Volunteer in Zanzibar

Known as the “Spice Island,” Zanzibar is a stunning archipelago off the coast of Tanzania, famous for its turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, and rich cultural heritage. At its heart lies Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a melting pot of African, Arab, Indian, and European influences. Wander through its winding alleys with carved wooden doors and spice-scented air, or relax on pristine beaches where turquoise waters meet soft white sand. With its cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg plantations, Zanzibar offers a sensory journey unlike any other – while its traditions and warm hospitality create opportunities for genuine cultural connection.

The Environmental Conservation program in Zanzibar gives you the chance to make a direct and meaningful impact on pressing issues like deforestation, pollution, and biodiversity loss. From tree planting and coastal clean-ups to awareness campaigns with schools and communities, you’ll play an active role in protecting the island’s natural beauty. While giving back, you’ll also immerse yourself in Zanzibar’s history, culture, and daily life – making this an unforgettable blend of purpose and adventure

Minimum Age: 18 (under 18s with parental consent)

Maximum Age: 65 (participants over 65 require medical clearance)

English Level: Basic

Documents Required: Criminal background check

Health Requirements: Must be in good health and able to handle outdoor activities such as planting, clean-ups, and light physical labor

Vaccinations Recommended: Yellow fever, hepatitis A & B, typhoid, DTP, MMR, meningitis, rabies, and malaria prevention

Culture Week in Zanzibar (Optional)

Why Join Culture Week?

Culture Week isn’t mandatory, but it’s highly recommended for anyone who wants to ease into life in Zanzibar. It helps you:

• Build friendships with fellow volunteers
• Gain confidence navigating local customs
• Experience Zanzibar’s highlights before your project begins
• Add depth and meaning to your volunteer journey

Overview

Make the most of your time in Zanzibar by starting with an optional Culture Week in Stone Town. This immersive program introduces you to the island’s fascinating history, diverse cultural influences, and stunning landscapes. From wandering UNESCO-listed Stone Town to snorkeling in turquoise waters, visiting spice farms, and engaging in village traditions, Culture Week is the perfect way to settle in, meet fellow volunteers, and gain a deeper understanding of Zanzibar before beginning your project.

Highlights

• Stone Town Exploration – Discover winding alleys, ornate doors, and lively markets in Zanzibar’s historic capital.
• Prison Island & Snorkeling Adventure – Meet the giant Aldabra tortoises and explore coral reefs in crystal-clear waters.
• Swahili Language Lesson – Learn key phrases to connect with locals and enhance your experience.
• Spice Farm & Cooking Class – Delve into Zanzibar’s spice heritage and prepare traditional dishes.
• Makunduchi Village Tour – Cycle through rural Zanzibar, learn crafts, and enjoy an authentic village lunch.
• Full-Day Beach Escape – Relax on white-sand beaches and swim in turquoise waters.
• Sunset & Night Market – End your day with a stunning sunset followed by Zanzibari street food at Forodhani Market

Schedule (Sample Week)

Monday – Orientation, cultural insights, Swahili basics, Stone Town tour, sunset & night market.
Tuesday – Prison Island & Bawe Island excursion, giant tortoises, snorkeling, beach picnic.
Wednesday – Spice farm visit, cooking class, cultural dinner.
Thursday – Village cycling, crafts, healer visit, traditional lunch.
Friday – Full-day beach retreat with swimming and relaxation.

(Schedules may change depending on weather or local conditions)

What’s Included

• Accommodation (Sunday–Saturday)
• 3 meals on weekdays, 2 meals on weekends
• Entry fees for cultural landmarks and excursions
• Local transportation for scheduled activities
• 24/7 in-country support

Not Included: Flights, visas, insurance, personal expenses, extra tours or private transport

2025 & 2026: Weekly start dates (every Monday)

Minimum Duration: 1 week

Extendable upon request

September 2025

• September 1, 2025
• September 8, 2025
• September 15, 2025
• September 22, 2025
• September 29, 2025

October 2025

• October 6, 2025
• October 13, 2025
• October 20, 2025
• October 27, 2025

November 2025

• November 3, 2025
• November 10, 2025
• November 17, 2025
• November 24, 2025

December 2025

• December 1, 2025
• December 8, 2025
• December 15, 2025
• December 22, 2025
• December 29, 2025

January 2026

• January 5, 2026
• January 12, 2026
• January 19, 2026
• January 26, 2026

February 2026

• February 2, 2026
• February 9, 2026
• February 16, 2026
• February 23, 2026

March 2026

• March 2, 2026
• March 9, 2026
• March 16, 2026
• March 23, 2026
• March 30, 2026

April 2026

• April 6, 2026
• April 13, 2026
• April 20, 2026
• April 27, 2026

Included in Program Fee:

• Shared guesthouse accommodation (Sunday arrival – Saturday departure)
• Daily meals (3 per weekday, 2 per weekend)
• Pick-up at arrival during regular hours and local transport for scheduled activities
• Program materials, tools, and equipment for environmental projects
• Guidance from local project coordinators
• International medical insurance
• 24/7 in-country support

Not Included:

• Flights and visa expenses
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses
• Optional tours and excursions

Participants stay in a traditional guesthouse in Chukwani, close to Stone Town. This location offers an authentic, community-based experience with easy access to both cultural sites and beaches.

