WHY we need you in Zanzibar
- In 2019 the poverty rate in Zanzibar was 25.7%, particularly in rural areas
- Many families in Zanzibar struggle to access basic needs such as clean water, healthcare, and education, which are critical to breaking the cycle of poverty.
- Zanzibar faces significant health challenges, including high rates of communicable diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS.
- The turtle population in Zanzibar has been threatened by a number of factors, including poaching, habitat loss, and accidental capture in fishing nets.
HOW can you help?
- Gain knowledge and awareness on the life cycle of sea turtles
- Help return raised sea-turtles back into the ocean
- Contribute to protecting these endangered creatures
- Work with the local team on a variety of tasks
WHAT can you do?
- Clean the turtle and the tanks
- Take turtle measurements and monitor stats about them
- Collecting seaweed and cleaning the lagoon
- Treating hospital turtles
Why Involvement Volunteers International?
- Non Profit Org & Charity with 35+ Years Experiene
- Impactful Projects to Choose From
- Social Experiences - Sharing with International Volunteers
- Excellent Safety Record, In-Country 24/7 Support & Emergency Assistance
- 1 Application Fee - Multiple Countries
PROJECT NAME: TURTLE CONSERVATION
LOCATION: MAKUNDUCHI
START DATES: WEEKLY (SAT/SUN ARRIVALS)
ACCOMMODATION: VOLUNTEER HOUSE
MIN DURATION: ONE WEEK
MIN AGE: 16+
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Criminal background check required, Inbound travel insurance only from Zanzibar Insurance Corporation, Resume, Passport Scan
Overview
Picture yourself working hands-on with some of the world’s most fascinating creatures while surrounded by Zanzibar’s stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters. Our sea turtle conservation program offers a unique opportunity to protect these ancient species, which have survived millions of years but now face the growing threat of extinction.
Based in the coastal village of Makunduchi, this program focuses on rehabilitating injured sea turtles and releasing them back into their ocean home. Since its establishment in 2024, the project has been dedicated to giving these endangered creatures a second chance while raising awareness about marine conservation throughout Zanzibar. By providing medical care and fostering environmental education, we aim to inspire long-term preservation efforts in the region.
What You’ll Do
As a volunteer, you’ll join a passionate team of local conservationists and fellow volunteers to:
- Care for injured sea turtles, clean their habitats, and ensure water quality for their recovery.
- Feed adult turtles, monitor hatchlings, and measure juveniles to track their progress.
- Help restore sea turtle habitats by removing debris from pristine beaches.
- Lead educational tours and workshops to inspire visitors and locals about the importance of marine conservation.
- Witness the rewarding moment of releasing rehabilitated turtles back into the wild.
Beyond Conservation
Your time in Zanzibar isn’t just about the turtles. Snorkel vibrant coral reefs, clean and explore breathtaking beaches, and soak in the rich local culture. From learning Swahili with friendly locals to sampling Zanzibar’s famous spices, your experience will be an adventure like no other.
Why Join Us?
- Play a direct role in preserving endangered sea turtles and their habitats.
- Gain hands-on experience in marine conservation and practical skills for future endeavors.
- Connect with like-minded volunteers from around the globe.
- Create memories that will last a lifetime while making a meaningful impact.
Program Highlights
- Rehabilitate and release injured sea turtles into their natural habitats.
- Participate in critical conservation tasks, such as feeding turtles and monitoring hatchlings.
- Raise awareness about marine life through interactive community outreach.
- Protect local ecosystems by keeping Zanzibar’s beaches clean.
Your Role
From checking water quality in the turtle hospital to inspecting nests and helping hatchlings, every task you take on contributes to the survival of these remarkable creatures. The program also offers opportunities to lead educational tours, inspiring others to join the fight for marine conservation.
This isn’t just a volunteer program—it’s a chance to create lasting change while enjoying the adventure of a lifetime. Imagine the joy of watching a turtle you helped save swim back into the ocean or exploring Zanzibar’s coral reefs after a fulfilling day of conservation work.
Ready to Make a Difference?
The turtles—and Zanzibar—are waiting for you. Dive in and become part of something bigger.
Location
Makunduchi is a charming coastal village located on the southeastern tip of Zanzibar Island, Tanzania. Known for its tranquil beaches and authentic local culture, it offers a serene escape from the busier tourist hubs of the island. Makunduchi’s pristine shoreline, with soft white sands and turquoise waters, makes it an ideal spot for relaxation and exploration.
