Where
Makunduchi, Zanzibar
When
Departures every week, year-round (except closure periods)
Duration
Minimum 1 week
Accommodation
Shared or private rooms in a volunteer house with meals included
Language
English (beginner level recommended)
Ideal for
Anyone who loves the sea and nature and wants to contribute to an environmental conservation project.
Project details
In Makunduchi, a pilot project protects marine life and involves the local community.
Makunduchi is a fishing village where the sea is part of everyday life and sea turtles are at risk of disappearing. Here, a group of local coordinators decided to launch one of the island’s first conservation projects, inspired by initiatives that began in Bali and adapted to the Zanzibari context.
The project was born from the desire to protect a fragile and precious natural heritage, combining work with animals and community awareness. As a volunteer, you will help care for injured turtles, monitor nests on the beaches, collect seaweed for feeding and take part in educational activities and coastal clean-ups. Every small action helps give these extraordinary creatures a better chance of survival.
The project was born from the desire to protect a fragile and precious natural heritage, combining work with animals and community awareness. As a volunteer, you will help care for injured turtles, monitor nests on the beaches, collect seaweed for feeding and take part in educational activities and coastal clean-ups. Every small action helps give these extraordinary creatures a better chance of survival.
Protecting turtles in the heart of Zanzibar
In Makunduchi, a pilot project protects marine life and involves the local community.
Makunduchi is a fishing village where the sea is part of everyday life and sea turtles are at risk of disappearing. Here, a group of local coordinators decided to launch one of the island’s first conservation projects, inspired by initiatives that began in Bali and adapted to the Zanzibari context.
The project was born from the desire to protect a fragile and precious natural heritage, combining work with animals and community awareness. As a volunteer, you will help care for injured turtles, monitor nests on the beaches, collect seaweed for feeding and take part in educational activities and coastal clean-ups. Every small action helps give these extraordinary creatures a better chance of survival.
The project was born from the desire to protect a fragile and precious natural heritage, combining work with animals and community awareness. As a volunteer, you will help care for injured turtles, monitor nests on the beaches, collect seaweed for feeding and take part in educational activities and coastal clean-ups. Every small action helps give these extraordinary creatures a better chance of survival.
Why participate
Help protect the ocean
Take part in protecting sea turtles, helping secure their future in a fragile ecosystem.
The Weekly Program
Weekdays
From Monday to Friday, the days flow between caring for turtles, monitoring nests and awareness-raising activities, alternating with practical tasks such as collecting seaweed or cleaning the beaches.
There is also time to explore the local culture through small Swahili lessons and shared activities with the community, always accompanied by the project coordinators.
07:00Breakfast and getting ready for the day
08:30Caring for the turtles: feeding, cleaning tanks and collecting seaweed
11:00Nest monitoring and hatchling releases (when available)
13:00Lunch break and free time to relax
14:30Beach clean-up or mangrove activities
18:30Return, shared dinner and a relaxing evening
Weekend
Weekends are free from mandatory activities. You can explore the area, join small trips or simply relax with the other volunteers.
Explore Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Lose yourself among the narrow lanes, carved doors and spice markets of one of Africa’s most fascinating cities.
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FAQs
During your stay in Makunduchi, you will live in the volunteer house located near the turtle conservation project. The accommodation is simple and designed to provide the essentials in an authentic, peaceful setting, far from Zanzibar's more touristy areas.
Rooms are shared, and the house has common areas where you can meet and spend time with the other participants. Bathrooms are shared. Drinking water is always available, and meals are served directly at the house: three per day on weekdays and two at the weekend.
Wi-Fi is not available, but we recommend buying a local SIM card as soon as you arrive so you can stay connected and easily keep in touch with the team and your family back home.
The volunteer house is more than just a place to stay: it is a space for connection and exchange, where you will share moments, experiences and daily life with participants from all over the world.
🛏️ Included amenities:
- Shared-room accommodation
- 3 meals a day on weekdays, 2 at the weekend
- Drinking water always available
- Common areas to socialise - Constant support from the local team - Safe setting close to the project
Rooms are shared, and the house has common areas where you can meet and spend time with the other participants. Bathrooms are shared. Drinking water is always available, and meals are served directly at the house: three per day on weekdays and two at the weekend.
Wi-Fi is not available, but we recommend buying a local SIM card as soon as you arrive so you can stay connected and easily keep in touch with the team and your family back home.
The volunteer house is more than just a place to stay: it is a space for connection and exchange, where you will share moments, experiences and daily life with participants from all over the world.
