You might have been thinking of volunteering somewhere in the world, but don’t know where to go yet. Would you like to visit a place with great biodiversity; a place with unique wildlife? A country with an awesome people and great history? And you want to experience all this while doing something good for somebody else? Then you need to volunteer in Madagascar!
It is believed that Madagascar split from the Indian Peninsula around 88 million years ago, allowing native plants and animals to evolve in relative isolation. This might be the reason why Madagascar is a biodiversity hotspot: over 90% of its wildlife is found nowhere else on Earth! Additionally to this, the first archaeological evidence for human foraging on Madagascar dates to 2000 BC. Scientific records state the human settlement of Madagascar occurred between 350 BC and 550 AD by Austronesian peoples. Later, other groups continued to settle on Madagascar over time, and with each group, great cultural contributions were made to Malagasy cultural life.
Top 6 fun facts about Madagascar
Madagascar is the world’s fourth-largest island behind Greenland, New Guinea and Borneo.
About 80% of the world’s vanilla comes from Madagascar.
Marco Polo was the first European explorer to reach the island! It was later colonized by the French, who influenced their cuisine, culture, architecture, and other aspects of Madagascar.
Madagascar does not have tropical climate, despite being located in the tropics. In fact, the island experiences extreme winters in some areas.
Madagascar was formed in about 160 million years. Before that it was part of the supercontinent, Gondwanaland.
Despite the popular children’s Pixar movie, Madagascar; there are actually no lions, giraffes, hippos or zebras on the entire island.
Fields of interest in Madagascar
Madagascar is one of the world’s treasure houses of biodiversity. Thousands of creatures inhabit this large island off the coast of Africa. And the vast majority of its species of fauna and flora are endemic to the island. Sadly, much of Madagascar’s wildlife is under threat from conversion of their habitats, specifically its humid forest. Additionally to this, the severe poverty of the island’s inhabitants has caused serious damage to its environment. Less than 3% of the island is protected, despite its global biological importance.
Fauna
Like stated before, Madagascar was an isolated island for about 70 million years, breaking away from Africa around 165 million years ago, then from India nearly 100 million years later. This arduous isolation resulted in the development of a unique endemic fauna. Before humans arrived about 2,000 years ago, there were many large and unusual animals living there, descended from species that were originally present when Madagascar became an island, or from species that later crossed the sea to Madagascar. However, a large proportion of these endemic Malagasy animals have died out since the arrival of humans to the island; most particularly the megafauna.
Despite this, Madagascar has positioned itself as home to an incredible array of wildlife, and it has become a primary sport for ecotourism, with more then fifty national parks, as well as protected reserves. The lemurs are probably the best known of Madagascar’s mammals: they can only be found here! Because they do not need to compete for food with monkeys or other primates, they have adapted to a wide range of habitats and they have diversified into numerous species. Also endemic to this island are the endangered Malagasy giant rats, about 30 species of rodents, approximately 69 species of bat, etc.
Flora
Madagascar hosts more than 10,000 plant species, of which more than 90% are endemic to the island. The endemics include five unique plant families such as the baobab trees or the traveler’s palm. The island has all sorts of vegetation and there’s a distinction between the West, centre and East vegetation: dry forests and grasslands dominate the Centre; the East receives more rain from the Indian Ocean, which propitiates the existence of rainforests; meanwhile, the Southwest features unique spiny forests and it is also the driest region of Madagascar.
Sadly, deforestation has led to the decline of many native vegetation types and use has changed Madagascar’s natural flora dramatically. Madagascar is considered to be one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots, because of its high diversity and dramatic decrease of its natural vegetation.
Health
Access to medical care is still inaccessible to many Malagasy. Additionally to this, medical care is expensive; most Malagasy live with less than $2 USD per month and there is a low prevalence of trained medical professionals in the island. In 2010, Madagascar had an average of three hospital beds per 10,000 people and a total of 3,150 doctors, 5,661 nurses, 385 community health workers, 175 pharmacists and 57 dentists for a population of 22 million.
The government provides at least one basic health centre per commune (small locality), and despite all the barriers that Malagasy health system faces, health services have shown improvements over the past 20 years.
