Volunteer in Zanzibar with Structure, Support, and Real Impact.

This is the ultimate introduction to the “Island of Spices.” You will move beyond the camera lens to understand the unique history and customs of Zanzibar.

This is the ultimate induction to Zanzibar. You will move beyond the camera lens to understand the unique history and customs of the archipelago. From the UNESCO-listed architecture of Stone Town to the traditional rural beauty of Makunduchi, you’ll gain the “Ground Truth” and confidence to navigate the island like a local.

The Weekly Schedule:

• Monday: Orientation and cultural etiquette followed by Swahili basics. Afternoon exploration of Stone Town’s winding alleys and an evening at the famous Forodhani Night Market.

• Tuesday: Island-hopping adventure to Prison Island to meet giant Aldabra tortoises and snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of Bawe Island.

• Wednesday: Morning spice farm visit to discover exotic flavors, followed by a hands-on traditional cooking class using fresh, local spices.

• Thursday: Journey to the authentic village of Makunduchi for a cycling tour, Khanga fabric demonstrations, and a visit to a traditional healer.

• Friday: A full-day beach escape to Zanzibar’s pristine white sands and turquoise waters—the perfect way to wrap up your introduction week.

The schedule may be adjusted depending on local or unexpected circumstances

You will mostly work in primary and secondary schools outside the city, supporting English, Math, and Science lessons for children between 5 and 14 years old. Your day will include helping in class, leading simple games, arts, crafts, and sports, and creating lesson plans that keep learning fun and interactive. A few evenings a week, you will also join community teaching sessions for students aged 4 to 20 at a local center.

Alongside the teaching, there is time built in for planning, rest, and social time with other participants. You will have afternoons to prepare lessons and some evenings free to explore Stone Town or relax. Throughout the week you will work closely with local coordinators who will help you adapt to the classroom environment and make the most of your time with the students.

Most schools are located in villages outside the main city. Your presence helps broaden the perspectives of students aged 5 to 14. A unique feature of this project is the Evening Teaching Program at a community center, where you’ll support a wide age range of learners (ages 4 to 20) in a dynamic social setting.

The Weekly Schedule:

• Mornings: Assist teachers in primary/secondary schools with core subjects and lead interactive games, arts, and sports activities.

• Afternoons: Return to accommodation for lunch and a lesson planning session with coordinators to prepare for the week.

• Evenings (Mon, Tue, Thu): Participate in the community center’s evening teaching program from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM.

• Wed & Fri Evenings: Transfer to Stone Town for free time to explore local cafes, markets, and culture.

The schedule may be adjusted depending on local or unexpected circumstances

You will work with children aged roughly 3 to 6 years old in kindergartens and early grades, often in classes of 10 to 30 kids. Your role is to assist local teachers with classroom management and lead simple, creative activities like drawing, coloring, singing, and games. A big focus is on helping children pick up basic English through stories, songs, poems, and playful activities.

In the afternoons you will have time to prepare activities and lessons for the next day, and on several evenings a week you will join a community center program. There you will teach and support learners aged 4 to 20, giving you a broader teaching experience and more chances to connect with the local community.

You will work in kindergartens and early primary classes (Grades 1 and 2). Your primary goal is to make English learning natural through storytelling, songs, and poems. Like the teaching program, you will also join the evening community sessions three times a week, broadening your impact to include older students from the local neighborhood.

The Weekly Schedule:

• Monday to Friday (Morning): 4–5 hours of placement work. Lead creative activities like drawing and singing, and assist staff with lunch routines.

• Afternoons: Dedicated time at the volunteer house for lunch, lesson planning for the next day, and relaxation.

• Evening Program: Join the Community Center teaching program (Mon, Tue, Thu) from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM to teach students aged 4 to 20.

• Weekends: Free time to explore the beaches of Nungwi or take a safari on the mainland.

The project focuses on public health education in schools and communities, especially around simple practices that can prevent many common diseases. You may be teaching children how to wash their hands properly, talking about dental care, or helping organize health camps and basic checkups. The program is open to both qualified medical practitioners and motivated participants who want to support health education.

Working alongside local medical officers, teachers, and community leaders, you will help plan campaigns, prepare lessons, and deliver simple, clear messages about staying healthy. It is a chance to gain practical experience, build confidence, and understand the realities of healthcare in a low resource setting while living in one of Tanzania’s most atmospheric towns.

