Volunteering in Zanzibar

1. Vibrant Marine Biodiversity

Zanzibar’s surrounding waters are teeming with marine life, from vibrant coral reefs to a plethora of fish species, sea turtles, and dolphins. As a marine volunteer, you’ll have the chance to work directly with this biodiversity, contributing to its protection and conservation. Activities may include coral reef monitoring, marine species identification, and habitat restoration, allowing you to make a tangible impact on preserving these precious ecosystems.

2. Tackling Environmental Challenges

Zanzibar’s marine environments face significant threats, including overfishing, pollution, and climate change. Marine volunteers play a crucial role in addressing these challenges through activities like reef restoration, beach cleanups, and public education campaigns. Your work will help mitigate the effects of these threats, contributing to the long-term sustainability of the marine environment and supporting the livelihoods that depend on it.

3. Hands-On Conservation Experience

Marine volunteering in Zanzibar offers hands-on experience in marine conservation and research techniques. You’ll engage in activities such as coral planting, underwater surveys, and data collection. These practical skills are invaluable for anyone interested in marine biology, environmental science, or conservation, providing real-world experience that enhances your knowledge and career prospects in these fields.

4. Educational Opportunities

Volunteering in marine projects often includes training and education on marine ecosystems, conservation strategies, and environmental challenges. You’ll gain insights from experts and learn about innovative conservation methods. This knowledge not only enhances your volunteering experience but also equips you with valuable information that you can apply in future endeavours or share with your community.

5. Community Engagement

Marine conservation efforts in Zanzibar are closely linked with local communities, who rely on the ocean for their livelihoods. As a volunteer, you’ll work alongside these communities, helping to promote sustainable fishing practices, marine education, and eco-tourism. This collaboration fosters a sense of shared responsibility and ensures that conservation efforts are culturally sensitive and effective.

6. Exploring Natural Beauty

Zanzibar’s marine volunteering projects often take place in breathtaking settings. You’ll have the opportunity to explore crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and pristine beaches. Snorkelling or diving as part of your volunteer activities allows you to witness the beauty of the underwater world firsthand, making your volunteering experience not only impactful but also personally enriching.

7. Contributing to Global Conservation Efforts

By volunteering in marine projects in Zanzibar, you contribute to broader global efforts to protect marine environments. Your work supports international goals for biodiversity conservation, marine habitat protection, and sustainable development, making your volunteer efforts part of a larger, global movement.

8. Building Connections and Friendships

Marine volunteering provides opportunities to meet like-minded individuals from around the world. You’ll build lasting friendships and professional connections, creating a network of people passionate about marine conservation. These relationships can enhance your volunteer experience and provide ongoing support and collaboration opportunities.

The island is very safe for tourists and internationals. The local authorities take the safety of visitors extremely seriously.

We encourage you to remain anywhere of your surroundings, as with anywhere in the world and to follow our safety tips to ensure your safety at all times, such as leaving your valuable in at your accommodation and showing respect for local traditions and culture.

Zanzibar is NOT a malaria risk area. However, we cannot completely rule it out, especially if you are travelling through mainland Tanzania as well.

If you choose to be on the safe side, please make sure you bring an ample supply of anti-malarial tablets with you.

The official currency in Zanzibar is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS.) You can use all major credit and debit cards in many of the resorts, bars and restaurants in Zanzibar, most of them charge a 5% transaction fee though.

Most shops, even in Stone Town, do not accept payments via debit or credit card. You can change USD into Tanzanian

Shillings at the airport, or in Stone Town. It tends to cost about $4 to withdraw money.

Generally, power sockets in Zanzibar are ‘Type G’ the square three pin style, found in the UK.

• Avoid travelling alone, especially at night.
• Ensure that excessive amounts of cash are left in safe boxes, not lying around in plain sight.
• Do not carry excessive amounts of cash on you
• If you are taking a taxi anywhere, make sure you book it in advance through a trusted and reliable driver.
• Avoid wandering down dark streets, even in large groups.
• Be aware and alert at bars and ATMs. Do not leave your drink unattended at any time. If you drink has been left out of your sight, discard it. Be watchful at ATM’s and try not to withdraw large amounts of cash at one time.
• Do not enter township areas without being accompanied by one of our local staff members.
• Be wary of people who seem too friendly too fast.
• Avoid leaving your personal items like bags or mobile phones unattended.
• Do not share personal information with anyone under any circumstances.
• Save your project manager’s number on your phone and make sure to provide us with a copy of your emergency contact person at home.
• Be mindful of the culture and show respect from local customs. Zanzibar is conservative in their clothing, ensuring your shoulders and knees remain covered when you are out in the towns or public areas, especially in remote areas.
• Public displays of affection are frowned upon
• Bringing bottled water is highly recommended. Avoid drinking tap water wherever you can.