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Very Good 4.33rating (35)

Content & Digital Media Creator

location
2 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified
Volunteer project with the highest quality. This project sets unprecedented standards in quality - an unparalleled level of excellence.

Highlights

  • Capture and edit high-quality photos and videos of project activities.
  • Create engaging social media content (reels, posts, stories, etc.).
  • Enjoy all the aspects of our various programs (marine and forest conservation, English teaching and more!).

Highlights

  • Capture and edit high-quality photos and videos of project activities.
  • Create engaging social media content (reels, posts, stories, etc.).
  • Enjoy all the aspects of our various programs (marine and forest conservation, English teaching and more!).
  • Experience local culture and traditions through Malagasy lessons and engaging with the local community.
  • Explore the beautiful surrounding islands in your free time.

  • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Support conservation through creative content! Join us in Madagascar to capture photos, videos & stories that help promote marine, forest & community projects.

    The Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute (MRCI) is excited to introduce a unique opportunity for passionate storytellers, creatives, and aspiring content professionals through our Content and Digital Media Creator Program. This initiative supports MRCI’s conservation and community ...

    About the program

    The Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute (MRCI) is excited to introduce a unique opportunity for passionate storytellers, creatives, and aspiring content professionals through our Content and Digital Media Creator Program. This initiative supports MRCI’s conservation and community development goals by producing powerful photos, video, and written content that promotes awareness, volunteer engagement, and funding opportunities for our vital work across Madagascar.

    Participants will work across all MRCI programs, including Marine Conservation, Forest Conservation, Community Development, English Teaching, and Turtle Monitoring, capturing day-to-day life on camp and in the field. Your creative outputs will be used across our website, social media, and partner platforms to showcase the impact of our work.

    Program Activities and Volunteer Involvement:
    Volunteers in the Content & Digital Media Creator Program will:

    • Document field activities, such as reef dives, seagrass and turtle surveys, beach cleanups, mangrove planting, community builds, and English lessons

    • Capture candid moments, volunteer life, and scenic landscapes of Nosy Komba and Nosy Be

    • Conduct short interviews with staff, volunteers, and community members to highlight personal stories

    • Produce high-quality photos and short-form videos for Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok

    • Write engaging blog articles and volunteer testimonials for MRCI’s website

    • Support the marketing team with content curation and publishing

    All content creators receive a full orientation on our programs and goals, and are supported by our on-site team to ensure ethical and impactful storytelling.

    Objectives and Goals of the Program

    • Increase awareness and support for MRCI’s conservation and community programs

    • Create a professional portfolio for aspiring photographers, videographers, journalists, and marketers

    • Share the voices of local communities and volunteers in a respectful and empowering way

    • Attract more volunteers and donors by authentically showcasing life and impact at MRCI

    Volunteer Requirements 

    We welcome both aspiring and experienced creatives. Volunteers should:

    • Have basic to advanced skills in photography, videography, graphic design, or writing

    • Bring their own equipment (e.g., camera, phone, laptop, editing software, GoPro, drone if licensed)

    • Be creative, independent, and open to feedback

    • Be respectful of Malagasy culture and sensitive to ethical content gathering

    Our Camp

    MRCI’s Turtle Cove camp is set on the scenic slopes of Nosy Komba, overlooking a vibrant coral reef and offering stunning views of the Indian Ocean. Volunteers stay in rustic, locally built bungalows shared with 3–5 others, with access to basic bathroom facilities, a communal dining area, and relaxing deck spaces. The camp is eco-friendly, utilising solar power and rainwater, with limited access to electricity. Volunteers are encouraged to bring solar chargers and power banks. 

    A nearby village, Ampang, is just a 30-minute walk away and offers small restaurants. There is a daily boat to Nosy Be, where you’ll find shops, pharmacies, and other essentials. 

    Essential Information

    Age: Volunteers must be 18+. Most of our volunteers are between 18 and 30, but all adults are welcome.

    Languages: English is the working language at MRCI. Malagasy and French are spoken locally.

    Health: Volunteers must have personal health insurance. We recommend vaccinations for Hepatitis A & B, typhoid, tetanus, and rabies. Consult a travel clinic before arrival.

    Accommodation and Meals: Included in your program fee. Volunteers stay at our Turtle Cove base on Nosy Komba and receive three meals per day.

