Dolphin & Marine Conservation in Zanzibar
VOLUNTEER
CONSERVATION
Monitor Dolphins & Promote Marine Sustainability
Join us as a dolphin & marine conservation volunteer and become a guardian of the delicate balance of the local marine ecosystem, protecting it from the harmful effects of human activities. On this dolphin conservation project you’ll head out on daily boat trips and snorkel through the crystal-clear waters of the Menai Bay Conservation Area whilst carrying out research on both bottlenose and humpback dolphins. You will track their movements, behaviours, and interactions with tourist boats conducting dolphin tours. You will also have the opportunity to swim with the dolphins in an ethical manner.
This intimate volunteer experience (no more than 10 volunteers) is about leaving an impact on the sustainability of all marine life in the surrounding ocean.
Project highlights
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Environmental Surveys
Collect vital data on coral reefs and seagrass meadows.
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Ethical Tourism Workshops
Educate local boat and tour operators on ethical dolphin tourism.
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Dolphin Monitoring
Monitor and swim with pods of dolphins in their natural habitat.
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Community Interaction
Interact with community members about environmental conservation.
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Tropical Paradise
Live in a tropical setting of white sands and crystal clear waters.
Available: May – Oct
Duration: 2 Weeks+
Price From $2,450 This cost covers your accommodation, meals, project fees, transfers, 24/7 support and in-country orientation.
Project impact areas
Here’s how you will create significant impact through the Dolphin & Marine Conservation project in Zanzibar.
CONSERVATION
Daily Dolphin Monitoring
Become a champion for these magnificent creatures and join our mission to protect their well-being by ensuring responsible dolphin tourism practices in Zanzibar. Daily boat trips will whisk you away to the heart of Zanzibar’s vibrant marine ecosystem, where you’ll witness dolphins in their natural habitat and contribute to valuable research and conservation efforts. This is your chance to make a real difference in dolphin conservation while experiencing the magic of these playful creatures firsthand.
U.N. Sustainable Development Goals
1. No poverty
2. Zero hunger
3. Quality education
4. Gender equality
CONSERVATION
Coral Reef Monitoring
Armed with snorkels and a keen eye for detail, you’ll embark on underwater expeditions to gather vital data on coral reef health. Monitor the progression of coral bleaching, identifying areas where the resilient reefs are fighting back and areas where the damage is more severe. Your observations will provide invaluable insights into the resilience of these ecosystems and the effectiveness of marine conservation efforts.
U.N. Sustainable Development Goals
1. No poverty
2. Zero hunger
3. Quality education
4. Gender equality
CONSERVATION
Conservation Efforts
As a marine conservation volunteer, you will engage with community members, raising awareness of and emphasizing the need for environmental conservation. From eager students at after-school clubs to local fishermen, you will empower them to become responsible stewards of their natural heritage, ensuring a brighter future for the island they call home. This is your chance to share your knowledge and inspire current and future generations of marine conservationists.
U.N. Sustainable Development Goals
1. No poverty
2. Zero hunger
3. Quality education
4. Gender equality
Example Daily Schedule
Monday - Friday
Morning
07:45 – 11:00
Dolphin Monitoring or Marine Activities
11:00 – 12.00
Free time
Lunch
12:00 – 12:30
Afternoon
12:30 – 13:00
Preparation for Afternoon Activities
13:30 – 16:00
Community Development Activities (Dependent on Community Needs)
Dinner
18:30 – 19:00
Evening
19:00 – 21:00
Free time, games night or movie night
Accommodation & Meals
Jambiana, Zanzibar
Your home away from home in Zanzibar is a secure modern beachfront property with comfortable shared facilities.
Volunteers will stay in gender-specific rooms, with a maximum of four people per room. Each room includes bunk beds, a private bathroom, linens, mosquito nets, a ceiling fan, and air conditioning. The property also features a pool and social areas, plus a dedicated Project Room and office space.
