We offer throughout the year Missions d'Ecovolontariat to help us protect the Makay massif.
If you share our values and feel concerned about the causes we fight for, come and join us in the field ! Not only will you help protect biodiversity and provide better living conditions to remote communities, or live a moment out of time, make unforgettable encounters, observe wonderful animals and exercise yourself by exploring one of the most beautiful places on the planet, our ecovolunteer missions are made for you!
Despite thepositive development of our missions in 2019, we were forced to suspend them in 2020 due to the coronavirus. However, our projects need you all the more! So don't hesitate to register to participate in our 2021 missions using the schedule below.

Why come with us ?
- Nos missions permettent de découvrir le Makay, un des plus beaux endroits de la planète, accompagné de ses plus fins connaisseurs.
- They ensure you will be able to watch several species of lemurs.
- Elles permettent de vivre une déconnexion et un ressourcement rare et bénéfique to the rhythm of nature and the songs of forest birds, an experience of intense and unforgettable life.
- They teach you a lot about nature, about Malagasy culture, but also about the environmental and societal challenges of developing countries, as well as about the daily life of a conservation association.
- They allow rich encounters and open the door to very strong friendships.
- Elles peuvent entrer dans le cadre d’un stage de fin d’études if you are a student.
- Elles peuvent être financées par des donateurs, via le crowdfunding.
Or because you’re fed up with living outside the law ;-) Indeed, the charter of the environment in the French Constitution declares that the environment is the common heritage of humankind and that "everyone has a duty to take part in preserving and improving [it]".
Nos missions permettent de faire un « voyage utile » : depuis 2012, les missions écovolontaires que mène Naturevolution ont permis le financement d’une part importante de nos activités de conservation et d’aide aux communautés du Makay.

Where do we work ?
Since 2010, Naturevolution works in the Makay massif, situé au Sud-Ouest de Madagascar.
How we work
Our projects in the Makay aim at protecting on the long term the natural environment of the Makay and developing ways for local people live better and in harmony with their environment. Some projects are carried out in the heart of the massif while others take place in the surrounding villages, a few hours' walk from the Makay canyons.
We offer 3 types of ecovolunteers missions, different times of the year :
- Solidarity and support to local development
These missions focus on environmental awareness, education, income-generating activities such as beekeeping (hive construction) and ecotourism, the creation of vegetable gardens and nurseries, waste cleaning, etc. These missions take place in or near villages. Learn more about our solidarity missions with local development. - citizen science
These missions are designed to carry, with researchers tracking operations or inventory the biodiversity of Makay, to assist researchers in their work and even carry out archaeological surveys or improve mapping Makay. These missions take place from a fixed base camp established in the massif. Learn more about our citizen science missions. - scientific exploration
These missions are designed to search for missing cash or rarely observed, as well as an inventory of archaeological sites in the Makay. They take place when roaming in the mountains and we also improve our knowledge of the massive remote places and to keep a watch. Learn more about our scientific exploration missions.
Sur toutes nos missions, environ deux tiers de votre temps sur le terrain seront consacrés aux projets. Le reste sera dédié à la découverte du paradis encore largement inexploré du Makay lors de trekkings accompagnés par nos spécialistes.
To note :
- La définition des actions menées lors de ces missions n’est précisée que deux mois avant chaque mission : d’une part parce que nous nous adaptons aux besoins les plus urgents et aux priorités du moment, et d’autre part parce que cela dépend du nombre d’ecovolontaires inscrits.
- Naturevolution se garde le droit de modifier l’ordre et la liste des actions à mener lors des missions, jusqu’au jour du départ, afin de s’adapter aux besoins et aux évènements imprévus.

How do we live on the ground?
- We camp under individual tents
- Volunteer work is done usually outdoor (or, in case of rain, which is extremely rare at this season, under large expedition tents brought by Naturevolution)
- Nous mangeons des produits ramenés de Tana, agrémentés des produits locaux amenés par les villageois (selon la saison : mangues, bananes, tomates, moutons, dindes, poulets, pintades, potamochères, etc.). Chacun doit participer à l’élaboration des repas et à la vaisselle,
- We drink water from the rivers : the water comes straight out of the rocks, and we either filter it or boil it,
- A few beers and soft drinks can be found in the villages,
- Dry toilets and showers are set up in the forest.
Cette vie dans la nature s’avère relativement confortable et surtout source d’amitiés et de bonnes tranches de rigolade.

