Involvement Volunteers International WHY we need you in Zanzibar
- In 2019 the poverty rate in Zanzibar was 25.7%, particularly in rural areas
- Many families in Zanzibar struggle to access basic needs such as clean water, healthcare, and education, which are critical to breaking the cycle of poverty.
- Zanzibar faces significant health challenges, including high rates of communicable diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS.
- The turtle population in Zanzibar has been threatened by a number of factors, including poaching, habitat loss, and accidental capture in fishing nets.
WHAT does Road Trip Zanzibar Involve?
- Explore some of Zanzibar's best sights!
- Immerse yourself in the local culture
- A chance to take part in valuable volunteer inititives
- Better understand the local community's lifestyle and interact with the locals
Why Involvement Volunteers International?
- Non Profit Org & Charity with 35+ Years Experiene
- Impactful Projects to Choose From
- Social Experiences - Sharing with International Volunteers
- Excellent Safety Record, In-Country 24/7 Support & Emergency Assistance
- 1 Application Fee - Multiple Countries
PROJECT NAME: 21 DAY ROAD TRIP
LOCATION: ZANZIBAR
START DATES: FIRST MONDAY OF EACH MONTH (SAT/SUN ARRIVALS)
ACCOMMODATION: VOLUNTEER HOUSE
MIN DURATION: 3 WEEKS
MIN AGE: 16+
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: N/A
Overview
This eco-tourism travel program offers a 14-day opportunity to explore the most enchanting destinations in Zanzibar, and 1 week of volunteering on community projects. Your journey across this island paradise encompasses captivating culture and pristine beaches to its unique natural wonders and exquisite cuisine.
Upon your arrival at Zanzibar Airport/Ferry Port, our dedicated tour guide will warmly welcome you. After checking into your hotel, you’ll receive a comprehensive orientation regarding your travel itinerary. The following day kicks off early in the morning with an exploration of the historic Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This immersive heritage town tour leads you through its labyrinthine streets and onto panoramic rooftops with breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean. Afterward, your day continues with a traditional wooden boat excursion to Prison Island, also known as Changuu Island, home to giant tortoises. You’ll then return to your hotel for the night.
On the subsequent day of your adventure, you’ll embark on a journey to discover the island’s spices in rural areas. The day finishes with an enjoyable homemade spice-infused lunch.
Following your two-week adventure, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in a community project, where you can make a meaningful contribution to the local community. You can engage in education, childcare, and construction and renovation initiatives.
What’s Included:
- Airport transfers as per the policy, including pickup in Amani Abeid Karume.
- The constant presence of a dedicated program coordinator throughout your journey, offering logistical support in case of emergencies.
- Authentic Zanzibar meals and European cuisine (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) as outlined in the meal plan.
- Accommodations at hotels, homestays, and our designated facility, with shared single-gender lodging.
- Local transportation to all destinations.
- Entry fees to all attractions.
- Comprehensive pre-departure information.
- Participation in a community engagement project during your final week.
What’s Excluded:
- Personal expenses such as beverages, room service items, laundry, telephone calls, tips, and portage at hotels or airports, as well as bottled water during road trips.
- Any additional expenses arising from disruptions in the trip program due to factors like weather conditions, illness, natural disasters, or civil disturbances.
- Liability insurance for injuries, loss of life, accidents, or loss of personal belongings. Participants must obtain appropriate insurance before joining the program.
- Camera fees, where applicable.
- Services not explicitly mentioned above.
Important Considerations:
- Kindly ensure you return to your accommodation by 22:30 daily.
- Participants are not permitted to hire vehicles independently.
- Alcohol consumption is strictly prohibited at all our centres.
- Respect and adherence to our code of conduct are expected.
- Our staff is here to support and guide you, enhancing your trip experience. Please follow their instructions diligently.
- Outsiders are not allowed access to our centres, guest houses, or hotels.
- Please provide your mobile phone number at the time of booking to facilitate contact at the airport, particularly in crowded environments, to ensure a seamless start to your journey.