    Wi-Fi: Not available on camp. Volunteers can hike to the nearby village of Ampang or purchase a SIM card with mobile data.

    Visa: A 30-day or 60-day tourist visa can be purchased on arrival. Volunteers can extend their visa in-country if needed.

    What to Bring

    • Your own creative equipment (camera, laptop, storage devices, chargers)

    • Lightweight clothing, swimwear, rain jacket, walking shoes

    • Reusable water bottle, sunscreen, mosquito repellent

    • A good attitude and a curious mind!

    Program Benefits

    • Gain hands-on experience in ethical storytelling

    • Build a professional, creative portfolio

    • Make a real impact by supporting grassroots conservation

    • Live in a stunning, remote island paradise with like-minded volunteers

    Join Us Whether you're a budding content creator or an experienced media professional looking to make a difference, MRCI's Content & Digital Media Creator Program offers the chance to use your creative talent to tell stories that matter. Join us in Madagascar and help amplify voices, inspire change, and support conservation through the power of content.


    Typical day

    Generally, each program has morning and afternoon activities. NOTE: The schedule will vary depending on the project, weather etc. for that day.

    Sample Schedule:

    • 05:00-07:00 Breakfast on camp
    • 06:00-08:00 Start of morning activities on project
    • 12:00 Lunch on camp
    • 14:00 Start of afternoon activities on ...

    Typical day

    Generally, each program has morning and afternoon activities. NOTE: The schedule will vary depending on the project, weather etc. for that day.

    Sample Schedule:

    • 05:00-07:00 Breakfast on camp
    • 06:00-08:00 Start of morning activities on project
    • 12:00 Lunch on camp
    • 14:00 Start of afternoon activities on project
    • 16:00-17:00 Volunteer activities for the day usually conclude
    • 18:00 Dinner on camp
    • 18:45 Board Briefing to go over activities for the following day

    Volunteers are met at the Nosy Be International airport upon arrival and, weather permitting, transferred via boat to MRCI’s Turtle Cove base camp on Nosy Komba Island (Lemur Island).

    Volunteers are given a tour of camp, followed by an orientation and a health and safety briefing.


    Free-time activities

    Only cash is accepted on Nosy Be and Nosy Komba. There are no ATMs located on Nosy Komba, therefore all cash needs to be drawn ATMs located on neighbouring Nosy Be. The ATMs all take VISA; only one or two will accept MasterCard. Depending on weekend activities and the number of souvenirs and snacks ...

    Free-time activities

    Only cash is accepted on Nosy Be and Nosy Komba. There are no ATMs located on Nosy Komba, therefore all cash needs to be drawn ATMs located on neighbouring Nosy Be. The ATMs all take VISA; only one or two will accept MasterCard. Depending on weekend activities and the number of souvenirs and snacks purchased, volunteers typically find between $75 and $150 USD per week to be sufficient spending money.

    A few popular weekend activities / places to visit are listed below. NOTE: Unless marked otherwise, volunteers organize trips to these places on their own, not through MRCI, however there is contact information available on camp from past volunteers on how they booked trips.

    • Lokobe Forest Reserve
    • Discovery SCUBA Dive (through MRCI)
    • SCUBA Dive Training (through MRCI)
    • Explore different areas of Nosy Komba with a local guide and learn about medicinal plants, the endemic wildlife and more
    • Tanikely Natural Reserve
    • Visit Nosy Iranja or Nosy Sakatia (swimming and snorkelling)
    • Whale Shark Watching (seasonal)
    • Visit the Sacred Tree or Sacred Waterfall on Nosy Be
    • Hike up Mount Passot on Nosy Be
    • Visit Lemur Land park on Nosy Be, or the Lemur Park on Ampang Village on Nosy Komba
    • Ankarana National Park
    • Amber Mountain National Park
    • Visit plantations on the mainland in the city of Ambanja
    • Visit the city of Diego Suarez including the Emerald Sea, the Three Bays, Tsingy Rouge rock formation and more


    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (intermediate level)

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 08:00 - 16:30

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    The program fee covers the cost of accommodation, meals, airport pick-up, orientation, staff salaries, equipment, project materials, fuel costs, training and 24/7 in-country program support during your entire volunteer stay.