🛏️ Included amenities:
- Shared-room accommodation
- 3 meals a day on weekdays, 2 at the weekend
- Drinking water always available
- Common areas to socialise - Constant support from the local team - Safe setting close to the project
The safety of our participants is an absolute priority.
Every programme is carefully monitored, from the schools or community activities you will join to the volunteer house where you will stay, to ensure a welcoming and protected environment.
🔹 Participant screening and protected environments
To protect children and local communities, all participants must provide an up-to-date criminal record certificate before departure.
We can help you obtain a DBS check or equivalent when you take part in one of our programmes: we will guide you through the process step by step.
🔹 High safety standards
We work only with reliable schools, community centres, and local partners used to welcoming volunteers from around the world. Accommodation is in safe areas, rooms can be locked, and the local team is always on hand to provide support.
🔹 24-hour support
From airport arrival to the end of the programme, you can count on the constant presence and assistance of the local staff, including in the evenings and at weekends. Our HQ team also remains available via WhatsApp whenever you need help.
🔹 Training and orientation
On your first day, you will take part in an orientation meeting with practical rules, safety advice, and an introduction to Zanzibari culture. This is essential for giving you the tools to live the experience safely and with awareness.
🔹 Good habits for enjoying the experience with peace of mind
Zanzibar is a welcoming island, but it is still important to follow a few simple rules:
- Avoid moving around alone at night.
- Try to go out with other volunteers whenever possible.
- Always follow the local coordinator’s advice on transport and which areas to visit.
💡 Our goal
is to provide a safe, supportive context so you can focus on what really matters: sharing your time, energy, and knowledge with the local community.
Every programme is carefully monitored, from the schools or community activities you will join to the volunteer house where you will stay, to ensure a welcoming and protected environment.
🔹 Participant screening and protected environments
To protect children and local communities, all participants must provide an up-to-date criminal record certificate before departure.
We can help you obtain a DBS check or equivalent when you take part in one of our programmes: we will guide you through the process step by step.
🔹 High safety standards
We work only with reliable schools, community centres, and local partners used to welcoming volunteers from around the world. Accommodation is in safe areas, rooms can be locked, and the local team is always on hand to provide support.
🔹 24-hour support
From airport arrival to the end of the programme, you can count on the constant presence and assistance of the local staff, including in the evenings and at weekends. Our HQ team also remains available via WhatsApp whenever you need help.
🔹 Training and orientation
On your first day, you will take part in an orientation meeting with practical rules, safety advice, and an introduction to Zanzibari culture. This is essential for giving you the tools to live the experience safely and with awareness.
🔹 Good habits for enjoying the experience with peace of mind
Zanzibar is a welcoming island, but it is still important to follow a few simple rules:
- Avoid moving around alone at night.
- Try to go out with other volunteers whenever possible.
- Always follow the local coordinator’s advice on transport and which areas to visit.
💡 Our goal
is to provide a safe, supportive context so you can focus on what really matters: sharing your time, energy, and knowledge with the local community.
🧭 Orientation day in Makunduchi
Your experience in Zanzibar begins with a full day dedicated to orientation, designed to help you settle in, get to know the local culture and start the project feeling safe and well prepared.
📅 On your first Monday, our local team will guide you through an introductory programme that includes:
- Welcome meeting, project presentation and house rules
- Practical advice on health, safety and cultural behaviour to respect
- Introduction to Swahili culture and a mini local language lesson
- Tour of Makunduchi village and the surrounding area, with useful information on shops, the pharmacy and SIM cards
- Visit to the Turtle Conservation Project area, so you can start getting to know the daily work and the local staff
✨ Orientation is also a chance to meet the other volunteers and immediately build a sense of group spirit. Through practical activities, local insights and shared moments, you will quickly step into the spirit of the project.
📌 From Tuesday, you will begin field activities in full swing, but from the very first day you will already feel part of the Makunduchi community.
Your experience in Zanzibar begins with a full day dedicated to orientation, designed to help you settle in, get to know the local culture and start the project feeling safe and well prepared.
📅 On your first Monday, our local team will guide you through an introductory programme that includes:
- Welcome meeting, project presentation and house rules
- Practical advice on health, safety and cultural behaviour to respect
- Introduction to Swahili culture and a mini local language lesson
- Tour of Makunduchi village and the surrounding area, with useful information on shops, the pharmacy and SIM cards
- Visit to the Turtle Conservation Project area, so you can start getting to know the daily work and the local staff
✨ Orientation is also a chance to meet the other volunteers and immediately build a sense of group spirit. Through practical activities, local insights and shared moments, you will quickly step into the spirit of the project.