Education
Formal schooling in Madagascar began with medieval Arab travelers who established Islamic primary schools, also called kuttabs, and developed a transcription of the Malagasy language, using Arabic script (sorabe). Nowadays, the Malagasy education system provides primary schooling for five years, from ages six to eleven; secondary school lasts for seven years and it is divided in junior secondary (4 years) and senior secondary level (three years). At the end of the senior secondary level, graduates receive the baccalauréat (this is equivalent to a high school diploma).
Historically, the system has been characterized by an unequal distribution of education resources among the regions of the country: there is a continued lack of education opportunities for the poorest sectors of society. Additionally to this, the education system rewards those who are the most proficient in the French language, despite the fact that the country is officially bilingual. If one considers that around 9 million Malagasy speak only Malagasy, one can easily infer that this fact frustrates the future educational attainment of lots of children.
Finally, another challenge of the Malagasy education system is that education is inaccessible for a great part of the population. This is mainly so because the Malagasy government has decreasingly supported the public school system, while the private school system grows and offers a better educational quality.
Technology
Madagascar is making efforts to develop technology that helps the country grow. An example of this would be the drip irrigation technology, which is Madagascar’s successful example of scaling up. It started as a pilot innovation in a limited area in Madagascar, and it not only became an example of successful scaling up to other regions, but it enabled a local industry to develop. The project on Scaling-Up Micro-Irrigation Systems (SCAMPIS) started in 2009, with the support of the Coopernic grant: a consortium that consists of five European-based private food retailers, to IFAD’s Technical and Advisory Division (PTA). Its initial objective was to improve water availability and water management for 10,000 households in Madagascar through the implementation of micro-irrigation systems, which will eventually lead to better agricultural productivity in these areas. These and other projects intend to make Madagascar a more sustainable country in the long-run.
Living costs for a volunteer in Madagascar
This is just an estimation of the costs of living as a volunteer in Madagascar and you should be aware that costs might vary with time. So, saving money to cover your expenses as a volunteer in Madagascar is key to have a happy trip! We want to give you a general idea of how the country does economically, and how much money you should consider saving to volunteer in Madagascar, to travel and for leisure.
Hotel
$29.94
Big Mac®
$n.a.
Coca-Cola®
$0.46
Eating out
$3.78
Rental car
$420.73 /week
Hostel
$7.09
Marlboro™
$2.52
Beer
$1.26
Fuel
$0.94
Public transport
$0.13
Best time to volunteer in Madagascar
When planning your trip as a volunteer in Madagascar, consider that seasons in this country are somehow different, compared to Western nations. Each season has its beauty and you shouldn’t feel discouraged by rain or cold weathers, you will find beauty in this country in every season.
Summer/Wet Season (November-March)
This is considered to be the rainy season and weather during this time of year is hot -very hot! Madagascar suffers from cyclones, especially during February and March, and particularly down the east coast. The months that you may want to avoid are August and during the Christmas holidays, when popular places are very crowded, and tourists are to be found everywhere.
Winter/dry season (April-October)
During this season is mainly dry and mild in Madagascar. Average temperatures during this season are 25ºC (77ºF) in the highlands and 30ºC (86ºF) on the coast. You should expect nice weather during the months of April and May; as well as a greener countryside and jacarandas bloom in full flower, the lemurs have babies, and lychees are ready to be eaten everywhere in the country.
What precautions should I consider as a volunteer in Madagascar?
Safety
There has been a continued political instability in Madagascar since the 2009 coup d’état. Even though political transition installed democracy again in 2014, the situation is still fragile and may have had an impact on security. The situation could be dangerous especially if you are visiting the capital, the larger regional cities, and the Betroka region in the South. Needless to say, crime and politically motivated violence is widespread in Madagascar.
Be especially vigilant at night, and do not touch any suspect packages; also avoid taking care of strangers bags.
Keep your personal belongings and important travel documents with you at all times! It also makes sense to bring attested photocopies of these documents, in case you loose them!
If you are going out, it does not make sense to take a lot of money with you, as well as jewellery or other fancy possessions. Take only the money you will need and leave everything else back home!
If you are unfortunately robbed, do not resist robbery! Your life is more valuable than any item they can take away from you!
Take care when withdrawing money form a bank or at an ATM!
