Frequently Asked Questions

Check out our “Volunteering with IMPACT Madagascar” document for more information and descriptions of all the volunteering projects you can get involved in!

Who can volunteer?

We welcome anyone who is enthusiastic about the conservation of biodiversity and anyone who is up for an adventure! You will be exposed to things that are humbling and life changing during your time in Madagascar. The only specific requirement that we have for volunteers is that they are over 18 years of age. Beyond that, we ask that you are independent, dedicated and hard working, not only for you to get the most of the experience, but also for you to have the greatest impact possible!

How do I become an IMPACT Madagascar volunteer?

Simply fill out the form here and one of our staff will get back to you about your application.

When can I arrive to volunteer?

We welcome volunteers throughout the year! There is no set month or date range that we ask volunteers to arrive. The only thing that we ask is that you commit to a minimum of two weeks in order for you to be able to work effectively on the projects that you are interested in.

When is the best time to come?

Madagascar has a hot/wet season (November-March) and a cooler/dry season (April-October). However, temperatures are pleasant year-round at night and make for great camping conditions in the field, just be prepared to possibly get a little bit of rain some evenings if you are here in the wet season! There is really not a “bad” time to come to Madagascar; it just depends on what you want to do and where you are. Most of the fieldwork will take the weather into consideration and field sites will be visited during the time of year that makes the most sense.

Do I need insurance to travel to Madagascar?

In order to be an IMPACT Madagascar volunteer, we do require that you have some kind of international medical insurance. Healthcare is available in Madagascar, however it is often not to the standard of most developed countries. There are several companies that offer short term insurance for a reasonable price. Remember, Madagascar is a third world country and diseases associated with third world countries do exist here, therefore medical insurance is required as a precaution. Personal travel insurance, however, is optional. Transportation to and from Madagascar, as well as within Madagascar, is not always reliable and bags do sometimes get lost. It is up to you if you want to purchase insurance to cover possible complications related to these types of situations.

Do I need to get any vaccinations to travel to Madagascar?

Madagascar is affected by a number of tropical diseases and you should see your doctor or an accredited Travel Clinic who will advise you on the relevant inoculations necessary for visiting the country. You must get the following vaccinations before entering the country as advised by the World Health Organization: Hepatitis A and B, Tetanus, Typhoid. However, ensure that you still speak with a medical professional as vaccinations vary based on where you are traveling from.

Will I need to take malaria medication during my stay?

Yes. Malaria is present in most parts of Madagascar, although it is uncommon in Antananarivo. However, in the field, mosquitoes do carry malaria. It is recommended that you begin anti-malaria medication before arriving and continue through your stay here and after you return home to ensure your safety. There are a number of different, effective medications that you can take for malaria. Again, be sure to speak with a medical professional to figure out the best treatment for you.

How safe is Madagascar?

Like any other country, Madagascar has its safe areas and its “not so safe” areas. In general, traveling around Madagascar is relatively safe, although some theft does occur. However, if you exercise the same precautions that you would in any developing country you will find that traveling around Madagascar is an interesting and often rewarding experience. Just as with any other country, the inner city holds the most potential for crime and, in general, we advise against walking around at night. However, you will find that most people in Madagascar are welcoming and friendly, although they may be a little surprised to see a foreigner walking the streets!

How do I get there?

Antananarivo is Madagascar’s capital and is home to the Ivato International Airport. Some countries (like France and South Africa) offer direct flights to Ivato International. There are regular direct flights to Antananarivo from Paris, Milan, Bangkok, Johannesburg, Nairobi, and Mauritius. We recommend comparing prices between the main airlines: Air France, Air Madagascar, Kenya Airways, Turkish Airlines, Air Mauritius, South African Airways, and Air Seychelles.

Do I need a visa?

Yes. All of our volunteers are required to obtain a visa and to have a valid passport prior to their arrival. Your passport must also be valid for at least six months after your planned arrival date in order to be granted a visa.

Volunteers that will be here for 2-12 weeks can obtain a tourist visa, which are available at the airport upon arrival, and can often also be purchased online prior to arrival. Tourist visas are good for single entry and are available for stays up to 30 days (costs €35), 60 days (costs €40), or 90 days (costs €50). If your stay here is longer than 12 weeks, IMPACT Madagascar can help you arrange a long-term visa. You must have a return ticket or proof of onward travel to obtain any visa. Please note, visa policies and prices can vary based on your home country, so be sure to check online for specifics.