Location
Stone Town is an historic and cultural city located on the island of Zanzibar, off the coast of Tanzania. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is renowned for its beautiful architecture, narrow streets, bustling markets, and rich history. It has a unique blend of African, Arab, Indian, and European influences can be seen in its buildings, food, and culture.
Project Aims
The aim of this program is to bring you closer to authentic Zanzibar and to truly immerse you in its culture, customs, and lifestyle. This program will also give participants the opportunity to take part in community engagement projects and activities to better understand the local community’s lifestyle.
Food & Accommodation
You will be accommodated in a traditional and comfortable guesthouse in Stone Town, with several bedrooms (2-8 per room, single gender), communal bathrooms, a kitchen, and a shared living room. Aircon, fans, bed linen, mosquito protection, and lockable rooms are all provided. No Wi-Fi, although local sim cards can easily be purchased nearby. You will can find a few small local stores that sell snacks, drinks and any basic supplies you might need during your stay. Nearby, there are ATM’s, banks, shops, a local pharmacy, etc.
All meals will be provided at the guesthouse during your stay (3 on weekdays and 2 on weekends). Local meals that are typical of Zanzibari culture will be provided at the accommodation.
What's Included
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Accommodation
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Meals
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Airport Pickup
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Local Transportation
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1 Day Orientation
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24/7 In-Country Support
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Project Materials & Equipment
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Pre-departure Expert Advice
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Preperation Tools & Checklists
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Certificate of Completion
- Application fee is one off per person (unlimited placements)
- Click Here to convert the below prices to your local currency
- Discounts may apply if travelling in a pair or group!
- All credit card /international fees included in below pricing! 🙂
FAQ
If you are looking for a more ‘all in one’ package with travel, activities and volunteering all organise for you, you’ve come to the right place! This takes the stress out or organising everything, and gives you an all-round experience of Zanzibar!
- Accommodation
- 3 meals p/day & 2 p/day at weekends
- Arrival airport transfer (Sat/Sun arrivals)
- Filtered drinking water, coffee & tea
- 1 day orientation
- Daily transportation to project
- In country 24/7 support & emergency assistance
- Fundraising support
- University course credits (where applicable)
- Certificate of Completion
- Airfares
- Travel Insurance
- Tours, Souvenirs & spending money
Included in the program fees is a half day orientation which starts on the Monday.
08-0830 – Breakfast
0900-1100 – Stone town City Orientation
1100hrs -1130hrs – Spoken Orientation
12-13 – Lunch
1300hrs – Swahili basic lesson
14hrs 1430- Handling of documents such as code of conduct, house rules, child protection policies and Project meeting.
Programs begin every Monday, and volunteers are required to arrive the day prior, for orientation before the project. Your accommodation on the Sunday is included in the program fees. If arriving on Saturday, there is a fee for the extra night.
A free airport pickup is included when arriving to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) on Saturday or Sunday between 6AM to 9PM.
If arriving outside of the pickup times, we charge an additional fee for any extra night’s accommodation before your program, and an extra fee for a private transfer.
Alternatively, if arriving early you could wait at the arrival’s terminal for the pickup time, book accommodation at the airport and meet us during the pickup times or make your own way to the project (we will advise on how to do this).
From the airport to the accommodation, it takes 15-30 minutes by car to Stone Town and around 1.5 hours to Nungwi.
Week 1
Day 1: Sunday
Our coordinator will meet you at the airport and transport you to our Stone Town accommodation, where you will spend the first two nights.
Day 2: Monday
The day begins with a full orientation and overview of the road trip. Thereafter, you will be heading for a tour of the historic Stone Town followed by a tour of Prison Island.
Day 3: Tuesday
We depart to “Makunduchi ”, the South -Coast of Stone Town, via a Spice farm, where you will learn about herbs and spices. The evening will be finished with a bonfire, dinner, and a briefing.
Overnight stay at Makunduchi.
Day 4: Wednesday
It will be an early morning rise today for you as you will join an early morning dolphin tour. Then visit the very first Mosque ever built in Kizimkazi village, and thereafter visit Makunduchi Village for a cultural experience.
