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Indri Lemur - Lemur Research Project in Madagascar

Lemur Research Project in Madagascar

Volunteer on this one-of-a-kind Lemur Research Project in Madagascar and help protect lemur species on the brink of extinction.

Just like the animated film, Madagascar bursts with captivating colour, charismatic wildlife, and an energy that will leave you spellbound! Over 90% of the wildlife found in this extraordinary country, including its iconic lemurs, can be found nowhere else on Earth. Yet, this biodiverse wonderland is in danger, setting the stage for one of the world's biggest conservation emergencies. 

An astonishing 98% of lemur species are at risk of extinction, making them the most endangered of all the primates and the most endangered mammal group in the world. That's why we established the Lemur Research Project in Madagascar, supporting the critical work of the NGO, Wildlife Madagascar. Founded in 2022, this dynamic NGO is on a mission to protect Madagascar's otherworldly wildlife through habitat protection, reforestation, sustainable livelihoods, education, and, most importantly of all, groundbreaking lemur conservation research.

Part wildlife rescue mission, part forest-saving crusade, and part scientific adventure, this unique lemur research project puts volunteers at the heart of the mission. In the depths of the last remaining highland rainforest, you'll not only spend time in the presence of wild lemurs but will also help to uncover the key to safeguarding their future. 

Working alongside conservationists, researchers and local communities, you will assist with ecological surveys and lemur research (with a focus on indri and diademed sifaka lemurs), reforestation in areas of critical importance, such as wildlife corridors, and so much more. Wake up to the calls of lemurs, collect seeds beneath ancient canopies, restore habitats where life hangs in the balance, and experience Madagascar in a way few ever will!

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From $1,614.00 $1,452.00

  • Up to 8 Persons
  • All Meals Included
  • 13 - 27 Nights
  • Set dates between May and October
  • Minimum Age 18 (Or From 16 Years Old With An Adult)