Do not use unregistered taxis! Doing so increases the risk of becoming a victim of a crime, or being kidnapped.
Watch out for pickpockets when using public transportation, particularly the subway system!
Be vigilant and maintain a low profile while moving around the country, in particular if you are traveling alone.
In 2013 there were thousands of visitors in Madagascar and most visits were trouble free. If it is possible, travel with the organisation you are volunteering with or travel companies who know the terrain and have the capacity to warn potential hazards.
There is a low threat from terrorism.
The cyclone season in Madagascar normally runs from November to April and coastal areas are particularly affected, during this season. You should monitor the progress of approaching storms and stay safe.
Law
Never attempt to export gemstones or other precious materials from Madagascar. Before purchasing any gemstones, seek clarification of the applicable laws.
Get all proper vaccinations four to eight weeks before traveling to Madagascar.
It is illegal to import or export food items (including fruit), protected plants and animals.
There is also a restriction on exporting vanilla, with a limit of 100 grams.
Do not attempt to purchase or export crocodile products.
Madagascar recently introduced laws targeting prostitution which prohibits consorting with female prostitutes. Additionally to this, a campaign against sexual abuse of underage children (under 18 years) is strictly enforced.
Social Etiquette
If you are planning a trip to Madagascar you have just assured yourself one of the greatest adventures you will ever experience in your life. This is a great country, with a lot of things to offer: from extreme activities for the energetic and adventurous visitor to the most relaxed tourist, who just wants a quiet visit.
Madagascar is regulated by numerous local taboos, known as Fady. The Fady vary from region to region. It is always advised to educate oneself of the local taboos, before entering each region, to avoid making somebody uncomfortable and remain respectful.
Some Fady concern forbidden foods, like pork, lemur, turtle, etc.; others prohibit the wearing of certain colour clothing, or bathing in rivers or lakes. However, if you are a volunteer in Madagascar, in a main town, you aren’t going to be asked to observe the Fady rules; it is mostly limited to rural areas.
Respect your elders and authority figures: when addressing someone older than you, or in a position of authority (military, police, government officials, etc), use the word “tompoko” (toom-pook), which is similar to “sir/madame” in English.
When visiting a village, it is a tradition to first meet with the head of the tribe/group, before interacting with other members.
Avoid taking pictures of the Malagasy people or the beautiful surroundings, without permission.
Packing Essentials
Apart from the essential travel documents, like passport, travel medical insurance information, and visa, you should also keep photocopies or scanned copies of these; in case you lose them.
Get protected from the sun! Always carry sun cream with you, especially if you are taking a tour during the warmer seasons!
Keep enough cash with you, Madagascar is primarily a cash-driven economy. Some higher-end establishments may accept credit cards, but usually only Visa cards! Most restaurants and shops are “cash only”.
Carry a money belt with you to keep your money secure.
Carry appropriate luggage with you: daypacks or backpacks for short excursions and trips around the city; as well as soft shell bags, if you plan on taking bus or train rides in the region.
Pack appropriate clothing and shoes! This means: comfortable, loose-fitting shorts, singlet-tops, kaftans, board shorts, summer dresses, t-shirts, and other items you routinely wear during summer at home.
Walking shoes are a MUST, as you may find that you end up walking several kilometers a day.
Over-the-counter medicines are available, BUT if you need to take special medication, bring enough with you, as it might be difficult to find it here!
Locks for hostel lockers and also for your luggage!
Prepare for a variety of climates, as temperatures can vary greatly throughout the country.
Don’t forget to pack all the essentials for your electronics –like chargers and pre-charged battery packs.
How to spend your free time as a volunteer in Madagascar
At this point, you have already received an extensive amount of information about what you should expect as a volunteer in Madagascar. It is time that we tell you all about the fun and interesting activities you’ll get to do in this beautiful country. There is certainly a lot to do and see in Madagascar, so we will just mention some of the various places you should go, and some of the activities and festivals you might want to attend. Have fun!
Sights
Berenty Reserve
It is one of the most accessible wildlife reserves in Madagascar. It is famous for its tame ring-tailed lemurs and sifakas! Berenty is located in the far south of Madagascar, and even though it is touristy and expensive (by Madagascar standards), most visitors enjoy the comforts afforded by the Western facilities. This reserve has studied lemurs for over 40 years. It is also one of Madagascar’s premier tourist destinations. It is home to six species of lemur, the south’s largest colony of Madagascar fruit bats, and 103 bird species, 56 of whom breed in the reserve.
