About Us
Initially conceived in 2013 and formally founded in 2014, IMPACT Madagascar is a Malagasy non-profit organization focused on implementing and maintaining actions for environmental change. Our mission is to partner with local communities to develop sustainable, practical solutions to biodiversity loss, deforestation, pollution, and poverty—creating a healthier environment and stronger livelihoods.
Program at a glance
Why choose us?
Most other volunteering programs charge high prices for short stays. At IMPACT Madagascar, we offer hands-on, authentic conservation, education, and community development volunteer programs at a modest price. You will work alongside a small team of researchers and other volunteers, rather than being grouped with dozens of participants working on the same project. This allows our volunteers to have a more meaningful and personal experience.
All of our projects are designed and implemented with the best interests of the environment and Madagascar’s local communities in mind. Volunteers will leave feeling humbled and fulfilled, knowing that they have made a true and positive impact by responsibly conserving the resources of this unique island.
Requirements
We welcome anyone who is enthusiastic about biodiversity conservation and ready for an adventure. During your time in Madagascar, you will be exposed to experiences that are humbling and life-changing.
The only specific requirement for volunteers is that they are over 18 years of age. Beyond that, we ask that you be independent, dedicated, and hardworking—not only so you can make the most of the experience, but also so you can have the greatest possible impact.
Volunteer experience
In the field, your morning starts early, between 5:00 and 6:00 AM, when volunteers pack equipment, eat breakfast, and head into the dense forest. Because lemurs are most active from sunrise until around 10:00 or 11:00 AM, the team spends these early hours walking transects, collecting behavioral data, and tracking groups.
Around midday, as temperatures rise and the lemurs retreat into the canopy to rest, volunteers return to camp to record morning data and share observations. After a late lunch around 1:00 or 2:00 PM, there is time to rest before potential afternoon surveys from 3:30 to 6:00 PM, depending on the weather.
If conditions do not allow for a second forest survey when lemurs become active again, volunteers may instead participate in reforestation, environmental education, or community engagement activities.
The day concludes back at camp with dinner, storytelling, and relaxation from 6:30 to 9:00 PM, offering time to document the experience before getting a well-earned night’s rest.
€650 / $730 for two weeks; each additional week costs €439 / $503 per person.
The first 1–2 days of volunteering will be spent in Nanisana, where you will meet the team and attend a short orientation session. The remainder of the training and orientation will take place in the field. All volunteer stays will conclude with 1–2 days back in Nanisana for a short debriefing and discussion of your results and overall experience.
In the field, volunteers stay at a modern forest camp with flush toilets, washing facilities, and shared living spaces, providing comfort while still remaining immersed in the field environment.
Meals in the field are provided. While in Nanisana, our office is just a short walk from local restaurants, markets, and anything else you might need for a comfortable stay.
In their evenings and downtime in the field, volunteers have the opportunity to unwind, share stories, and assist with preparing meals. They can also take photos to document their experience, enjoy the local scenery, and spend time interacting with and building relationships with local villagers.
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