On the tropical island of Zanzibar, lies an old fishing village, Jambiani, a vibrant and attractive paradise next to the ocean, that brings together a unique blend of cultures, crystal clear waters teeming with marine life, and palm tree-lined beaches that boast the ocean coast. It is not just in Jambiani, but the entirety of Zanzibar that is soaked in Swahili history — the diversity of this incredible island will astonish you, with a lot to offer any independent traveler. There exists a plethora of volunteer opportunities in Africa, but nothing as close to a combination like Zanzibar volunteer programs! In Zanzibar, you can experience a once-in-a-lifetime adventure and a chance to make a real impact! Look no further than volunteer work in Zanzibar, a place where you can discover the exotic islands of the Tanzanian archipelago whilst giving back to locals who call it home.
If you are passionate about volunteer work, then you’ll love all the many ways to lend a helping hand by volunteering in Zanzibar. Do you love working with children? Perfect, you can volunteer as a teacher at a local school in Zanzibar. Are you an animal lover? Then you can use your advocating skills and apply for a marine conservation program that empowers more sustainability practices in dolphin tourism. Becoming a volunteer in Zanzibar will be a journey of self-discovery and adventure; it will take you to extraordinary places, introduce you to unforgettable people, and change you in ways you can’t even begin to imagine.
Volunteering in Zanzibar is as incredible as it sounds. Located off the coast of Tanzania, this Indian Ocean island gem is loaded with adventure! You can try your hand at kitesurfing, scuba diving, snorkeling, or just a leisurely boat trip on one of the local dhow boats which dot the horizon each evening. In this tropical setting, you’ll experience a rewarding adventure as a volunteer with African Impact. Our volunteer opportunities in Zanzibar include everything from teaching to nonprofit work to dolphin research. As a volunteer in Zanzibar, you’ll also become part of our African Impact family, a group of people from around the world dedicated to creating positive change in the world.
A series of several islands off the coast of Tanzania, Zanzibar is a tropical paradise. Surrounded by the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean and breathtaking white sand beaches, Zanzibar is rich in culture, history, and coastal adventures. On the south east coast of Unguja, the largest island of the Zanzibar archipelago, lies the picturesque Jambiani, a cluster of villages which span across 6 km of beach. During your stay in Zanzibar, you will be based in this humble community, located just 1.5 hours from Stone Town and the airport. It has the most beautiful coastline and is renowned for its warm turquoise waters, white sandy beaches and is a hotspot for water sports and activities. Away from the hustle and bustle, Jambiani, rooted in fishing culture and the trade of seaweed, is a prime destination for those seeking harmony, peace, and tranquility in a delightfully picturesque environment.
Zanzibar’s long coastline – some 2,800 kilometers – influences much of the climate. On the west coast is the cold Atlantic Ocean, and the warmer Indian Ocean on the south and east. Weather in this region of the Southern Hemisphere is climate dependent, which means this country is a perfect climate patchwork of warm coastal subtropics, hot deserts, humid highlands, snow-capped mountains and an enclave of Mediterranean weather in the southwest.
We have the highest level of safety guidelines and participant support for all our volunteering opportunities in Zanzibar. Our nearly two decades of success relies on ensuring the safety of our volunteers, staff, and the members of the communities where our projects are located. Zanzibar is known to be safe for tourists and visitors alike. However, volunteers should still be aware of certain risks that come with traveling abroad. From the moment you arrive to the end of your adventure, we will take the utmost care in ensuring your comfort and safety as you carry out volunteer work in Zanzibar. If you want to know more about our health and safety measures, you can review our protocols or contact us with any questions or concerns!