Overnight stay at Makunduchi.
Day 5: Thursday
You will travel to Jozani Forest and Mangrove Forest, then to Ngunga Cave and Paje Beach for a packed lunch before returning to Makunduchi.
Overnight stay at Makunduchi
Day 6: Friday
Today you will be helping renovating at a local school followed by evening activities
Overnight stay at Makunduchi
Day 7: Saturday
Today is a day for chilling and Snorkeling close to the reef by Upendo Beach, opposite The Rock restaurant.
Overnight stay at Makunduchi
Week 2:
Day 8: Sunday
Today you will travel to Matemwe and visit and indulge in the culture at Matemwe Village, where you can relax all afternoon and take a walk on the beach.
Overnight stay at Matemwe.
Day 9: Monday
Today you will be at Mnemba Atoll, where you will be snorkeling and learning about marine life.
Overnight stay at Matemwe.
Day 10: Tuesday
We start the day by traveling to “Nungwi” and visiting the Natural Aquarium for Sea Turtles, where you will help the staff out with some of the daily activities of the sea turtles.
Overnight at Nungwi
Day 11: Wednesday
Visit the Natural Aquarium for Sea Turtles, where you will help the staff out with some of the sea turtles daily activities.
Overnight stay at Nungwi
Day 12: Thursday
Today you will visit the Natural Aquarium for Sea Turtles, where you will help the staff out with some of the daily activities of the sea turtles.
Overnight stay at Nungwi
Day 13: Friday
Today you will visit the Natural Aquarium for Sea Turtles, where you will help the staff out with some of the daily activities of the sea turtles.
Overnight at Nungwi
Day 14: Saturday
Today will be your last day of the Discover Zanzibar Road Trip. You will start the day today with a cycling tour through Nungwi, and in the evening you will head on a Sunset Cruise on a traditional Wooden boat with snacks, followed by a BBQ on the beach.
Week 3:
Day 15: Sunday
Today we head back to our Stone Town accommodation, where you take a rest after much traveling.
In the evening, we will conduct a briefing for the coming week of the community engagement project.
Day 16 – 20: Monday to Friday
Community Engagement project
After an adventure of two weeks, you will join a community project where you can contribute to a social project and give back to the community. You can join teaching, childcare, and construction and renovation projects.
Day 21: Saturday
Head to the airport for your departure.
***Mode of transportation could change due to unavoidable circumstances***
***This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.***
Here are some of the best things to do in Zanzibar…
Stone Town
Stone Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its winding streets, historic buildings, and vibrant atmosphere. Visitors can explore the local markets, visit the old fort, and learn about Zanzibar’s fascinating history.
Relax on the beaches
Zanzibar has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, with white sand, crystal clear water, and palm trees swaying in the breeze. Some of the best beaches include Nungwi, Kendwa, and Paje.
Go on a spice tour
Zanzibar is known as the Spice Island, and visitors can take a tour of the local spice farms to learn about the different spices grown on the island, including cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves.
Snorkel or dive in the coral reefs
Zanzibar’s coral reefs are home to a stunning array of marine life, including colourful fish, sea turtles, and dolphins. Visitors can go snorkelling or diving to explore these underwater wonders.
Visit the Jozani Forest
The Jozani Forest is a nature reserve known for its unique wildlife, including the rare red colobus monkey. Visitors can take a guided tour of the forest to learn about the local flora and fauna.
Go on a dhow cruise
Dhows are traditional sailing boats used for fishing and transportation in Zanzibar. Visitors can take a sunset cruise on a dhow to enjoy the beautiful scenery and watch the sun dip below the horizon.
Visit the Prison Island
Prison Island is a small island just off the coast of Zanzibar known for its giant tortoises and beautiful beaches. Visitors can take a boat tour to the island to see the tortoises up close and relax on the beach.
Explore the local markets
Zanzibar’s local markets are a colourful and lively place to explore, with vendors selling everything from spices and textiles to handmade crafts and souvenirs. Some of the best markets to visit include Darajani Market in Stone Town and Forodhani Night Market.