Zanzibar is a melting pot of cultures and flavours, offering one of Africa’s richest and most diverse culinary scenes, shaped by centuries of trading and migration. The seafood is incredibly fresh and delicious, but there are also plenty of options for non-seafood eaters. Local favourites include Zanzibar pizza (more like a savoury crepe), biryani, pilau, mishkaki (meat skewers), and mandazi (Swahili doughnuts). A local chef will prepare fresh meals for you every weekday!
Life at the Base
Jambiana, Zanzibar
Picture yourself amidst the turquoise waters and endless white-sand beaches of this East African gem. Our base in Zanzibar is located in the heart of Jambiani, a picturesque fishing village on the island’s southeastern coast. We’re all about embracing island life, and each week we spend an evening with a local family so you get to taste the real Zanzibar; just imagine incredible homemade dishes after a day of teaching in the community!
On the weekends, you can try your hand at kitesurfing, scuba diving and snorkelling on the coral reefs that are teeming with marine life, sea fishing or just a leisurely boat trip on one of the local Dhow boats which dot the horizon each evening.
SIM cards can be purchased from most shops or at the airport with various packages allowing for phone calls and/or data usage. Our accommodation offers free WiFi that enables you to make contact with home. Power and electricity supply can be intermittent in Zanzibar and its surrounds so do bring your power banks and embrace patience if you encounter an outage. TIP: Ensure your cellphone is enabled to allow for a foreign SIM card if you intend to use one.
Fly in to at Abeid Amani Karume (Zanzibar) International Airport (ZNZ) on your start date – always a Monday. We offer two convenient transfers – a morning transfer at 11am and an evening transfer at 5pm. Look for the African Impact sign, and our friendly team will be there to greet you with a warm welcome! Your pre-departure pack will contain important contacts numbers of our team in Zanzibar should you need to get hold of them directly.
Amir, our Teaching and Community Development Coordinator, hails from Jambiani, the very community in Zanzibar where we operate. His journey exemplifies the success of our teaching project – over a decade ago, he was a student in our adult English program. After a career in professional football, Amir transitioned to the development sector, working as an English teacher and project manager.
In February 2023, he joined our team as the leader of our teaching initiatives. Since then, Amir has been an inspiration to both our students and volunteers, embodying the transformative power of education and community engagement.
At our Zanzibar base, safety is paramount in every aspect of our operations. On land, we prioritize sun protection and hydration, especially during outdoor activities. When engaging with local communities, we strictly follow child protection policies and emphasize respect for local customs. Transportation safety extends to our bicycle program, with predetermined safe routes and provided safety gear.
Our base is secured by 24/7 patrols, and our staff undergo continuous safety training. We conduct regular risk assessments, maintain a live incident reporting system, and have crisis management teams ready for any eventuality. Fire safety, evacuation plans, and emergency communication systems are in place. Upon arrival, you’ll receive a thorough safety induction to ensure you’re well-prepared for your volunteer experience.
Project Destination
Picture yourself amidst the turquoise waters and endless white-sand beaches of this East African gem. Our base in Zanzibar is located in the heart of Jambiani, a picturesque fishing village on the island’s southeastern coast. We’re all about embracing island life, and each week we spend an evening with a local family so you get to taste the real Zanzibar; just imagine incredible homemade dishes after a day of teaching in the community!
On the weekends, you can try your hand at kitesurfing, scuba diving and snorkelling on the coral reefs that are teeming with marine life, sea fishing or just a leisurely boat trip on one of the local Dhow boats which dot the horizon each evening.
Communication
SIM cards can be purchased from most shops or at the airport with various packages allowing for phone calls and/or data usage. Our accommodation offers free WiFi that enables you to make contact with home. Power and electricity supply can be intermittent in Zanzibar and its surrounds so do bring your power banks and embrace patience if you encounter an outage. TIP: Ensure your cellphone is enabled to allow for a foreign SIM card if you intend to use one.
Flights & Arrivals
Fly in to at Abeid Amani Karume (Zanzibar) International Airport (ZNZ) on your start date – always a Monday. We offer two convenient transfers – a morning transfer at 11am and an evening transfer at 5pm. Look for the African Impact sign, and our friendly team will be there to greet you with a warm welcome! Your pre-departure pack will contain important contacts numbers of our team in Zanzibar should you need to get hold of them directly.
