My experience volunteering in Zanzibar was amazing. I loved interacting with the locals and learning about their way of life. I really enjoyed the environmental aspects of the trip such as planting mangrove trees and volunteering with the animals at the local tortoise and reptile park. I would definitely recommend this experience!
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 155,000 travelers, IVHQ is the best volunteer organization in Zanzibar.
Highlights:
- 6 meaningful project options available year-round
- Program Fees from $585 for 1 week
- Includes airport pick-up, orientation, accommodation, meals, and 24/7 in-country support
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Volunteers are hosted together in dormitory-style accommodation
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Projects based in the beautiful communities of Matemwe or Jozani
Key information
Volunteer opportunities in Zanzibar
Provide a safe space for children to learn
4-8 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from $590
- Duration: 1 - 12 weeks
- Programs start every Wednesday
- Based in local nurseries and primary schools in Zanzibar
- Volunteers aged 16+ and families
Provide childcare and education to children aged between 2-6, using your creativity through informal lessons, leisure activities, and play.
Protects animals
5-8 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from $655
- 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 in Zanzibar. Assist marine biologists at a turtle hatchery and with coastal conservation efforts, such as monitoring and protecting the reef.
Supports community development
4-8 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from $590
- Duration: 1 - 12 weeks
- Programs start every Wednesday
- Based at an NGO in Zanzibar city
- Volunteers aged 16+
Provide assistance to a local NGO working on important community and school-based initiatives to empower students who want to upskill in areas of leadership, finance, and management in order to run their own businesses and become self-sufficient.
Protects animals and conserves the environment
5-7 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from $585
- 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.
Improves health & wellbeing
4-8 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from $590
- Duration: 1 - 12 weeks
- Programs start every Wednesday
- Based at local schools in Zanzibar
- Volunteers aged 16+ and families
Assist in classes for students with special needs within local schools in Zanzibar, allowing teachers to provide more focused care and attention to those with a range of difficulties.
Increases access to education
4-8 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from $590
- Duration: 1 - 12 weeks
- Programs start every Wednesday
- Based at local schools in Zanzibar
- Volunteers aged 18+
Provide a valued perspective as a fluent English speaker in schools that are often under-staffed and under-resourced. Assist a local teacher or teach independently in English lessons, and other subjects, to students aged between 6-15 years old.
What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience
MP
Mollie Payne
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BB
Bailey Bjorn
Just commit and book it! I’m so grateful I did. I felt the normal worries like “What if I don’t make friends there? What if I do something stupid or culturally inappropriate? What if I don’t speak the language? What if I spend this money and the whole thing just isn’t what I was hoping for?”
The fact is, I’ve met some of the most incredible people in the world on these trips. The people volunteering abroad are generally very accepting and friendly. The culture is generally very accepting and friendly. We all make mistakes, but what we are doing is inherently good. That speaks worlds to how you will be seen and treated abroad. Money is replaceable but experiences like these are one in a million. I’m so grateful I went.
The meals were awesome! It was always clean and tasty. A good mix of local vs. western cuisine.
I felt so safe and taken care of by IVHQ and the local team. They were easy to reach in person or via phone, and always had my back.
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RW
Rhiannon Williams
I feel like I gained a lot of confidence in myself - volunteering is so worth it!
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IG
Isaac Gatt Rutter
I've definitely gained a new perspective on things, and I would 100% recommend an IVHQ volunteer program to a friend. It was a really wonderful experience, which i don't think I'll ever forget.
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To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.
Popular add-ons & experiences in Zanzibar
Take your volunteer experience to the next level with these popular add-ons and experiences. Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto the IVHQ Zanzibar program.
Coral Nursery Dive - Support Reef Restoration! 🪸
A truly special and purpose-driven experience that lets you become part of ocean conservation in action!
From $70
Eco Dive Package – Dive with Purpose!
This package combines two exciting and meaningful dives, usually taking place on Fridays: PADI Dive Against Debris ♻️ and PADI Underwater Naturalist Dive 🐠
From $150
Fun Adventure Dive Package - Shipwreck & Reef (in Stone Town) 🤿
This adventure includes two dives - one exploring a shipwreck and another discovering a vibrant reef.
From $140
Coral Nursery Dive - Support Reef Restoration! 🪸
A truly special and purpose-driven experience that lets you become part of ocean conservation in action!
From $70
Eco Dive Package – Dive with Purpose!
This package combines two exciting and meaningful dives, usually taking place on Fridays: PADI Dive Against Debris ♻️ and PADI Underwater Naturalist Dive 🐠
From $150
Fun Adventure Dive Package - Shipwreck & Reef (in Stone Town) 🤿
This adventure includes two dives - one exploring a shipwreck and another discovering a vibrant reef.
From $140
Check what's required to visit Zanzibar
Entry requirements can change at any time, so it's important you monitor this right up until you depart for your trip.