Project Tasks
- Support the survival of endangered sea turtles and safeguard their future.
- Join the effort to maintain clean, healthy marine ecosystems.
- Develop conservation skills, explore marine biology, and learn what it takes to protect wildlife.
- Inspire local communities and visitors to embrace the importance of conservation and take action.
- From cleaning nests to releasing turtles, every step you take makes a meaningful difference in their survival.
Food & Accommodation
Situated just 700 metres from the peaceful shores of Makunduchi Beach, the house enjoys a prime location, only 7km from the breathtaking Paje Beach and 5km from the scenic Jambiani Beach.
Set amidst a serene forest in the Makunduchi area, the house is conveniently close to charming accommodations such as Madrugada, Ujamaa Beach Resort, and Clove Hotel. A short 5-minute bike ride brings you to the delightful village of Makunduchi, offering the perfect opportunity to experience its local culture and natural beauty.
The rooms are single gender, shared between 2-4 people. No wifi or air-con, but they have fans, hot showers, bed linen, mosquito protection and brushes for you to wash your own clothes. You will easily find a few small local stores that sell snacks, drinks and any basic supplies you might need during your stay. Nearby, there are ATM’s, banks, shops, a local pharmacy, etc.
You will have 3 meals a day during the week and 2 meals per day on the weekends.Local meals that are typical of Zanzibar culture will be provided at this accommodation such as wali (rice), ugali (maize porridge), nyama choma (grilled meat), mshikaki (marinated beef), samaki (fish), pilau (rice mixed with a variety of spices), biryani, and ndizi-nyama (plantains with meat). Once per week all participants create together the weekly food plan.
Specialty
Projects
- Turtle Conservation
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1 Week - $950
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2 Weeks - $1700
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3 Weeks $2550
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1 Month - $3400
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2 Months - $6800
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3 Months - $10,200
What's Included
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Accommodation
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Meals
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Airport Pickup
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Local Transportation
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1 Day Orientation
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24/7 In-Country Support
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Project Materials & Equipment
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Pre-departure Expert Advice
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Preperation Tools & Checklists
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Certificate of Completion
- Application fee is one off per person (unlimited placements)
- Click Here to convert the below prices to your local currency
- Discounts may apply if travelling in a pair or group!
- All credit card /international fees included in below pricing! 🙂
FAQ
If you have a passion for wildlife and don’t mind getting stuck in and a bit of hard work then yes! This is a beautiful location to work in, and you will be outdoors and working alongside members of the local team and other volunteers from around the world.
- Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (Zanzibar) to the Makunduchi Accommodation (Turtle Project)Accommodation
- 3 meals p/day & 2 p/day at weekends
- Arrival airport transfer (Sat/Sun arrivals)
- Filtered drinking water, coffee & tea
- 1 day orientation
- Daily transportation to project
- In country 24/7 support & emergency assistance
- Fundraising support
- University course credits (where applicable)
- Certificate of Completion
- Airfares
- Travel Insurance
- Tours, Souvenirs & spending money
At this location there is no mandatory orientation day offered.
Programs begin every Monday, and volunteers are required to arrive the day prior, for orientation before the project. Your accommodation on the Sunday is included in the program fees. If arriving on Saturday, there is a fee for the extra night.
A free airport pickup is included when arriving to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) on Saturday or Sunday between 6AM to 9PM.
If arriving outside of the pickup times, we charge an additional fee for any extra night’s accommodation before your program, and an extra fee for a private transfer.
Alternatively, if arriving early you could wait at the arrival’s terminal for the pickup time, book accommodation at the airport and meet us during the pickup times or make your own way to the project (we will advise on how to do this).
From Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (Zanzibar) to the Makunduchi Accommodation (Turtle Project) it takes around 1 hour by car/van.
Monday
- Start with breakfast and a fun orientation to the program.
- Dive into a Swahili lesson and get a crash course on the local culture.
- Explore Makunduchi on a guided tour to find shops, ATMs, and more.
- Overnight at Makunduchi Accommodation
- Tuesday to Friday
- Get to work cleaning the turtle hospital and lagoon.
- Feed turtles, monitor hatchlings, and keep their nests safe.
- Collect seaweed from the Indian Ocean—it’s turtle food!
- Join educational tours to share your knowledge and inspire visitors.
- Wrap up the day with some beach cleanup to protect their natural habitat.