Who are the ecovolunteers?
We welcome all applications, regardless of age (starting from 18, or less if parents are present), skills or nationality, without any discrimination.
"Enthusiasm and motivation are all that matter."
No scientific background nor any diploma is required.
If you are a student, you can make your participation in our missions count as a required internship.
Some activities require a good physical condition, others call for being creative, and some ask for educational skills. Let us know your skills and your wishes and we'll do our best to offer activities that match.
The only requirements are that you are:
- examined by a doctor before departure to ensure good physical condition
- able to speak French or English
- smiling and easy to live with

How long are the missions?
Nous privilégions des missions de 3 semaines
but also offer some rare shorter missions (2 weeks). And for more fun, it is possible to stay for up to 6 weeks!
This time is considered from Paris to Paris. Your presence on Malagasy soil will be respectively 13 days to travel 2 weeks, 20 days for travel 3 weeks or even 41 days for travel 6 weeks.
Be aware also that the lavish travel between the capital Antananarivo and the steep Makay can take only four days return when we go in northern Makay seasonally dry but can last much longer because of the runway conditions and the distance of the proposed work site. We prefer of course the shortest paths for the 2-week missions.
“Almost everything was new to me. Too many positive aspects to list them all, but among others the exceptional and preserved environment of human pollution, and the learning of resourcefulness. "
– Ecovolunteer testimony, avril 2019 (mission explo)

