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Volunteering in Zanzibar: Get ready to go
The complete guide to volunteering in Zanzibar, requirements, active and current projects, plus some tips for your stay.
Volunteering in Zanzibar can be a life-changing experience. Not only because of the social impact of being part of projects that improve the quality of life for local communities, but also due to the sense of purpose, adventure, and community it provides. If you’re interested in a glimpse of the available volunteer opportunities in Zanzibar, keep reading to discover the most relevant information.
Zanzibar, an autonomous archipelago of Tanzania on the east coast of Africa, is globally known for its paradisiacal beaches, the spices it produces and exports worldwide, and for offering tourists and travelers amazing natural destinations to visit during their stay. If, in addition to exploring these natural wonders, you want to personally immerse yourself in a collaborative experience that helps you develop personal and professional skills, like volunteering, you’re reading the right article.
Why Volunteer in Zanzibar?
Zanzibar is an ideal destination for volunteers, and more and more travelers are joining these initiatives that drive social change. Here are some reasons to volunteer in these islands:
1. To Contribute to Local Social and Educational Projects
Zanzibar has many schools, nurseries, and community centres that benefit from the support of volunteers. If you’re interested in volunteering in educational reinforcement and working with children, it’s perfect since the island has many educational needs. A large part of its population faces poverty and economic difficulties that prevent them from accessing quality education.
This need has led many organizations and communities to seek solutions and tools to address this issue. Adventure Volunteer is one of these organizations, which supports vulnerable communities in Zanzibar through school volunteer programmes for children aged 3 to 8. (Source: Adventure Volunteer).
2. To Participate in Environmental Conservation Initiatives
If you’re looking to be part of initiatives that conserve the environment and promote educational talks about local environmental care, you can do so in Zanzibar due to its coastal location and marine biodiversity. Some examples of projects include: beach clean-ups, species monitoring, environmental education, or supporting communities in adopting sustainable fishing and tourism practices.
3. To Develop Personal and Professional Skills
Volunteering anywhere, especially outside your usual context, exposes you to various situations that require flexibility, empathy, and adaptability. Whether you work in a classroom, an NGO, or an ecological initiative, you’ll learn to collaborate with multicultural teams, solve problems on the spot, and strengthen your emotional intelligence. These skills are valuable both personally and in any professional career.
4. To Experience a Diverse Culture and Expand Your Horizons
Zanzibar has its own unique identity within Tanzania, influenced by Arab, African, Indian, and European traditions. Participating in daily life, learning Swahili words, trying the local cuisine, or celebrating its local festivals will allow you to broaden your worldview and connect with people from a genuine and respectful place.
5. To Be Part of a Global Volunteer Community
By volunteering, you don’t just integrate into a local community: you also connect with other volunteers from different countries, which broadens your network and learning opportunities. Many friendships and collaborations are born from these shared experiences.
Requirements for Volunteering in Zanzibar
Before embarking on a volunteer experience in Zanzibar, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of the requirements that make this experience possible. Some of them are mandatory to enter the country, while others depend on the organisation managing the program.
1. Valid passport
To enter Zanzibar, your passport must have a minimum validity of six months from the entry date. Make sure you have enough blank pages, as space will be required for the visa.
2. Volunteer Visa for Tanzania
Zanzibar is part of Tanzania, so you’ll need an electronic volunteer visa for Tanzania. To volunteer in Tanzania, there are two main visa options based on the length and frequency of your stay:
Single-entry volunteer visa: this visa allows a stay of up to 90 days and is valid for three months from the date of issuance. It’s suitable for volunteers planning to stay in Tanzania continuously for short-term projects.
Multiple-entry volunteer visa: valid for 1 year, but each stay in Tanzania is limited to 90 days. This visa is ideal for volunteers who need to enter and leave Tanzania multiple times throughout the year for different projects or tasks.
Requirements for obtaining a volunteer visa for Tanzania
To obtain a volunteer visa, you must meet all requirements. You’ll need the support of a recognized volunteer organization in Tanzania, which will provide a volunteer placement letter to process the visa. (Source: https://evisa-tanzania.it.com/tanzania-volunteer-visa/)
3. Minimum Age
Most programs accept individuals from 18 years onwards. Some accept those over 16 if accompanied by a legal guardian. There are also opportunities for people over 30 or 40, who wish to contribute from their personal or professional experience.
