Volunteering in Jambiani
Making a difference towards marine conservation in Jambiani, Zanzibar
Why Volunteer in Jambiani?
“Beautiful, unspoiled”
Nestled off the East coast of Africa, a marine wonderland awaits you. The tropical paradise of Zanzibar offers stunning beaches, spectacular coral reefs, pellucid oceans, beyond your wildest expectations. Look deeper into Zanzibar’s heart, that is where you will find Jambiani.
The stunning beach village of Jambiani boasts stunning beaches with the authentic vibe of an old fishing village. With its friendly and laid-back locals, this is an incredible way to discover the true Zanzibar and all its beauty, without the hustle and bustle of tourism.
Zanzibar remains one of the most natural and unspoiled islands in the world. Beaches are as idyllic as they get, but there is more. The beachfront is lined with traditional Swahili villages; Paje, Jambiani, and Bwejuu just to name a few. Each of these authentic villages offers their own unique and charismatic charm, making it the perfect place to discover true Africa, without a fuss.
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The large lagoon of shallow water is ideal for wading, snorkelling, and diving and provides the perfect view for spotting marine life. Jambiani is also a great spot for wind or kitesurfing, with a steady wind allowing for the ideal conditions.
Stretching over several kilometres of breath-taking coastline, Jambiani is one of Zanzibar’s most incredible gems. The village itself is formed of several small villages, grouped together to create Jambiani. Famous for iconic swaying palm trees, soaked in sunshine, lining the white sandy beaches and mesmerizing clear, blue oceans; Zanzibar has it all and more.
Dotted with charming fishing boats and an incredible community vibe, Zanzibar offers more than simply the most incredible tropical paradise possible; but also, the opportunity to discover some of the world’s most intriguing ocean tides. The turquoise shades of the sea are limitless; even by Zanzibar’s extraordinary standards!
“Chasing the Ocean”
Shallow enough to swim and a kind of blue you have never experienced. The barrier reef lies a few kilometres out, with a sparkling crystal blue lagoon between the reef and the powdery white shores.
As Jambiani is on a large lagoon, formed by the coral reef far out in the distance, you can be chasing the ocean as far as 2kms out! Taking a lovely beach walk during low tide, while affording you the opportunity to take a dip in the Indian Ocean during high tide.
Jambiani Volunteer Projects
Marine Conservation
2 – 12 Weeks
Zanzibar
From $2500 USD
Discover the hype of Africa’s most exquisite destinations, the topical paradise of Zanzibar, as you work towards increasing tourism to support the country & carry out vital research on the dolphin population.
Volunteering in Jambiani, Zanzibar
Zanzibar is one of the last remaining natural areas in the world, with a dolphin population, that is not governed by guidelines that limit the impact of tourism on their natural behaviours. With dolphins being one of Zanzibar’s main tourist magnets, it is important that the economy is enabled to thrive, to ensure a better quality of life for the locals, but that these precious mammals are preserved and treated in an ethical manner.
This is where volunteers come in, to ensure that this unique and precious dolphin population does not suffer the consequences of unregulated tourism.
Despite its idyllic beaches, incredible architecture & wonderful flora & fauna, life for many locals is tough and the majority of people are living below the poverty line.
Jambiani offers a real volunteering experience, that will provide you with a fresh perspective.
You will be working towards increasing tourism in Zanzibar, one of the most important ways to generate the country’s income and provide locals with a better quality of life.
Fun Facts about Jambiani
- Jambiani village is, in fact, several villages grouped together, to create ‘Jambiani’
- Due to the far-out coral reef, the low tide can be around 2kms away from the beachfront!
- Jambiani was originally a rural fishing village.
- Jambiani Beach is largely considered the best beach in Zanzibar by many.
- Jambiani has a strong seaweed culture alongside the coast, employing 15,000 locals, mostly women. Zanzibar produces around 11,000 tons of seaweed each year, with the majority coming from Jambiani.
- Bwejuu & Jambiani village are connected through a 10km beach.
Jambiani Highlights & Excursions
As a world-renowned tropical paradise and home to some of the world’s least-visited coral reefs, your marine opportunities are endless.
But there is more to Zanzibar than just the incredible marine life and stunning beaches!
Beach Based activities
Sunrise and sunset exercise, yoga, jogging, football, volleyball, BBQ’s and more.
Stone Town
With its cultural heart, cobble alleyways and fascinating mix of African, Arabic and European influences; Stone Town is the heart of this enchanting and memorising island.
Island Tours
The Safari Blue Island Tour will take you snorkelling through the crystal clear waters, with a picnic lunch on the sandbanks.
Jozani Forest
Explore mangroves by canoe and search for rare Red Colobus monkeys.
Mainland Tanzania
The world famous Serengeti, is home to the extraordinary annual great migration of wildebeest. You could witness the “Greatest wildlife show on Earth,’ Tanzania is also home to the Ngorongoro Crater, the worlds largest unbroken caldera.
Volunteer Accommodation in Jambiani
You will be soaking up the beach life vibe, living at our private beach house, right on the beach. It is safe to say, if you love the beach, you will love your surroundings.
You can expect to wake up to stunning sunrises in the mornings, a gentle beach breeze and the sound of the ocean. A paradise for anyone looking for a dreamy beach experience.
