I was a little nervous joining the program as a more mature and solo traveller but I felt well supported and in safe hands throughout. I had one of the best weeks of my life.
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 six trusted Zanzibar volunteer projects, including Childcare, Coastal & Marine Conservation, NGO Support, 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 165,000 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 nurseries & primary schools
- 16+ (unless accompanied by a guardian)
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
- 16+ (unless accompanied by a guardian)
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 with local NGOs
- 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 in a forest camp
- 16+ (unless accompanied by a guardian)
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 in local schools
- 16+ (unless accompanied by a guardian)
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 in local schools
- 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
JB
Jemma Boyd
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JM
Jannelle Meade
I strongly recommend IVHQ for solo travelers. Safety and communication, cultural opportunities, the other volunteers and staff as well as good food were all top notch at a great price. Highly recommend.
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DA
Deborah Afflu
I would encourage someone to do their research extensively before committing to volunteer abroad. It's best to decide where you would like to go based on your motivations and what you want to achieve from volunteering. IVHQ offer incredibly supportive programs with systems in place to ensure you feel safe, prepared and can make the most of the volunteering experience. If it is your first time volunteering abroad, I would definitely recommend IVHQ because they have a bank of resources that you can use at your disposal and you will get to meet plenty of volunteers from across the world.
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EV
Emma Vandendriessche
You totally should do it. It has been an amazing experience. I think the best thing really was the people I met, and also the island of Zanzibar itself. The other volunteers were so nice, I met so many people I kept contact with and talk to almost everyday, and I now call them my friends. If you're hesitant to join, don't be, everything is secured and it's fun everyday.
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To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.
Popular tours & experiences in Zanzibar
Take your volunteer experience to the next level with these popular tours and experiences. Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto the IVHQ Zanzibar program.
Eco Snorkeling & Marine Conservation Experience in Matemwe
Experience conservation in action with this unique add-on, featuring immersive eco-snorkeling and hands-on projects at our Matemwe Marine Conservation Camp
$90
Safari to Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro Crater (2 days, 1 night)
This 2-day safari packs the very best into one incredible experience. From the lush, groundwater forests of Lake Manyara to the prehistoric majesty of the Ngorongoro Crater, you’ll experience two distinct ecosystems and the legendary “Big Five.”
$599
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
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
Eco Snorkeling & Marine Conservation Experience in Matemwe
Experience conservation in action with this unique add-on, featuring immersive eco-snorkeling and hands-on projects at our Matemwe Marine Conservation Camp
$90
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.
