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Receive your welcome pack with everything you need: arrival info, contacts, visa and insurance help, packing tips, vaccines, language basics, and so much more.
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Pick Your Destination & Apply
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Once your dates are confirmed, pay your program fee—choose to pay in full or in easy installments.
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Looking to immerse yourself in Madagascar’s lush rainforest while protecting some of the world’s most unique and endangered species? Our Travel Roots Forest Conservation Program places you at the heart of the island’s terrestrial biodiversity, where you’ll contribute directly to vital habitat preservation, ecological monitoring, and species-specific research.
Protecting an irreplaceable ecosystem
Madagascar is home to over 11,000 endemic species, many of which are under threat from deforestation, poaching, and climate change. As a forest conservation volunteer, you’ll support the collection of long-term ecological data that helps guide real-world conservation decisions—working in some of the last remaining lowland forests of Nosy Komba.Work with wildlife found nowhere else
From lemurs and chameleons to rare birds, insects, and medicinal plants, the forest offers daily discoveries. You'll assist in biodiversity surveys, species identification, and behavioural observations—helping to monitor population trends, habitat quality, and the impacts of environmental stressors.Learn ecological fieldwork techniques
You’ll gain hands-on experience in scientific methods used by conservation biologists, including transect walks, camera trapping, GPS mapping, and data logging. Whether you're tracking nocturnal species or setting up pitfall traps for herpetofauna, you’ll be fully immersed in the daily rhythms of the forest.Live sustainably in nature
Set deep within the hillside, your forest base offers a true off-the-grid experience. You'll live among towering trees, fall asleep to the sounds of the jungle, and wake to lemur calls echoing through the canopy. This is conservation at its purest—simple living, hard work, and deep connection.Key Activities:
Conducting biodiversity and habitat surveys
Monitoring lemurs, reptiles, amphibians, and forest birds
Identifying medicinal and native plant species
Recording data on species distribution and environmental change
Installing and checking camera traps
Supporting reforestation and erosion control efforts
Assisting with community-based conservation outreach and education
From cataloguing endemic reptiles to teaching local youth about forest health, your work will contribute directly to the protection of Madagascar’s critically important terrestrial ecosystems. This program offers a rare opportunity to step into the forest not just as a visitor, but as a steward of its future.
By volunteering on our Forest Conservation Program in Madagascar, you will:
•Help protect endangered species and rare forest habitats
•Assist in real scientific research and long-term ecological monitoring
•Work hands-on with lemurs, chameleons, and other endemic wildlife
•Develop fieldwork skills in data collection, GPS, and species ID
•Live in the heart of a tropical forest on a remote island
•Contribute to reforestation and sustainable land-use practices
•Gain meaningful insights into Madagascar’s rich biodiversity and cultureWhat to Expect: A Day in the Life of a Forest Conservation Volunteer
Every day in the forest begins with the soft rustling of leaves, the distant call of lemurs, and the anticipation of discovery. As a volunteer, you’ll be immersed in a rhythm that connects you with the forest—from early morning hikes to afternoon data logging. Each day offers new encounters with the unique wildlife and ecosystems of Nosy Komba.
