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Volunteer in Zanzibar

Volunteer in Zanzibar

Live the island life on International Volunteer HQ’s Zanzibar volunteer abroad program, located off the coast of Tanzania in Africa. Choose from two trusted Zanzibar volunteer projects, including Marine Conservation and Rainforest & Coastal Conservation. Volunteer work in Zanzibar is based in the local beachside and rural communities of Matemwe and Jozani. With affordable Program Fees and top rated volunteer projects trusted by over 135,000 travelers, IVHQ is the best volunteer organization in Zanzibar.

Highlights:
  • 2 meaningful project options available year-round
  • Program Fees from CA$804 for 1 week
  • Includes airport pick-up, orientation, accommodation, meals and 24/7 in-country support
  • Volunteers are hosted together in dormitory-style accommodation

  • Projects based in the beautiful communities of Matemwe or Jozani

Apply For Free

Key information

Fully hosted experience from CA$804
Volunteer from 1 - 12 weeks
Ages 16+ and families
Based in Matemwe & Jozani
Projects align with UN Sustainable Development Goals
Impact driven projects run by locals
B Corporation certified organization
Bliss out on white sandy beaches

Volunteer opportunities in Zanzibar

Protects animals

3-5 hours volunteering per day

Program Fees from CA$904

  • Duration: 1 - 12 weeks
  • Programs start every Wednesday
  • Based at a conservation camp & hatchery
  • Volunteers aged 16+ and families

Help support the conservation of endangered marine life and coral reefs in Zanzibar. Assist marine biologists at a turtle hatchery and with coastal conservation efforts, such as monitoring and protecting the reef.

Protects animals and conserves the environment

5-7 hours volunteering per day

Program Fees from CA$804

  • Duration: 1 - 12 weeks
  • Programs start every Wednesday
  • Based at a volunteer forest camp
  • Volunteers aged 16+ and families

Help protect Zanzibar's rainforest as well as some of its most endangered species, including the Red Colobus Monkeys, snakes, lizards, tortoises and chameleons. You’ll also tackle coastal erosion on the island and provide environmental education to local children so that these initiatives can continue for future generations to come.

What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience

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Hannah Nygren
01 Feb 2024

I personally struggled in my first few days at the camp, it was very overwhelming being in such a different environment and I felt very homesick. But despite this, I pushed through, left my comfort zone and branched out with new people. I ended up meeting some amazing friends who I definitely will stay in contact with and had, by far, the best experience of my life.

Go with an open mind, be ready to be completely pushed out of your comfort zone and to persevere through the discomfort of being in a place so different from your home. It will end up being so fun and overall just an incredibly memorable experience. For me, it will definitely be a memory that I will cherish for life.

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Shannon Du Plessis
20 Dec 2023

This program is so rewarding in so many ways. I met wonderful people, immersed myself in the culture , worked hard yet still had fun and relaxed, ate more than I should and laughed. This was a stunning experience that I would recommend to any traveler of any age. Humbling and fulfilling in the best way.

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HB
Halli Briscoe
14 Jun 2023

IVHQ and the local team gave me all the support I needed in preparation for my program! Releasing a batch of turtles into the water for the first time was my favourite moment from the volunteer experience - It was so powerful to see the beginning stages of their lives.

I was prepared for an amazing experience doing a unique volunteer project, but I was not expecting how awesome the community of people would be. My group of fellow volunteers was incredible. We were all so different, but so accepting of each other and I loved the opportunity to get to know so many great people from so many different cultures! It can be scary trying something new, especially if you are far from home, but the challenges and the adventures will give you an experience of a lifetime that will help you grow as a person and give you new perspectives in life.

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Neeve Rufenacht
14 Jun 2023

I received very helpful and clear preparation resources from IVHQ as well as friendly responses via email and over the phone. Experiencing the local way of life and the culture had the biggest impact on me during my volunteering trip. The way in which everything is utilised, including tree leaves for houses, food, and other purposes, as well as worn-down or broken items that were repaired or repurposed, which others would typically throw them out. Preparation and research may be needed, but in the end you will have gained a lot of diverse knowledge and a good experience out of volunteering abroad. One of the best parts about it is meeting others from different countries and their backgrounds.

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JW
Jayme Warner
31 May 2023

I had such an amazing and incredible experience with IVHQ and I look forward to more volunteer trips with them in the future! The coral and seaweed farming activities as well as spending time with the local kids were my favourite moments of the volunteer experience. I came home with several habits that I plan to keep to minimize my impact on planet earth. I learned so much while I was there and developed new, awesome habits that I want to keep! To anyone still hesitant about volunteering abroad, I would say "just do it!" - everything is organized and you just have to go into it with a can-do mindset.

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Alisha Dube
04 May 2023

Hanging out, telling stories and laughing with other volunteers were my favourite moments from the entire experience. The support from the Zanzibar local team was always amazing and my time on the program made me realize how interested I am in studying our planet and how we can conserve it. What I would say to someone still hesitant about volunteering abroad is; don't hesitate, take the risk and book a trip because it's truly life-changing and worth every penny!

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To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.

Free-time experiences & tours in Zanzibar

Take your volunteer experience to the next level with IVHQ's affordable activity and tour add-ons in Zanzibar! Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto the IVHQ Zanzibar program.

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Private Room Upgrade
Private Room Upgrade

Want your own private room in a nearby bungalow suite while volunteering in Zanzibar? Enjoy your own private space in comfort and style during your volunteer experience, with IVHQ’s affordable accommodation upgrade.

From CA$427

Check what's required to visit Zanzibar

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How to get started

Pick a destination + project and apply for free
Meet your personal volunteer travel expert
Pay the Registration Fee to secure your place and upgrade your MyIVHQ account
Get ready to volunteer abroad, we’ll support you every step of the way!