Volunteers joining us in Madagascar find it a great way to gain new skills, experience a new country and culture, as well as being a wonderful opportunity to give back and to make a real difference.
Our research base “Turtle Cove” is situated on Nosy Komba or “Lemur Island” (as it has been nicknamed), which is located in the North West of Madagascar, between Nosy Be and the mainland. The closest international airport is Fascene, Nosy Be (NOS). Volunteers arrive from Nosy Be via boat to our private beach’ and head up the walkway to our base which is nestled into the forest behind. Here we have many of Madagascar’s iconic animals that live literally in our back garden including chameleons and lemurs as well as lizards and frogs!
Maybe this is why Katherine Gledhill who recently joined us from the United Kingdom advises that volunteers stay as long as they can. Kat shared a little of her experience with us:
“I became an MRCI volunteer following my recent graduation in Animal Behaviour and Welfare. I chose to volunteer on the marine conservation program because I was keen to learn to dive and contribute to valuable research.
Since arriving in Madagascar, all of my expectations have been exceeded in terms of the marine project, camp life and the support network of staff and volunteers. I couldn’t have anticipated how quickly I would fall in love with our reef and camp at Turtle Cove, and I will be so sad when it’s time to leave this beautiful island of Nosy Komba.
I have enjoyed my time my time with MRCI immensely and this is a unique experience that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. I feel confident that this experience and the incredible staff and volunteers here have all helped to shape me as an individual.
I was nervous about joining a big camp but was welcomed to the MRCI family, and felt comfortable around camp and the people in no time. I’m gutted my time is nearly over and the best piece of advice I can offer is to stay for longer, because it never feels like long enough when you’re in paradise.”
Read about another volunteer who wished she could have stayed longer here.
For more information on our exciting Volunteer Programs, contact us today!