Speak To A Travel Expert

Lauren Mackinnon

Activities

Diedem Sifaka Spotted During Lemur Survey
Lemur Surveys If you’ve always dreamed of seeing lemurs in the wild, joining field researchers on lemur transects and surveys will be a dream come true. In this vast private forest, you’ll find 10 different species of lemur, with one only recently discovered to be in the area! You’ll record lemur sightings, behaviours, vocalisations, and group dynamics. These surveys help to monitor population trends and identify threats, informing long-term conservation strategies. Another benefit is having boots on the ground consistently, which helps deter poachers and those who illegally source forest materials.
Mouse Lemur During Night Trek
Nocturnal Animal Treks During your time on the project, you’ll take part in two exciting night treks, giving you the chance to experience the forest after dark as it transforms into a world full of nocturnal activity. These treks offer your best opportunity to spot fascinating species such as mouse and dwarf lemurs, alongside an incredible variety of wildlife that only emerges at night. As you explore the jungle by torchlight, you may also help record GPS points for any lemur sightings encountered along the way. Keep your eyes peeled for tiny leaf chameleons, scorpions, bats, frogs, and more as the forest comes alive once the sun goes down.
Researcher Implementing Camera Trap - Lemur Research Project
Forest Biodiversity Surveys Heading out on different transects, you'll help conduct forest biodiversity surveys, collecting data on plants, insects, birds, and other incredible wildlife. With almost half of the world's chameleon species, you may focus solely on chameleon surveys. By tracking different species of flora and fauna over time, the team can monitor the health of the forest. During these transects, you'll also help deploy and retrieve camera traps, later reviewing them to identify species, activity patterns, and potential threats. Every photo could reveal something extraordinary!
Volunteers Collecting Seeds for Reforestation - Lemur Research Project in Madagascar
Seed Collection Lemurs are natural seed dispersers, making them a vital asset to the Malagasy forests. But with their habitats shrinking and numbers falling, this natural cycle is breaking, and the regeneration of native trees is at risk. As a volunteer, you will step in to help restore this balance. Rolling up your sleeves, you'll help collect native seeds using tarpaulins placed beneath fruiting trees, as well as by gathering seeds from lemur droppings found along survey routes! Back at base, you will learn to identify, sort, and prepare these seeds for germination in the on-site nurseries.
Volunteers Planting Trees - Lemur Research Project in Madagascar
Tree Planting & Nursery Care You'll be fully immersed in Madagascar's reforestation efforts from seed to sapling to forest! You'll help nurture native trees in community-run nurseries, watering, weeding, and preparing seeds and saplings for planting. When they're ready, you'll help plant the saplings in critical zones such as wildlife corridors and buffer areas around protected habitats. You’ll also get stuck in, helping to remove invasive plants, ready to replace them with native species. Reforestation is a critical cornerstone of conservation, as after all, preserving a species means nothing if there's no habitat left for them to call home.
Child in School - Community Outreach at Lemur Research Project in Madagascar
Community Outreach Conservation is about more than just wildlife; it's also about people. Community outreach is designed to strengthen the connection between local communities and the natural environment they depend on. Volunteers may work in the community garden, assist with conservation education activities for local schoolchildren, or help with light maintenance projects at the village school when needed. These experiences offer a meaningful way to engage with the local culture, share knowledge, and contribute to long-term change driven by local empowerment!
Lake by the Field Research Station - Lemur Research Project in Madagascar
Day by the Lake It's easy to become so immersed in the fascinating work that you forget to pause and take in the forest's beauty! One morning or afternoon, head to the lake for a day of tranquillity. This spot offers a fresh perspective on the forest, where you can watch colourful birdlife along the banks and soak in the natural beauty around you. Why not try your hand at yoga, dive into a good book or for an extra touch of adventure, you might want to take the research site's canoe for a gentle glide across the water.
Volunteers Around Campfire - Lemur Research Project in Madagascar
Campfire Night After a day of hard work in the forest, a night around the campfire offers the chance to gather with your fellow volunteers, team members, and research students to toast to a job well done. Unwind, learn about Malagasy culture and traditions, sing a song or two and build friendships that often last long after the project ends. A night under the stars is a reminder of the community you're a part of and the difference you're making together.
Ring-tail Lemur at Lemur Park in Madagascar
Lemur Park Visit Before heading to the project site, volunteers will visit Lemur Park, which provides a refuge for some individuals that have been rescued from the illegal pet trade. Home to several lemur species, this offers the opportunity to see Madagascar's famous ring-tailed lemurs, arguably the country’s most iconic species. This visit serves as a poignant introduction to why your conservation efforts matter: ensuring that future generations of lemurs live safely in the wild.

Itinerary

Below is an example of a two-week itinerary. Please note, some activities may be subject to change depending on the needs of the project. 

