Trip Details

Mangrove Forest Conservation Volunteer Madagascar

Want to do something great for the planet? Why not join a great team which works to preserve the mangrove forests on Madagascar!  You will work on a cultural and ecotourism site that works closely with the community and beyond. And, at TRU, we know from past conservation volunteers in Madagascar, that this adventure is a real eye-opener for those who embark upon it!

Plant a Little Piece of Paradise! (and Sustainability!)

Firstly, you will be working on Mangrove forest seedbeds which will be used as a ‘living classroom’ as an educational tool for children. Indeed, creativity is a real bonus here, as you will also help to design an environmental teaching manual for local schools to use in their learning. Primarily, the aim of the programme is to educate the Malagasy community on the plight – and importance – of the mangrove forests. However, the more who understand, the better, and our Mangrove Conservation Volunteers play an important part in that aim, here in Madagascar.

Explore Madagascar and get immersed in the Malagasy Culture!

Adventure awaits you in Madagascar! And, with its mountains, waterfalls, lakes, and of course – rainforest treks, you’ll want to see them all. Alternatively, you can spend a day ambling through the local shops and markets in town. Regardless of how you spend your free time, you will really get to know about the Malagasy culture, traditions and feel a part of their community whilst you are here! Of course, you’ll have a comfortable stay at our centre, with areas to relax in, and WiFi to catch up with friends and family. This really is a volunteer adventure that you will not want to miss!

Why be a Mangrove Conservation Volunteer in Madagascar?

  • Play an active (and exciting!) part in preserving the majestic mangrove
  • Learn about conservation and our place in caring for our planet
  • Explore Madagascar’s beautiful terrain with other volunteer friends
  • Relax back at our comfortable accommodation with communal areas and WiFi
  • Enjoy authentic Malagasy 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 days as a Mangrove Conservation Volunteer will be varied, working with plants, with children, and with other volunteers. All activities are supported by the local staff who are there to help, whenever needed, so don’t worry if you need a little support now and again!

Weekly Schedule

After meeting with the team and getting a brief introduction on history and taboos, your main tasks throughout the week will be:

  • Working on the mangrove regeneration program.
  • Setting up seedbed.
  • Drawing sketch about mangrove forest conservation.
  • Leading mangrove-oriented environmental education for surrounding children.
  • Working on mangrove sustainable exploitation program.

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

Once you’ve finished volunteering as a Conservation Volunteer, evenings and weekends are your own, and 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 a nature lover’s paradise! You will find lemurs, unique bird species, reptiles. and many other animals, including some pretty spectacular plant species!

Further, the explorers amongst you will find volcanic lakes, hikes, rum distilleries, Ylang Ylang plantations and breathtaking coral reefs that are practically begging to be discovered!

And 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.  Your experience as a Mangrove Conversation Volunteer in Madagascar 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. Rooms are dorm style male/female and sleep 4 – 6 to a room and mosquito protection is available.

And, 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. Further, 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 delicious! Whilst it mainly consists of vegetarian dishes including rice and vegetables, you will also have chicken dishes to choose from about twice a week, in addition to daily vegetarian meals. And if you need to be eased into African food, we always have a mix of Western and Malagasy cuisine on offer. Lastly, 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 excursi

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, Parental Consent

Additional Requirements

Hiking Shoes
Insect Repellent
Hat

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