Dolphin & Marine Conservation Volunteering in Zanzibar

The Zanzibar African Impact Dolphin & Marine Conservation Project was an opportunity to not only monitor dolphins, boat drivers and tourist, but to interact with the local people. We also monitor the local Fish Market, worked at the Zala Park Community Garden, monitored the coral reefs and had a weekly dinner in the Community.

This has been an amazing experience. Everyday was filled with amazing experiences, everyone I have met on the project has been so friendly and welcoming. Nellie, Abbas, Alberto and Ani are amazing. I honestly wish I could stay longer, but I definitely want to come back.

The African Impact team in Zanzibar is top-notch. Everyone is passionate about the work they are doing, extremely well-organized and engaged with the local community in Jambiani and Kizimkazi. The volunteers are involved and busy with a variety of activities during the week and it’s been great to have weekends off to explore other parts of the island. Highly recommend!

The day to day activity’s were amazing. Dolphins just never got boring however some stuff did get repetitive. The food was very nice and cultural however the same after a week. Base camp was nice and homely with a pool, but the rooms itself being different to my expectations

i had the possibility to spend three amazing weeks in Zanzibar with African Impact. I participated in the marine conservation program and i was really satisfied with the activities proposed, even if at the end of the three weeks a i could start to feel the tiredness growing. Our coordinator Nellie is super competent in her work and is an excellent point of reference. The time spent at the base was completely satisfied, the food was tasty and the accommodation are modest but completely fine. The coordinators are always friendly and helpful.

I loved my stay in Zanzibar! I had done a volunteering project in the past and it wasn’t really ethical, but this time I could see how useful I was and how big of a difference our stay was for the project. Seeing the dolphins, getting to know them, was just amazing! the locals are incredibly nice and welcoming as was the team! I will never forget my stay in Zanzibar ?

I had the best month in Zanzibar doing the Marine volunteering, Monday to Friday doing dolphin monitoring and also the after school club we teach is interesting. The food is good but just repetitive each week, it would be nice with a more varied menu. Very relaxed and lots of freedom on the weekends to explore and do trips. Need a good amount of spending money on top.

I worked on the marine conservation project (Dolphin research) for two weeks. I think the project was well managed, and it really feels like all the activities are connected to the same overall goal. The program gives a good variety; observing dolphin tourism and teaching of local boat drivers and children at a nearby school, etc. It never felt like we did the same tasks over and over again. One downside was that we regularly had 45 - 60 minute breaks between tasks. This might be difficult to avoid, since some activities are determined by when the fishermen return, or when tourists are on tours. Still, those breaks felt like wasted time unless there were other tasks that needed preparation. The introduction to my project was really good! I fully understood why all the activities were important, and I never felt confused why we did what we did. I found the living conditions to not be as good as my impression from the pictures online. African Impact was in a moving process when I signed up, and it seems like the location in Jambiani was better. From the pictures I was expecting to share a room with one person, and not 4-5 as was the case. I also wish the bathroom had a lock, since there were several unnecessary awkward situations caused by walking in on other volunteers. I'm glad there was drinkable water available at all times! We were also served enough food every meal. I did find it strange that we had to pay for dinners on Wednesdays, since the website says three meals per day will be included. The cost of programs at African Impact is already quite high, so I don't think it would be unreasonable to include meals outside the house as well. The security at the house was good! There was a guard within the compound 24/7, and I never felt unsafe. One evening two of the volunteers arranged a quiz, which is a great way of socializing with all the others. I would recommend to make this a regular (weekly?) activity! In total I would say that I got a good impression of the dolphin research project, and I really hope it continues to help the local community and the dolphins in the area. The living conditions were more difficult for me. Sharing bedroom with as many as 4-5 others can be challenging (noise, snoring, different sleep schedules, etc.), and even more so without being able to lock the bathroom door.