Day 1 - The Adventure Begins: Upon arrival at Ivato International Airport, you'll be met and transferred to a hotel for the night. Here you can rest and relax after your flight and later enjoy a welcome dinner with your fellow volunteers and the project coordinator.
Day 2 - Lemur Park, Transfer & Orientation: After breakfast, you'll venture out to Lemur Park, approximately 2 hours away, for your chance to see iconic ring-tailed lemurs, alongside other incredible species, some of which were saved from the illegal pet trade, and some you'll see out in the field! After a guided tour and lunch, you'll transfer to the research site (roughly a 5-hour drive). Once you have arrived, you will enjoy dinner and an orientation, and a short tour of camp.
Day 3 - First Day in the Forest: Your first full day in the field begins with an early observational hike. You'll make your way over a little bridge next to your accommodation before being met with a wall of primary rainforest! After entering, it won't be long before the lemurs are watching you, watching them. The aim of today’s hike is to get a sense of the forest and its hiking trails, and to enjoy seeing the lemurs. You'll head back to the field house for lunch before receiving a full tour of the field site and meeting the whole team.
Day 4-6 Research & Reforestation: Over the next few days, you’ll dive into a dynamic mix of lemur and forest research, hands-on reforestation, and community engagement. Mornings might find you shadowing playful lemur troops, setting up camera traps in hidden clearings, or helping record wildlife for biodiversity surveys. Afternoons may be spent gathering seeds from the canopy nets, nurturing young plants in the nursery, or planting new saplings in crucial habitat areas that need them most.
Day 7 - Lemur Survey & Campfire Night: Today, you'll step into the forest to assist with lemur surveys. You'll keep focal groups company as they leap, forage, and call through the canopy. With researchers by your side, you'll become something of an expert yourself after essentially becoming one of the troop! Volunteers will return for lunch before an afternoon of invasive plant removal. After a rewarding week in the forest, unwind with an evening around the campfire with your team.
Day 8 - Relaxing Lake Day: Take a well-deserved break from fieldwork with a day by the lake. The team's favourite spot is a perfect way to see the forest from a new perspective. It's a great place to spot birdlife along the banks, try out yoga, read a book, or soak in the beauty of your surroundings. You may even be able to take the research site's canoe out for a peaceful cruise. Today is yours to relax and prepare for another exciting week ahead!
Day 9-12 - Research & Reforestation: Back to the field with renewed energy! Over these three days, you'll continue contributing to vital lemur and biodiversity research, forest restoration and community outreach. Tasks may include lemur surveys, biodiversity monitoring, seed collection, and community garden work. By now, you'll be more confident in your field skills, moving through the forest with sharper eyes, deeper knowledge, and a stronger connection to the landscape you're helping to protect!
Day 13 - Community & Conservation: The final day gives volunteers the chance to support the local community. Depending on the school calendar, you will either assist at the local school, helping children practice English through fun activities, or help out in the community garden during exam periods or school holidays. Back at base, you will review camera-trap footage you've collected during your time on the project, noting vital wildlife data and hopefully spotting some incredible animals on film. To mark the end of your stay, you will plant your very own tree, a small but meaningful reminder of the impact you've made!
Day 14 - Final Day: Today marks the end of your volunteer adventure. After breakfast, you'll be transferred to Ivato International Airport for your return flight or to begin your onward travel plans. If you're planning to explore more of Madagascar and would prefer to stay in Antananarivo, we can recommend nearby hotels that offer airport transfers (please note that this option would be at your own expense).

Durations & Prices

To secure a place on this project, a deposit of £195 is required at the time of booking. The remaining balance is due 60 days before your start date.

Flexible Payment Options: If you select a start date more than 3 months in advance, we offer convenient payment plans, allowing you to pay off your balance in instalments.

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Accommodation

Volunteer Twin-Share Bedroom
En-suite Bathroom Chalet from Outside View from Veranda

Volunteer Accommodation

During your stay, you'll be accommodated in one of four stunning new chalets, purpose-built for volunteers within the forest! Each twin-share chalet (same-sex unless travelling as a couple) features a private veranda and an en-suite bathroom with Western facilities and warm showers, perfect after a day of trekking. The newly renovated field research station is right next door, providing everything you need for a homely yet exciting stay, including a welcoming social area, an open-air kitchen and dining space, and Wi-Fi. Welcome to the most comfortable accommodation of any lemur research project, where community and conservation come together!

Lunch Option
Breakfast Items on Communal Table Breakfast Option Dinner Option

Meals & Beverages

Three meals a day are provided and prepared by a local cook, so you'll get a taste of authentic Malagasy cuisine throughout your stay. Along with a few Western dishes for some home comforts, too! Expect hearty, home-cooked food made with fresh, local ingredients, perfect fuel for your days in the forest. Vegetarian, vegan and other dietary requirements can be catered for, just let the travel team know of any before you leave. Drinking water, coffee, and tea are readily available on-site, and a small selection of snacks and alcoholic drinks is available to purchase at the field station. You're also welcome to bring along any favourite snacks or beverages for between meals.

Project Details

When is the best time to volunteer?

