Volunteer in Zanzibar

Most Affordable – PMGY’s volunteer abroad programs are designed to be accessible to everyone passionate about making a difference. With low fees and high-impact projects, you can create meaningful change without breaking the bank.

Best Support – From the moment you join PMGY, our dedicated international and local team provide extensive, round-the-clock support to guide and assist you through every step of your incredible PMGY adventure.

Safety Prioritised – Safety is PMGY’s number one priority! We’ve taken every precaution to ensure our gap year programs are as secure and well-structured as possible, giving you peace of mind while volunteering abroad.

Extraordinary Experiences – PMGY gives you the chance to immerse yourself in incredible cultural and travel experiences fully. Create unforgettable memories while making a difference in communities around the world.

Friendships for Life – Your PMGY journey doesn’t just end with unforgettable experiences—it’s also about forming life-long friendships with fellow volunteers from across the globe. Prepare to meet like-minded individuals and make connections that last a lifetime.

Zanzibar Childcare Volunteers

As a childcare volunteer in Zanzibar with PMGY, you’ll play a key role in brightening the daily lives of young children. By working in daycare facilities in Paje, you’ll support local staff by organising educational activities and games while assisting with tasks to ensure the children receive the care they deserve as an international volunteer with children in Zanzibar.

Background to the Childcare Program

In Zanzibar alone, an estimated 5,500 people are infected with HIV, as well as high levels of malaria, dengue, and schistosomiasis amongst local communities. Combined with widespread poverty and minimal state welfare, these factors contribute to a significant number of families lacking adequate childcare. PMGY’s childcare volunteers in Zanzibar work with several daycare centres in Paje that aim to improve this critical aspect of life for local families.

The daycare centres you’ll support as a volunteer in Zanzibar provide essential childcare for children from single-parent or low-income families who cannot afford private care. These projects enable parents to work and earn a living while offering their children access to early education, which helps prepare them for school – an opportunity many wouldn’t otherwise have.

Children attend these centres during the day and return to their families, friends, or relatives in the afternoon. PMGY Zanzibar supports a number of daycare centres in Paje, where the dedication and enthusiasm of volunteers make a meaningful difference in the lives of the children and their communities. If you’re looking for inspiration for your gap year ideas, our volunteer programs in Zanzibar offer amazing opportunities to make a real impact.

Childcare Volunteer Placement Examples

Space Day Care – Situated in the Paje district of Zanzibar, Space Day Care is located just a 15-minute walk from the volunteer house and provides a safe space for play and early education for young children in the community. The daycare caters to preschool children aged 2–6 years, with around 30 children attending nursery classes from Monday to Friday before returning home in the afternoons.

The centre employs four local staff members, including two nursery teachers and two cooking and cleaning staff. Volunteers on our overseas programs work alongside the local team to deliver meaningful activities and help ease the workload of staff who work tirelessly to ensure every child is well cared for each day.

Sunrise Kindergarten – Located just behind the main coastal road in Paje, Sunrise Kindergarten offers young children a strong foundation for their mainstream education. Many children in Zanzibar begin school later than recommended due to financial constraints, meaning they often fall behind when they enter formal education.

Sunrise Kindergarten supports children from the local community by providing a safe, affordable space to start their education and gain a head start. Volunteers play a key role by introducing English at an early age – an invaluable skill in Zanzibar, where tourism is becoming the primary source of income.

Zanzibar Daycare Centre – Founded in 2018, Zanzibar Daycare Centre was established to support young families with childcare needs, enabling parents to seek employment in the tourism industry. Located in Jambiani, approximately a 15-minute tuk-tuk ride from the volunteer house, the centre cares for children aged 6 months to 4 years, offering both nursery and preschool education.

Jambiani is a quieter, more local area compared to Paje, which can make access to basic services such as schools, transport, and stable employment more challenging. Volunteers help expand the permanent staff team, allowing the centre to accommodate more children throughout the day.

Your Volunteer Role & Typical Childcare Day

As a volunteer with children in Zanzibar, your role involves supporting and interacting with the children throughout the day, helping with their care and development. You’ll also be responsible for preparing activities to keep them engaged. While each project varies, typical working hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30am–1pm, with the option to extend until 3pm if requested.

Each day on your volunteer abroad program begins with basic English lessons. During this time, volunteers are expected to lead fun and educational activities that teach the fundamentals of the language. The rest of the day is spent entertaining and caring for the children, often involving outdoor play in the garden. The centres have various toys and learning tools to support the children’s development during your childcare volunteer abroad project.

During mealtimes, you’ll help serve food and ensure the children are eating well. After lunch, naptime is scheduled to give the children much-needed rest and nutrition for healthy growth. While the children rest, you’ll assist staff with tasks such as gardening, food preparation, or general upkeep of the centre.

