If you’re a nature lover, you can’t miss the opportunity to visit and discover the fauna and flora of Madagascar. This country has a wide variety of endemic animals, with over 70% found only in Madagascar. The location of Madagascar and the isolation that occurred 65 million years ago when this country separated from the Indian subcontinent have caused species, both animal and plant, to evolve differently than in the rest of Africa and the world.
Some of the endemic species you can visit in this incredible country in southeastern Africa are lemurs, the radiated tortoise, and the aye-aye, which is the world’s largest nocturnal primate.
Volunteer Opportunities on this Island
If you’re passionate about animals, you can volunteer with lemurs, where you’ll learn about Madagascar’s native species and how they live in their natural habitat.
On the other hand, you can also volunteer in teaching at a nursery or the English teaching program. Both involve teaching classes or assisting teachers to ensure that children have the best possible knowledge and skills to enter the workforce, as learning English is important since Nosy Be is a major tourist destination. Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to play with them and have a good time.
Lastly, there’s the construction and renovation program, which involves renovating and building buildings to improve their comfort.
No prior experience is needed for these volunteer opportunities, and you’ll have free time in the afternoons and on weekends to explore this wonderful island.
What to Visit in Madagascar During Your Free Time?
Madagascar has many extraordinary places to visit. Some of the places you can’t miss include the Avenue of the Baobabs in Morondava, a road lined with the world’s largest baobabs, which are also an endemic species of the country. Therefore, if you want to see them, you can only go to Madagascar. On this avenue, you can also see the famous “lovers’ baobabs,” two baobabs intertwined as if they were embracing, hence the name lovers.
If you want to explore the forest, see and discover endemic animals and plants, you can’t miss the opportunity to visit Isalo National Park. Here, you’ll see how many different species of animals live, including birds, reptiles, up to 6 different lemur species, and 15 species of amphibians. There are also endemic trees like the elephant’s foot or Isalo aloe.
Additionally, you can relax on one of the paradisiacal beaches of Nosy Be, with its white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, surrounded by vegetation.