Mission dates
Find a description of the different types of mission in the paragraph How we work and a detailed description of the tasks on the corresponding pages: Support to local development ; Participatory science ; scientific exploration.
You will find below the dates for each type of mission. You can use the filters available to refine your search (search for example "August" or "November 2020").
Development aid missions
DEPARTURE FROM ANTANANARIVO | RETURN TO ANTANANARIVO | DURATION | TYPE OF MISSION | PRICE |
---|---|---|---|---|
November 29, 2020 | December 18, 2020 | 3 weeks | Development Assistance | 2 200 € |
November 29, 2020 | January 8, 2021 | 6 weeks | Development Assistance | 3 500 € |
December 20, 2020 | January 8, 2021 | 3 weeks | Development Assistance | 2 200 € |
December 20, 2020 | January 29, 2021 | 6 weeks | Development Assistance | 3 500 € |
January 10, 2021 | January 29, 2021 | 3 weeks | Development Assistance | 2 200 € |
January 10, 2021 | February 19, 2021 | 6 weeks | Development Assistance | 3 500 € |
January 31, 2021 | February 19, 2021 | 3 weeks | Development Assistance | 2 200 € |
January 31, 2021 | 12 mars 2021 | 6 weeks | Development Assistance | 3 500 € |
February 21, 2021 | 12 mars 2021 | 3 weeks | Development Assistance | 2 200 € |
February 21, 2021 | 2 avril 2021 | 6 weeks | Development Assistance | 3 500 € |
14 mars 2021 | 2 avril 2021 | 3 weeks | Development Assistance | 2 200 € |
14 mars 2021 | 23 avril 2021 | 6 weeks | Development Assistance | 3 500 € |
11 avril 2021 | 23 avril 2021 | 2 weeks | Development Assistance | 1 600 € |
11 avril 2021 | May 7, 2021 | 4 weeks | Development Assistance | 2 700 € |
25 avril 2021 | May 7, 2021 | 2 weeks | Development Assistance | 1 600 € |
25 avril 2021 | May 28, 2021 | 5 weeks | Development Assistance | 3 100 € |
May 9, 2021 | May 28, 2021 | 3 weeks | Development Assistance | 2 200 € |
May 9, 2021 | June 18, 2021 | 6 weeks | Development Assistance | 3 500 € |
May 30, 2021 | June 18, 2021 | 3 weeks | Development Assistance | 2 200 € |
May 30, 2021 | July 9, 2021 | 6 weeks | Development Assistance | 3 500 € |
June 20, 2021 | July 9, 2021 | 3 weeks | Development Assistance | 2 200 € |
June 20, 2021 | July 30, 2021 | 6 weeks | Development Assistance | 3 500 € |
July 11, 2021 | July 30, 2021 | 3 weeks | Development Assistance | 2 200 € |
July 11, 2021 | August 20, 2021 | 6 weeks | Development Assistance | 3 500 € |
August 1, 2021 | August 20, 2021 | 3 weeks | Development Assistance | 2 200 € |
August 1, 2021 | September 10, 2021 | 6 weeks | Development Assistance | 3 500 € |
22 Aug 2021 | September 10, 2021 | 3 weeks | Development Assistance | 2 200 € |
22 Aug 2021 | October 1, 2021 | 6 weeks | Development Assistance | 3 500 € |
September 12, 2021 | October 1, 2021 | 3 weeks | Development Assistance | 2 200 € |
September 12, 2021 | October 15, 2021 | 5 weeks | Development Assistance | 3 100 € |
October 3, 2021 | October 15, 2021 | 2 weeks | Development Assistance | 1 600 € |
October 3, 2021 | October 29, 2021 | 4 weeks | Development Assistance | 2 700 € |
17 October 2021 | October 29, 2021 | 2 weeks | Development Assistance | 1 600 € |
17 October 2021 | November 19, 2021 | 5 weeks | Development Assistance | 3 100 € |
October 31, 2021 | November 19, 2021 | 3 weeks | Development Assistance | 2 200 € |
October 31, 2021 | December 10, 2021 | 6 weeks | Development Assistance | 3 500 € |
21 November 2021 | December 10, 2021 | 3 weeks | Development Assistance | 2 200 € |
21 November 2021 | December 31, 2021 | 6 weeks | Development Assistance | 3 500 € |
12 December 2021 | December 31, 2021 | 3 weeks | Development Assistance | 2 200 € |
12 December 2021 | January 21, 2022 | 6 weeks | Development Assistance | 3 500 € |
January 2, 2022 | January 21, 2022 | 3 weeks | Development Assistance | 2 200 € |
Missions de science participative
DEPARTURE FROM ANTANANARIVO | RETURN TO ANTANANARIVO | DURATION | TYPE OF MISSION | PRICE |
---|---|---|---|---|
November 29, 2020 | December 18, 2020 | 3 weeks | Participatory science | 2 500 € |
