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Great 4.44rating (124)

Lemur Research Assistant

location
2 - 4 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Meet up to 10 species of lemurs in their highland rainforest home.
  • Assist real field researchers conducting lemur surveys and behavioural studies.
  • Immerse yourself in the Malagasy forests while hiking and surveying plants, insects, birds and other wildlife.

Highlights

  • Meet up to 10 species of lemurs in their highland rainforest home.
  • Assist real field researchers conducting lemur surveys and behavioural studies.
  • Immerse yourself in the Malagasy forests while hiking and surveying plants, insects, birds and other wildlife.
  • Before the main adventure, stop by a sanctuary home to iconic ring-tailed lemurs.
  • Make a real conservation impact where your work lasts well after you've gone.

  • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Families
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Madagascar awaits! Join lemur researchers in rare rainforests, track wild lemurs, restore habitats, support communities and make a real conservation impact.

    Step into the wild heart of Madagascar and join an unforgettable conservation adventure in its rare highland rainforests. Working side by side with passionate researchers, you’ll help protect some of the world’s most endangered and charismatic primates, lemurs. From collecting real field data to ...

    About the program

    Step into the wild heart of Madagascar and join an unforgettable conservation adventure in its rare highland rainforests. Working side by side with passionate researchers, you’ll help protect some of the world’s most endangered and charismatic primates, lemurs. From collecting real field data to restoring fragile habitats and supporting local communities, every day you’ll be making a genuine difference for wildlife and the forests they call home.

    Days in the forest are anything but ordinary. You’ll trek through a vast, privately protected rainforest that’s home to up to ten different lemur species, including one that was only recently discovered here. With exclusive access to the reserve, your “office” could involve following the haunting calls of indri, watching diadem sifakas leap through the canopy, or spotting eastern woolly lemurs as you help with surveys, habituation, biodiversity monitoring, seed collection, tree planting, nursery care, and community conservation projects.

    Led by expert lemur scientists, you’ll learn by doing, gaining hands-on conservation skills while fully embracing forest life. When the day winds down, slow things right down too: relax by a tranquil lake, swap stories around the campfire under a sky full of stars and connect with Malagasy culture alongside the people who live and work in this extraordinary landscape. Before heading deep into the rainforest, you’ll also visit a lemur sanctuary, where you can meet famous species like ring-tailed lemurs up close.

    This adventure doesn’t mean roughing it. The project includes smooth transfers, shorter travel times, and comfortable twin-share accommodation. From 2026, brand-new forest chalets add an extra touch of comfort, each with a private en-suite, the perfect place to recharge after a day of exploration.

    More than just a volunteer placement, this experience is an adventure, a learning opportunity, and a rare chance to make a tangible contribution to the protection of Madagascar’s extraordinary wildlife.


    Typical day

    Day 1: Arrive at Ivato International Airport and transfer to your hotel for the night. Take some time to relax before joining your fellow volunteers and the project coordinator for a welcome dinner.

    Day 2: After breakfast, visit a lemur sanctuary for a guided tour, followed by lunch. In the ...

    Typical day

    Day 1: Arrive at Ivato International Airport and transfer to your hotel for the night. Take some time to relax before joining your fellow volunteers and the project coordinator for a welcome dinner.

    Day 2: After breakfast, visit a lemur sanctuary for a guided tour, followed by lunch. In the afternoon, travel to the research site (approximately 3.5 hours). Settle in before orientation and dinner at the field house.

    Day 3: Step into forest life as you embark on transects to conduct lemur surveys. Record sightings and behaviours, contributing valuable data to ongoing research. Return to the field house for lunch before heading back out to locate more lemur groups.

    Days 4–6: Dive into lemur and forest research, reforestation efforts, and community engagement. Track lemur troops, collect seeds, and join local school lessons. Each day is packed with hands-on experiences as varied as the wildlife around you!

    Day 7: Spend the day in the forest focusing on lemur habituation, helping a focal group become accustomed to human presence for more accurate data collection. In the evening, gather around the campfire under the stars to celebrate your first week with your team.

    Day 8: Take a day to relax at the onsite lake. Spot birds along the banks, practice yoga, read, or simply soak in the scenery. You can even take a canoe out for a peaceful river cruise.

