Zanzibar Road Trip

Experience the beauty, culture, and charm of Zanzibar on a guided road trip that takes you beyond the usual tourist trail. From winding coastal roads to vibrant towns and historic sites, you’ll discover the island’s hidden corners while connecting with its warm and welcoming communities. Along the way, enjoy local cuisine, breathtaking landscapes, and moments that turn travel into a true adventure.

Weekly Schedule

Day 1: Sunday – Welcome to Zanzibar

• Arrival at Zanzibar Airport, greeted by our coordinator.
• Transfer to your accommodation in Stone Town, where you’ll spend the first two nights.

Day 2: Monday – Exploring Stone Town & Prison Island

• Full orientation of your road trip.
• Guided tour through the historic Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Traditional boat ride to Prison Island to meet the giant tortoises.

Day 3: Tuesday – Spice Farm & Makunduchi Adventure

• Visit a local spice farm to discover Zanzibar’s rich spice heritage.
• Travel to the southern coast of Stone Town, Makunduchi.
• Enjoy a bonfire and dinner followed by an evening briefing.
• Overnight stay in Makunduchi.

Day 4: Wednesday – Dolphins, Mosque, and Village Life

• Early morning dolphin tour.
• Visit the first mosque ever built in Kizimkazi Village.
• Explore Makunduchi Village for a cultural experience.
• Overnight stay in Makunduchi.

Day 5: Thursday – Nature & Exploration

• Visit Jozani Forest and Mangrove Forest for a nature walk.
• Explore Ngunga Cave and enjoy a packed lunch at Paje Beach.
• Return to Makunduchi.
• Overnight stay in Makunduchi.

Day 6: Friday – Community Impact Day

• Participate in the renovation of a local school.
• Enjoy evening activities and relaxation.
• Overnight stay in Makunduchi.

Day 7: Saturday – Chill Day at Upendo Beach

• A relaxing day at Upendo Beach with snorkeling by the reef.
• Take in the beauty of the Indian Ocean.
• Overnight stay in Makunduchi.

Day 8: Sunday – Discovering Matemwe

• Travel to Matemwe, a serene village on Zanzibar’s northeastern coast.
• Indulge in the local culture and relax on Matemwe’s stunning beach.
• Overnight stay in Matemwe.

Day 9: Monday – Snorkeling at Mnemba Atoll

• Explore the vibrant marine life at Mnemba Atoll with a snorkeling adventure.
• Learn about Zanzibar’s diverse marine ecosystems.
• Overnight stay in Matemwe.

Day 10: Tuesday – Sea Turtle Care at Nungwi

• Head to Nungwi and visit the Natural Aquarium for Sea Turtles.
• Assist staff with daily activities in the conservation of sea turtles.
• Overnight stay in Nungwi.

Day 11: Wednesday – Sea Turtle Conservation

• Continue your work at the Natural Aquarium for Sea Turtles.
• Help out with the ongoing care and conservation efforts.
• Overnight stay in Nungwi.

Day 12: Thursday – More Sea Turtle Activities

• Spend the day at the Natural Aquarium, supporting sea turtle care and activities.
• Overnight stay in Nungwi.

Day 13: Friday – Sea Turtle Conservation Continues

• Continue your involvement at the Natural Aquarium for Sea Turtles.
• Overnight stay in Nungwi.

Day 14: Saturday – Cycling & Sunset Cruise

• Enjoy a cycling tour through Nungwi, exploring local sights.
• End the day with a Sunset Cruise on a traditional wooden boat, complete with snacks and a BBQ on the beach.

Day 15: Sunday – Return to Stone Town

• Travel back to Stone Town and take a rest after your adventurous two weeks.
• Evening briefing for the upcoming week of community engagement projects.

Day 16 – 20: Monday to Friday – Community Project Involvement

• Contribute to a local social project, focusing on education, childcare, or construction.
• Get hands-on experience while giving back to the Zanzibar community.
• You will work alone or jointly with other participants joining the program.
• Logistics, transportation and meals arrangement will be as per the program description and what’s included in the chosen community project.

Day 21: Saturday – Departure

• After a rewarding time, head to the airport for your departure, taking with you unforgettable memories and a sense of accomplishment.