Preventable diseases remain a major challenge in Zanzibar. You will collaborate with local medical officers to deliver essential health messages. Your role is to turn complex medical concepts into simple, actionable lessons on handwashing, dental care, and basic first-aid for children and community members.

The Weekly Schedule:

• Monday: Orientation with the Town Medical Officer to learn about local health challenges. After lunch, plan and prepare materials for your week-long healthcare campaign.

• Tuesday – Friday: Full days conducting healthcare campaigns in Stone Town’s local schools. Teach interactive sessions on first-aid, personal hygiene, and preventative care.

• Daily Flow: Breakfast at the house, morning school visits, lunch break, afternoon workshops, and evening reflection.

You will work with children and young people on a mix of popular sports such as football, basketball, cricket, rugby, baseball, and athletics. Your role is to teach basic skills, explain simple rules, set up drills, and help organize friendly matches and training sessions. Through your coaching, you will also encourage teamwork, discipline, and fair play.

Alongside the sports sessions, you will support local coaches and community leaders in planning activities and motivating the kids. There is a strong focus on positive feedback, spotting strengths and weaknesses, and helping young players grow both as athletes and as individuals.

This program in Stone Town offers you the chance to train young athletes while promoting the values of discipline and perseverance. You’ll guide students of various age groups in fundamental tactics and techniques. Whether you are organizing competitive matches or introducing the basic rules of rugby and cricket, your presence fosters character development and provides a positive alternative to screen time for local youth.

The Weekly Schedule:

• Monday & Friday:

  • 06:00 – 09:00: Early morning coaching sessions (to beat the midday heat).

  • 09:00 – 15:00: Return to accommodation for breakfast, lunch, and a half-day break.

  • 15:00 – 17:00: Afternoon coaching on local fields or beach-front areas.

  • Evening: Return to center for dinner and team reflection.

The schedule may be adjusted depending on local or unexpected circumstances

The project supports village schools by repairing and improving buildings and facilities. Tasks can include bricklaying, carpentry, painting, tiling, gardening, and general maintenance, depending on the needs at the time. You may also help with simple furniture repairs and small creative touches that make the school feel more welcoming.

You will work under the guidance of a local coordinator and foreman, who will show you what needs to be done and how to do it safely. There is room to bring your own ideas, especially for painting and beautifying spaces, and you will share the experience with other participants who are just as keen to contribute.

This project supports under-resourced schools in and around Stone Town. By restoring buildings and providing essential learning facilities, you help create an inspiring space for education. Under the guidance of a local foreman, you will contribute to bricklaying, tiling, and general repairs. You are also encouraged to bring your creativity to life by painting murals or using artistic ideas to beautify the school surroundings, leaving a lasting physical legacy in the community.

The Weekly Schedule:

• Monday to Friday:

  • Morning: Start the day with a hearty breakfast before heading to the school site. Engage in 4–5 hours of active renovation work, including bricklaying or carpentry.

  • Break: Take a short morning break on-site to recharge.

  • Afternoon: Continue with specific tasks like painting, furniture repair, or gardening. Return to the accommodation for lunch and a final work block if needed.

  • Evening: Return to your base for dinner and free time to explore the historic winding alleys of Stone Town.

The schedule may be adjusted depending on local or unexpected circumstances

You will be based at Mnazi Mmoja Hospital, a key referral and teaching hospital serving Zanzibar. Under the supervision of local nurses and doctors, you may support day to day tasks such as taking vital signs, helping with basic patient care, observing procedures, and assisting with simple clinical duties where appropriate. There may also be chances to join community health campaigns if they are running during your stay.

Throughout the placement you will see how different departments operate, how teams manage heavy workloads, and how nurses support patients with care and compassion. It is an opportunity to grow your confidence, build your network, and see your future profession from a new perspective.

Hosted at the historic Mnazi Mmoja Hospital, this program is designed for aspiring nurses who want hands-on clinical experience. You will participate in the day-to-day activities of the hospital, assisting with triage, wound care, and recording medical histories. Beyond clinical duties, you may join community health campaigns in local schools to increase health awareness among Zanzibar’s youth.

The Weekly Schedule:

• Monday: Morning orientation and introductions at the hospital. Afternoon start on your assigned ward.

• Tuesday to Friday:

  • Morning: Full-day ward rounds, taking vital signs, and medication prep under supervision.

  • Lunch: Break with local staff.

  • Afternoon: Continued patient care, shadowing operations, or joining outreach campaigns.

  • Evening: Dinner and social time with fellow medical volunteers.

The schedule may be adjusted depending on local or unexpected circumstances