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Madagascar

Humanitarian projects in Madagascar

Join a humanitarian project in Nosy Be, Madagascar: build educational infrastructure, teach pupils or introduce children to English, with a dedicated team.

3 programmes in this country

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Madagascar, an island country and the world’s fourth largest island, is found off the southeastern coast of Africa. It boasts incredible ecosystems such as rainforests, deciduous forests and more. Madagascar is home to many plant and animal species found nowhere else in the world, such as various species of lemurs, chameleons and baobab trees. In fact, Madagascar is nicknamed the “Land of Lemurs” because of the hundreds of species of lemurs that are only found in Madagascar.

Madagascar also has stunning coasts with beautiful beaches and clear, turquoise waters. Popular sites such as Nosy Be and Île Sainte-Marie are famous for their beaches.

The official languages of Madagascar are Malagasy and French. The people have a rich culture with influences from Southeast Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Europe, particularly France as Madagascar was first colonized by the French in the 19th century, only gaining independence in 1960. Madagascar also has an interesting history, having famously been used as a haven for pirates in the 17th and 18th centuries.

Good to know before you go

Visa
No visa is required for European nationals.
Health
Please check with your doctor or a travel clinic which vaccinations you need for your destination. You can also find up-to-date health advice for each destination on the Institut Pasteur website.

Our programmes in Madagascar

Responsible travel by Freepackers

Not looking to volunteer?

Travel in Madagascar with Planeta First

No project to join here: you discover the country with local guides and hosts, at your own pace.

About the destination

About Madagascar

Madagascar still faces many issues today, including deforestation, political instability, poverty and limited access to healthcare and education.

Advice before volunteering in Madagascar

Before coming to Madagascar, it would be beneficial to learn a bit about the culture and traditions there. In addition, although English is spoken by some, particularly in tourist areas, knowing some basic Malagasy will certainly help you to bond with the community.

Keep an open mind when you come and be prepared to experience cultural differences and get outside your comfort zone.

Take precautions and ensure that your health is a priority on your trip. Check with your doctor and the Pasteur Institute regarding any vaccines or medication you may need.

Is it safe to volunteer in Madagascar?

All projects are very safe and you will have support and guidance 24/7. Nevertheless, you should always exercise general caution when in an unfamiliar place. Keep an eye on your belongings when in crowded areas. Also make sure to take proper precautions against illnesses such as mosquito-borne diseases.

Requirements to volunteer in Madagascar

In order to volunteer in Madagascar, you must be 16+, be proficient in English, have a valid passport and have travel insurance.

Volunteer opportunities in Madagascar

Discover our community projects in Nosy-Be, Madagascar, each offering a unique opportunity to make a positive contribution to the local community, whether by building educational infrastructure, teaching pupils or introducing children to English.

Throughout your humanitarian trip to Madagascar, you will be accompanied by a dedicated team who will make your immersion easier and guide you in carrying out your humanitarian projects.

By working with local people, you’ll be helping to improve living conditions while creating lasting connections. Offer your skills and energy to make a real difference, while enjoying an unforgettable humanitarian mission in Madagascar.

Experience the wonder of Madagascar while also making a real difference in people’s lives! Join a Freepackers project!

So, why not you?Travel to be useful, on ground we know.Find my programme

Line drawing: a beach and its turtle, a mangrove, two backpackers, a school on a hillside, a giraffe and an elephant under an acacia