What if I have never done anything like this before, do I need experience?

Although experience traveling abroad, specifically to a developing country, is a plus, we do not require that you have any experience with this. Similarly, although previous training with scientific data collection or sustainable techniques is helpful, we also do not require that you have experience in this area. IMPACT Madagascar will provide you with any necessary training upon your arrival and will help to familiarize you with life in Madagascar. The only thing that we ask is that you arrive with an open mind and are enthusiastic about making a difference (and maybe that you like rice)!

Where do I stay and work when not in the field?

IMPACT Madagascar’s office is located in a small suburb of Antananarivo called Nanisana. The people in this town are very friendly and it is much safer in general than the city center. You will find everything that you need in the town, although sometimes it might mean searching a little bit for it! There is a small outdoor market a short walk from the office that offers fresh fruit and vegetables for very cheap. There are also several shops and small restaurants where you can buy meals and household items. Our office has a small room that can be made available to volunteers, or IMPACT Madagascar can help you to find safe and affordable housing in the area.

What about when I am in the field, what is that like?

Most of the fieldwork we conduct is carried out in very remote parts of Madagascar. These areas are rich in biodiversity and have beautiful landscapes, but are also usually quite far from most civilization. Most of our field camps offer very basic amenities (generally no running water or electricity). Volunteers should be prepared to camp during their stay in the field, although some sites do have opportunities for staying in housing. It is recommended that volunteers bring some of their own camping gear (sleeping bag, small tent, headlamp, etc.), but IMPACT does have camping equipment that can be provided if needed. Volunteers might also want to consider bringing a solar powered battery pack (if you want to charge any cameras or phones while in the field), as well as water purification methods (iodine tablets work well and are cheap). Travel to most of our field sites is an experience in itself and can take anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days. Travel to the field is done in 4x4 vehicles and volunteers will have an opportunity to see large expanses of the country during their travel to field sites. Life in the field is simple and is not for the faint of heart; many of our sites are located near very poor, rural villages and are very remote. Volunteers should be comfortable camping and being immersed in the lifestyle of a developing country.

What can I expect to get out of the experience?

Every volunteer experience is different, of course, and it depends on what you are looking for when you are here. But, at a minimum, volunteers can expect to participate in essential projects leading to the preservation of critically endangered species, help to improve the lives of the inhabitants of one of the poorest countries in the world, be exposed to life-changing experiences that will leave you feeling humbled and grateful, and see the beautiful people and incredible culture and landscapes of a very unique country (not to mention see some wildlife that you can’t find anywhere else on Earth!). If you are a nature lover or a lover of culture and experiencing new things, Madagascar is the ideal place for you!

Is there anything else that I should know before I arrive?

We advise that you familiarize yourself with the culture and way of life in Madagascar before your arrival. Like traveling to any country, culture shock is a possibility. Volunteers will see poverty, very extreme in some cases, and should be prepared to be approached by people of all ages asking for money or food. Remember, Madagascar is one of the poorest countries in the world and you will be a foreigner here. In general, life in Madagascar is very laid back and things tend to happen on Malagasy time, so volunteers should be open-minded and may sometimes need to be very patient for things! It is likely that volunteers will be exposed to aspects of the everyday life for Malagasy people that are very different from the customs that you may know, some of these things may be shocking and maybe even a little bit depressing. Again, remember this is a very poor country. But it is for these same reasons that you are guaranteed to end your time in Madagascar feeling fulfilled and confident that you have made a difference in a country that really needs it.

What are the costs for volunteering?

IMPACT Madagascar is a non-profit and most of our funding is used to support ongoing and new projects that improve the natural features of Madagascar and the lives of its people. Like most volunteer programs, IMPACT Madagascar requires that volunteer participants contribute a payment for their time here. Please see our Volunteer Costs section below to see a breakdown of costs and what is/is not included in those costs.

Volunteer Costs

Volunteers are required to contribute €325 per week (about €23 per day) for the duration of their stay with IMPACT Madagascar. We will provide the volunteer with housing (at a local hotel), transfer to and from the airport, trip planning assistance, any scientific or conservation training needed, transport to and from the field, food while in the field, and an unforgettable experience. In addition, we are happy to put you in touch with some of our staff to make your arrival easier.