Early boat trips, meals on the beach, and life in Jambiani
Sandra Lukas is an anaesthesia nurse from Austria who recently joined our marine conservation and dolphin monitoring project in Zanzibar. Living in Jambiani, she spent her mornings at sea off Kizimkazi collecting data on dolphins, and her afternoons teaching in the local community. Here she tells us what a day on the project looks like, and what she’d say to anyone thinking of joining.
What drew you to the dolphin monitoring project?
Ever since I was a child, I’ve been addicted to the ocean and to animals. At the beginning of this year I decided to volunteer, so I started researching and found African Impact. I looked into African Impact and the marine project, and I knew this was what I had to do. The rest is history.
Can you describe what a typical day looked like for you?
The days are not always the same, which is really cool about the project. On the days we went out on the boat, we started super early. We left the base around 6:30 am, and our driver took us to Kizimkazi, where we jumped straight onto the boat. After a short boat ride, we were always lucky enough to find the dolphins, which swim around in a pod. Then we collected data, with help from the marine biologist.
After this exciting and impressive morning we would have breakfast on the beach. Right next to the beach is the fish market, where I saw many different species of fish. I measured and weighed the fish and wrote the data on a data sheet: the name of the fisherman, boat type, high or low tide, area, time of fishing, and whether it was sold to a local or a hotel.
Lunch is normally on the beach too. In the afternoon we had the community class, which you prepare in advance. That gave me the chance to teach in English.
Reading the water: how we monitor dolphins in Zanzibar
Are there any particular highlights of the experience?
So many! Every time I saw dolphins it was an amazing day. I also saw a rainbow out on the ocean, and I had the chance to snorkel and to educate. I can say from the bottom of my heart that every day was a highlight. Even dinner in the dark felt amazing: no power, but a beautiful night sky with thousands of stars. And of course every lunch and breakfast on the beach.
How did you experience living in a small community like Jambiani?
I enjoyed it a lot. In my opinion it was best to have the base in Jambiani and drive to Kizimkazi. You get to know people very quickly, and they remember you too, so you never feel lonely, and it’s not boring if someone is afraid of that. There are bars and restaurants, and every hotel welcomes you. If you want a bigger bar or more options, you can easily take a tuktuk to Paje, around 10 minutes away. You can walk around Jambiani, even at night, and it feels safe.
Overall, is the project what you expected?
The project was seriously the best thing I’ve ever done. I learned so much about the dolphins, nature, the community, Zanzibar and, of course, about myself. I would definitely recommend it to everybody.
What would you tell someone considering joining this project?
Do it, try it and love it. If you really want to make a change or be part of something bigger, take this chance. You get to know so many people, and you learn a lot about Zanzibar, the people, the community, the programs, nature and dolphins. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Everyone was so kind and answered all my questions about life in Zanzibar, the community, the programs they offer and, of course, the hands-on work. Take this opportunity and get your hands “dirty”. But respect the rules (clothing) and respect the dolphins.
Interested? Here’s a bit more about the project
Our marine conservation and dolphin monitoring project is based in Jambiani, on the south-east coast of Zanzibar. As a volunteer, you work alongside our marine biologist and local team, heading out by boat from Kizimkazi to collect data on the local dolphins. Back on shore, you record details of the catch at the fish market, including the species, size and weight of the fish and the type of boat. In the afternoons, volunteers help to prepare and teach community classes.
You’ll stay at our comfortable base within the Jambiani community, a short drive from Kizimkazi each morning. You get to know the village quickly, there are local bars and restaurants nearby, and Paje is a short tuktuk ride away if you want more choice for an evening out.
The project is open to anyone. Whatever your background, you’ll be working hands-on alongside a local team that is happy to answer your questions. To find out more, including dates, costs and how to join, check out the details here.