📌 From Tuesday, you will begin field activities in full swing, but from the very first day you will already feel part of the Makunduchi community.
We recommend booking a flight arriving at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) in Zanzibar on Saturday or Sunday, between 06:00 and 21:00.
Our welcome and transfer service operates during this time window.
Arriving on Saturday: you will need to book an extra night at the accommodation (for a small supplement).
Arriving outside these hours: you can reach us independently by taxi or book a private transfer in advance (for an extra fee).
Arriving overland/by ferry: the meeting point is Safari Café at ZNZ airport, on Sunday at 10:00 or 16:00 (to be confirmed before departure).
📍 Airport meeting point
When you arrive, a representative will be waiting for you outside the arrivals hall holding a sign with your name. From there, you will be taken to your accommodation (around 30 minutes by car to Chukwani / 1 hour to Makunduchi).
⏱️ If you do not immediately find the staff
- Stay at the meeting point
- After 20 minutes, call the transfer coordinator (contact details provided before departure)
- If there is no answer, send an SMS and try again
- After 30 minutes, contact the operations manager
⚠️ Do not leave the meeting point on your own.
📱 Local SIM card
We recommend buying a local SIM card directly at the airport: it is inexpensive and useful for staying in touch with the staff, the other volunteers and your family.
🧳 What to send us before departure
As soon as you book your flight, please send us:
- Airline
- Flight number
- Arrival time
- Any stopovers
🚖 Recommendations for departure and your return trip
Check-out: by Saturday at 12:00.
The return transfer is not included, but the staff will help you arrange a taxi or bus.
We recommend booking your return flight for Saturday afternoon or evening, so you have time to leave the accommodation calmly and reach the airport without rushing.
If you are continuing your journey elsewhere, let us know in advance: we will be happy to give you practical advice to help you organise your departure in the best way.
📩 After confirmation
You will receive an email document with:
- Emergency contacts (transfer coordinator and operations manager)
- Detailed procedures in case of unexpected issues
- Up-to-date pick-up information
Our welcome and transfer service operates during this time window.
Arriving on Saturday: you will need to book an extra night at the accommodation (for a small supplement).
Arriving outside these hours: you can reach us independently by taxi or book a private transfer in advance (for an extra fee).
Arriving overland/by ferry: the meeting point is Safari Café at ZNZ airport, on Sunday at 10:00 or 16:00 (to be confirmed before departure).
📍 Airport meeting point
When you arrive, a representative will be waiting for you outside the arrivals hall holding a sign with your name. From there, you will be taken to your accommodation (around 30 minutes by car to Chukwani / 1 hour to Makunduchi).
⏱️ If you do not immediately find the staff
- Stay at the meeting point
- After 20 minutes, call the transfer coordinator (contact details provided before departure)
- If there is no answer, send an SMS and try again
- After 30 minutes, contact the operations manager
⚠️ Do not leave the meeting point on your own.
📱 Local SIM card
We recommend buying a local SIM card directly at the airport: it is inexpensive and useful for staying in touch with the staff, the other volunteers and your family.
🧳 What to send us before departure
As soon as you book your flight, please send us:
- Airline
- Flight number
- Arrival time
- Any stopovers
🚖 Recommendations for departure and your return trip
Check-out: by Saturday at 12:00.
The return transfer is not included, but the staff will help you arrange a taxi or bus.
We recommend booking your return flight for Saturday afternoon or evening, so you have time to leave the accommodation calmly and reach the airport without rushing.
If you are continuing your journey elsewhere, let us know in advance: we will be happy to give you practical advice to help you organise your departure in the best way.
📩 After confirmation
You will receive an email document with:
- Emergency contacts (transfer coordinator and operations manager)
- Detailed procedures in case of unexpected issues
- Up-to-date pick-up information
Book your spot
1
Send your application (free!)
Choose the project that inspires you most and indicate the period you would like to travel. No commitment: the application is free and non-binding.
2
Meet your coordinator
After your application, we will put you in touch with your dedicated coordinator. They will explain everything in detail and answer all your questions.
3
Confirm your spot
When you're ready, pay the deposit to lock in your spot. You'll get everything you need: local contacts, a visa guide and your pre-trip pack.
4
Set off on your adventure!
Pack your bags and go! On arrival you will find other volunteers like you, a welcoming local team and an experience you will hardly forget.
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