Here’s what a typical weekday might look like at the forest base:
6:30 AM – Sunrise Start & Light Breakfast
Wake up to the sounds of the jungle and enjoy a simple breakfast with your team. Fresh fruit, tea, and local bread fuel you for the morning ahead.7:00 AM – Forest Hike & Survey Work
Begin your trek into the surrounding forest. You’ll join biodiversity monitoring walks, lemur observation sessions, or GPS-mapping hikes—often navigating steep, shaded trails. Tasks may include identifying plant species, logging sightings, or recording environmental changes.10:30 AM – Return to Base & Data Entry
Head back to camp for a short break, followed by uploading field notes and survey results. This data plays a crucial role in long-term research on Madagascar’s biodiversity.12:30 PM – Communal Lunch & Rest
Enjoy a plant-based meal prepared by the kitchen team and relax with fellow volunteers. It’s the perfect time to cool down, read in a hammock, or recharge in nature.2:00 PM – Workshops or Habitat Projects
Afternoons may include workshops on flora and fauna ID, camera trap training, or helping with reforestation activities like seed collection, erosion control, or planting native species around the camp.4:00 PM – Optional Activities or Free Time
After a productive day, enjoy a swim at the beach below camp, take a short walk to the neighbouring village, or journal on the forest-view deck. Optional tasks such as trail maintenance or assisting with sustainability initiatives are available if you'd like to stay active.6:00 PM – Dinner & Evening Briefing
Regroup for a hearty dinner with your team. Evening debriefs include updates on research progress, sightings of interest, or planning for the next day’s activities.Evenings – Nocturnal Surveys or Campfire Talks
On select nights, join guided nocturnal walks to observe geckos, chameleons, or mouse lemurs under torchlight. Other nights might include conservation talks, Malagasy cultural activities, or simply star-gazing in peaceful solitude.Days Off
Volunteers enjoy two days off per week to relax or explore. Choose from snorkelling, hiking, cultural excursions, or island-hopping to nearby Nosy Tanikely or Nosy Be.Every day offers a new adventure, whether you're tracking a shy lemur through the canopy or planting the next generation of forest giants. This is conservation at its wildest and most rewarding.
Your Impact as a Volunteer
By joining our Forest Conservation Program in Madagascar, you’ll become part of a powerful grassroots effort to protect one of the most endangered ecosystems on Earth. Madagascar’s forests are vanishing at an alarming rate due to deforestation, habitat fragmentation, and climate change. Your presence on the ground helps ensure that these irreplaceable habitats—and the species that call them home—are not lost to history.
Every survey you conduct, every plant you log, and every lemur you observe contributes to long-term ecological research that shapes conservation strategy. This data is shared with local authorities, international scientists, and conservation partners to help inform real action—from reforestation efforts to species protection laws.
You’ll also help foster change beyond the forest. Through outreach activities and education programs, you’ll support the next generation of Malagasy conservationists—children, students, and farmers—by helping them understand the value of their natural heritage.
The forest will challenge you, inspire you, and teach you. You’ll leave not only with new skills in ecology and research, but also with a deeper understanding of our planet’s fragility and your role in protecting it. Whether you're tracking chameleons through the undergrowth or planting native saplings in restored areas, you are helping build a more sustainable future—tree by tree, step by step.
Your Home on Nosy Komba
Set into the lush hillside of Nosy Komba with sweeping views across the Indian Ocean, your accommodation at Turtle Cove is rustic, communal, and designed for immersive island living. Built across multiple levels to blend naturally with the terrain, the camp sits above a coral reef and faces the breathtaking Lokobe Forest Reserve on nearby Nosy Be.
Sleeping Arrangements
Volunteers stay in traditional, locally built same-sex bungalows nestled among tropical gardens. Each bungalow houses 4–6 people in double bunks, with enough space to store your backpack and belongings. Lockable storage boxes are provided in each hut for small valuables, and volunteers are encouraged to bring a personal padlock.
Private rooms may be available upon request, at an additional cost of $210 per week, and are subject to availability.
What to Bring
You’ll need to bring:A mosquito net
Lightweight bedding or sleeping bag
Towel(s)
Solar charging kit or battery pack for small electronics
Facilities & Amenities
• 10 shared bathroom units with flush toilets and cold-water showers
• Separate kitchen and spacious dining area surrounded by gardens
• Solar-powered lighting throughout the camp
• No Wi-Fi or in-room electricity—perfect for a digital detox
• Charging stations for small devices available occasionally via generator
• Additional charging available in the local village of Ampang (30-min walk)The main house also serves as the daytime hangout and social area. Relax on the decks in a hammock or bean bag, meet with fellow volunteers, and soak in the uninterrupted ocean view—ideal for unwinding after a dive or marine workshop.
