Madagascar Volunteer

Research & Conservation Institute

   
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Volunteers FAQ’s

Accommodation

Volunteers are accommodated in communal locally built eco-bungalows equipped with beds and solar powered lighting. Volunteers are required to supply their own bedding. Each cabin can accommodate 6 – 8 volunteers.

Charging facilities for cameras, laptops and mobile phones are limited as we make use of a generator, so please limit the amount of electronic equipment you bring along. We encourage volunteers to bring solar battery packs for charging personal equipment as an alternative.

The onsite ablution facilities are modern and hygienic and are equipped with running water, basins, flush toilets and cold water showers.

Meals

Volunteers enjoy three meals per day prepared on site by a locally trained chef in the traditional Malagasy cooking method using fresh fresh, locally grown, seasonally available ingredients. Softdrinks, sweets and snacks can be purchased at the centre’s canteen.

Currency

In Madagascar the official currency is the Malagasy Ariary (MGA), which can only be exchanged in Madagascar. There are a number VISA ATMs located in Hellville which volunteers can draw cash from. We do however advise that you bring some Euro’s along with you.

Passport and Visa

All visitors require visas and a one to three month single entry visa may be obtained on arrival at the airport. We do recommend you check with the Consulate General as visa requirements can change at any time. A passport valid for 6 months after date of return is required. Please ensure you have at least two blank pages available in your passport before commencement of travel.

What to bring along

  • Minimal clothing is required as dress is casual at all times. Do pack some light warm clothing for the cooler evenings.
  • Sandals and walking shoes
  • Sun block
  • Insect repellent
  • Bath & beach towels
  • Bedding/Sleeping bags
  • Personal items

Diving equipment for marine program volunteers

  • Wet suit (if required)
  • Mask
  • Fins
  • Snorkel
  • Underwater slate
  • Diving torch
  • Waterproof or dive computer

Health and Safety

  • While Malaria is uncommon we suggest that you take the necessary precautions and consult your local doctor before travelling.
  • Drink only bottled water when in town.
  • We suggest volunteers bring their own personal travelling first aid kit along containing items such as antihistamine tablets/cream, plasters, dressings and tape, antibacterial/antifungal cream, etc.
  • Travel insurance is always advisable when travelling aboard and is usually available when purchasing airline tickets by credit card. This is compulsory and needs to cover diving if you will be doing diving.
  • There is no hyperbaric chamber readily available in Madagascar. Divers will always be strictly adhering to a recreational dive planner and diving within qualified limits.
  • Nosy Be Airport is an international Airport with regular flights to and from France and Italy.
  • The hospital in Hellville has the capabilities to cover essentials, such as suturing, parasitological tests and minor surgery. There is also a private hospital on the island and there are several private doctors on Nosy Be that can offer diagnosis and treatment of minor to moderate illnesses and injury. There is a fully equipped private clinic at Mahajanga as well as one in Antananarivo.

Connectivity

  • WiFi / internet is available at some restaurants as well as at internet cafes in Hellville.
  • Local cellular sim cards can be purchased almost anywhere and there is cellular reception throughout most of Nosy Be and Nosy Komba Island. There is also cellular reception at our research centre.

Language

Malagasy is the official language, but French is also used in business and government and is widely spoken in the main cities in Madagascar. English is also widely spoken and is official language spoken at our centre.

Transportation

  • Boat transfers between our research centre and Nosy Be are available to volunteers at specified times.
  • Nosy Be has a large number of taxi’s that can be used for getting around town.
  • The centre has its own transportation for volunteer transfers etc.
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Recent Posts

  • Marine Conservation Team: Solly
  • Volunteering in Madagascar during a Pandemic
  • Mitsios Boat Trip
  • Dive Certification Well Earned
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.