Volunteer Programs in Zanzibar

I went to Tanzania, Africa. By far my favorite trip I’ve ever taken in my life. I feel as I have a whole new family and a second home. The guides and locals were so welcoming and friendly. The others on the trip were in the same boat as me so I was very comfortable and happy. I will for sure be taking another trip with GIVE volunteers. 100/10 experience, if you think you wanna do it, don’t think, just go for it!

I went on a trip with GIVE in 2023 to Tanzania. I want to preface with the fact that all of the staff and people who work for GIVE were very kind and accommodating. I will also say that I had a very good time on the trip. It’s super well organized and the activities they plan for you are great. However, if you’re looking for a chance to properly experience a culture and to volunteer, there are better ways to do so which cost a fraction of what GIVE requires you pay. It may take a bit of research online, but there are definitely programs out there that will house you and allow you to stay for various durations. AIESEC is an example of a student run association which has chapters worldwide which is focused on global exchanges and leadership. If you’re interested in religion, you could even look into ministries abroad. My Swiss cousin has volunteered numerous times in countries like Uganda and Tanzania where she goes to care for children for practically FREE. This isn’t a coincidence. I think that in the US, we are very easy targets for companies like GIVE because we don’t question international trips when they cost a small fortune. With how much we already pay for our college tuitions, who better to convince to shell out money for glorified two week vacations abroad to get a glimpse of other cultures than young naive Americans with cash to burn? I spent at least $5,000 for my two week trip, including airfare. When you compare how much accommodation and food cost in Tanzania (seriously, Google it), it’s clear that most of the money probably went into paying GIVE’s staff, the excursions themselves, and funding their school project. You pay to participate and for GIVE sorting out the logistics, voilà. You get to pat yourself on the back after two hours of work then go snorkeling with dolphins. If that’s the kind of experience you’re looking for, then absolutely go for it! I would say it’s much more about sustainable tourism than anything else! But to call it a true volunteering experience, I’m not sure I would venture so far as to say that. Personally, I feel like that’s more of a marketing ploy to reel in young Americans (and occasionally people from other places) looking to get out of their comfort zones, who are tired of their usual vacations to Cancun, Mexico where they drink margaritas on a cruise ship deck while slathering on skin tan lotion. It feels more altruistic to be called a “volunteer” than a “sustainable tourist”. Better for marketing and for convincing parents and relatives to help pay for the trip. So, would I recommend GIVE Volunteers? That depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for. All in all, I considered it to be a very cool vacation with fun excursions. We went on a safari, snorkeling with dolphins, on walking tours, to a spice farm etc. I had a lot of fun. However, I’d recommend you look at different options for authentic volunteering experiences for much less money (most of these destinations GIVE offers are very inexpensive in general, $3,000+ USD is a substantial sum for locals).

Absolutely amazing! The local guides were so knowledgable and made the experience extremely unique and one that will stay with me forever. The entire trip I felt so safe, was well fed and learned lots about the culture and how I can apply different lessons to my life that I learned in Zanzibar.

Had the most amazing experience! So many guides available at all times for support and genuinely just the coolest itinerary. You get to see the difference you make in real time as well as fun excursions like paddleboarding, sunset cruises, and boat days exploring sand banks and islands!

I can’t. Any individual component of the trip would have fully exceeded my expectations. If I had to pick one it would be the team and Africanimpact and the care and real difference they make. It’s intoxicating.

Volunteering in Tanzania 🇹🇿 was the absolute BEST experience! From start to finish, every single thing was AMAZING. You really get to see & do it all while making a difference. A beyond amazing experience that you NEED to do!!!

I recently returned from the GIVE Volunteers trip to Tanzania, and it was truly a life-changing experience. From the moment we arrived, everything was well-organized, and the GIVE team made sure we felt safe, supported, and engaged every step of the way. The volunteer work was both meaningful and rewarding. We worked closely with the local community on sustainable development projects, including education initiatives and eco-friendly construction. It never felt like we were just there to “help” — instead, it was a mutual exchange of learning and collaboration. The GIVE staff did an amazing job educating us about the importance of ethical volunteering and responsible tourism, which added depth to every activity.

I enjoyed the itinerary. I felt like it was the perfect amount of teaching, construction, and learning about the culture with activities throughout the island. I enjoyed the guides, and everyone was inviting and amazing to be around! It was easy to find the guides when getting to the airport, and everyone was very helpful in answering questions and guiding throughout the trip. I enjoyed the people in the group, and this was a fantastic trip and opportunity to see places safely with trustworthy people!

Kairo truly transformed my heart in the most wonderful ways. GIVE volunteers never ceases to show me how easily a complete strangers and a new community can become a second home so quickly. When you are surrounded by the authentic, likeminded people there is an instant sense of comfort. We were given the chance to learn so much about a community that is a true beating heart of GIVE. By breaking down so many barriers, stereotypes and opening our minds to new perspectives, Kairo village welcomed us with open hearts and taught us so many wonderful lessons about their culture. From learning how to make local food to teaching ESL and Computer skills and even connecting with wildlife on positive ethical levels, we were able to be truly immersed in a new culture and community in the most incredible ways, that I am so immense grateful for. My time in Zanzibar truly taught me the importance of being a global citizen, and it was reflected by the locals and volunteers everyday.