Meals & Dining
Three traditional Malagasy meals are served daily in the open-air dining area. Meals are predominantly vegetarian, with rice, beans, fresh vegetables, and occasional fish or meat dishes prepared by local staff. Fresh fruit, filtered water, and tea are always available, and the volunteer team eats together in a communal setting that fosters connection and shared experience.
Sustainable Living
Turtle Cove is fully solar-powered and water-reliant, meaning conscious living is essential. Volunteers are asked to:
Limit showers to once per day
Turn off lights and taps when not in use
Avoid charging high-wattage items (laptops, hairdryers, etc.)
Living off-grid on Nosy Komba is part of what makes this program so special. You’ll experience a peaceful, low-impact lifestyle close to nature—and discover how simplicity can be deeply fulfilling.
History
Established in 2013, our trusted local partner has become a vital hub for conservation, education, and community development along Madagascar’s northwestern coastline. With a fully government-approved research centre known as Turtle Cove, the organization has developed a strong foundation for hosting long-term environmental initiatives across both marine and terrestrial ecosystems.
Strategically located on Nosy Komba—an island known for its tranquillity, biodiversity, and roadless natural setting—the centre lies just across from the iconic Lokobe Forest Reserve and collaborates closely with the Centre National de Recherchés Océanographiques (CNRO). This partnership has enabled them to support some of the region’s most impactful marine biodiversity programs, contributing to international data networks and local knowledge-sharing.
Over the years, the team has welcomed volunteers from all over the world to join efforts in marine conservation, forest monitoring, sea turtle protection, and educational outreach. From reef health assessments to sustainable village projects, their grassroots impact is woven deeply into the communities and natural systems they serve.
Mission & Vision
The mission is simple but ambitious: to safeguard Madagascar’s unparalleled biodiversity through collaborative research, environmental stewardship, and local empowerment. By combining scientific monitoring with community-based education and sustainable development, the organization works to protect the fragile balance between people and nature.
Their vision is to create a future where Madagascar’s unique ecosystems—both underwater and on land—are preserved for generations to come. Through consistent long-term data collection, international partnerships, and hands-on local engagement, they aim to inspire global responsibility and local pride in protecting one of the world’s most ecologically important island nations.
Program Fees & What’s Included
Program Fee
Duration Fee (€)
1 week €6562 weeks €902
3 weeks €1,148
4 weeks €1,395
5 weeks €1,641
6 weeks €1,889
7 weeks €2,135
8 weeks €2,381
9 weeks €2,628
10 weeks €2,967
11 weeks €3,212
12 weeks €3,460
Payment Terms
• Program fees are due 30 days before your start date
• If applying within 30 days of arrival, full payment is due within 48 hours of confirmationWhat’s Included
Your program fees cover everything you need for a safe, enriching, and impactful experience:
✅ Shared accommodation at Turtle Cove eco-camp
✅ Three traditional Malagasy meals per day
✅ Airport pickup and boat transfer from Nosy Be
✅ Welcome pack full of necessary and useful info
✅ PADI Open Water training (if required & with PADI Course Fees)
✅ All conservation activities, surveys, and workshops
✅ Expert guidance and training from marine conservation professionals
✅ Full support before, during, and after your program
✅ Flexible start dates and free date changes
✅ 100% Cancellation Money-Back Guarantee
✅ So much moreYour Investment in Forest Conservation & Personal Growth
Volunteering in Madagascar’s forests isn’t just about preserving biodiversity—it’s also an investment in yourself. You’ll build skills in ecology, field research, sustainability, and teamwork, all while living simply and intentionally in one of the planet’s rarest ecosystems.
Your program fees help directly support:
• Long-term forest monitoring and data collection
• Endemic species protection and habitat restoration
• Local education and environmental outreach
• Employment and training of Malagasy staff
• Continued development of ethical, eco-conscious volunteer programsThis is your chance to give back to the Earth—and grow in ways you never imagined.