4. Functional English level
While advanced proficiency is not required, it’s important to have a functional level of English to communicate with local communities, other volunteers, and program coordinators. Swahili is the local language, but English is used in many contexts.
5. Specific Experience or Training (depending on the project)
Some projects, such as those related to health, education, or marine conservation, may require prior experience, university degrees, or certifications. For example, to volunteer in rural clinics, you may be required to be studying medicine, nursing, or physiotherapy.
6. International health insurance
Having international health insurance is mandatory. Make sure it covers tropical diseases, medical evacuation, accidents, and repatriation. Some programs include it, but in other cases, you’ll need to arrange it yourself.
7. Mandatory Vaccines and Health Recommendations
It’s recommended to consult a travel medicine centre. You may be required to get the yellow fever vaccine (mandatory if traveling from a risk country), and malaria prophylaxis is advised. It’s also recommended to be up-to-date with vaccines such as tetanus, hepatitis A and B, and typhoid fever.
8. Financial Contribution or Program Fee
Many volunteer programs in Zanzibar involve a participation fee, which covers accommodation, meals, local transportation, support, materials, and donations to the communities. The amount varies depending on the duration and type of organization, ranging from €250 ($275) to €1,000 ($1,090) per month.
9. Cultural Respect and Commitment
Zanzibar is a society with a strong Muslim tradition. Volunteers must commit to respecting local dress codes, coexistence rules, and communication norms. An open attitude, empathy, and willingness to learn are just as important as any technical requirement.
Stay connected with Holafly
Having a stable internet connection makes your daily life as a volunteer easier: from using Google Maps to communicating with your organization, accessing educational resources, or staying in touch with your family. Holafly offers monthly plans with instant connection upon arrival, no need to search for physical SIM cards or change your number.
We recommend getting a Holafly monthly plan to keep your connection secure and reliable throughout your volunteer experience. Also, you can travel to more than 170 destinations with the same eSIM, and with the unlimited plan, you can connect multiple devices at once, if needed.
Important: If you are a frequent traveler and want to stay connected without worrying about expensive roaming or looking for a new SIM at every destination, Holafly’s subscription plans are for you. With a single eSIM, enjoy internet in more than 170 countries for a fixed price and no surprises on your bill. Travel without limits and connect easily and securely! 🚀🌍
On the other hand, for short-term volunteer stays, the eSIM for Tanzania from Holafly is another option, with unlimited data only for the days you need.
Best Volunteer Programs for Zanzibar
Here are some of the most prominent volunteer programs in Zanzibar, considering their focus, duration, requirements, and costs.
1. Projects Abroad – Primary School Teaching
What does it involve? English, Mathematics and Recreational Activities Teaching in Local Schools
Requirements: 16+ years old, good level of English, interest in education.
Duration: From 2 weeks to 3 months.
Includes: Accommodation in a local home, three meals per day, orientation, ongoing support.
Price: From €1,495 ($1,630) for two weeks.
2. African Impact – Marine Conservation on Mafia Island (with option to extend to Zanzibar)
What does it involve? Marine Data Collection, Beach Clean-ups and Environmental Education
Requirements: 18+ years old, good physical condition, intermediate English.
Duration: 2 to 12 weeks.
Includes: Technical training, shared accommodation, meals, basic insurance.
Price: From €2,200 ($2,398) for two weeks.
3. World Unite! – Community Health Volunteering
What does it involve? Support in Rural Clinics, Prevention Campaigns and Health Education
Requirements: Health students or graduates, intermediate English.
Duration: From 4 weeks.
Includes: Accommodation, logistical support, local transport, cultural introduction.
Price: From €890 ($970) per month.
4. IVHQ – Women’s Empowerment Volunteering
What does it involve? Women’s Empowerment Support Through Workshops and Training Activities
Requirements: 18+ years old, social sensitivity, willingness to collaborate.
Duration: 2 to 12 weeks.
Includes: Accommodation, meals, orientation, 24/7 assistance.
Price: From €275 ($300) per week.
Types of Volunteer Projects in Zanzibar
Volunteer opportunities in Zanzibar can be divided into key areas, each with specific features related to the social and cultural realities of the archipelago.
