As an island off the coast of Tanzania, Zanzibar is known for its crystal blue waters and stunning beaches. As a crossroads of Arab, Indian, and African cultures, the island has a distinct culture shaped by rich cuisine, historic architecture, and centuries of trade and exchange. With a variety of marine life and reefs, Zanzibar is also home to numerous species, including endangered sea turtles. With the threats of ongoing urban growth and waste management problems, sea turtle populations on the island are under pressure. Volunteers will work alongside marine biologists in the town of Matemwe to help boost marine life populations and protect the local coastal environment. Working in hatcheries and releasing newly hatched turtles into the ocean, volunteers will learn about the species and sustainable ways to protect it. They will also engage with the community, providing environmental education classes, assisting in women empowerment projects, and attending cultural workshops. Additionally, volunteers can participate in dive activities, including learning to identify fish and dolphin behavior, participating in underwater clean-ups, and potentially earning a PADI diving certificate (depending on the duration of the trip). During their free time, volunteers can relax at the beach and take part in snorkeling activities across the island. They can also immerse themselves in cultural experiences, including cooking with local families or exploring historic Stone Town. As the central city of Zanzibar, Stone Town is home to a variety of museums and artisan workshops, including the home where Freddy Mercury, of Queen, was born. On the weekends, participants can explore mainland Tanzania, visiting the Serengeti National Park for game drives or hiking Mount Kilimanjaro.
This is a minimum 1-week and maximum 12-week trip that costs $655 for one week, led by IVHQ, a volunteer travel company with 338 projects in 50 countries, rated #1 Volunteer Travel Company by Go Overseas 7 years in a row. It is a cost-effective option with some programs as low as $20 per day with accommodation and meals included. They are a Certified B Corporation, 100% carbon neutral and every project aligns with a UN Sustainable Development Goal.