Volunteers who love the outdoors and want to be involved in a variety of conservation activities. You’ll be passionate about the environment and ready to get your hands dirty.

Project details

Thrilled at the thought of doing Rainforest and Coastal Conservation volunteering in Zanzibar? International Volunteer HQ’s Rainforest and Coastal Conservation project is an exciting opportunity for volunteers to explore the Jozani Forest. It’s the largest tract of native bush on the island and is famously home to the endangered Red Colobus Monkey which is found only in Zanzibar. Volunteers will gain conservation experience by supporting local initiatives that aim to protect and preserve the natural environment and its wildlife through a range of conservation and sustainability activities and community education programs.

What to expect and how you'll make an impact

The Jozani Forest is the largest area of indigenous rainforest on the island of Zanzibar. It’s home to a host of rare and unusual species of wildlife and a few which are found nowhere else in the world, including the endangered Red Colobus Monkey.

As a Rainforest and Coastal Conservation volunteer you’ll work with the local community assisting in conservation and environmental education efforts through a range of activities. Volunteers will be involved in tasks such as:

Helping at a small reptile sanctuary
Working at a farm co-op which grows fruits and vegetables
Upcycling of waste materials
Mangrove tree planting
Replanting fruit trees in the forest as a source of food for the Red Colobus Monkey
Small construction and renovation projects
Teaching environmental conservation education in local schools

In addition to the above activities, July-September volunteers of 2024 will also get the opportunity to get involved in Megaptera novaeangliae research, following the migration routes of the Humpback whales in Tanzania and Zanzibar! The project utilizes various methods such as systematic observations via boat, photo identification, and acoustic recordings. The collection of data aims to gather information on population structure, connectivity, population size, distribution, migration patterns, habitat use, and reproductive ecology.

Please note that due to limited capacity on the boat, we can only guarantee that each volunteer can join this activity on the boat once during their program participation.

Contributes to United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal #15: Life on Land

Human activity has altered almost 75% of the earth’s surface and around 1 million animal and plant species are threatened with extinction. Nature is critical to our survival. We must promote kindness to animals and use regenerative techniques to combat deforestation, conserve biodiversity and protect wildlife.

Why do Rainforest and Coastal Conservation volunteering in Jozani with IVHQ?

As a Rainforest and Coastal Conservation volunteer in Zanzibar you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:

Assisting with local initiatives to support conservation efforts
Protect endangered wildlife in their natural habitat
Developing your communication skills
Gaining a wide range of conservation volunteer experience
Learning about wildlife conservation and preservation
Exploring Zanzibar and its amazing rainforest

Volunteer requirements

Volunteers under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to participate in this program
VVolunteers aged 16 or 17 on their program start date are required to provide IVHQ with parental consent in order to participate on the program, and may be asked to provide additional document to the local team.
All volunteers aged 13+ are required to provide a criminal background check to IVHQ prior to departure. Those aged 13-17, if unable to obtain a criminal background check, can provide two character reference letters instead
All volunteers are required to have adequate volunteer travel insurance
All volunteers must speak fluent English.

Are you eligible to volunteer?

Submit a free application so we can confirm your eligibility and check availability for your preferred dates.

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Who is going?

Group video calls

Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.

Zanzibar photo gallery

IVHQ Coastal and Marine Conservation volunteer project boat in Zanzibar

IVHQ Coastal and Marine Conservation project

Adult turtle on the IVHQ Zanzibar Coastal and Marine Conservation volunteer project

IVHQ Coastal and Marine Conservation project

IVHQ Zanzibar Coastal and Marine Conservation volunteer project nest building

IVHQ Coastal and Marine Conservation project

IVHQ volunteers planting mangroves on the rainforest & coastal conservation project in Zanzibar

IVHQ Rainforest & Coastal Conservation project

rainforest & coastal conservation project in Zanzibar with IVHQ

IVHQ Rainforest & Coastal Conservation project

Volunteer on the rainforest & coastal conservation project planting mangroves in Zanzibar with IVHQ

IVHQ Rainforest & Coastal Conservation project

Coral reef on the IVHQ volunteer Coastal and Marine Conservation project in Zanzibar

IVHQ Coastal and Marine Conservation project

Baby turtles on the IVHQ Zanzibar Coastal and Marine Conservation volunteer project