November 29, 2020 | January 8, 2021 | 6 weeks | Participatory science | 4 000 € |
December 20, 2020 | January 8, 2021 | 3 weeks | Participatory science | 2 500 € |
December 20, 2020 | January 29, 2021 | 6 weeks | Participatory science | 4 000 € |
January 10, 2021 | January 29, 2021 | 3 weeks | Participatory science | 2 500 € |
January 10, 2021 | February 19, 2021 | 6 weeks | Participatory science | 4 000 € |
January 31, 2021 | February 19, 2021 | 3 weeks | Participatory science | 2 500 € |
January 31, 2021 | 12 mars 2021 | 6 weeks | Participatory science | 4 000 € |
February 21, 2021 | 12 mars 2021 | 3 weeks | Participatory science | 2 500 € |
February 21, 2021 | 2 avril 2021 | 6 weeks | Participatory science | 4 000 € |
14 mars 2021 | 2 avril 2021 | 3 weeks | Participatory science | 2 500 € |
14 mars 2021 | 23 avril 2021 | 6 weeks | Participatory science | 4 000 € |
11 avril 2021 | 23 avril 2021 | 2 weeks | Participatory science | 1 850 € |
11 avril 2021 | May 7, 2021 | 4 weeks | Participatory science | 3 100 € |
25 avril 2021 | May 7, 2021 | 2 weeks | Participatory science | 1 850 € |
25 avril 2021 | May 28, 2021 | 5 weeks | Participatory science | 3 550 € |
May 9, 2021 | May 28, 2021 | 3 weeks | Participatory science | 2 500 € |
May 9, 2021 | June 18, 2021 | 6 weeks | Participatory science | 4 000 € |
May 30, 2021 | June 18, 2021 | 3 weeks | Participatory science | 2 500 € |
May 30, 2021 | July 9, 2021 | 6 weeks | Participatory science | 4 000 € |
June 20, 2021 | July 9, 2021 | 3 weeks | Participatory science | 2 500 € |
June 20, 2021 | July 30, 2021 | 6 weeks | Participatory science | 4 000 € |
July 11, 2021 | July 30, 2021 | 3 weeks | Participatory science | 2 500 € |
July 11, 2021 | August 20, 2021 | 6 weeks | Participatory science | 4 000 € |
August 1, 2021 | August 20, 2021 | 3 weeks | Participatory science | 2 500 € |
August 1, 2021 | September 10, 2021 | 6 weeks | Participatory science | 4 000 € |
22 Aug 2021 | September 10, 2021 | 3 weeks | Participatory science | 2 500 € |
22 Aug 2021 | October 1, 2021 | 6 weeks | Participatory science | 4 000 € |
September 12, 2021 | October 1, 2021 | 3 weeks | Participatory science | 2 500 € |
September 12, 2021 | October 15, 2021 | 5 weeks | Participatory science | 3 550 € |
October 3, 2021 | October 15, 2021 | 2 weeks | Participatory science | 1 850 € |
October 3, 2021 | October 29, 2021 | 4 weeks | Participatory science | 3 100 € |
17 October 2021 | October 29, 2021 | 2 weeks | Participatory science | 1 850 € |
17 October 2021 | November 19, 2021 | 5 weeks | Participatory science | 3 550 € |
October 31, 2021 | November 19, 2021 | 3 weeks | Participatory science | 2 500 € |
October 31, 2021 | December 10, 2021 | 6 weeks | Participatory science | 4 000 € |
21 November 2021 | December 10, 2021 | 3 weeks | Participatory science | 2 500 € |
21 November 2021 | December 31, 2021 | 6 weeks | Participatory science | 4 000 € |
12 December 2021 | December 31, 2021 | 3 weeks | Participatory science | 2 500 € |
12 December 2021 | January 21, 2022 | 6 weeks | Participatory science | 4 000 € |
January 2, 2022 | January 21, 2022 | 3 weeks | Participatory science | 2 500 € |
Scientific exploration missions
DEPARTURE FROM ANTANANARIVO | RETURN TO ANTANANARIVO | DURATION | TYPE OF MISSION | PRICE |
---|---|---|---|---|
December 20, 2020 | January 8, 2021 | 3 weeks | scientific exploration | 3 100 € |
11 avril 2021 | 30 avril 2021 | 3 weeks | scientific exploration | 3 100 € |
July 11, 2021 | July 30, 2021 | 3 weeks | scientific exploration | 3 100 € |
July 11, 2021 | August 20, 2021 | 6 weeks | scientific exploration | 4950 € |
August 1, 2021 | August 20, 2021 | 3 weeks | scientific exploration | 3 100 € |
A noter:
- The departures of our missions are guaranteed from 4 participants.
- It is possible to participate in a combination of different missions and thus discover different aspects of our activities. For more information, please contact us via the form below.
Are you up for it? So Get in touch! !

