You will arrive in Zanzibar on Sunday, when you’ll be given an introduction and shown around the area.  Don’t worry though! You’ll have plenty of time to settle into your new accommodation first!

Daily Routine

You’ll be working in a team, and tasks will vary according to what needs done.  However, each day, the sea turtle water will need to be changed, and seaweed collected from the sea. The turtles themselves will also need to be cleaned! Here are some of the further tasks you are likely to encounter during your stay as a volunteer on the Sea Turtle project.

• Water exchange for Basins and within the Sea Turtle Hospital
• Water Quality check
• General cleaning
• Seaweed collection in Indian Ocean
• Filling of Tube Feeders
• Cleaning of adult turtles
• Treatment of Hospital Turtles
• Lagoon Cleaning (remove leaves and plastic)
• Hatching measurements
• Juvenile measurements
• Beach cleaning
• Inspection of nets
• Maintenance of juvenile nets.

All participants will learn and undertake all different tasks.

Week 1

Sunday

You’ll receive your full orientation, which will include an overview of your programme, and some dos and don’ts during your stay here in Zanzibar. Your coordinator will also take you around the local area, so you know where to find local shops and ATMs. Lastly, you’ll visit the historic town of Zanzibar, Stone Town.

Monday to Friday

Your day as a Sea Turtle Volunteer will start at 08:00, during which time you’ll work with a local coordinator, engaging in a wide range of conservation activities. Your day ends at 14:00, when you will be free to explore the area and do a little sight-seeing!

Week 2

Monday to Friday

You’ll continue with your Sea Turtle project, but will by now, have a good grasp of the tasks involved!

Saturday

Today, you will say goodbye to Zanzibar, as we take you back to the airport and say adieu!

Evenings and Weekends

Of course, your evenings and weekends are free to do as you please, and you can choose to explore the area or simply kick back with your new-found friends back at your accommodation. In fact, many of our volunteers enjoy mixing with their friends during the week and plan their weekend adventures as they go!

Places to Visit

Northern Zanzibar

In the north of Zanzibar, you will find plenty to explore! Nungwi and Kendwa are also great places to meet many international travellers and share your adventures.  Nungwi is a village known for its wide palm beach of the same name, where women can relax in a western bikini or swimsuit. Also, you’ll find a boat building site, closeby, where the traditional daus are made of wood.

Southern Zanzibar

In southern Zanzibar, there are also many great places to visit! Discover the spice plantations outside the city, where turmeric and cinnamon are grown. Alternatively, you might visit the Jozani Forest in the south of the island. Here, you can spot rare red colobus monkeys. Dolphins lovers will love Kizimkazi, so make sure your camera is ready for some great shots! And there is Chumbe Island, where you can snorkel to view the luminous fish swimming through colourful coral gardens. Lastly, in the east of the island, you will find the most beautiful surfing and swimming spots, where you can relax in the sun and enjoy your stunning surroundings!

About the Accommodation

Our accommodation is a sizable cottage on the ground of the Turtle project. Here, you’ll find multiple bedrooms, communal bathrooms, a kitchen, and a sitting room, where you can relax and enjoy socialising with your new-found friends! Rooms are basic but comfortable, with bedding included, and single-gender with 1-4 people sharing. Be aware that the living conditions are basic, and the accommodation does have hot running water for showers. Importantly, you may also experience the odd power cut, so some evenings may be by candlelight!

Please note: our volunteer accommodation does not have wifi, so if you would like to stay connected with your families and friends whilst in Tanzania, we recommend bringing an unlocked mobile phone. Thereafter, the local team can help you to purchase a local SIM card. However, you can also access wifi from cafes and restaurants in Zanzibar.

Food

Zanzibar is known as the Spice Island, and offers a variety of delicious spices and flavours. The food here is influenced by a combination of Swahili, Indian and Arabian foods. Breakfasts usually consist of chai (tea), toast, fruit, and fried dough, whilst lunch and Dinner can include meat, vegetables, rice, chapatis, and fruit.

Facilities

There are a few small local stores nearby that sell snacks, drinks and any basic supplies you might need during your stay. You’ll also find ATM’s, banks, shops, and a local pharmacy, within walking distance.

Transportation

From this location, we do not provide free transport to other locations. Our staff will support you with arranging transport if you are planning a weekend away or days out with fellow volunteers.

Population: 55 million
Capital: Dodoma
Language: Swahili, English
Currency: Tanzanian Shilling (TZS)
Time zone: EAT (UTC +3)

Parts of the country are in Southern Africa and it is bordered by Kenya and Uganda to the north; Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west; Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique to the south; and by the Indian Ocean to the east. It is home to Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain, in its northeastern region and is considered the Safari capital of the world!

Tanzania is a presidential constitutional republic, and since 1996, its official capital city has been Dodoma, where the President’s Office, the National Assembly, and some government ministries are located. Dar es Salaam, the former capital and its largest city, retains most government offices and is the country’s principal port and leading commercial centre.

Volunteer holidays to Tanzania are enjoyed in a land of spectacular beauty, and one of the largest countries in Africa. It lies on the east coast of Africa and is bordered to the north by Kenya and Uganda, to the west is Zaire, Rwanda, Burundi and Zambia and to the south are Malawi and Mozambique. Tanzania comprises of coastal lowland, volcanic highlands, the Great Rift Valley and the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro. We have a selection of volunteering programs in Tanzania with placements at orphanages, teaching & medical placements.

Tanzania is the only country in the world which has allocated at least 25 per cent of its total area to wildlife national parks and protected areas, including the world famous Serengeti National Park. We provide exciting gap adventures to Tanzania, backpacking holidays and volunteering work experience programs.  If you are interested in volunteering in Tanzania or trekking up Mount Kilimanjaro have a look at our latest programs below or give us a call for more information.