The centres PMGY supports are often understaffed and overcrowded, making your contribution invaluable. Your responsibilities will include teaching basic English, assisting with meals, organising games and activities, and spending quality time with the children. Most volunteers focus on leading English lessons and classroom activities, but your role will also involve general caregiving. What activities you choose when you volunteer in Zanzibar is entirely up to you.

In the afternoons, you’ll have free time to plan future sessions, relax at the Volunteer House, or explore the tranquil beaches of Paje and Jambiani.

Transport to your project is not included in the Program Fee. Some childcare centres are within walking distance of the Volunteer House, while others may require a commute. For these projects, you’ll need to take a tuk-tuk, with travel times of up to 20 minutes for your volunteer work in Zanzibar. During your orientation, the local team will guide you through the transport system and provide advice on costs. If you’re ever unsure about fares, they’ll be happy to assist.

Zanzibar Teaching Volunteers

As a volunteer teaching English in Zanzibar, you’ll play a key role in helping students build a skill that can shape their future success. Interacting with fluent, native English speakers significantly enhances their language abilities, which are vital for future job opportunities. This project offers an incredible chance for international volunteers to teach English in Zanzibar, fostering meaningful connections and making a lasting impact. You’ll also have the opportunity to develop your leadership skills while enriching the lives of disadvantaged children in Paje.

Background to the Teaching Program

At the start of this century, the Tanzanian and Zanzibar government made a significant push to enrol all children in education. This was largely achieved by reducing primary school education fees nationwide. As a result, approximately 96% of primary-school-age children are now attending school. However, this progress has come with challenges: the average primary school class now has around 53 pupils per teacher, and in rural areas, this ratio is even higher. Additionally, international aid to the education sector has decreased since the global recession, raising concerns about the overall quality of education in Tanzania, and even more so in Zanzibar.

PMGY’s volunteer teaching English abroad program offers volunteers the opportunity to make a real difference by helping local children in Zanzibar improve their English skills. Teaching methods in Zanzibar often rely on repetition, aimed solely at passing exams. While students can memorise information, they often lack real understanding, especially when it comes to learning English. This becomes a significant issue as most secondary school classes are taught in English. By improving teaching methods, volunteers can help lay the foundation for better comprehension and learning potential, ultimately enhancing students’ employability in the future.

More than a quarter of the population of Zanzibar live below the national poverty line, making education a vital pathway to brighter futures. Tourism is a major up and coming industry in Zanzibar, and the ability to speak English greatly increases young people’s chances of securing meaningful employment in this sector.

PMGY’s volunteer teaching English abroad program in Zanzibar supports local schools and childcare centres to maximise their impact. As a teaching volunteer in Zanzibar, you will teach English, Maths, and other subjects, while transferring valuable skills and sharing cultural perspectives. No previous teaching experience is required — just creativity and enthusiasm! Our team will help you settle into your role, ensuring you make a meaningful impact while gaining valuable experience yourself.

We primarily support primary schools, but volunteering at secondary schools can be arranged upon request. Additionally, many of the childcare projects we work with include nursery schools for preschool-age children, where volunteers can also assist and teach English in Zanzibar.

Teaching Volunteer Placement Examples

Paje Primary School – Located just a short walk from the volunteer house, Paje Primary School educates around 120 students aged 8–14. Students follow the national curriculum and are grouped by age, with volunteers providing additional English lessons. This extra support enhances students’ education and helps prepare them for future roles in the tourism industry.

The school was founded in 2019 and continues to grow with the support of volunteers and partner organisations.

Pendo High School – Originally established as a high school for students aged 12 and above, Pendo High School has since expanded to include multiple departments, allowing students to enrol from kindergarten through to graduation.

Students benefit greatly from learning English with volunteers from a young age and continuing this instruction throughout their education. This consistent exposure helps build strong language skills and confidence, opening doors to employment opportunities in tourism and beyond.

As a volunteer in Zanzibar, you’ll need to approach your role with an open mind and creativity, particularly when planning lessons that engage and motivate students to develop their English skills. Your contribution will be invaluable in supporting local teachers and enriching students’ learning experiences.

Many students benefit significantly from learning with fluent English speakers, improving both their language ability and future opportunities. Volunteers considering a career in teaching will also gain valuable skills and practical experience, helping them stand out in a competitive job market.

Your Volunteer Role & Typical Teaching Day

As a volunteer in Zanzibar, you’ll be expected to plan and lead lessons. While volunteers sometimes assist local staff and English teachers, there is generally an expectation for international volunteers to take the lead in most lessons. To teach English in Zanzibar successfully, you’ll need to be creative, proactive, and prepared to use your initiative. At times, you may also work as an assistant to local teachers.