Mission prices
Mission / Duration | 2 weeks | 3 weeks | 4 weeks | 5 weeks | 6 weeks |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
scientific exploration | 3 100 € | 4950 € | |||
Solidarity and Development Aid | 1 600 € | 2 200 € | 2 700 € | 3 100 € | 3 500 € |
Participatory science | 1 850 € | 2 500 € | 3 100 € | 3 550 € | 4 000 € |
A noter:
- If you sign up for 2, rates are reduced by 8%, and 12% from 3 persons (except for already reduced prices).
Distribution of the trip cost

Logistics costs include:
- Transportation *, meals, hotel accommodation;
- The on-site mission management team;
- The material necessary for the accomplishment of the mission;
- Prior organization that everything happens for the best during your stay.
* Please note that transportation is our main cost item because :
- le trajet est long pour accéder au Makay et coûte donc relativement cher en carburant ;
- les pistes sont difficiles, ce qui nous oblige à louer des véhicules de très bonne qualité et donc plus chers + ce qui implique quasi-systématiquement des frais de réparations supplémentaires ;
- For security reasons notably, we have to keep the vehicles with us for the whole duration of the trip, which increase the renting cost.
The management fees include:
- Le suivi et l’évaluation des résultats et des impacts des missions ;
- Les démarches de promotion des missions ;
- Le traitement administratif des inscriptions ;
- L’assurance rapatriement et la responsabilité civile ;
- Membership to Naturevolution.
The donation to the conservation program will partially finance:
- Les salaires des acteurs du projet sur le terrain tout au long de l’année ;
- La recherche et le développement de stratégies et de moyens d’action permettant à terme de sauvegarder le Makay dans son ensemble ;
- Les déplacements de nos équipes nécessaires au développement du projet ;
- Les actions quotidiennes de gestion et de recherche de financements en France, indispensables au succès du programme de conservation.
The cost of the missions does not include:
- Le vol international + les taxes d’aéroport ;
- L’équipement personnel (tente, vêtements, chaussures, sacs de couchage, gourde, sac à dos, lampes frontales,…) ;
- Les antipaludéens et les vaccins ;
- Le visa d’entrée à Madagascar ;
- Les boissons et snacks en extra, ainsi que les souvenirs ;
- Hotel accommodation and any other costs outside the official mission dates;
- Cancellation insurance
Tax exemption
The full cost of your mission, including airfare, is défiscalisable up to 66% for an individual of 75% if you are subject to the IFI and 60% for companies.
All tax exemption information can be found in the ‘other questions’ section below.

Crowdfunding
Dreaming but broke? Consider crowdfunding!
We offer a dedicated crowdfunding platform and personalized coaching to help you raise the necessary funds from your friends and networks or through fundraising events (craft sales, screenings, etc.).