The Avenue of the Baobabs
It is a prominent group of baobab trees that lines the dirt road between Morondava and Belon’i Tsiribihina, in western Madagascar. It offers a breathtaking landscape that draws travelers from all over the world, making it one of the most visited locations in the region. Malagasy government has made efforts to protect the area, but it is not a national park. This is the reason why trees are threatened by further deforestation and despite its popularity as a tourist destination, the area has no visitor centre or gate fees, and local residents receive little income from tourism.
Lemurs’ Park
It is known locally as Parc de lémuriens à Madagascar, and it is a small botanical garden and lemur reserve of 5 ha (12 acres) of extension, and it is located 22km (14mi) southwest if Antananarivo, Madagascar. It was founded around 2000 by Laurent Amouric and Maxime Allorge. Most of Madagascar’s lemur species are free ranging within the park, which also contains more than 70 of Madagascar’s endemic plant species. The plan offers guided tours, and it has a gift shop and a restaurant. Interesting note: most of the park’s lemurs were confiscated pets, entrusted to the park by the Ministry of Water and Forests.
Nosy Be
It is an island off the northwest coast of Madagascar. Nosy Be is Madagascar’s largest and busiest tourist resort. Nosy Be means “big island”, in the Malagasy language. The adjacent channel between Nosy Be and the Madagascar hosts a habitat for notable number of Omura’s whale, and this has allowed researchers to conduct field studies targeting this rare species. While staying here, take your time to explore one of the remote places of the island like Nosy Iranja Island, as well as renting one of the yachts or catamarans that operate in the region.
Festivals
The Malagasy people have vibrant celebrations and holidays throughout the year, all over the country. These events attract a significant number of tourists all year round. The celebrations are based on a variety of traditions ranging from religious days to cultural rituals and national holidays, with the Santabari festival and Donia Music Festival being two of the local favourites. As a volunteer in Madagascar, you might want to learn more about Malagasy culture through their celebrations, that’s why we recommend you to take part of the following:
Alahamadi Be
It is Madagascar’s traditional New Year’s Day, which takes place in March and lasts for two days. On this day, crowds hit the streets in celebration, and homes are decorated with lights; friends and family come over to celebrate and eat together; and traditional music and dance come together as part of the festivities. It is a scene you definitely don’t want to miss!
Santabary Festival
The festival has its origin in ancient times. It usually takes place in late April/early May and its purpose is to give thanks for the year’s first rice harvest. On this day, Malagasy eat, drink, play traditional music and dance together. Local customs and the way of celebrating this holiday vary throughout the country.
Donia Music Festival
Every year around Pentecost, which takes place on late May or early June. The island of Nosy Be holds a week-long music festival known as the Donia. Music groups from all over Madagascar and France perform a wonderful mix of rock, reggae, Creole and pop. Some of the events that are featured during this festival include sporting events, a carnival and various seminars. Around 50,000 people attend this festival every year, when the island is vibrant and cheerful. You shouldn’t miss it!
Food
The food in Madagascar might not immediately appear attractive, but traditionally Malagasy is complex and has a lot of history. Tourist establishments tend to serve meals with rice, beef, vegetables, sauce, and all sorts of spices and ingredients that have a notably French influence. These are just some of the dishes you should definitely try.
Zebu
It is a type of humped cattle characterised by a fatty hump on their shoulders. Zebu meat is part of the Malagasy cuisine. Imagine getting a rather excellent piece of steak served most commonly with a delicious creamy green peppercorn sauce and rice.
Rice
Rice, known locally as vary is the cornerstone of the Malagasy cuisine! You will find rice as a main dish in almost every meal. Lots of dishes are made with rice, where the only thing that varies is the sauces or the accompaniments; as well as the form of cocking the rice. For example, if the rice is prepared with copious amounts of water that produces fluffy dry rice, this is called vary maina and it can be accompanied with a sauce. When prepared as a soupy rice porridge, it is called vary sosoa, which is typically eaten for breakfast and can be eaten with a dry laoka, or smoked strips of zebu meat. Other popular variation is vary amin’anana, which is a traditional rice porridge with meat and chopped greens.
