Trip Details

Construction and Renovation Volunteer in Madagascar

How would you like to explore one of the most exciting islands in Africa? Madagascar is a haven for African wildlife where you will meet the real animals that inspired the Disney film (spoiler; they don’t talk) as you help the local community create better learning environments for their children. Our Construction and Renovation Volunteers here really feel they have made a difference in the community when they leave, and, well, isn’t that what it’s all about?

Enjoy Challenging but Rewarding Work as a Volunteer in Madagascar!

During this project, you will be helping with all sorts of construction and renovation work in the town of Nosy Be, from painting and constructing school buildings and basic furniture, to renovating the playground, building walls, toilets and pathways. However, there are many places in Madagascar that need your help, so you may be working in the wider local area, depending upon what’s needed on your arrival. Be prepared for a varied schedule as Construction and Renovation Volunteer!

Our Construction and Renovation Project Needs You!

Volunteers who embark on this programme need to be capable of physical labour, but also have a cheerful disposition, friendly and polite with local villagers, and be able to plan their daily program with our coordinators. Importantly, team players are a must, as you will be working with fellow volunteers and local people, and there’s a lot of friendly banter to be had! Lastly, on our ‘wish list’ for our Construction and Renovation Volunteers, (aren’t we demanding!) we’d love you to be creative, thinking up ideas to enhance the school aesthetically. Resources are scarce, so a little innovation goes a long way!

Head off on your own Madagascan Adventure!

Fun and adventure is a given, in this Construction and Renovation Volunteer programme, and you will have plenty of time to explore and take in the breathtaking scenery, wildlife and plant life on this magical island! Also, snorkelling is a must with such a rich diversity of sea life around. Further, Madagascar has a super friendly community, and you’ll be making friends with people of every age, learning about local culture and traditions. And, last – but definitely not least – you will get to experience authentic Malagasy cuisine, with all meals and beverages* included in the construction and renovation programme.

Why be a Construction and Renovation Volunteer in Madagascar?

  • Make a real difference in the lives of Madascar’s schoolchildren
  • Improve your construction and renovation skills and learn new ones
  • Plan adventures with fellow travellers and explore the wilds of Madagascar
  • Stay in our comfortable accommodation with communal areas and Wifi included
  • Enjoy authentic African cuisine, with all meals and beverages* included

*tea, coffee and drinking water

Get in touch to find out more or browse through our many other volunteer experiences.

Trip Itinerary

Your day-to-day schedule as a Construction and Renovation Volunteer will depend primarily on your placement location and the needs as well as the operating hours of each project. Once you have met with the project coordinator, you will work together to create your schedule. Don’t worry – you will never be asked to do anything that is outwith your abilities. However, those with a can-do attitude will get the most from this exciting and rewarding programme!

Orientation Day Schedule

Weekly Schedule

You will be taken to your Construction and Renovation project on the first day and shown around the area, as well as catching some dos and don’ts around the Malagasy people.

Monday to Friday

  • Breakfast
  • Construction and Renovation Volunteering
  • Lunch
  • Construction and Renovation Volunteering
  • Dinner

Please note:

Cost of transport to locations is not included, but will usually be around £1.50 per day.

This schedule can be changed depending on weather conditions and unforeseen circumstances.

Evenings and Weekends

After a day of being a hard-grafting volunteer, you can choose to explore the area or simply kick back with your new-found friends back at your accommodation. Many of our volunteers enjoy mixing with their new volunteer friends during the week and plan their weekend adventures as they go!

Places to Visit

With all year-round sunshine, Nosy Be is a paradise for aqua activities. The golden beaches are the highlights of Nosy be where you can swim, snorkel or just sit back and enjoy the sunshine. These are some of our favourite beaches …

  • Palm Beach
  • Andilana Beach
  • Ambatoloaka Beach

Trip Accommodation

Nosy Be, where you will be staying, is an idyll for nature lovers! You will find lemurs, unique bird species, reptiles. and many other animals, including some pretty spectacular plant species!