Staff
Amir, our Teaching and Community Development Coordinator, hails from Jambiani, the very community in Zanzibar where we operate. His journey exemplifies the success of our teaching project – over a decade ago, he was a student in our adult English program. After a career in professional football, Amir transitioned to the development sector, working as an English teacher and project manager.
In February 2023, he joined our team as the leader of our teaching initiatives. Since then, Amir has been an inspiration to both our students and volunteers, embodying the transformative power of education and community engagement.
Safety
At our Zanzibar base, safety is paramount in every aspect of our operations. On land, we prioritize sun protection and hydration, especially during outdoor activities. When engaging with local communities, we strictly follow child protection policies and emphasize respect for local customs. Transportation safety extends to our bicycle program, with predetermined safe routes and provided safety gear.
Our base is secured by 24/7 patrols, and our staff undergo continuous safety training. We conduct regular risk assessments, maintain a live incident reporting system, and have crisis management teams ready for any eventuality. Fire safety, evacuation plans, and emergency communication systems are in place. Upon arrival, you’ll receive a thorough safety induction to ensure you’re well-prepared for your volunteer experience.
...the joy of making a real impact...
“Embarking on the dolphin and marine conservation journey in Zanzibar was a heart touching adventure. Despite the dolphins being a little shy on my first week, diving into the mesmerizing depths during snorkelling, the daily boat rides along the beautiful coastline, interacting with the local community and seasoned fishermen and getting to swim with so many dolphins on my last day truly made for an unforgettable experience! Thoughtfully crafted activities helped me create lasting friendships.”
Katie McNutt, 21, Scotland
Inclusions
- Backpacker style accommodation with swimming pool
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner (Mon - Fri)
- Airport transfers on arrival and departure
- All project transport, equipment and resources
- Support from experienced local and international African Impact staff
- Full orientation for responsible project contribution
Exclusions
- Flights
- Visas
- Mandatory travel insurance
- Weekend tours
- Personal expenses
Requirements
- The minimum age to join this project is 18 years old
- The minimum stay for this project is 2 weeks
Award-winning Volunteer and Internship Projects Since 2004
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Volunteering in Africa means travelling with purpose- joining meaningful community or conservation projects, where you pay to cover your stay and project costs, turning your trip into an immersive, impactful experience rather than a traditional holiday.
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Project faqs
What’s it actually like to be a volunteer in Zanzibar?
While volunteering does involve contributing your time and skills, it’s also an incredible opportunity to explore Zanzibar and immerse yourself in the local culture. You’ll get to travel, meet new people, learn new things, and have amazing experiences all while making a positive impact. Think of it as an adventure with a purpose!
Is it safe to volunteer in Zanzibar?
If you’re wondering if safety is something you should prepare for, or if things like language barriers and cultural differences are a concern, don’t worry! We’ll provide pre-departure training, on-site support, and guidance on navigating safety concerns as well as language and cultural differences. Don’t let these concerns hold you back – volunteering with African Impact in Zanzibar comes with comprehensive support to ensure a safe and rewarding experience!
Will I get to see dolphins in their natural habitat?
Absolutely! Daily boat trips are a central part of the Zanzibar dolphin volunteer experience, offering you the incredible opportunity to observe dolphins in their natural environment. You’ll learn about their behaviour, contribute to vital research, and witness the beauty of these majestic creatures firsthand.
Do I need to be a certified diver or swimmer?
No, volunteers don’t need to have any previous education or teaching experience to join. Before you begin your teaching program, you’ll go through an intensive training program with the local African Impact staff. This training program is an excellent opportunity for volunteers worldwide to connect before starting their project and learn all the information they’ll need to know to teach English in Africa.
Our favourite weekend activities in Zanzibar
Explore the vibrant markets and restaurants around the island on weekends. From forest walks to traditional safaris, kite surfing to spice markets, make the most of your free weekend time whilst in Zanzibar!
