2-6 weeks
Madagascar Turtle Conservation
Help protect critically endangered sea turtles
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Trip Highlights
- Make a positive impact abroad while volunteering to help the endangered hawksbill and green sea turtle species
- Get off the beaten track in Madagascar: a secret tropical paradise filled with unspoiled stretches of sand and thriving wildlife
- Stay at exclusive beach camps as part of this epic once-in-a-lifetime opportunity
- Go snorkelling in crystal-clear waters and assist in ocean and beach clean-ups
- Receive full training and support from our incredible local team while participating in a variety of volunteer activities
- Enjoy free weekends to explore this stunning destination with fellow volunteers
Trip Overview
Escape to tropical paradise in Madagascar and join this fantastic sea turtle conservation project. Discover two stunning destinations during your stay in Madagascar, spending your time on the enchanted island of Nosa Komba and a beachside village called Ampohana. Help rehabilitate endangered hawksbill and green sea turtles by taking part in a wide variety of activities - including spotting turtle nests, snorkelling in the crystal-clear waters and creating artificial coral reefs. More than an incredible volunteering opportunity, this project is a chance to make new friends and explore Madagascar like never before!
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- All accommodation on camp during your project
- 3 meals a day
- Filtered water
- Airport pick up on arrival
- Orientation presentation
- Health and safety presentation
- Daily briefing
- Comprehensive training programme
- Full support of a team of qualified staff
- Transport to and from programme locations
- 24-hour support
What's Not Included
Camp Huts
Camp Entrance
+ 4
Camp Dining Kitchen Area
Camp Dive Hut
Camp Dive Hut
Camp Entrance
Camp Pathway
Accommodation
All your accommodation is included. As part of this project, you will stay inside beautiful beach huts in the heart of nature. Typically, for a two-week placement, you will spend one week on Nosy Komba and one week in Ampohana. This may vary depending on conservation needs.
Nosy Komba
This is the main volunteer camp, built into the rocky hillside. It offers sweeping views of the bay and Lokobe Nature Reserve. Volunteers will stay in single-sex bungalows, typically shared by four to six travellers. Cold-water showers and flush toilets are available.
Camp includes a spacious main house, a scenic dining area and a dive deck overlooking the ocean. This volunteer camp also has its own sandy beach where you can relax and dip into the ocean.
Ampohana
This is a rustic beach camp where travellers can enjoy total seclusion on a castaway beach that stretches for miles. Enjoy the stunning sea views and immerse yourself in the scenery as part of this special experience.
Volunteers will stay in a large A-frame bungalow right on the sand. Each room is shared between up to 11 people. Western-style toilets which are flushed using a bucket are available, as well as traditional bucket showers.
Meals
All your breakfasts, lunches and dinners are included during your stay on this project. Each meal is prepared onsite using traditional Malgasy cooking techniques and featuring locally grown, organic produce. Most meals typically include a rice base with beans and vegetables on the side, served with fish or meat. Breakfast usually consists of bananas, baguettes, eggs or crepes.
A vegetarian option is available for all meals, however, vegan options cannot be supplied due to the limitations of the remote location. While there are vegetable-based foods for vegan travellers to enjoy, you may need to supplement your diet with foods purchased off-camp. Madagascar is a super budget-friendly destination.
Filtered drinking water is available at camp. Travellers are encouraged to bring a refillable with them to minimise plastic waste.
Sea turtle conservation
This conservation project specialises in the research and rehabilitation of green and hawksbill sea turtles, both of which are endangered species. As part of this trip, you will have the extraordinary chance to contribute to an ongoing research database and gain hands-on experience within the field of conservation. This is the opportunity of a lifetime for anyone who loves animals or is passionate about the environment.
Why choose Madagascar?
Madagascar offers a rare travel experience unlike anywhere else on the planet. Almost 90% of its wildlife is endemic and can only be found here, including its iconic resident lemurs, of which there are over 100 different species!