Visit the Old Slave Market
Zanzibar was once a major hub of the East African slave trade, and the Old Slave Market in Stone Town is a sombre reminder of this dark history. Visitors can take a guided tour to learn about the slave trade and its impact on Zanzibar.
Additional Requirements
- Older participants are required to have a medical clearance, while participants under 18 might need signed parental consent.
- At least 18 years old. You may be exempt if you have the permission of a legal guardian or are accompanied by your parents or someone older than you.
- Have completed the following vaccines: typhoid, tetanus, Rabies, Malaria, Hepatitis A, and Diphtheria.
- Tanzania is a country of mixed beliefs, including Christianity and Islam, as well as a number of other conservative traditions and faiths. Therefore, modesty is the ideal, thus, wearing clothes that cover the knee and shoulders for women and shorts, trousers, and t-shirts for men is highly advised.
Additional Equipment
- Medicines you may require: if you have to take specific medicines on a regular basis, bring them along. Otherwise, be aware that most basic medicines and even antibiotics are available in Zanzibar, for which you should have a doctor’s prescription.
- A first-aid kit should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, antihistamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, and any extra prescription drugs you may be taking
- Mosquito repellents/mosquito nets
- Hiking shoes or trainers
- Please bring a rucksack (backpack),; avoid trolleys and suitcases to make you travel comfortable
- Modest clothing that covers knees and shoulders, such as Long pants, long skirts, and shirts that cover shoulders
- Shawl or scarf for temple visits
- Cash, credit and debit cards
- Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
- Flashlight/torch
- Fleece top/sweater
- Locks for bags
- Outlet adapter
- Toiletries – Preferably biodegradable
Zanzibar is an archipelago located off the coast of Tanzania in East Africa. It consists of two main islands, Unguja and Pemba, as well as several smaller islands. It has a rich history and culture, shaped by centuries of trade and interaction with Arab, Indian, and European traders and settlers. The islands are known for their beautiful beaches, vibrant markets, and historic Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Zanzibar has a population of around 1.6 million people, with a diverse mix of ethnic and linguistic groups. Swahili is the official language, although English and Arabic are also widely spoken. Zanzibar has a predominantly Muslim population, with a rich tradition of Islamic scholarship and culture. The islands have also been home to a thriving arts and music scene, with influences from across Africa and the Middle East. Despite its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, Zanzibar faces a number of challenges, including poverty, environmental degradation, and limited access to basic services such as healthcare and education.
Zanzibar has a tropical climate with two distinct seasons: a wet season from March to May and a dry season from June to October. During the wet season, Zanzibar experiences heavy rainfall and high humidity, while the dry season is characterized by sunny and relatively cool weather. The average temperature in Zanzibar ranges from 25°C to 33°C throughout the year.
Zanzibar is located near the equator, which means that the islands receive strong sunlight year-round. The islands also experience occasional cyclones and tropical storms, particularly during the wet season.
Zanzibar’s culture is a mix of African, Arab, and Indian influences, which is reflected in the local music, dance, architecture, and cuisine. The islands have a rich history of trade and commerce, with merchants from across the world visiting Zanzibar for its strategic location and abundant resources. As a result, Zanzibar has a diverse population of ethnic and linguistic groups, with Swahili as the official language. Islam is the predominant religion in Zanzibar, and the islands are home to many historic mosques and Islamic schools.
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IVI is an Australian charity & non profit organisation founded in 1989 and is one of the pioneers of overseas volunteering successfully placing over 20,000 volunteers globally.
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All projects include a dedicated 24/7 in-country management team, operational & risk assessment & overseas support contact. All projects are personally inspected to ensure very high quality.
Work Experience & University Credits
We place thousands of Uni students and can assist you with course credits and in-field experience points. Many of our project coordinators are qualified practitioners in their respective fields allowing unique in-field supervision and Uni accreditation options
Check out this amazing blog with step by step info on how to raise funds for your overseas volunteer experience to help maximize your impact abroad. Guide to Fundraising
Weekends & Extra Tours