IVHQ Coastal and Marine Conservation project

Volunteers beach training on the IVHQ Zanzibar Coastal and Marine Conservation project

IVHQ Coastal and Marine Conservation project

IVHQ volunteers help build a school on the rainforest & coastal conservation project in Zanzibar

IVHQ Rainforest & Coastal Conservation project

Endangered red colobus monkey at the rainforest & coastal conservation volunteer project in Zanzibar with IVHQ

IVHQ Rainforest & Coastal Conservation project

IVHQ Coastal and Marine Conservation project

Volunteer preparing eggs on the IVHQ Zanzibar Coastal and Marine Conservation project

IVHQ Coastal and Marine Conservation project

Building nests on the IVHQ Zanzibar Coastal and Marine Conservation volunteer project

IVHQ Coastal and Marine Conservation project

IVHQ volunteers recycling plastic on the rainforest & coastal conservation project in Zanzibar

IVHQ Rainforest & Coastal Conservation project

IVHQ rainforest & coastal conservation volunteers recycling bottles and planting in Zanzibar

IVHQ Rainforest & Coastal Conservation project

Recycling plastic bottles and planting gardens on the rainforest & coastal conservation project in Zanzibar with IVHQ

IVHQ Rainforest & Coastal Conservation project

Volunteer snorkeling on the IVHQ Coastal and Marine Conservation in Zanzibar

IVHQ Coastal and Marine Conservation project

Preparing hatching eggs on the IVHQ Zanzibar Coastal and Marine Conservation volunteer project

IVHQ Coastal and Marine Conservation project

Volunteers learning to build nests on the IVHQ Zanzibar Coastal and Marine Conservation project

IVHQ Coastal and Marine Conservation project

Volunteers making eco bricks on the rainforest & coastal conservation project in Zanzibar with IVHQ

IVHQ Rainforest & Coastal Conservation project

Giant tortoise reptile at the rainforest & coastal conservation volunteer project in Zanzibar with IVHQ

IVHQ Rainforest & Coastal Conservation project

A rainforest & coastal conservation volunteer gardening farming in Zanzibar with IVHQ

IVHQ Rainforest & Coastal Conservation project

Preparing eggs on the IVHQ Zanzibar Coastal and Marine Conservation volunteer project

IVHQ Coastal and Marine Conservation project

Preparing nests on the IVHQ Zanzibar Coastal and Marine Conservation volunteer project

IVHQ Coastal and Marine Conservation project

IVHQ rainforest & coastal conservation volunteers teaching environmental education to children in Zanzibar

IVHQ Rainforest & Coastal Conservation project

IVHQ rainforest & coastal conservation volunteer project teaching children to recycle and help their environment in Zanzibar

IVHQ Rainforest & Coastal Conservation project

IVHQ volunteers painting and renovating on the rainforest & coastal conservation project in Zanzibar

IVHQ Rainforest & Coastal Conservation project

Volunteers preparing nests on the IVHQ Zanzibar Coastal and Marine Conservation project

IVHQ Coastal and Marine Conservation project

Volunteers training on the IVHQ Zanzibar Coastal and Marine Conservation project

IVHQ Coastal and Marine Conservation project

Volunteers building nests on the IVHQ Zanzibar Coastal and Marine Conservation project

IVHQ Coastal and Marine Conservation project

Building houses on the rainforest & coastal conservation volunteer project in Zanzibar with IVHQ

IVHQ Rainforest & Coastal Conservation project

IVHQ volunteers construction and renovation tasks on the rainforest & coastal conservation project in Zanzibar

IVHQ Rainforest & Coastal Conservation project

Chameleon reptile at the rainforest & coastal conservation volunteer project in Zanzibar with IVHQ

IVHQ Rainforest & Coastal Conservation project

Volunteer orientation

Volunteers on orientation in Zanzibar with IVHQ

Volunteer orientation

IVHQ volunteers and turtle conservation project staff enjoying the beach

Exploring Zanzibar during the weekend

Volunteers exploring Zanzibar during an IVHQ weekend

Exploring Zanzibar during the weekend

Kayaking and canoeing while volunteering in Zanzibar with IVHQ

Exploring Zanzibar during the weekend

IVHQ volunteers enjoying relaxing in Zanzibar

Exploring Zanzibar during the weekend

What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience

Sarah Hayes

22 Aug 2024

I feel that I learned and experienced so much more from this trip than I ever would have if I had just visited Zanzibar as a tourist. By working in the local community, you get to help make a small difference with the work they do and learn how they live their lives. It has changed how I look at my own lifestyle and has shown me how privileged we really are. If someone is hesitant about going, I can understand that, I was scared before I left too. But once you have an open mind about what you will experience, then you will adapt more easily to the new culture. Everyone in the local team and community there is so kind and helpful, and meeting the other volunteers you get to make lifelong friends!

