Lemur conservation in Nosy Be

This Nosy Be project takes place at a sanctuary caring for lemurs and other species, where animal welfare depends on a steady routine of care and observation. The centre also monitors wildlife and educates visitors. Learning about the animals helps people understand why they and their habitats need protection.

Join the team to prepare food, clean spaces and collect animal information. Observe behaviour, update records and help gather data about age, sex or species characteristics, following the staff’s methods. These tasks reward patience and attention. Comparing your observations with the team helps you understand what you’re seeing. You may also help explain conservation to visitors in English and make observations about plants.

The sanctuary’s rhythm is balanced by life at the participant house, shared meals and time to get to know the island. After activities, swap stories with other volunteers and ask the team for weekend ideas, choosing how you’d like to explore Nosy Be.

🏡 The participant house is your base after activities and a place to settle into Nosy Be life. Stay in a shared room for 2–4 people, with a shared bathroom. Hot showers, bedding, a fan, mosquito protection and a lockable wardrobe are provided. Bring your own towels.

The dining room, two lounge areas and balcony make it easy to spend time together. Stop for a chat, swap project ideas or make free-time plans with other participants. Meals are part of this shared routine too. Three meals on weekdays, two at weekends and drinking water are included. Expect home-cooked Malagasy and Western dishes, with rice, vegetables and some meat options. Vegetarian meals are available. Tell us about allergies or dietary needs before travel so the team can plan.

You can use the kitchen and fridge. Restaurants, snacks and extra meals are separate expenses. A local SIM is useful for messages and maps. Rooms don’t have air conditioning or safes.

Be back at the house by 20:30. Respecting this time and keeping spaces tidy helps everyone share the stay. Alcohol and outside visitors aren’t allowed at the accommodation.

🛡️ The local coordinator helps you understand the programme and settle into everyday life. Orientation covers transport, rules and what to do if difficulties arise. You’ll receive a 24/7 local emergency contact. Save contacts and instructions offline too, so they’re easy to find when needed.

Taking part: you can join from age 18 with basic English, without a specific qualification. Activities are outdoors and require a good level of fitness. For HeyLocals’ criminal record screening, you’ll complete a self-declaration in your personal account. A passport copy is also required at registration. Participants over 65 also need a medical fitness certificate. We help you prepare programme documents. Discuss any relevant health needs with your doctor or a travel clinic before departure.

Experienced sanctuary staff organise feeding, cleaning and monitoring. Follow their guidance when moving near animals or using materials and tools. Your role fits the centre’s procedures and daily priorities. Getting to know the staff’s approach and raising questions early helps you join the work thoughtfully.

Arrange the required insurance for medical care, emergencies, planned activities and repatriation. Follow local advice for outings, choose reliable transport and respect the house’s return time. Keep documents and valuables secure, and tell the coordinator promptly about illness or problems during your stay.

🧭 Compulsory orientation helps you meet the team, understand the programme and settle into Nosy Be. Share your experience, ask questions and work out how to contribute to the activities.

The team introduces house rules, the code of conduct, local customs, safety and transport. An introduction to Malagasy culture and language helps you start with a few words and a little more confidence.

The visit to Hell-Ville helps you find the market, currency exchange, cash machines and somewhere to buy a SIM. If time allows, there may also be a visit to Mont Passot. Dinner at the house ends the day with time to get to know people.

Talk with local staff about your activities, rules and responsibilities. They organise work around local needs. Ask for guidance and share any difficulties from the beginning.

✈️ Book your flight to Fascene, Nosy Be’s airport (NOS), arriving on Sunday. Airport pickup is included between 08:00 and 20:00 and takes you to the participant house. Agree your dates with HeyLocals before buying tickets. Once booked, send your flight number, airline and arrival time so the team can prepare to welcome you.

After collecting bags and clearing customs, head to the exit specified in your personal arrival instructions. A coordinator will wait with an identifying sign. If other participants arrive around the same time, you may wait and travel together. Keep instructions and contacts available offline. If you can’t find your representative, stay at the meeting point and call; if you can’t reach them, send a message and try again. Let the team know about flight delays or changes too.

Pickup outside the standard hours can be arranged separately and costs extra.

Your stay ends on Saturday morning. The return airport taxi isn’t included. Extra nights, arrival on another day or travel after the project should be agreed with HeyLocals and the local team in advance, so accommodation and transport fit your itinerary.