Volunteer on this one-of-a-kind Lemur Research Project in Madagascar and help protect lemur species on the brink of extinction.
Below is an example of a two-week itinerary. Please note that some activities are seasonal and may be subject to change depending on the needs of the project.
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!
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.
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).

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.
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.
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.
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.
UPDATE | Jun 2026
The second group is breaking records! They are having amazing sightings, with 2 or 3 species of lemurs on each hike; an incredible record of 35 chameleons on one night walk; 15 species on the bird survey; and incredible stamina during reforestation activities. In their free time, they enjoy playing charades by the campfire and gazing at the stars.
ARTICLE | May 2026
Our first volunteer group is boots-on-the-ground in Madagascar! From tracking lemurs to planting trees, they’re already deep in real conservation work in the highland forests.
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.
I spent two weeks in La Mananara in Madagascar. It was a very positive experience in every respect. The service provided by the local staff was excellent, including the food, bungalow maintenance and cleaning, and support during activities. Participants also have the opportunity to interact with Malagasy researchers and observe their valuable work firsthand. My only recommendation is to be reasonably fit, as the lemurs are not always nearby and sometimes it is necessary to walk some distance to find them. I highly recommend this experience to anyone who loves Madagascar’s unique flora and fauna.
This is truly a unique and immersive experience for wildlife and nature lovers who want to help make a difference. The unique biodiversity, landscape and wildlife of the Anjozorobe region and the sights and sounds of the La Mananara forest are like no other. You will never forget your first sighting of the Diademed Sifaka leaping through the canopy or the first time you hear the wail of the Indri echoing around you. These are critically endangered species found nowhere else. Not only do you get to see them in the wild, but your participation contributes to the ecological restoration of the region and their continued existence. I could not recommend this experience highly enough. It was a privilege to be a part of the first volunteer group and to receive such a warm welcome from Debra from Wildlife Madagascar, who's vision, expertise and drive got this project to where it is today, Lauren from the Great Projects, who helped to launch this well balanced and exciting volunteer program, and of course Claudia, our amazing volunteer coordinator, who's leadership was inclusive and supportive throughout. A big thanks also to Fanih and all the Wildlife Madagascar staff onsite as well as... This is truly a unique and immersive experience for wildlife and nature lovers who want to help make a difference. The unique biodiversity, landscape and wildlife of the Anjozorobe region and the sights and sounds of the La Mananara forest are like no other. You will never forget your first sighting of the Diademed Sifaka leaping through the canopy or the first time you hear the wail of the Indri echoing around you. These are critically endangered species found nowhere else. Not only do you get to see them in the wild, but your participation contributes to the ecological restoration of the region and their continued existence. I could not recommend this experience highly enough. It was a privilege to be a part of the first volunteer group and to receive such a warm welcome from Debra from Wildlife Madagascar, who's vision, expertise and drive got this project to where it is today, Lauren from the Great Projects, who helped to launch this well balanced and exciting volunteer program, and of course Claudia, our amazing volunteer coordinator, who's leadership was inclusive and supportive throughout. A big thanks also to Fanih and all the Wildlife Madagascar staff onsite as well as the guides and researchers for your expertise, knowledge sharing and patience. Such a wonderful project with a good balance of work, rest and play. There is no doubt that I left my heart in La Mananara. (Show More)
I had an amazing experience with Great Projects volunteering by supporting research work on Lemurs in La Mananara and would highly recommend the volunteer program. The trip was well organised, and I felt supported from the moment I arrived, even though I was initially quite nervous. The accommodation was comfortable, the food was excellent, and the setting was beautiful. The experience was really meaningful and eye-opening, and I met some wonderful people along the way. A special mention to Claudia, who was exceptional throughout and made everyone feel welcome and at ease. Overall, it was an unforgettable and rewarding experience.