...

Harry Thackeray

16 Aug 2024

The team at IVHQ was really helpful with all the preparation I needed in advance of my program. I became a much more sociable person developing my character at the same time feeling good about myself helping the locals and embracing the culture.

For people who are hesitant I would tell them not to be at all because there were so many people similar to me that also traveled alone. In fact I would much more recommend travelling alone then in a group allowing you to build more valuable connections and friendships

...

Adele Armstrong

16 Aug 2024

I feel that this program offered many new experiences, as well as extended the experience I already had in some areas. Traveling alone, meeting new people, learning how everything works around you, and getting to the point of enjoying it is something that everyone can benefit from every time. I know I will continue to seek out opportunities like this to continue growing, but this particular program offered me so much. I am extremely grateful.

I think for someone considering joining a program like this, remember that it will offer everything it claims on the website description, as well as everything that comes with traveling to a new place. You WILL meet new amazing people, and you WILL get to know the area and people around you to the extent of feeling like home. There will always be benefits of doing a program like this so if you’re considering it even a little bit, push yourself to sign up; you won’t regret it :)

...

Faye Van West

16 Aug 2024

IVHQ gave me such an amazing set of resources pre-departure to educate volunteers on what to expect at the program. This whole experience was amazing, you learn so much and meet so many amazing new people. My advice would be to dive in and be confident, speak to everyone and ask many questions!

...

Natalie Al-khatib

16 Aug 2024

I gained a lot of knowledge and experience. I made many new friend during my trip and learned about the culture.

...

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.

...

To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.

Academic course credit

Gain course credit from your college or university and meet your academic requirements when completing a volunteer abroad program with International Volunteer HQ!

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Location

Location

The Rainforest and Coastal Conservation project is based in Jozani which is located in the southeast of the island, close to the picturesque Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park.

Arrival and orientation

Volunteers need to arrive in Zanzibar on their start date and their orientation will take place the following day.

After you have registered for the program, please book your flights to arrive at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) in Zanzibar. Your airport pick-up is included in your Program Fee. We recommend that volunteers under the age of 18 travel internationally with a notarized letter from their parents to support their documentation.

When you arrive, you will be greeted at the airport by a member of the local team and transported to the volunteer accommodation. Your accommodation is covered by your Program Fee and includes the Wednesday night before your Thursday program orientation.

If you are traveling in Tanzania prior to your volunteer program, we can arrange for you to be picked up in Zanzibar on your start date.

Orientation is hosted by our local team at the volunteer accommodation. Orientation begins on the Thursday morning after your chosen start date. Orientation covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program in Zanzibar – an introduction to Zanzibar, Zanzibar customs, rules and expectations, language lessons (Kiunguja), safety, travel opportunities in Zanzibar, and an introduction to your project and placement. The orientation will also give you a chance to meet other volunteers and the local team you will be working with.

Volunteer schedule example

First Day

On the first day of the volunteering placement, you will be escorted to the project by our local staff and introduced to the staff at the placement you will be working with.

Weekdays - A typical day would be as follows:

8:00 AM	Breakfast
8:30 AM	Volunteers travel to their placements
1:00 - 2:00 PM	Lunch at the volunteer accommodation
2:00 - 5:30 PM	Volunteers resume work for the afternoon
9:00 PM	Dinner at the accommodation

Weekends

Volunteers have free time on the weekends and are able to make the most of the gorgeous beaches, explore Zanzibar’s historic Stone Town or other towns, shop for souvenirs, or enjoy a range of adventure and outdoor activities including snorkeling, diving, swimming, wildlife viewing and fishing. If you’re staying for a while you may also like to fly back to mainland Tanzania or other parts of Africa where you can go on safari or otherwise explore.