Evenings and Weekends

Evenings are free to relax, reflect on your day, and connect with fellow participants. Weekends are yours to explore Zanzibar’s turquoise beaches, spice farms, historic Stone Town, and unique marine life. Our local team can help arrange excursions, cultural activities, and island tours to make the most of your free time.

Places to Visit

Zanzibar offers a rich mix of cultural history and tropical beauty. Popular weekend options include:

• Stone Town – Wander UNESCO-listed alleyways and explore spice markets

• Prison Island – Meet giant tortoises and swim in crystal-clear waters

• Jozani Forest – Spot the rare red colobus monkey

• Spice Farms – Discover the island’s aromatic heritage

• Nungwi & Kendwa Beaches – Perfect for sunsets and water sports

• Mnemba Atoll – Snorkel or dive in a marine paradise

Please Note:

• This schedule may be adjusted depending on weather, local conditions, and unforeseen circumstances
• Please be back at your accommodation by 22:30 every day.
• Participants are not allowed to hire vehicles on their own during the program.
• Consumption of alcohol is strictly prohibited at all our Centers.
• Respect and adhere to our code of conduct at all times.
• Outsiders are not permitted inside our centers, guest houses, or hotels.

A labyrinth of narrow alleyways framed by coral stone buildings, carved wooden doors, and terracotta rooftops, Stone Town is where centuries of trade and culture meet. Once a bustling stop along the spice and silk routes, its streets still hum with the scent of cloves and the rhythm of Swahili life. From sunrise calls to prayer to sunset over the harbour, every corner offers a glimpse into Zanzibar’s layered history and warm hospitality.

About the Accommodation

Our accommodation is in Chukwani, a peaceful village just outside Stone Town. It offers a quieter, more local experience while keeping you close to the historic centre and nearby beaches like Buyu and Mangapwani. You’ll be based in our central volunteer house, blending Swahili-style architecture with simple, comfortable amenities to make you feel at home.

Rooms are shared, single-gender, and equipped with mosquito nets and fans. Private rooms may be arranged upon request and availability. The house also has a communal lounge, a shaded courtyard for relaxing after activities, and a rooftop terrace perfect for catching the evening breeze.

Food Arrangements

We provide three meals a day on weekdays and two on weekends. Local meals typical of Zanzibari culture will be served, such as wali (rice), ugali (maize porridge), nyama choma (grilled meat), mshikaki (marinated beef), samaki (fish), pilau (spiced rice), biriyani, and ndizi-nyama (plantains with meat). Once per week, all participants join together to create the weekly food plan, making mealtimes a shared and social part of the experience.

Facilities

There are a few small local stores that sell snacks, drinks, and any basic supplies you might need during your stay. Nearby, there are also ATMs, banks, shops, and a local pharmacy should you need them during your culture week or volunteering project.

Wifi

The volunteer accommodation does not have Wi-Fi, so if you would like to stay connected with your family and friends whilst in Tanzania, we recommend bringing an unlocked mobile phone. The local team will assist you with purchasing a local SIM card when you arrive. Additionally, you can access Wi-Fi from cafes and restaurants in Zanzibar.

Volunteering in Tanzania with TRU combines meaningful volunteer work with unforgettable adventure travel in one of East Africa’s most iconic destinations. Designed for gap year volunteers, solo travellers, students, and anyone looking for ethical volunteering abroad, TRU’s Tanzania volunteer programmes focus on sustainable community projects, cultural immersion, and responsible tourism.

Volunteers have the opportunity to support local education programmes, youth development initiatives, community outreach projects, and conservation volunteering experiences while working alongside local communities. Every volunteer project is designed to create a positive impact while giving volunteers hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of Tanzanian culture and daily life. TRU promotes ethical volunteering and sustainable travel, ensuring projects are community-led and focused on long-term support.

Beyond volunteering, Tanzania offers world-famous safari experiences, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant local culture. Volunteers can explore national parks, discover tropical beaches, experience traditional food and markets, and visit destinations like Zanzibar City. From wildlife conservation and community volunteering to adventure travel and cultural experiences, TRU creates the perfect balance of purpose, exploration, and authentic travel in Tanzania.