    Airport Pickup at Fascene Airport

    ARRIVAL INFO:
    The program begins on the first and third Monday of every month. MRCI’s volunteer base is located on the small island of Nosy Komba, off the northwest coast of Madagascar. Nosy Komba has no airport, roads, or cars, but nearby Nosy Be has both a large port and an international airport.

    Important: Volunteers must arrive in Nosy Be before 12:00 noon if they wish to travel to camp the same day. The last boat to Nosy Komba typically departs around 15:00, and in order to make the transfer and allow time for shopping or errands, we require arrivals before noon. If you arrive after 12:00, you will need to spend the night in Hellville (on Nosy Be) and transfer to camp the following morning. We are happy to provide hotel recommendations upon request.

    You may fly directly into Nosy Be Fascene International Airport (NOS) or into Antananarivo (Tana; airport code TNR). If flying into Tana, you can either take a domestic flight to Nosy Be or travel overland via Taxi Brousse or private car. Overland travel can take 24 to 72 hours, depending on road and weather conditions. We can assist in arranging overland transport if needed.

    Upon Arrival in Nosy Be:
    Our driver will meet you at the airport or ferry port, holding an MRCI sign with a turtle logo. An MRCI staff member (in a blue MRCI shirt) may also greet you. If you arrive before noon, and time allows, you’ll be taken into Hellville for essentials like snacks, a SIM card, or cash from an ATM. Note that most shops close for siesta between 12:00 and 14:30–15:00.

    Camp Transfer:
    Your program fee includes the taxi or tuk tuk from the airport or port to Hellville, as well as your first boat ride to camp. An MRCI staff member will accompany you and provide a camp tour on arrival.

    For Departure:
    You are responsible for arranging and covering your transport back to the airport or port when you leave, though we’re happy to help you book it.

    Accommodation

    Our research centre, Turtle Cove, is built into the steep slopes of Nosy Komba as a multi-level compound overlooking the spectacular coral reef below. Climb stone stairs up from an idyllic beach to the main house situated above the dive deck and take in the stunning view of the ocean extending far across all the way to Lokobe Nature Reserve on Nosy Be. The main house accommodates senior staff members and serves as a meeting place and hangout for volunteers during the day. Large decks line the front of the main house, complete with hammocks, bean bags and benches. There is also a work area for volunteers to make use of for activities such as data entry, species study, etc. 

    From the back of the main house, follow more stone steps up another level to a separate kitchen and dining hut nestled among vibrant gardens. On this middle level and up another level sit a series of locally built bungalows fitted with bunk beds that serve as volunteer sleeping quarters. Volunteers can expect to share a hut with four to six other volunteers and will need to bring their own bedding and towels. Each hut has a lockable storage box available for volunteers to store small valuables. Volunteers should also bring a padlock to secure personal items in their luggage when not in use. Also on these two levels, there are several bathroom facilities equipped with running water, flush toilets and cold water showers.

    Turtle Cove Camp is eco-friendly with solar-powered lighting throughout. There are no charging facilities for electronic devices, so volunteers are encouraged to bring a solar panel and battery pack to keep their devices charged. Charging ports are available in the neighbouring village of Ampang, about a half-hour hike from camp. We do have an onsite generator for staff use, though volunteers are welcome to charge small devices (no laptops) from this if there is space. Bear in mind that in an effort to go green, the use of the generator is minimal, sometimes only once per week or less.

    While out on extended field trips, volunteers can expect to either be camping or be accommodated in basic bungalows on various remote island beaches.

    Also, keep in mind that we are dependent on the sun for most of our power and rainfall for our water, so conserve power and water as much as possible during your stay.

    When packing, please keep in mind that there are no waste disposal or recycling centres in this area of Madagascar. Therefore, please minimise the amount of disposable, plastic or one-use type items you bring.  Opt for rechargeable batteries instead of single-use batteries, as we have no way to safely dispose of batteries on the island. We also suggest bringing a solar panel and battery pack if you have any electronics you want to keep charged.

