up until now ❤️ Solly has worked so hard to get where he is and we need your support now to achieving his final dream as a PADI Instructor in his professional diving career! 🎉If you feel like you could support Solly, click on the link below to donate! 🙏🏼🎉https://gofund.me/176e591d#madagascar #madagascarvolunteer #sollysdream #fundraiser #padiinstructor #PADIIDC2023 #PADIIDC2024 #paditv #localmarinebiologist #marineresearch #padiprofessional #futurecareer #gofundme ... See MoreSee Less

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Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute

2 months ago

Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute
Look at these cool finds from one of our recent drift dives! Have you ever seen a nudibranch feeding train? #madagascarvolunteer #madagascar #volunteer #volunteering #forlocal #saveplanet #saveocean #sustainable #volunteeringisfun #volunteeroftheweek #conservation #motivated ... See MoreSee Less

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Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute is at Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute.

2 months ago

Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute
Do you want to join our teaching program? We teach many different classes, at different levels and with many different age groups!In fact our classes are becoming so popular, that we have to double the number of classes per level! Join us via the link in our bio!#madagascarvolunteer #madagascar #volunteer #volunteering #forlocal #saveplanet #saveocean #sustainable #volunteeringisfun #volunteeroftheweek #conservation #motivated ... See MoreSee Less

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Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute is at Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute.

3 months ago

Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute
When we’re not exploring the island and surrounding reef, our volunteers prepare presentations to educate their fellow volunteers!Once presented on camp, we head to Be village, to present in a class filled with students who are eager to learn more about their surroundings!#madagascarvolunteer #madagascar #volunteer #volunteering #forlocal #saveplanet #saveocean #sustainable #volunteeringisfun #volunteeroftheweek #conservation #motivated ... See MoreSee Less

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Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute is at Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute.

3 months ago

Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute
Look at this cool find! We see some cool stuff on our sunrise dives - yesterday we found 28 nudibranchs! Some of them over 14cm! #madagascarvolunteer #madagascar #volunteer #volunteering #forlocal #saveplanet #saveocean #sustainable #volunteeringisfun #volunteeroftheweek #conservation #motivated #oceanconservation #marineconservation ... See MoreSee Less

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Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute is at Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute.

3 months ago

Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute
Sophie is teaching our local kids class🌞We love to see how the kids are so engaged and motivated to learn.To join our community program, check our link in bio! #madagascarvolunteer #madagascar #volunteer #volunteering #forlocal #saveplanet #saveocean #sustainable #volunteeringisfun #volunteeroftheweek #conservation #motivated ... See MoreSee Less

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Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute is at Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute.

3 months ago

Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute
Did you know we go on night hikes every week?Lots of creatures are mostly active at night and look at this cool find! #madagascarvolunteer #madagascar #volunteer #volunteering #forlocal #saveplanet #saveocean #sustainable #volunteeringisfun #volunteeroftheweek #conservation #motivated ... See MoreSee Less

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Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute is at Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute.

3 months ago

Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute
Meet our volunteer of the week Fionn! Along with forest officer Fedy and Donna, staff of the week!Fionn has been a great champion on Forest program and a great friend all around! 🦎#madagascarvolunteer #madagascar #volunteer #volunteering #forlocal #saveplanet #saveocean #sustainable #volunteeringisfun #volunteeroftheweek #conservation #motivated ... See MoreSee Less

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Contact Us

Madagascar Office: Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute, Home Sakalava, Rue R Tsiomeko, Hell-Ville, Nosy Be, Madagascar
Phone: +261 32 50 891 57
Office Hours: Please take note of the time zone differences when contacting us.
Email: volunteer@madagascarvolunteer.com

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Teaching | Marine Conservation | Forest Conservation | Combinations

Disclaimer:  We reserve the right to change our Volunteer Programs at any time, without prior notice.