    Days 9–12: Your second week brings deeper forest exploration and more responsibility in lemur and wildlife research. Continue with forest protection, reforestation, and community outreach while applying the skills and confidence you’ve gained.

    Day 13: Spend your final day in the forest focusing on lemur habituation and contributing to future research. In the evening, enjoy a celebratory farewell dinner to share stories and memories from your time on the project.

    Day 14: After breakfast, transfer to Ivato International Airport for your return flight or onward travel, bringing your unforgettable volunteer adventure to a close.


    Free-time activities

    With a day off and free evenings, why not step away from the fieldwork and soak in the forest’s beauty! Spend a morning or afternoon by the river, spot colourful birds, practise yoga, read a book, or take the canoe for a gentle glide. Evenings are perfect for gathering around the campfire. Share ...

    Free-time activities

    With a day off and free evenings, why not step away from the fieldwork and soak in the forest’s beauty! Spend a morning or afternoon by the river, spot colourful birds, practise yoga, read a book, or take the canoe for a gentle glide. Evenings are perfect for gathering around the campfire. Share stories, toast to the day, enjoy Malagasy culture, and make friendships that last long after your project ends, all under a starry sky.


    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.

    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, Friday and Saturday

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    Included: Accommodation, three meals per day, all transfers, lemur park visit, donation to Wildlife Madagascar, tea, coffee and drinking water


    Not included: Flights, vaccinations (if needed), travel insurance

    Airport Pickup at Antananarivo Airport

    A project representative will meet you in the arrivals hall of Antananarivo Ivato International Airport (TNR) and escort you to a nearby hotel via private transfer for your first night. We recommend choosing a flight that arrives earlier in the day so you can join the welcome dinner with your fellow volunteers.

    On the final day of the project, you will be transferred back to Antananarivo, with the journey taking approximately 3.5 hours. Please book a late afternoon or evening flight departing after 2.45 pm to allow sufficient time for the transfer. If it is more convenient, you may choose to stay an additional night at a hotel and fly the following day for an additional cost. We can recommend suitable hotels that offer airport transfers.

    Accommodation

    During your stay, you’ll be based in one of four newly built chalets, designed specifically for volunteers and set within the forest itself. Accommodation is twin-share, same-sex (unless travelling as a couple), with each chalet featuring an en-suite bathroom, Western-style facilities, and hot showers, ideal after long days in the field.

    Next door, the newly renovated field research station offers everything you need to feel at home, including a comfortable social space, open-air kitchen and dining area, and Wi-Fi. It’s a rare blend of comfort and purpose, bringing volunteers together in a setting where conservation and community sit side by side.

    Food & Beverages

    Three meals a day are provided and prepared by a local cook, giving you the chance to enjoy authentic Malagasy cuisine throughout your stay, alongside a few familiar Western dishes for added comfort. Expect hearty, home-cooked meals made with fresh, local ingredients that provide the perfect fuel for your days in the forest.

    Vegetarian, vegan and other dietary requirements can be catered for, just let the travel team know in advance. Drinking water, coffee and tea are always available on site, and a small selection of snacks and alcoholic drinks can be purchased at the field station. You are also welcome to bring along any favourite snacks or beverages to enjoy between meals.

    Internet Access

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

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Antananarivo Airport (TNR) in Antananarivo. 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

    2026 Dates:

    May 17th, May 31st, Jun 21st, Jul 5th, Jul 19th, Aug 9th, Aug 23rd, Sept 6th, Sept 20th, Oct 10th.


    2027 Dates: 
    May 16th, May 30th, Jun 20th, Jul 4th, Jul 18th, Aug 15th, Aug 29th, Sept 19th, Oct 3rd, Oct 17th.
    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program Fees

    $784 per week 2 - 4 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    2 - 4 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
    4.4
    Top Pick
    One of the top picks on Volunteer World, according to travelers
    2024
    Een ongelooflijke ervaring om deel te mogen uitmaken van dit centrum waar de nood voor hulp zeer hoog is, de hitte de vochtigheid, de regen ...
    Godelieve Meuris

    Orangutan Wildlife Center

    Location

    Africa > Eastern Africa > Madagascar > La Mananara

    Meet your project coordinator

    Emily
    124
    reviews
    4.44
    Great
    2003
    Founded

    Verified

      Very high response rate
    Spoken languages: English
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    Contact Emily
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    English

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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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