Volunteering here in Zanzibar was an amazing experience and it was so much fun. Idi was always a very reliable driver. I do hope that the team would warn them of the things they have to bring. I unfortunately wasn’t aware that we had to cover our knees and shoulders.

The work I was able to do on this project is so important and I was able to learn so much more about research and conservation. The team I worked with was far better than what I expected, and the community we created as a team was phenomenal. Knowing that the research we are doing is so important and that we are the only ones doing it made the experience that much better, highly recommend for people who want to make a difference while meeting fantastic people and having a good time.

I have had a wonderful experience and everything exceeded my expectations. Beautiful surroundings, good food, interesting and worthwhile projects to be part of and a lot of new acquaintances. Can absolutely recommend this.

After experiencing both projects in Zanzibar I can comfortably say that the last two months here has been one of the greatest experiences of my life. Everything from the house you stay at, the food, the managers, the projects and all the beautiful people in between I really cannot fault anything. The key to having such an amazing experience is to simply have an open mind about everything and to always remember - pole pole. Island time does exists and time really does seem to slow down but this was also something beautiful on its own and really gives you the opportunity to immerse yourself in every aspect of the project and day to day activities. The amount of work that goes on behind the scenes of each project and everything to do with the house is quiet phenomenal. The food each day was delicious, the house was always clean and the people who worked within the house were some of the most beautiful people you can meet who were always willing to go out of their way to help. Even though our weekends off were for us to do what we want the managers within the house always guided, helped and went well and truly out of their way to accomodate everyone’s needs. I cannot wait to come back!

As a first volunteering experience (and first time travelling alone) I was a bit hesitant, but African Impact couldn’t have made it any easier for me. I had constant communication with the team before arrival and everything from landing in Zanzibar was organised for me. The project itself exceeded all expectations. From day one we were out with the dolphins, mixing with the community, learning Swahili and getting stuck in with community and education projects. It’s such a good opportunity to meet new people and there’s a really good mix of volunteering and free time so you are able to explore the beautiful island at the same time. My time in Zanzibar has flown by and I’m really sad to be leaving. Would 100% recommend this project to anyone and everyone and can’t wait to see the impact of the great work these guys are doing in the future.

Loved my time here, wished I could have stayed for longer. I met some really amazing people and there was always a great atmosphere around the house. During the week we were out on the boats 4/5 days meaning we had plenty of opportunities to see the dolphins. Such a rewarding experience and I can see that the project is going to ensure positive changes within the community in the coming years. On the weekend we were free to explore the rest of the island so all in all some amazing memories were made.

The trip was amazing! It was so peaceful and beautiful here with all of the cats and welcoming people. I don’t remember ever feeling so at peace!!! Such a beautiful location. The food was good and the portions were enough for me. Since the chefs are new to cooking, I imagine the food will be great in a few months.

Amazing experience full of beautiful sunsets, wonderful people and fresh locally sourced food! Loved every minute of our stay here. I was very grateful to be able to help with such an important project and work with such passionate people. Incredible island!

I had a really great time here. Everyone was really helpful and nice. I enjoyed my time here a lot. The staff on the project was so fun and loving, i felt very, welcomed and save here. Loved swimming with dolphins.

An amazing experience where we were immersed in the culture, felt as though we were making a real difference and made really good friends with other volunteers. The staff were very welcoming and friendly and made sure everything ran smoothly.

This volunteer program was incredible. I had such an amazing time and would highly recommend it to anyone interested in wildlife conservation and being fully immersed in the local community and spending time with super friendly and like minded people. Everyone was so nice, helpful and always willing to work hard and make a positive difference. Being able to ethically swim with dolphins in their natural habitat was an experience I will never forget.

The past three weeks have been one of the amazing times of my life! I've met some amazing people and taken part in some unforgettable experiences whilst doing some meaningful volunteer work that has obvious positive impacts for the local community. The immersion in the community is wonderful and will be one of the most memorable parts of this project.