- Overnight at Makunduchi Accommodation
*** Please note that the schedule may vary to accommodate specific animal care needs, educational workshops, or other unforeseen circumstances.***
*Schedule possible to change due to the project and community needs at the time. Volunteer flexibility and adaptability is important to a positive volunteering experience.
Here are some of the best things to do in Zanzibar…
Stone Town
Stone Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its winding streets, historic buildings, and vibrant atmosphere. Visitors can explore the local markets, visit the old fort, and learn about Zanzibar’s fascinating history.
Relax on the beaches
Zanzibar has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, with white sand, crystal clear water, and palm trees swaying in the breeze. Some of the best beaches include Nungwi, Kendwa, and Paje.
Go on a spice tour
Zanzibar is known as the Spice Island, and visitors can take a tour of the local spice farms to learn about the different spices grown on the island, including cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves.
Snorkel or dive in the coral reefs
Zanzibar’s coral reefs are home to a stunning array of marine life, including colourful fish, sea turtles, and dolphins. Visitors can go snorkelling or diving to explore these underwater wonders.
Visit the Jozani Forest
The Jozani Forest is a nature reserve known for its unique wildlife, including the rare red colobus monkey. Visitors can take a guided tour of the forest to learn about the local flora and fauna.
Go on a dhow cruise
Dhows are traditional sailing boats used for fishing and transportation in Zanzibar. Visitors can take a sunset cruise on a dhow to enjoy the beautiful scenery and watch the sun dip below the horizon.
Visit the Prison Island
Prison Island is a small island just off the coast of Zanzibar known for its giant tortoises and beautiful beaches. Visitors can take a boat tour to the island to see the tortoises up close and relax on the beach.
Explore the local markets
Zanzibar’s local markets are a colourful and lively place to explore, with vendors selling everything from spices and textiles to handmade crafts and souvenirs. Some of the best markets to visit include Darajani Market in Stone Town and Forodhani Night Market.
Visit the Old Slave Market
Zanzibar was once a major hub of the East African slave trade, and the Old Slave Market in Stone Town is a sombre reminder of this dark history. Visitors can take a guided tour to learn about the slave trade and its impact on Zanzibar.
*Please note: Effective 1st October 2024, Inbound travel insurance is mandatory for all foreign visitors to Zanzibar. This must be obtained only from Zanzibar Insurance Corporation. Here is the official website to obtain the insurance: https://visitzanzibar.go.tz/
You are able to obtain this on arrival but this may take much longer so we advise to buy prior to your trip. This is in addition to any other travel insuracne you may have.
All participants joining projects in Zanzibar must send their resume, passport copy, and criminal background check before arrival.
For information on holidays and any programs affected, please see the following link: TZ – Holidays – Zanzibar
Zanzibar is an archipelago located off the coast of Tanzania in East Africa. It consists of two main islands, Unguja and Pemba, as well as several smaller islands. It has a rich history and culture, shaped by centuries of trade and interaction with Arab, Indian, and European traders and settlers. The islands are known for their beautiful beaches, vibrant markets, and historic Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Zanzibar has a population of around 1.6 million people, with a diverse mix of ethnic and linguistic groups. Swahili is the official language, although English and Arabic are also widely spoken. Zanzibar has a predominantly Muslim population, with a rich tradition of Islamic scholarship and culture. The islands have also been home to a thriving arts and music scene, with influences from across Africa and the Middle East. Despite its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, Zanzibar faces a number of challenges, including poverty, environmental degradation, and limited access to basic services such as healthcare and education.
Zanzibar has a tropical climate with two distinct seasons: a wet season from March to May and a dry season from June to October. During the wet season, Zanzibar experiences heavy rainfall and high humidity, while the dry season is characterized by sunny and relatively cool weather. The average temperature in Zanzibar ranges from 25°C to 33°C throughout the year.
Zanzibar is located near the equator, which means that the islands receive strong sunlight year-round. The islands also experience occasional cyclones and tropical storms, particularly during the wet season.
Zanzibar’s culture is a mix of African, Arab, and Indian influences, which is reflected in the local music, dance, architecture, and cuisine. The islands have a rich history of trade and commerce, with merchants from across the world visiting Zanzibar for its strategic location and abundant resources. As a result, Zanzibar has a diverse population of ethnic and linguistic groups, with Swahili as the official language. Islam is the predominant religion in Zanzibar, and the islands are home to many historic mosques and Islamic schools.
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Check out this amazing blog with step by step info on how to raise funds for your overseas volunteer experience to help maximize your impact abroad. Guide to Fundraising