Other questions
How much cash should I budget?
There will be few opportunities to spend money there. Your main expense may be a coke or a beer after a long day in the sun. The costs in Madagascar are never too great. We believe that with € 20 per day when you travel and € 5 per day when you are on site you will do very well.
Do i need insurance?
Repatriation and civil liability insurance for the duration of the mission will be automatically contracted on your behalf with our insurer MAIF upon payment. You may take out additional insurance if you wish.
Do i need a visa?
Yes, but this can be obtained simply upon arrival at Ivato Airport. For prices, see this page Madagascar consulate website.
How is the weather in the Makay ?
Madagascar is a huge island that spans multiple latitudes and altitudes, and weather and temperatures vary across the island. There are two main seasonal variations, the hot / humid season (November to March) and the dry season (April to October).
From June to September in the Makay, you can expect cool temperature in the evening, especially when we camp near rivers. So make sure to bring along a good fleece and warm sleeping bag (0°C and even -5°C comfort limit). A beany will also come in handy some evenings.
How large will our group be?
Nos missions comportent au maximum une quinzaine de volontaires. Il arrive que nous soyons beaucoup plus nombreux, auquel cas nous répartissons les groupes sur plusieurs lieux et projets différents afin que l’expérience vécue dans cet espace naturel sauvage soit toujours aussi intense. Il arrive aussi que nous soyons beaucoup moins nombreux.
Is it dangerous to travel to Madagascar ?
Madagascar is a safe country to travel as long as you respect some rules of good conduct and common sense as in any other country. It is notable advised to avoid walking alone the streets at night in the cities. It is also best to avoid displaying signs of wealth like a smartphone or a camera.
You can also check the recommendations to ecotourists souhaitant se rendre dans le Makay. Ces conseils forment la base de la Charte de l’écotourisme pour la Nouvelle Aire Protégée du Makay.
Can I arrive and/or depart outside the indicated dates?
Si vous décidez de vous joindre à une de nos missions plus tard ou de la quitter plus tôt (hors des dates prévues), nous pourrons vous arranger la logistique véhicule selon vos besoins mais nous serons incapable de vous fournir le même niveau d’accueil et de prise en charge par nos équipes que vous recevriez aux dates prévues. Par ailleurs, vous serez responsables des frais de transport supplémentaires entre le Makay et Antananarivo. Ces frais pourront être partagés avec tous ceux qui voyageront en même temps que vous.
We will of course do what is necessary to make your trip as easy and enjoyable as possible, but it should be noted that it will be significantly more demanding. We therefore recommend that you join us on the dates of our missions.
How can I be contacted?
Due to the remoteness of our field sites, telephone communications are not easy, so don't expect to be able to easily call your loved ones during the mission. However, part of the stay will be covered by the mobile network. And for safety's sake, when you are trekking / hiking in the massive interior an emergency satellite phone will never be far away.
What vaccination do I need for Madagascar?
Aux dernières nouvelles, outre la mise à jour indispensable du vaccin DTP (diphtérie-tétanos-poliomyélite) aucun autre vaccin n’est obligatoire. Certains sont toutefois conseillés comme le vaccin contre la fièvre typhoïde. Avant de vous rendre sur l’une de nos missions, veuillez consulter votre médecin ou une clinique santé-voyage agréée, disposé à vous donner plus d’informations.
What is the cancellation policy ?
Cancellation by the volunteer:
- si l’annulation a lieu plus de 2 mois avant le départ, l’annulation sera sans frais et le volontaire sera remboursé intégralement ;
- si l’annulation a lieu entre 2 mois et 1 mois avant le départ, l’acompte de 800€ sera retenu ;
- if the cancellation takes place within one month of the departure, the volunteer will be ineligible for a refund and the totality of the payment will be retained, except in case of force majeure or proven medical reason.
Cancellation by Naturevolution:
- In the event of non-payment of the participation fee one month before the mission, the ecovolunteer reservation will be canceled and the deposit of € 800 retained;
- The sums paid will be fully reimbursed by Naturevolution in the event of cancellation of the mission for logistical reasons or due to other contingencies.
In fact, given the difficulty of access on site, Naturevolution reserves the right to cancel the mission, in particular in the case of force majeure, damage, or meteorological imperative, at any time prior to departure, without further obligation to reimburse fees paid to Naturevolution.
Such a cancellation doesn't entitle to indemnity. Therefore, Naturevolution asks the volunteer to take the necessary precautions (cancellation insurance, modifiable plane tickets) when booking flights to Madagascar, and will not accept any responsibility in case of extra costs incurred by the modification or the cancellation of transportation tickets for any reason whatsoever.
Cancellation risk insurance is recommended.
Is my trip tax-deductible?
To the extent that management fees and logistics (35% of total cost), and the plane ticket, help ensure the successful completion of your mission and that it aims to protect the environment, these costs are considered a gift. The remaining 65% are themselves purely a donation to our conservation program Makay massif.
The whole cost of the mission is thus deductible for your taxes up to 66% for an individual (capped at 20% of income), 75% if you are subject to IFI (capped at € 50,000) and 60% for businesses (capped at € 10,000 or 0.5 % of turnover excluding tax if this figure is higher).
For example, if you are an individual leaving on a mission to 3 weeks and if you find an airline ticket to 1000 €, your mission will cost after tax deduction, which (€ 2200 + 1000 €) - 66 % = 1088€.
If you are not paying taxes this year or if your payment exceeds the limits mentioned, tax deductibility can be carried forward up to 5 years after the donation.

How do I register?
If you are interested in one of our ecovolunteer missions, please complete the pre-registration form below. We will come back to you as soon as possible to explain you how our missions usually take place, give you the details on how to proceed before departure, a list of equipment to bring with you and give you all the details to benefit from tax exemption.
One more question ?

Gaëtan Deltour
Ecovolunteer project manager
Whatsapp +33 7 86 84 78 23
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