Room Types & Facilities:

• Shared rooms (2–8 people, single-gender)
• Meals included, featuring local Zanzibari dishes (e.g., pilau, biryani, samaki, ugali)
• Lockable rooms, bed linen provided
• Facilities: laundry (extra fee), fans, shared bathrooms (no private bathrooms, no hot showers), no Wi-Fi (local SIM cards available nearby), clean drinking water provided
• No mosquito nets or A/C provided

Nearby Amenities:

Healthcare facilities in Stone Town (30 minutes by car)

Mini-market (5 minutes’ walk)

ATMs, banks, pharmacies, and shops in Stone Town (30 minutes by car)

Buyu Beach (30 minutes’ walk) and other beautiful beaches nearby

With so many volunteer options, why volunteer through Greenheart Travel? 

Greenheart Travel is a non-profit, mission based organization dedicated to creating meaningful, long-lasting impact in the communities we serve. We work closely with local, grassroots partners to ensure that every program is responsible, sustainable, and truly makes a difference.

For years, we’ve been connecting volunteers with authentic, hands-on projects that not only support communities but also allow participants to grow personally and professionally. Whether you’re planting trees, teaching English, supporting wildlife conservation, or helping with community development, you’ll know your time and energy are making a positive impact.

When you travel with us, you’re not just signing up for a program – you’re joining a global community that values cultural exchange, responsible travel, and service learning

Personalized and Consistent Support

• Our head office is located in Chicago, and we’re available to answer questions during US business hours.
• Friendly, responsive, and professional communication from staff who have actually volunteered abroad themselves
• Hands on support and personal attention every step of the way
• An experienced program manager will personally review your application to make sure this is the right program for you

Global Community of Volunteers

• Access to a community of alumni and current volunteers on the program, before you even leave!
• Automatic enrollment in the Greenheart Club, an online community for Greenheart alumni to find resources, log volunteer hours, and apply for alumni grants and scholarship
• Offer an online platform to log your service hours, qualifying you for a  Greenheart Grant
• Exclusive access to Greenheart Travel Alumni Program

Top-Notch Materials and Preparation

• The Greenheart Travel Atlas, an interactive guide to your cross-cultural experience
• Online pre-departure orientation with focus on cultural training
• Greenheart Travel T-shirt

Don’t just take our word for it! Check out independent reviews from past participants of Greenheart Travel programs here.

Join Your Teen or Young Adult on a Journey of Conservation and Culture

We understand that sending your teen or young adult overseas can feel both exciting and a little daunting. That’s why we want you to know – you’re welcome to join them! Our Environmental Conservation program in Zanzibar is open to families, giving parents the chance to share in this rewarding experience while contributing to meaningful community and environmental projects together.

Not only will you help restore beaches, plant trees, and support conservation education in schools, but you’ll also explore one of the world’s most enchanting islands. From wandering the spice markets of Stone Town to relaxing on white-sand beaches, it’s a unique opportunity to create lifelong memories while making a real difference side by side.

Safety & Supervision

Your safety—and your teen’s—is our top priority. Here’s how we ensure a safe and supportive environment:

• Experienced Local Team – Led by coordinators with deep community connections and years of experience running conservation projects.
• 24/7 Support – Our staff are available around the clock to assist with questions, emergencies, or day-to-day needs.
• Safe Location – Accommodation is in Chukwani, a quiet, welcoming area near Stone Town, with easy access to healthcare, local shops, and beaches.
• Orientation & Guidelines – On arrival, you’ll receive safety briefings, cultural tips, and program guidance to help you adjust smoothly.
• Community Engagement – Longstanding partnerships with schools and local groups foster a safe, respectful, and supportive atmosphere for families.

Accommodations are simple but comfortable, offering shared rooms, local meals, and plenty of opportunities to bond with fellow volunteers in a welcoming environment.

Why Parents Love Joining

• Peace of Mind – Experience firsthand the program, accommodations, and daily life your teen will enjoy.
• Shared Purpose – Work together on meaningful conservation projects that directly benefit the local community and environment.
• Bonding Time – Travel, learn, and explore Zanzibar as a family while making a real difference.

Whether you’re joining for reassurance, adventure, or both, volunteering alongside your teen in Zanzibar means you’ll return home with unforgettable memories, a stronger connection, and the knowledge that you’ve contributed to preserving the island’s natural beauty.

Have questions or want to talk to us about the program? Set up a time to have a phone call below.

Be sure to review the FAQs before your call! 

1. Start Your Application Here. You will be sent more information as well as the link to our application portal to begin your formal application.

2. Submit Basic Program Information: The first step in our application portal will be basic things like your chosen start date, etc.

3. Submit your Application Fee: A $300 fee is required in order to apply for the program. This is subtracted from your total program fee. If we are unable to accept you following your interview (very unlikely!) we will refund your application fee in full.

4. Complete Application & Documents: Provide more detailed information about yourself in Part 2 of the application. In this section, you’ll tell us more information like your work history, motivations for joining the program, travel history, and emergency contacts. You will also submit your documents (below) within your portal account.

5. Video Interview: Once you have submitted your online application and paid your application fee, you will be asked to schedule a video interview with a Greenheart Travel representative.

6. You’re Accepted! Woohoo! We are usually able to accept people within 1-2 weeks of their interviews.

7. Commitment Payment: Once you are accepted to the program, you will need to submit a $300 commitment payment within 14 days to confirm your spot on the program. Once you submit your commitment payment you will unlock the acceptance portion of your portal, which includes things like pre-departure videos, travel and arrival information, the Greenheart Travel Atlas, and more.

9. Book your flights, and get ready for your adventure to Zanzibar! The rest of your balance is due 60 days before you leave.

The above process can take as little as 1 week to complete, so it’s up to you how quickly you’re able to complete each step.