Education and School Training
In both rural and urban areas of Zanzibar, there’s a need for support in primary and secondary schools. Volunteers assist by teaching English, maths, arts, or sports. In many cases, the focus is on improving oral and written comprehension of English, which is a key language for accessing tourism and better job opportunities.
Childcare and Early Childhood Care
Some organizations work with community centres that provide care for preschool children. Tasks include play, educational activities, meals, and basic care. Sensitivity and commitment to child welfare are essential.
Women’s Support and Community Development
In Zanzibar, there are programs focused on strengthening the role of women in the workforce and education. Female volunteers can collaborate in sewing workshops, literacy, digital skills, or entrepreneurship initiatives.
Marine Conservation and Environment
Given the rich natural surroundings, there are programs focused on reef, turtle, and mangrove preservation. These include waste collection, marine life monitoring, environmental education, and working with local fishermen to implement sustainable practices.
Community Health and Sanitation Education
Primary healthcare is limited in some areas. Community health programs aim to improve access to information on disease prevention, menstrual health, basic hygiene, and nutrition. Some initiatives also collaborate with mobile clinics or rural health centres.
Animal Protection and Care
Although it isn’t the most developed area in Zanzibar, there are small shelters for domestic animals and awareness projects on animal welfare. Those interested in this field can find specific opportunities in Stone Town or through affiliated NGOs.
How Much Does Volunteering in Zanzibar Cost?
Here, we explain the main expenses you need to consider, along with what is generally included or waived thanks to volunteering.
1. Fixed Costs
| Category | Approximate price | Details |
| International flight | €700 to €1,200 ($765 to $1,310) | From Mexico or Spain, with layovers. |
| Volunteer Visa | €250 to €300 ($275 to $330) | Valid for up to 90 days. |
| Medical insurance | €50 to €100 ($55 to $110)/month | Mandatory. Must include evacuation and repatriation. |
| Vaccines and Medicine | €30 to €100 ($33 to $110) | Depending on your home country and medical centre. |
Fixed Costs for Volunteering in Zanzibar
2. Program Costs
| Category | Approximate price | Details |
| Volunteer Fee | €250 to €1,000 ($275 to $1,090)/month | Depends on the project, duration, and included services. |
| Initial Deposit | €100 to €300 ($110 to $330) | Some organizations require this to reserve your spot. |
Approximate Program Costs for Volunteering in Zanzibar
In many cases, this fee includes:
- Accommodation in a local home or volunteer residence
- Partial or full meals
- Logistical support and orientation
- Direct donation to the project
3. Personal expenses
| Category | Approximate price | Details |
| Local transportation | €20 to €50 ($22 to $55)/month | Buses, dala dala, motorbikes. |
| Extra Meals | €40 to €80 ($44 to $90)/month | If the program only covers breakfast or light meals. |
| Tourism and Excursions | €50 to €200 ($55 to $220) | Optional excursions on days off. |
| Local SIM Card or eSIM | €47 to €69 ($52 to $75)/month | Holafly’s unlimited monthly plan (no hassle eSIM). |
Personal Expenses During Volunteering in Zanzibar
What Costs Are Waived by Volunteering in Zanzibar?
- Hotel Accommodation, which during high season can exceed €100 ($110) per night.
- Tour Guides and Organized Tours: By integrating into the community, you access more authentic experiences.
- Full Daily Meals: In many cases, these are covered by the program.
- Co-working Space Rentals or Memberships: If you’re working in an educational or community environment, you may use spaces for free.
Frequently Asked Questions About Volunteering in Zanzibar
Yes. Yes, you need to apply for the eVisa for Tanzania, in either of its two modes depending on your chosen volunteering project.
It depends on the project. In areas like health or education, specific training may be required. However, many programs accept individuals without experience, as long as they have motivation and commitment.
The total budget can range from €1,200 to €2,500 ($1,310 to $2,750) per month, including flights, visa, insurance, program, and personal expenses. However, much of these costs cover accommodation, meals, and experiences you wouldn’t have on a regular trip.
There are options in education, women’s empowerment, health, marine conservation, environment, and childcare. Each program adapts to the local needs of the archipelago and the profiles of the volunteers.
A great option is to get an eSIM from Holafly for Tanzania, which gives you unlimited data from the moment you arrive, without having to search for physical SIM cards or deal with local operators.