A series of several islands off the coast of Tanzania, Zanzibar is a tropical paradise. Surrounded by the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean and breathtaking white sand beaches, Zanzibar is rich in culture, history, and coastal adventures. On the south east coast of Unguja, the largest island of the Zanzibar archipelago, lies the picturesque Jambiani, a cluster of villages which span across 6 km of beach. During your stay in Zanzibar, you will be based in this humble community, located just 1.5 hours from Stone Town and the airport. It has the most beautiful coastline and is renowned for its warm turquoise waters, white sandy beaches and is a hotspot for water sports and activities. Away from the hustle and bustle, Jambiani, rooted in fishing culture and the trade of seaweed, is a prime destination for those seeking harmony, peace, and tranquility in a delightfully picturesque environment.
Zanzibar’s long coastline – some 2,800 kilometers – influences much of the climate. On the west coast is the cold Atlantic Ocean, and the warmer Indian Ocean on the south and east. Weather in this region of the Southern Hemisphere is climate dependent, which means this country is a perfect climate patchwork of warm coastal subtropics, hot deserts, humid highlands, snow-capped mountains and an enclave of Mediterranean weather in the southwest.
We have the highest level of safety guidelines and participant support for all our volunteering opportunities in Zanzibar. Our nearly two decades of success relies on ensuring the safety of our volunteers, staff, and the members of the communities where our projects are located. Zanzibar is known to be safe for tourists and visitors alike. However, volunteers should still be aware of certain risks that come with traveling abroad. From the moment you arrive to the end of your adventure, we will take the utmost care in ensuring your comfort and safety as you carry out volunteer work in Zanzibar. If you want to know more about our health and safety measures, you can review our protocols or contact us with any questions or concerns!
As an African-based company, with more than 18 years of experience, we believe that responsible volunteering is the most important element of travel throughout Africa. Despite its blissful beaches, unique architecture, and exquisite flora and fauna, life in Tanzania for many locals is tough and the majority of people are living below the poverty line. Our volunteer opportunities in Zanzibar offer a truly authentic experience of life in Tanzania and give volunteers insight into local education and marine conservation, from an angle like no other. Choosing to volunteer in Zanzibar means that your personal travel goals can be combined with meaningful volunteer work helping local communities in Zanzibar to thrive. We are passionate about immersing African Impact volunteers into the heart of Africa in each location, and that includes our volunteer programs in Zanzibar.
Yes, you will need a visa to volunteer in Tanzania, unless you are a citizen of an EAC member. Certain citizens from outside of Tanzania are required to get a Tanzania Volunteer e-Visa. With this, you will be able to enter Tanzania and work legally as a volunteer for any non-profit organization that helps the citizens of the country. Make sure to read through the full list of Tanzanian visa requirements before you finalize your trip plans.
Zanzibar is an archipelago made up of two main islands, Unguja and Pemba, as well as several smaller islands (islets). This means that volunteering in Zanzibar leaves you with much to explore and choose from. Plan an unforgettable volunteer adventure in Zanzibar with us, and you’ll have the unique opportunity to visit the old-time fishing village, Jambiani.
Our volunteer work in Zanzibar has two primary focus areas, marine conservation and community development, which align with the local needs. Joining one of our volunteer programs in Zanzibar means that you will spend your days either promoting positive dolphin-human interactions in the Indian Ocean or teaching at local schools, women’s groups, and at the African Impact Education Centre that offers free English lessons to adults. If you want to know more about how volunteers can impact communities in Zanzibar, read this recap about volunteering as a teacher in Zanzibar.
The short answer is, no. At African Impact, our mission is to provide the best international volunteer opportunities in Africa that create true impact in local communities. While your volunteer work in Zanzibar may be unpaid, we absolutely believe that epic adventures and sustainable impacts go hand-in-hand. We firmly believe in the power of responsible volunteering to positively transform the lives of volunteers and local communities alike in Zanzibar. Our volunteer activities are 100% integrated with local communities – we won’t run a volunteer program unless the community not only wants us there, but actually has ownership of the program itself.
To get started, look through our African Impact volunteer programs in Zanzibar. Compare each program side by side to choose a program that matches your interests and goals for volunteering abroad. Then once you’ve selected your top choice, there are step-by step instructions to apply on each of our volunteer program pages.