Laoka
This is the accompaniment that is served with rice. Laokas are most often served in some kind of sauce, generally tomato-based, but in coastal areas, coconut milk is added. In the southern and western interior, fresh or curdled zebu milk is often incorporated into vegetable dishes. Laoka preparation varies and other common ingredients are garlic, onions, ginger, tomatoes, mild curry, vanilla, beef, fish, pork, seafood, etc. and condiments like sakay or other Indian-style condiments.
Mofo
It is a variety of cakes and fritters that are available in towns and cities across Madagascar. It is made from a batter of sweetened rice flour, which is poured into greased circular molds and cooked over charcoal. It sounds like you won’t be able to eat only one of these.
Volunteer Requirements
-You should be at least 18 years old to volunteer in Madagascar (although some programs require a minimum of 22 years old).
-You should have an intermediate level of English knowledge; some programs require advanced English-knowledge or basic to intermediate French knowledge.
-For some programs a health declaration, and a criminal background check is required; especially if your are working with children.
– To be enrolled or have been already finish at High School or University studies; some programs require to have a studies on Social Sciences, Social Work, Community Development, Medicine, Women Studies, etc.
-You need to send a CV and an application form for some programs.
-To have strong inter-personal skills, and experiences in working with a wide variety of people is expected from all volunteers. Other skills like dancing, drawing, sports, etc. can favour you as well!
-You need to commit with the program you choose to volunteer with. This means: do respect the schedule given to you!
Do I need a Visa to volunteer in Madagascar?
You have come to the most boring part of this guide, but it is probably the most important part of planning your trip as a volunteer in Madagascar. Visitors wishing to study, conduct research or volunteer for periods longer than 90 days need to obtain a special one-month visa whose duration can be extended. This needs to be solicited once in Madagascar, at the Ministry of Interior.
Elegibility:
First of all, you need to issue a one-month Visa in the Malagasy Mission nearest to you, which is extendable and transformable IN A LONG-STAY VISA. This Visa is valid for an initial period of one month and it is labelled “extendable and transformable”. This means that you can travel to Madagascar with this Visa, and once there you will have to undertake the necessary steps to finalize the long-stay visa process. You must submit the following documents
Valid Passport or travel document that is valid for a minimum of 6 months from the intended date of entry and have at least one completely free page left for the visa.
A copy of the passport or travel document.
An application form to be completed in both sides and signed by you.
Two (2) recent passport size photographs.
A police certificate (criminal background check) of at least three months issued by the country of residence/origin of the applicant for a foreign travel/work permit visa to be signed by the Malagasy Embassy.
If applicable: evidence of your immigration status in your country of residence. Please provide original documents and copies.
Proof of financial means (i.e.: bank statements of the last six months). Please provide original documents and copies.
Hotel reservation or address where you will be staying in Madagascar.
Non-refundable visa fee of approx. $80 USD.
Onward or return flight ticket.
A letter of invitation of the Organization you are working with, in which your obligations are described, and the responsible of your stay is also clearly specified.
A volunteering Convention issued by the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Laws of Madagascar.
A copy of the yellow fever immunization (required from any visitors who have stayed during the last six months in an country on the yellow belt regions, before arriving to Madagascar).
The Embassy and Honorary Consulates of Madagascar can only issue a one-month “extendable and transformable visa in a long-stay visa” for the residents of their own jurisdiction. Nationals of countries where Madagascar does not have any Embassy or Consulate should seek in advance, either by postal service or through a third person duly authorized, a boarding agreement or a 72 hour-visa from the Economic Development Board of Madagascar (EDBM) for the purpose of obtaining extendable visa on arrival in Madagascar.
The Visa shall be used within six months from the date of issue.
Applicants may be required to provide additional information and documents.
Citizens of some nationalities need to present a letter of employment, signed by the employer and legalized.
If you still have doubts concerning the documentation you need to volunteer in Madagascar, do not hesitate to approach the Malagasy Embassy or Consulate nearest to you! And if you have other questions concerning these and other topics, please visit Madagascar’s toursim site and get all the answers you need! You are set!
How to find Volunteer Opportunities in Madagascar
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