Nosy Be, Madagascar

Volunteer in Nosy Be

Leap into paradise on one of the rarest – and most beautiful – tropical islands on Earth.

Our Madagascar research station is located off the east coast of Africa on the island of Nosy Be, surrounded by the balmy waters of the Indian Ocean and the only old-growth forest remaining on the island. You’ll work to conserve Madagascar’s rare species – including the charismatic and vulnerable lemurs – most of which cannot be found anywhere else.

Critical science

You'll contribute to vital conservation research targeted at protecting the earth's most valuable ecosystems.

Ethical engagement

Using the UN's SDGs as a framework, we've made a commitment to positive, constructive and sustainable impact.

Beautiful adventures

You'll spend your days exploring some of the world's most breathtaking, exhilarating and remote wildernesses.

Nosy Be volunteer projects

Overview

Our conservation volunteering projects in Madagascar are based on Nosy Be island, pronounced NOSSY-BAY, in Lokobe National Park.

The island

Among animal lovers, Madagascar is probably best known for its lemurs, and Nosy Be is no exception. Lokobe is home to three species of lemur, all of which are on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The mouse lemur is among the smallest primates in the world. The island is also home to other tiny critters including some of our planet’s tiniest frogs and chameleons. Speaking of chameleons, some wildlife enthusiasts might also recognise the name of the island because of its association with a striking variation of panther chameleon. Bird lovers also could also catch a glimpse of several of the island’s 100 bird species, including the rare and critically endangered Madagascan fish eagle.

On the island itself you can visit its many well-known white-sanded beaches, including Ambatoloaka, Madirokely, Ambondrona and Andilana, or hike up Mont Passot to get scenic views of sunrises and sunsets over the Indian Ocean. There are also tours that depart from the island to the nearby Mitsio archipelago where you can experience a wide variety of wildlife and marine life in well-preserved natural habitats.

GVI’s research station

Our base camp is newly built from sustainably and ethically sourced local materials, and is partially solar powered. The forest directly surrounding our research station is a refuge for Hawk’s sportive lemur, which can only be found in this one jungle. There are only an estimated 100 –200 individuals alive in the wild.

Our wildlife conservation work

Our wildlife conservation work in Madagascar includes data collection and analysis of indigenous reptile, bird and mammal species. We specifically focus on lemurs and chameleons, including:

Black lemurs
Hawk’s sportive lemurs
Panther chameleons
Dwarf chameleons

Our local wildlife conservation partner is Madagascar National Parks.

In addition to our research into local wildlife, we collaborate with field guides and rangers to offer specialised English classes aimed at enhancing their communication with English-speaking tourists, visitors and researchers.