And for the explorer, there are volcanic lakes, hikes, rum distilleries, Ylang Ylang plantations and breathtaking coral reefs that are practically begging to be discovered!

Further, if you come in May, you’ll enjoy the four-day Donia Music Festival; however, all year round you will have the opportunity to swim among turtles, stingrays or manta rays. This is truly an adventure you will not forget!

About the Accommodation

In our centre, there is a dining room, a communal lounge area, and a beautiful garden to relax. There is also a refrigerator which you are welcome to use to store food and beverages.
In addition, you also have a balcony and large roof terrace to spend some quality time with your new-found friends.

…and that’s one of the great perks of being a TRU volunteer; if you’re coming by yourself for the first time, you won’t be alone! There will always be others who, like you, are volunteering overseas, and there are staff on-site 7 days a week to help you. In fact, socialising is the norm here, so you’ll find you’ll not be short of things to do during your down-time. Wifi is available in communal areas of the volunteer house so you can catch up with friends and family – if you get the time!.

Food 
Malagasy cuisine is an experience in itself! Whilst it mainly consists of vegetarian dishes including rice and vegetables, you will also have chicken dishes to choose from about twice a week. And if you need to be eased into African food, we always have a mix of Western and Malagasy cuisine on offer. You can also use the kitchen facilities to cook for yourself or eat out at any of the local restaurants at your own expense.

Facilities
There is an ATM about 15-20 minutes away from the centre, accessible by bus or Tuk-Tuk.
The closest local supermarket is also around 15-20 minutes away by bus or Tuk-Tuk from the accommodation.
Wifi is available in communal areas of your accommodation.

Transportation

Transportation is available to all surrounding areas. However, transport costs are not included in the programme and extra provision must be made for your excursions.

Trip Country Info

Madagascar

Population: 25,054,000
Capital: Antànanarivo
Language: Malagasy (official) and 17 dialects apart from the official Malagasy language and French.
Currency: Ariary (Ar or MGA)
Time zone: UTC +3:00

Because of its isolation from the major continents, Madagascar is considered as a jewel in biodiversity terms, an exotic country with a high concentration of endemic species. Madagascar’s flagship species are 100% endemic with 101 lemur species. Of 285 bird species recorded 105 are unique to the country. Three fourths of Madagascar’s 860 orchid species are endemic to the island and 6 of the world’s 8 baobab species are found nowhere else in the world. But, human presence constantly threatens these wonders. Over 90% of Madagascar’s wildlife is endemic and cannot be seen wild anywhere else on earth.

Madagascar’s cultural richness differs from one ethnic group to another. And, 18 ethnic groups form the Malagasy population whose culture is based on the respect of the ancestors and the unity of the living.

Madagascar is the world’s fourth largest island. It is one of the richest countries for biodiversity, but economically one of the poorest nations. 75.3% of Malagasy live under the poverty line, and the gap between the rich and poor is widening day by day. Despite dire poverty, Malagasy society remains open-hearted to everyone who takes time to discover and enjoy its natural and cultural heritage. This land of smiles and contrasts is ready to take you on your next adventure whether helping out in local communities or just exploring. This island located at the crossroads of the African and Asian worlds will surely amaze your senses. Madagascar will certainly shift the way you see the world.

Madagascar’s wildlife is found nowhere else on Earth, this is due to the isolation of the country.  In Madagascar the locals are kind and friendly, you will receive a warm welcome, despite the country not being one of wealth, the people are proud, and are proud of what they have.

If you want to move it move it in Madagascar get involved in one of our volunteering projects here.  You will be spending your gap year in a destination that offers a kind of hospitality from the Malagasy that you would get nowhere else.

Participant Criteria & Requirements

Standard Requirements

MUST have a yellow fever vaccination and must obtain a certificate as proof
Travel Insurance
Under 18's Parental Consent

Additional Requirements

Team Player
Open Mind
Sturdy Boots/Shoes

What's included

  • 24/7 support in case of emergencies
  • Accommodation
  • Airport Pick up
  • English speaking coordinator
  • Meals
  • Orientation

What's not included

  • Airport drop off
  • Flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Vaccination
  • Visa