GIVE was the best experience of my life! Every aspect of the adventure was incredible! By the end of the trip you most certainly will have new perspectives on life, genuine friendships across the world and wonderful memories! The worst part of the trip is saying goodbye to your GIVE family and your new favorite place. Being a volunteer, you get to help others accomplish their dreams and goals, encourage women empowerment, support and learn about indigenous culture, educate many individuals, construct the locals needs and participate in wildlife conservation. The adventures are also unforgettable. To name a few- swimming with dolphins in the ocean, seeing the big 5 on an African Safari, summiting the largest free standing mountain in the world, exploring a spice farm, using recycled waste to make glass cups and dancing,cooking and weaving with the local women!!! Hakuna Matata- The guides and local staff take care of all your needs (including complicated diets) all while encouraging a positive environment. You will be supported and loved the entire journey! It was my first time traveling out of the country, but I felt secure and safe through the entire experience. Absolutely do a GIVE trip, you won’t regret it!

Travelling with GIVE has by far been the best experience of my life! I had a great time with my group, and I always felt safe, no matter where I was. We spent most of our time in a small village on Zanzibar, where everyone was welcoming, kind, and inspirational. I loved being part of a team that shares like-minded values and is genuinely committed to making an impact.

GIVE’s Tanzania program was genuinely the most life changing experience! All of the locals are the kindest and most welcoming people I have ever met. They allowed us to experience their culture through different activities such as weaving, Swahili classes, and cooking together. The GIVE staff does an amazing job organizing activities that are super cool for us while leaving a positive impact on the community. They always make sure to explain the reasoning behind each thing you do and allow you to understand the importance behind it all. I left this trip with a new appreciation and outlook on life and couldn’t be more thankful!

This was the trip of a lifetime! I met such amazing like minded people and also had the time of my life. I got to learn soooo much more than expected and see so much of Tanzania! I always felt safe and well taken care of as well with my guides! They are all amazing people and everyone is so beyond kind.

I had a great time. This trip was full of self growth, hard work, dedication, sincerity, and fun! I learned about myself and the culture that surrounded me. From working with the kids in computer class, to construction, to getting my hair braided by the local women. It was a great time! I wouldn’t trade this time for anything.

I have now done two trips through GIVE to Costa Rica and Tanzania. They have both been the most life changing, empowering, transformative experiences. Being able to travel with a purpose and meet like-minded people has been so incredibly special. The guides I have had are absolutely amazing. They truly care about each volunteer and their well-being, and the local guides are so happy to share their home and culture with you. It is an experience like no other, being able to actually immerse yourself in the local culture and get to truly know the community. They do a perfect mix of volunteer work and fun activities, and are always working to make it educational and impactful!

I signed up for this program thinking that I would be swimming with dolphins every day. Out of 12 excursions to monitor the dolphins, we were able to swim after the tourist boats left only 4 times, but it was amazing!

The Zanzibar Dolphin & Marine Conservation Project exceeded my expectations. We interacted with the Community at the Fish Market, teaching at the Conservation Club, working at Zala Park Community Garden, going to the local Football Finals and having a weekly dinner in the Village.

I am beyond grateful for my 1-month volunteer experience with African Impact in Cape Town. From the moment I arrived, the warmth and professionalism of the team made it unforgettable. When I first arrived at the airport, Thulani, the program manager, was already waiting, and ready to give us an engaging introduction to the history and scenery of Cape Town. After a 20+ min drive we arrived at The Lenox hostel. The Lenox became my home for the month, and the staff made sure it felt that way. Everyone was very kind and welcoming at all time. I got a bunk bed in a shared room with four amazing fellow volunteers from different countries. The room was very spacious and comfortable. The facilities were bright and welcoming, with breathtaking views of Lion’s Head and Table Mountain from the lounge balcony. I joined the Early Education program, which I highly recommend if you love working with children and creating engaging learning experiences. Through this program I worked with four different nonprofits located in Khayelitsha, their work is centered around fostering children and youth development. Our schedule was almost the same every day; breakfast with all the volunteers, then going out to support an org. in the morning, coming back to the Lenox for lunch (amazing fresh and delicious food by the way) and then going back to support another org. in the afternoon. Our day concluded around 5 pm, after documenting our experiences, and preparing for the next day. Then dinner time, a great time to get to know the other volunteers and share stories. The rest of the afternoon was free time for us to unwind and enjoy visiting places around Cape Town or do a sightseeing activity planned by the staff. The most rewarding part was getting to work directly with nonprofits like Ikasi Soccer School and foster care homes like Fikelele. My favorite task while on project was to sing and play with the kids. Witnessing the impact of our efforts and the joy on the children’s faces are core memories from this experience. I don’t think I can put into words how fulfilling this experience was for me. This experience taught me so much about collaboration, creativity, and the joy of giving back. Volunteering with African Impact was life changing. It’s a core memory filled with friendships, personal growth, and unforgettable moments. I wholeheartedly recommend this experience to anyone looking to make a difference while exploring the vibrant culture of Cape Town.

African Impact responded to this reviewDecember 30, 2024

Love your video Maria! Really captures the essence of volunteering with us in Cape Town :)

the teaching program is a 10/10 program, you get to fully know the place you stay in by doing lots of activities and getting to know the people all around the zone. Staff tries their best in making your stay as comfortable as possible and everyone is so friendly. There are a lot of chances to make friends and get to know the people you work with and the local teachers are really friendly. Also zanzibar is one of the best places i’ve ever seen, with lots of activities to do.

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.