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.
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Activities
Itinerary
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.
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
Accommodation
Volunteer Accommodation
You'll be accommodated in one of four stunning new chalets, purpose-built for volunteers within the forest! Each chalet features a private veranda and an en-suite bathroom with Western facilities and warm showers, perfect after a day of trekking. They are allocated on a twin-share, same-sex basis (unless travelling as a couple, in which case you will be accommodated together), and there is the option to pay a single supplement ($405 for a 12-night stay or $810 for a 26-night stay) to have your own chalet. The newly renovated field research station is also 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!
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).
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.
Gallery
News & Stories
20
Lately at Lemurs
UPDATE | Sep 2026
A little glimpse into life lately on our lemur research project in Madagascar! From spotting lemurs in the forest to collecting important research data, the team has been busy getting to know the island’s wildlife and contributing to ongoing conservation work. Here are a few of our favourite recent moments from the project.
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Volunteer Coordinator Claudia Borrell's July Recap
UPDATE | Aug 2026
July brought some exciting wildlife sightings, including Coquerel’s sifaka and indri offspring, large chameleons and a rare comet moth spotted despite the winter season. Volunteers recorded 9 lemur species, 48 bird species, 10 reptiles, 23 invertebrates and 2 amphibian species. Outside the field, they enjoyed birdwatching, volunteer-led yoga, a local church service, movie nights, football and evenings spent stargazing!
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NEWS | Jul 2026
Wondering if a few weeks can make a difference? Discover how conservation volunteering supports lasting wildlife conservation!
Reviews
An amazing experience, to be able to see lemurs in their natural habitat was a pure joy, from the hike to find them(I really enjoyed beingin the forest), to the first glimpse then watching them go about their business...I loved it all. I also enjoyed all the other activities. The reforestation, invasive species removal and community garden made me feel like I was really helping out. The night walks were great and I fell in love with chameleons, plus seeing the mouse lemur up close was magical. The staff were all very friendly and the food was Simple but tasted wonderful. We were definitely well fed. The accommodation was just right. Comfortable and spacious with hot showers (when the solar panels worked). I loved being nestled at the bottom among the trees, a nice big balcony and the addition of chairs was a nice idea, just a shame that they kept breaking which did leave a nice bruise. One of my favourite moments was meeting a local lady to show us how to weave.
Seeing the Lemurs in their natural habitat was just fantastic but, having a juvenile Lemur come within touching distance took the prize. Having a supportive, engaging and open co-ordinator in Claudia and my peer volunteers enabled me to push on and beyond was a bonus. The forest treks were taxing and Lemur is not for the faint-hearted. The meals were simple but delicious. I would purchase the cookbook when you produce one.
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.
Download Project Guide
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)
From
$2,295.00€1,434.00£1,195.00$1,614.00
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Up to 8 Persons
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All Meals Included
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13 - 27 Nights
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Set dates between May and October
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Minimum Age 18 (Or From 16 Years Old With An Adult)