The project runs from May to October, coinciding with the dry season, which is generally considered the best time to visit Madagascar. During this period, you’ll enjoy less rainfall and more sunshine, with temperatures ranging from highs of 19°C to 25°C (66°F - 77°F) and lows of 10°C to 15°C (50°F - 59°F).

Average Monthly Weather - Anjozorobe

Getting There

You will need to book a flight that arrives at Antananarivo Ivato International Airport (TNR) on your project start date. Upon arrival, you'll take a private transfer to a nearby hotel for the night. We recommend booking flights that arrive by 5pm so that you can attend the welcome dinner with your fellow volunteers.

On the final day of the project, you will be transferred back to Antananarivo, roughly a 3.5-hour drive. Your flight must depart after 2:45pm to ensure you have enough time to get to the airport and check in. Alternatively, you can book a night in a hotel and fly the next day if there are better flight options, but this will be at an additional cost. We can recommend hotels that provide airport transfers.

Visa Requirements

You can enter Madagascar without a visa for a stay of up to 15 days, but an administration fee of €25 must be paid on arrival.

For longer stays of up to 60 days, a tourist visa is required. Except for citizens of Burundi and Palestine, all foreign nationals can obtain a tourist visa on arrival at the airport. An administration fee must still be paid, which is €35 for a 30-day visa and €40 for a 60-day visa. Additionally, your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your entry date and contain at least two blank pages.

For stays of up to 90 days, tourist visas can be extended when you are in Madagascar, and the cost is approximately €50. You can also apply for a tourist e-visa before travelling.

Fitness & Skills 

No specific skills or experience are required to join; however, the project involves daily trekking through steep, uneven forest terrain, so a strong level of fitness is essential. Volunteers should be comfortable with physically demanding days and extended hikes, typically lasting at least four hours, in a remote jungle environment.

Vaccinations

There are no specific vaccinations required to join this project; therefore, we recommend consulting your GP/doctor or a travel clinic and following their advice on vaccinations for travel. You can also find helpful advice and information on the Travel Health Pro website.

News & Stories

1

Best Summer Volunteer Programs 2026: Meaningful Wildlife Adventures Abroad

NEWS | May 2026

Looking for the best summer volunteer programs 2026? Here's our top picks in ethical wildlife conservation experiences across Africa, Asia, and Central America.

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11

Greetings from the Great Red Isle

UPDATE | May 2026

Senior Travel Consultant Lauren and Volunteer Coordinator Claudia are in Madagascar, preparing for the arrival of our very first volunteer group. From showcasing the stunning new accommodation and visiting Lemur Park, to carrying out lemur and chameleon surveys, as well as sapling planting and care, they’ve been hard at work getting everything ready ahead of the volunteers’ arrival this Sunday!

1

Meet Your Coordinator

UPDATE | Mar 2026

Meet Claudia! She is looking forward to welcoming the first group this May! With a background in biology and conservation work across the UK, Spain, South Africa and Malawi, she brings valuable field experience to the project. Now part of our expert team, Claudia is excited to share her passion for conservation and Madagascar’s incredible wildlife with you.


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What's Included

  • Accommodation
  • Arrival and departure airport transfers
  • Transfers to and from Antananarivo to the field station
  • Three meals per day
  • Lemur Park visit
  • A conservation donation to Wildlife Madagascar
  • Tea, coffee and drinking water

What's Not Included

  • All flights
  • Vaccinations (if required)
  • Visas (if required)

Speak To A Travel Expert

Lauren Mackinnon Call us on +44 208 885 4987 Submit an Enquiry
From
$2,295.00 $2,065.00 €1,434.00 €1,291.00 £1,195.00 £1,075.50 $1,614.00 $1,452.00
  • Up to 8 Persons
  • All Meals Included
  • 13 - 27 Nights
  • Set dates between May and October
  • Minimum Age 18 (Or From 16 Years Old With An Adult)
Download Project Guide Image Download Project Guide