Conservation Volunteering in Zanzibar

Come and take part in this tropical island adventure in and around the white sand beaches of the matchless archipelago of Zanzibar, just off the Tanzanian coast in East Africa. Participants live in Jambiani and work primarily in Kizimkazi. With up to fourteen other volunteers, you will research and protect bottle-nose and humpback dolphins as well as fish, birds, whales (seasonal), and other marine life that live on and around the scattered islands. The focal effort of the conservation project is to monitor the human-dolphin interactions which play a large role in the amount of stress put on the dolphins and could potentially lead to a smaller dolphin population. The studies that volunteers carry out can advise the government to create the most ideal policies on how to regulate such tourist activities. The data collected by participants is fed into various studies and surveys conducted by the research and academic institutions of Zanzibar. The work and contributions that you will make as a volunteer are extremely crucial and much needed by the marine conservation efforts of Zanzibar.

Embark on the adventure of a lifetime on our GIVE Tanzania Excursion! Soak up the incredible sights, culture, and wildlife of both the mainland and Zanzibar Island! Give’s Tanzania Excursion takes you from the tropical oasis of Zanzibar Island to the wild plains of mainland Tanzania. Work alongside local residents to build critical infrastructure in the form of Kairo’s only school, provide fundamental English education to community members of all ages, and protect this country’s world-renowned wildlife. Explore one of the most beautiful places on the planet as you swim with wild dolphins in the Indian Ocean, sail over crystal clear waters, snorkel through vibrant reefs, and embark on a two-day safari through the African savannah. Wake up each morning to the sun rising over the sandy white beaches and turquoise waters of Zanzibar Island. In between project work, go for a swim, play soccer with the local community, visit nearby beach markets, or relax with your toes in the sand! After volunteering, continue the adventure with GIVE’s Kilimanjaro Add-on and summit the tallest freestanding mountain in the world! Earn academic credit with our optional Eco-tourism course!

Tanzania is a prime example of what most people expect when they think about Africa. The endless wilderness of the national parks with a vast variety of wild animals in their natural surroundings, the exotic and colorful Maasai culture and mountaintops from where you feel like you could see the edges of the world. And although all these romantic ideas of endless landscapes and wild animals are true, there is so much more to discover when you volunteer in Tanzania. There are plenty advantages of being a volunteer in Tanzania in comparison to just traveling the country as a tourist. There is no better way to really get to know the culture and the people of a country than to become a part of the society by offering a helping hand. Benefit from exceptional encounters with new people and take a chance to explore Tanzania with the eyes of an insider.

This is an exciting opportunity to develop extensive experience in marine conservation and a bank of practical skills in marine conservation. What’s more, you’ll get to live and work in a tropical paradise as you do. With this internship, you’ll work with a nonprofit based in the Netherlands committed to developing marine conservation in Zanzibar. They operate by partnering with and supporting local marine conservation initiatives and projects. They are engaged in numerous activities, including coral reef restorations, monitoring marine reef ecosystems, turtle hatcheries, coastal pollution surveys, and conservation education programs. Your role as an intern will vary greatly depending on your skills and interests. You’ll get the chance to engage with practical conservation work, gain insight into the day-to-day running of a conservation nonprofit, and develop skills in community engagement. On top of this, you’ll also get the chance to combine this program with training for a SCUBA Divemaster program.

Venture into a fabulous Dolphin and Marine Conservation project and help preserve the habitats of this species by monitoring tourist and human interaction. Nestled in Menai Bay, home to numerous sea creatures, including bottle-nose and humpback dolphins and whales, the area is popular with tourists from all over the world. The aim of this project is to ensure that there is sustainable dolphin tourism in the area, as it brings a good source of income to the local inhabitants but it is essential to ensure that the sea life is not put at risk. It also runs a resource centre which aims to educate locals and tourists about marine life. You don’t need specific technical skills to participate in this project. However, you should be able to swim as this is an important activity during research. Plus, you must be interested in marine wildlife and must love the outdoors. Cultural sensitivity is essential both at your placement and in your spare time. If you are a student and have specific course requirements, please speak to a Kaya Placement Advisor.

Stone Town of Zanzibar is a unique place that has been protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000. Its rich history of seafarers, explorers, sultans, and traders from Africa, Persia, Arabia, India, and Europe is reflected in the town's extraordinary architecture and narrow labyrinth of lanes and squares. You can do an internship or volunteer placement with the Zanzibar Stone Town Heritage Society, which has set a goal to conserve Stone Town and its unique culture. The aim is to raise awareness amongst citizens for Stone Town's cultural heritage and its conservation; to raise technical and financial support for the conservation of historical buildings; to create partnerships between various interest groups; to carry out activities that foster the cultural diversity of Stone Town; to do research about Stone Town; and to offer educational programs for Stone Town's citizens.

There is a vital need for ecotourism on the island of Zanzibar, a highly sought-after tourist destination due to its incredible marine life. But it is one of the last remaining areas in the world with a dolphin population not governed by guidelines that limit the impact of tourism on their behavior. And, in Zanzibar, dolphin tourism is booming. Many tourists flock for the chance to swim with these friendly creatures. Unfortunately, many of these encounters are highly unethical, causing stress to the dolphins and ultimately pushing them out of their natural feeding areas, thereby depleting the population. This internship follows a holistic approach to creating sustainable solutions for all. As part of this project, you assist in: - Searching for pods and collecting data (by boat) on dolphin behavior, abundance, and distribution - Collecting data on coral reef health, including the progression or regression of coral bleaching - Educating local school children about the importance of the natural environment, ways to look after it, and the sustainable use of marine resources - This project is available from 1 May 2026 to 31 October 2026

Volunteer abroad in Zanzibar with Go Volunteer Africa! Take part in a project that matches your skills and interests, from teaching English to children in primary schools to working on a marine conservation program. Common placements include hospitals, nursery schools, centers for street children, and care homes. You can even get involved in our Conservation and Environment project! Projects in Zanzibar are perfect platforms to gain professional experience and make a difference in the developing world. You will find the country and its people incredibly friendly and welcoming. Your time in a tropical archipelago includes sightseeing, trips, and excursions to pristine beaches and cultural attractions. You will also have the chance to check out historic Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Apart from volunteering, you will see, smell, taste, hear, and feel the “Spice Island” that is Zanzibar. All of our volunteer programs in Zanzibar need volunteers who can bring new ideas, work with minimal supervision, and have a positive, self-starting attitude.

Eatl Tour offers a Volunteer package to all people around the world who want to volunteer in Tanzania in any field, As a team we organize the place where you will volunteer, you will be under Eatl safety the whole time of your volunteer service, and we organize the accommodation during you're staying and all transport means. The team also will help you to connect with different Organizations and other offices. Apart from that you will engage also in different community activities and cultural activities during your stay. Everyone is invited and welcome to Tanzania we will make your life simple and easy. You can contact us for the customization of your Volunteer service.