This destination goes far beyond the beaten track and rewards travellers with paradise scenery. Picture secluded stretches of golden coast, traditional beachside villages and tropical forests with lemurs in the treetops. Just as magical is the crystal-clear ocean filled with thriving coral reefs and colourful marine life. On this project, you'll uncover the raw beauty of Madagascar - a side of East Africa that so few travellers see.
Training and support on the project
This project was first established in 2013 and has made incredible progress in protecting the native sea turtle species of Madagascar. With years of experience, our exceptional local team are here to support you at every stage. Comprehensive training is provided and you will also be sent pre-departure briefings to review before your trip starts.
On this project, volunteers can make meaningful contributions to sea turtle conservation. There is an exciting variety of activities which can change depending on the season and location.
Role and responsibilities
Sea turtles are a growing research area in Madagascar. To help support this, volunteers will get involved in a variety of activities during their time on the project. While responsibilities can be subject to change, this typically includes:
Learning opportunities
As part of this project, volunteers can also engage in self-directed learning workshops on topics covering turtle biology, marine ecology, conservation strategies and coral reef restoration techniques. There are scientific paper group discussions, in which volunteers can discuss new findings within the field.
Volunteers also have the opportunity to learn Malagasy, the official language of Madagascar. A little bit can go a long way and the effort is appreciated by the local community.
What does a typical day look like?
Start the day by watching the sunrise by the beach and enjoying a delicious breakfast. Then it's time for the morning activities before taking a lunch break back at camp to rest and refresh. Afternoon activities typically last until 5pm, followed by dinner and a board briefing to go over activities for the next day.
Volunteer work varies depending on the time of year:
Sometimes, there are also night patrols; these are always a major highlight for our volunteers!
Free time
Volunteers enjoy free weekends on this project, as well as an early finish at around 1pm to 3pm on Fridays. There are so many activities that you can get involved with during your free time and our onsite volunteer coordinator can sign you onto any recommended activities.
Some of the most popular weekend excursions include exploring forest reserves, hiking at national parks, visiting lemur parks, snorkelling, learning how to scuba dive and whale shark watching (seasonal).
Occasionally free weekends can be subject to change based on sea turtle activity, however, volunteers are entitled to plenty of free time during the week if this is the case.
Please note activities and itineraries are subject to change.
Booking Options Payment plans available
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Online booking is unavailable for this trip
Online booking isn't currently available but if you'd like to enquire please use the form below. Alternatively if you'd like to discuss alternate trips or if you have any other questions please don't hesitate to contact us.Call us on: 01892 527392
Email us at: [email protected]
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Arrival Information:
You'll need to arrange your flight into Nosy Be Fascene Airport (NOS). You will need to arrive into Nosy be on the Saturday before your programme starts and spend 1 night in Hellville - this night is not included, but our bookings team can provide you with a list of recommended accommodations for you to book.
If you arrive between 7am - 7pm on the Saturday before your start date, a member of the local team will collect you from the airport and then transfer you to your chosen hotel. If you arrive outside of these hours you will need to make your own way from the airport to your chosen hotel.
After spending a night in Hellville, you'll meet the local team at the meeting point in the town centre ready to catch the ferry across to Nosy Komba at around 9am on the Sunday. The meeting point will be confirmed to you by our bookings team before you travel. Your first night of included accommodation at the camp is on the Sunday night. Orientation will take place on the Monday.
If you can’t fly directly to Nosy Be, you can get a connecting flight from Antananarivo (TNR) Airport to the island or travel overland via taxi brousse or private car. Ask your travel advisor if you need help with travel arrangements. If you’re travelling overland, please be aware that the journey can take anywhere from 24 to 72 hours.
When your programme comes to an end, you’ll need to arrange your own transport back to the airport. Local staff can help you book this. Your final night of included accommodation is on the Saturday, and you will need to depart camp for Nosy Be on the Sunday. Depending on flight availability out of Nosy Be, you may need to spend an extra night in Hellville before flying home.
Age & Eligibility:
This trip is open to anyone aged 18 or over.
While no experience is required to take part, this trip is packed with conservation activities and is perfect for travellers who are passionate about wildlife. A reasonable level of fitness is also required as this is an active-style trip with lots of walking and snorkelling involved.
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