Accommodation and WiFi

Volunteers on the Rainforest and Coastal Conservation project in Zanzibar stay at a forest camp in semi-permanent tents. Volunteers can expect to share a tent with up to 5 other volunteers of the same gender. Forest Camp living is basic but comfortable with compost toilets, solar-heated showers and filtered drinking water.

Bedding is provided, however you will need to bring your own towel and toiletries. It is also recommended to bring a sleeping bag for weekends away. There is a cook who prepares meals for the volunteers and the local team are also available on a daily basis during the week for support and via phone over the weekend.

If you would like to keep connected during your stay, we recommend bringing an unlocked mobile phone and the local team will provide you with a local SIM card at your orientation. The local team will provide more information on how to top up your SIM at the orientation.

If you would like to arrive a day earlier than your recommended arrival date, or wish to spend a few extra nights after finishing your program, we can arrange extra nights of accommodation for you for $30 (approximately $30) per person, per night, on the Rainforest and Coastal Conservation project. Meals are included, and extra nights are subject to availability. There is an additional surcharge attached when volunteers need airport pick-up earlier than their Wednesday start date.

If you would like to arrange extra nights of accommodation, just make a note in your application or contact your IVHQ Program Manager who will be happy to assist you.

Meals

Zanzibar’s cuisine varies across the island, owing to the difference in produce inland and along the coast. The immigration of Khoja Indians has resulted in local dishes influenced by Indian cuisine. Staple foods in Zanzibar include rice, ugali (maize porridge), chapati and coconut milk.

Volunteers are served three meals per day. Breakfast usually consists of a hot Zanzibari spice tea, instant coffee, chapati, mandazi (deep fried dough), toast with jam, and fruit.

Lunch and dinner typically consist of plain or pilau rice (which is traditionally cooked in Zanzibar with cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves), chapati, legumes such as beans, pasta, and french fries with meat or vegetables (typically carrot, sweet potatoes, peas, or okra) typically cooked in a coconut sauce that contains some herbs and spices. Meals are 70% vegetarian and 30% meat/fish based, and the meal plan and the procurement of the food products take into account sustainable practises and healthy nutrition. Please note, meals can vary depending on seasonality.

Please note that while the local team can cater for vegetarians, they are not able to cater to other special dietary requirements or requests, you should not expect to eat as you normally do at home and there is the need to be flexible or prepared to supplement the food provided. If supplementing food, volunteers must note that the kitchen is not available for volunteer use.

At the Rainforest and Coastal Conservation project accommodation, volunteers will have access to filtered water and we recommend volunteers bring their own reusable water bottle. Bottled water is also readily available in Zanzibar and volunteers should budget approximately $5 per week for this (2 liters per day).

IVHQ Rainforest & Coastal Conservation project Jozani Camp volunteer recreational area in Zanzibar

Jozani Camp volunteer accommodation

IVHQ Rainforest & Coastal Conservation project Jozani Camp volunteer tents in Zanzibar

Jozani Camp volunteer accommodation tents

IVHQ rainforest & coastal conservation volunteer Jozani Camp tent decks in Zanzibar

Jozani Camp volunteer accommodation tents

IVHQ Rainforest & Coastal Conservation project Jozani Camp volunteer accommodation in Zanzibar

Jozani Camp typical volunteer bedroom

IVHQ Rainforest & Coastal Conservation project Jozani Camp volunteer bedroom in Zanzibar

Jozani Camp typical volunteer bedroom

IVHQ rainforest & coastal conservation volunteer Jozani Camp bedroom in Zanzibar

Jozani Camp typical volunteer bedroom

IVHQ rainforest & coastal conservation volunteer Jozani Camp bathroom in Zanzibar

Jozani Camp typical volunteer bathroom

Volunteer accommodation at Jozani Camp in Zanzibar

Jozani Camp typical volunteer bathroom

IVHQ volunteer and staff on the rainforest & coastal conservation in Zanzibar

Jozani Camp volunteer accommodation

Jozani Camp swimming pool

IVHQ volunteers riding bicycles in Zanzibar

Jozani Camp bicycles

Rainforest & coastal conservation volunteers dining in Zanzibar with IVHQ

Jozani Camp solar power

Accommodation recreational area at the IVHQ rainforest & coastal conservation Jozani Camp in Zanzibar