Enjoy three tasty meals a day, prepared by our awesome in-house chef. The house will become your home away from home and there is no better place!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the weather like in Jambiani?
Jambiani and Zanzibar as an island have a tropical climate. Located just south of the equator, the climate is similar to that of Tanzania, although slightly more humid due to its tropical nature.
The summer months fall between December and February. Expect hot and dry weather. This is the best time of the year for those heat enthusiasts, which temperatures reaching around 30 degrees Celsius. This is also the quietest time of year for tourists. So, if you are looking for the more ‘real’ experience of Jambiani, without the presence of so many tourists, this is the time of year for you.
The winter months fall between June to August. But it is not the kind of winter that will have you reaching for your snow boots and thick jackets. Temperatures remain high but are considered more comfortable than the summer months. This is also the busiest time of year for tourists, so you can expect to see many more people on the beaches and especially in the most touristy areas.
The spring months fall between September to November. Temperatures, as they remain throughout the year are high, but feels pleasant given the humidity and the breeze. Tourism is still busy during this time, following peak tourist season in the winter months.
The fall months fall between March to May. Expect rainfall. Temperatures remain high and warm. Rainfall is very common during this time and tourism is low, following the quieter summer months.
Water-based activities are best during the dry months. The best time of year for scuba-diving is between February-March and July-August.
What is the currency?
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. But, be aware that most of them charge a 5% transaction fee.
It is worthy of note that some shops, even in Stone Town, do not accept debit or credit card payments.
You can change USD into Tanzanian Shillings at the airport, or in Stone Town. It tends to cost about $4 to withdraw money at ATMs.
What electric plugs are used?
The majority of power sockets in Zanzibar are ‘Type G’ the square three-pin style, found in the UK & Ireland.
How to get to Jambiani?
The main airport in Zanzibar is Abeid Amani Karume Airport (ZNZ)
- Kenya Airways: Nairobi – Zanzibar
- Qatar Airways: Doha – Zanzibar
- South African Airways: Johannesburg – Zanzibar
- Ethiopian Airways: Addis Ababa- Zanzibar
Is Jambiani safe?
Jambiani is a very safe area and Zanzibar as a country is also considered very safe, for tourists and internationals. The local authorities take the safety of visitors extremely seriously.
We encourage you to remain aware in your surroundings, as with anywhere in the world and to follow our safety tips to ensure your safety at all times. This includes showing respect for local traditions and culture and not walking around the street or on the beach at night.
Check out our safety tips for more information on staying safe in Jambiani.
What is the official Language in Jambiani?
The official languages in Zanzibar are Swahili, Arabic, and English.
We see many international volunteers come through our project. We ask that English is spoken during social situations; to ensure everyone, regardless of their nationality is included at all times.
What is the main religion in Jambiani?
The majority of local people in Zanzibar are Muslim.
We strongly encourage you to respect their traditions and culture by behaving and dressing modestly in public. At the volunteer house, we have a more relaxed environment.
During the season of Ramadan, we encourage you to respect local people who fast during the day by not eating or drinking in public places. You are welcome to eat and drink in the privacy of the volunteer house, during this time.
On the Tanzanian mainland, Christianity is the main religion.
Is there malaria in Jambiani?
Zanzibar & Jambiani are NOT malaria-risk areas. 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.
Volunteering Safety Tips
- Avoid isolated areas, especially isolated stretches of beach. In cities and tourist areas take a taxi at night.
- Only take taxis from established taxi ranks or hotels. Never enter a taxi that already has someone else in it other than the driver.
- Be wary of anyone who approaches you on the street offering safari deals or claiming to know you.
- Do not carry large amounts of cash on you.
- Keep your valuables in a secure place, out of plain sight
- Avoid walking on the streets or travelling alone at night.
- Be aware when you are at bars or ATMs. Do not leave your drink unattended at any time. If your drink has been left out of your sight, discard it. Be watchful at ATMs and try not to withdraw large amounts of cash at one time.
- Do not enter township areas alone or without a member of our local staff.
- Be wary of people seeming too friendly too fast.
- Avoid leaving personal items, such as 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.
- Do not leave the volunteer base, without informing the volunteer manager or another member of the project team.
- Be mindful and respectful of the local culture and customs. Zanzibar is a conservative country and to follow local customs, ensure your shoulders and knees remain covered in public places.
- Public displays of affections are frowned upon.
- Avoid drinking tap water where you can. Bottled water is the better and recommended choice.
Zanzibar Vaccinations
Please consult with your private physician or doctor in regards to what vaccinations are needed. Check our recommendations below:
- Tetanus: a recent tetanus injection is highly recommended
- Hepatitis A&B: Recommended
- Polio: Recommended
- Typhoid: Recommended
- Malaria: 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.
- Yellow Fever: a Yellow Fever vaccination and the certificate are obligatory for Zanzibar. You WILL NOT be allowed to enter the country without it. The vaccine takes 10 days to take effect – ensure your vaccine is done at least 10 days prior to arrival.
You will need an adequate supply of sunscreen cream for the hot African sun – SPF 30 and above. Also, please bring a hat and a water bottle with you, as you will be in the sun for a good portion of the day.
Many volunteers get dehydrated during their time with us despite repeated assertions to drink lots of water – or face some unpleasant symptoms. We do not want you to have to miss out on any of your experiences here because you got sick as a result of dehydration, so please, please, drink lots of water!
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