    Food & Beverages

    On camp, three meals per day are provided seven days per week. Each meal is prepared by our on-site cooks using traditional Malagasy cooking methods using fresh, locally grown, seasonally available produce. Most meals have a rice base with beans and vegetables on the side (or over rice). Fruit and vegetables served will change depending on the season and availability of local produce. Some meals will include fish/seafood, beef (zebu), or chicken. Meat, when part of a meal, is typically prepared with a sauce, cut into small pieces, and served over rice. In addition to bananas, breakfast usually consists of either baguettes and jam, eggs or crepes.

    There is a vegetarian option for all meals. Due to logistics and the limitations of our remote location, we cannot provide a vegan option. Vegans can help themselves to the vegetable-based foods prepared, but will also need to supplement their diet with foods purchased off camp.  If you have special dietary requirements, please let us know. We will do or best to provide accordingly, however you should not expect to eat as you normally do at home. Bear in mind that you are volunteering in a remote region of a developing country and flexibility is necessary.

    Internet Access

    Limited access at the project site
    You don't have to pay anything yet

    Add-ons & Experiences

    Private Room (Double Accommodation)
    Enjoy extra space and comfort with our Private Double Room add-on, perfect for couples or friends sharing. Each bungalow includes a double bed or two ...
    $40 / per day
    Private Room (Single Accommodation)
    Upgrade your stay with a private bungalow for extra comfort and privacy during your volunteer placement. Each room features a single bed with mosquito ...
    $35 / per day

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Fascene Airport (NOS) in Nossi-be. We assist you to find cheap flights to Madagascar. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Madagascar provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Madagascar you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Madagascar. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    MRCI's Content & Digital Media Creator Program runs all year round.  Start Dates are the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month.

    ARRIVAL DAY: You will be met at the airport (or port) on Nosy Be by our driver or an MRCI staff member. If you arrive before Sunday, you will be dropped off at your hotel after a tour of Hellville. On Sunday, you will meet a staff member at a predetermined time and place for transfer to the volunteer camp on Nosy Komba.

    SUNDAY 

    • 10:00 Tour of Hellville (if not already complete)
    • 12:00 Boat to camp on Nosy Komba accompanied by a staff member
    • 14:00 Camp tour upon arrival
    • 16:30 Free time to unpack, settle in and meet your hut mates
    • 18:00 Dinner
    • 18:45 Daily Board Briefing (staff will go over the schedule and activities for the following day) 
    MONDAY 

    • 07:30 Breakfast
    • 08:30 Orientation Presentation
    • 10:00 Health and Safety Presentation
    • 11:00 Complete and sign forms and paperwork
    • 12:00 Lunch
    • 14:00 Walk to the neighbouring village of Ampang for a tour led by staff 
    • 17:00 May walk or take the teacher's boat back to camp (costs 2,000 MGA/person for the boat) 
    • 18:00 Dinner
    • 18:45 Daily Board Briefing
    TUESDAY: First official day on the project! Volunteers are trained in species identification, equipment usage and data collection protocols to prepare them for the hands-on work to come. Volunteers will also receive information on our goals and how to best assist us in achieving them.  Once training has been completed, volunteers are placed in the field. Volunteers are divided into groups and, accompanied by an MRCI staff member, are dropped by boat at various locations of interest to conduct the survey work. Depending on the distance from main camp, volunteers may stay at various field satellite camps.  Volunteers spend their final few days back at MRCI’s Turtle Cove base camp completing data entries and debriefing.

    Please Note: Schedules in Madagascar often depend on weather, boat access, community availability, and other logistical factors. The sample itinerary above should be used as a guideline only. Our team will provide real-time updates and ensure you're fully prepared to begin your project work. Embrace the “mora-mora” (slow and steady) approach to Malagasy life – be flexible, patient, and open to the experience!

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program Fees

    $404 per week 2 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    2 - 12 weeks

    Deposit

    Reserve your spot with just a few clicks and a small, secure deposit. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, or other convenient methods.


    Final Payment

    You’ll agree on the final payment method with your local organization during the application process. This final payment is only due closer to the start of your trip.

    You don't have to pay anything yet
    4.3
    Travelers’ Choice
    One of the most loved volunteer experiences, according to travelers

    Location

    Africa > Eastern Africa > Madagascar > Nosy Komba

    Meet your project coordinator

    Danielle
    35
    reviews
    4.33
    Very Good
    2013
    Founded

    Verified

      Very high response rate
    Spoken languages: English
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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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