Where You’ll Be – Nosy Komba, Madagascar
Your volunteering base is Turtle Cove, nestled into the steep, forested slopes of Nosy Komba—also known as “Lemur Island.” Just six miles from Nosy Be (where the international airport is located), this peaceful volcanic island is a paradise of biodiversity and tranquillity. With no roads or vehicles, life on Nosy Komba flows at a slower pace, deeply connected to nature and traditional Malagasy rhythms.
From your multi-level eco-camp, you’ll overlook turquoise waters and vibrant coral reefs, with views stretching all the way to the Lokobe Forest Reserve on neighbouring Nosy Be. You’ll be surrounded by dense tropical forest, ocean breezes, and the distant sound of waves breaking on coral reefs.
Despite its off-grid charm, Nosy Komba offers the essentials for a comfortable stay—including nearby villages, hiking trails, and access to traditional markets just a short boat ride or hike away. It’s the perfect blend of seclusion, safety, and cultural immersion.
Madagascar – An Island Like No Other
Madagascar is one of the most unique and biologically rich countries on Earth. Over 90% of its wildlife is found nowhere else, including iconic lemurs, chameleons, baobab trees—and in the ocean, an equally impressive array of coral, fish, turtles, and reef invertebrates.
This East African island nation boasts an astonishing range of landscapes: from highland rice terraces and dry spiny forests to lush rainforests and vibrant coastal reefs. The marine environment in particular—especially around Nosy Komba and Nosy Be—is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, thriving coral ecosystems, and rare marine species.
The culture of Madagascar is equally captivating. Influenced by African, Asian, and French heritage, the Malagasy people are known for their warmth, hospitality, and deep connection to the land and sea. Traditional fishing villages, handmade crafts, and sacred customs all form part of the daily life you’ll experience.
The climate in this region is tropical—expect hot, sunny days, cooler evenings, and the occasional refreshing rainfall. With its balance of biodiversity, beauty, and peaceful island living, Madagascar offers the ideal environment for volunteers seeking purpose, learning, and unforgettable adventure.
When you're not treking through the forests and planting trees or logging forest health data, Madagascar offers endless ways to explore, unwind, and connect with nature and culture. From hiking volcanic peaks to swimming with sea turtles, your time off is just as rewarding as your volunteer work.
Island Adventures & Nature Experiences
• Snorkelling in Nosy Tanikely Marine Park – Just a short boat ride away, this protected reserve is home to vibrant coral gardens, sea turtles, and dazzling reef fish.
• Hiking on Nosy Komba – Explore volcanic trails through lush tropical forest, spot wild lemurs, and reach breathtaking viewpoints above the sea.
• Boat Tours to Nosy Iranja or Nosy Sakatia – Visit white sandbar islands, swim in turquoise lagoons, and enjoy a day of island-hopping bliss.
• Whale Watching (seasonal) – From June to September, you might spot migrating humpback whales as they pass through local waters.
Cultural Activities & Village Life
• Visit the local village of Ampang – A scenic 30-minute hike brings you to this charming community where you can shop for handmade crafts, charge electronics, and engage with local life.
• Traditional Malagasy Cooking Classes – Learn to make dishes like coconut rice, smoked fish, or banana fritters with the local team.
• Market Trips to Nosy Be – Head across the water for vibrant markets, delicious street food, and a taste of Madagascar’s urban island culture.
• Craft Workshops – Try your hand at weaving, wood carving, or dyeing fabrics with natural plant-based colours.
Relaxation & Downtime at Camp
• Lounge in a hammock with a book and ocean view
• Swim or snorkel just steps from your bungalow
• Join a yoga session on the deck
• Stargaze from the beach after dinner
• Watch bioluminescence in the water at night
Whether you're chasing adventure or simply soaking in the peaceful pace of island life, your free time in Madagascar will leave you with unforgettable memories and a deeper connection to the land, sea, and culture that surrounds you.
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