Jozani Camp recreational area

IVHQ rainforest & coastal conservation volunteer dining area in Zanzibar

Jozani Camp dining area

Jozani Camp dining area

Typical volunteer meal

Typical volunteer meal

Zanzibar sunset while volunteering with IVHQ

Exploring Zanzibar during the weekend

Enjoying the beach with locals while volunteering in Zanzibar with IVHQ

Exploring Zanzibar during the weekend

Volunteers meat the locals in Zanzibar during an IVHQ weekend

Exploring Zanzibar during the weekend

Volunteers experiencing the culture in Zanzibar during an IVHQ weekend

Exploring Zanzibar during the weekend

Volunteers kayaking in Zanzibar with IVHQ

Exploring Zanzibar during the weekend

Dhow boats at the beach in Zanzibar while volunteering with IVHQ

Exploring Zanzibar during the weekend

Sunset while volunteering in Zanzibar with IVHQ

Exploring Zanzibar during the weekend

Volunteer relaxing at the beach in Zanzibar with IVHQ

Exploring Zanzibar during the weekend

Pricing

USD
- United States Dollars - $
- Australian Dollars - AU$
- Brazilian Reals - R$
- British Pound Sterling - £
- Canadian Dollars - CA$
- Chinese Yuan - CN¥
- Euros - €
- Hong Kong Dollars - HK$
- Mexican Pesos - MX$
- New Zealand Dollars - NZ$
- Singapore Dollars - SG$
- Swiss Francs - CHF
- UAE Dirhams - AED

Duration	Program Fee Due 30 days before you start, or within 48 hours if you register inside of 30 days. Covers the cost of hosting you. USD United States Dollars - $ Australian Dollars - AU$ Brazilian Reals - R$ British Pound Sterling - £ Canadian Dollars - CA$ Chinese Yuan - CN¥ Euros - € Hong Kong Dollars - HK$ Mexican Pesos - MX$ New Zealand Dollars - NZ$ Singapore Dollars - SG$ Swiss Francs - CHF UAE Dirhams - AED
1 week	$565 Equivalent to $81/day
2 weeks	$750 Equivalent to $54/day
3 weeks	$935 Equivalent to $45/day
4 weeks	$1,120 Equivalent to $40/day
5 weeks	$1,305 Equivalent to $37/day
6 weeks	$1,490 Equivalent to $35/day
8 weeks	$1,860 Equivalent to $33/day
10 weeks	$2,195 Equivalent to $31/day
12 weeks	$2,495 Equivalent to $30/day

All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$329 (approximately $329) in addition to the Program Fee. This covers all pre-departure support services.
A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.
Volunteers staying for 5 weeks or more will need to budget US$400 to obtain a work permit.
Recommended spending money: Volunteers in Zanzibar generally find US$50-75 per week to be sufficient for expenses.

Meals
Airport pick-up and drop-off
Accommodation
24/7 in-country support
In-country program orientation
Pre-departure support from your Program Manager
Personalized preparation tools, guides and check lists
Access to IVHQ’s preferred insurance and flights partners
Discounts on travel and tour add-ons
Certificate of International Volunteer Service

Learn more about what's included in your IVHQ Registration Fee and Program Fee.

Flights
Visa (if required), travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check.
Personal spending money for snacks, laundry, public transportation, drinks and leisure activities during your free time.

Check what's required to visit Zanzibar

Safety and support

IVHQ follows best practice and industry-leading health and safety procedures, which are regularly reviewed and optimized as part of the B Corporation recertification.

All volunteers encouraged to complete our interactive pre-departure training.
All local teams trained on best practice volunteer management & First Aid.
All IVHQ programs are required to adhere to IVHQ's Risk Management Policy.
All volunteers have access to 24/7 in-country support from our local team.

Learn more about IVHQ's safety

Essential country information

Capital	Dodoma
Population	58 million
Languages	Swahili and English
Currency	Tanzanian Shilling (TZS)
Time zone	UTC+03:00

Weather and climate

Zanzibar follows very similar weather patterns to that of mainland Tanzania but is always a little more humid and warm weather should be expected all year round. The island’s rainy season runs from March through May when humidity is high and afternoon downpours are common. The dry season occurs from June through October and rain is infrequent. During November and December there’s another short rainy season followed by a short dry season across January and February.

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