All lessons are taught in English, except for Swahili language classes. Schools follow a basic curriculum, but volunteers are encouraged to introduce new ideas and topics. Spending an hour or two each day preparing for the next day’s lessons is key to ensuring smooth and effective teaching.

While each volunteer abroad program in Zanzibar may vary slightly, typical working hours are 8:30am–1pm, Monday to Friday. Volunteers usually spend 3–4 hours teaching basic English, with the rest of the time dedicated to assisting with mealtimes and organising activities. If you wish to stay longer at the project, you are generally welcome to do so.

Staff shortages are common in the under-resourced schools where we work, so flexibility and adaptability are essential. If you’re new to teaching, your confidence will grow quickly after teaching a few classes. Planning your lessons thoroughly will make running classes much easier and more enjoyable.

Transport to the teaching project is not included in the Program Fee. While some schools are within walking distance from the Volunteer House, others require a commute. For these projects, you’ll take a tuk tuk, which can be arranged through the local team, with travel times of up to 25 minutes to your volunteer work. During your orientation, the local team will guide you on how to navigate the local transport system if you prefer and provide advice on journey costs. If you’re ever unsure about fares or routes, they’ll always be there to help.

Zanzibar Medical Volunteers

As a medical volunteer in Zanzibar with PMGY, you’ll have an incredible opportunity to gain first-hand insight into the Zanzibar healthcare system. Whether you’re considering a healthcare career or currently studying a health-related subject at university, this program provides invaluable real-world experience to support your professional development. By working alongside and learning from local staff, you’ll gain exposure to healthcare practices and challenges that are rarely encountered in your home country.

Background to the Medical Program

Zanzibar, like many African islands and locations, faces a severe shortage of healthcare workers. Low wages, challenging working conditions, and limited training programs all contribute to the issue. The situation is worsened by the growing demands of HIV/AIDS treatment, leading to a decline in health standards that leaves Zanzibar trailing behind many other developing nations.

The leading causes of death in Zanzibar include malaria, HIV/AIDS, respiratory diseases, and cardiovascular conditions. Many of these illnesses are challenging to prevent, and the healthcare system is heavily focused on treating urgent cases. However, significant efforts are also made to educate patients on preventative measures to reduce future risks.

As Zanzibar medical volunteer with PMGY, you’ll have a unique opportunity to gain first-hand insight into the country’s healthcare system. PMGY collaborates with a government hospital and a community clinic in the Paje and Stone Town area, providing you with an exciting chance to experience healthcare delivery in diverse settings.

This medical program is ideal for individuals looking to gain practical volunteer experience to enhance their medical careers. Participants will have the opportunity to explore a range of departments, offering varied and valuable exposure to different aspects of healthcare. Beyond the professional experience, this program also provides a gateway to exploring one of the most beautiful and culturally rich countries in the world!

Medical Volunteer Placement Examples

Mnazi Mmoja Hospital – Mnazi Mmoja Hospital is a government hospital located in Stone Town, around 40 minutes from Paje and the Volunteer House. It is the main placement for many medical volunteers in Zanzibar. Serving as the primary referral and teaching hospital for the islands, the hospital offers various services from general medicine to specialist care, with affiliated government facilities like Mwembeladu Maternity Hospital also nearby. While it’s the central public facility, it’s often described as busy and under-resourced, serving the whole population. 

Its partner, the Mwembeladu Maternity Hospital has a busy maternity ward, with about 400 babies born each month. This makes it a great placement for midwifery students. 

Volunteers can work in many departments, including General Medicine, Dental, Midwifery, Newborn Care, Paediatrics, Pharmacy, Surgery, Laboratory, Radiology, HIV Testing, Diabetes Clinic, Tuberculosis, Physiotherapy (part-time), and more. You can share your preferences when applying, but placements are not guaranteed.

On your first day, you will receive an introduction from the matron. They will discuss your interests and try to rotate you through your chosen departments. You may stay in one or two areas or rotate through several. It is recommended to spend at least one week in each department.

This placement allows you to see medical cases that are rare in many countries, such as tuberculosis and typhoid, and to learn about tropical diseases like malaria. Working in a government hospital can be challenging due to limited equipment and resources. Healthcare may feel slower paced, and patient care may seem less personal. However, adapting to these differences can be a valuable and rewarding experience.

Student Elective Opportunities

PMGY offers elective placements in Zanzibar for students studying medicine, midwifery, or nursing. These electives give students an observatory experience while learning from local healthcare professionals. You can request a specific elective when applying by listing your preference in the “Special Requirements” section. The PMGY Zanzibar team will help organise your placement.

Medical Elective

Medical students will be placed in a government hospital in Stone Town or Paje. You will shadow doctors and nurses during ward rounds and learn how common illnesses such as malaria and typhoid are diagnosed and treated.

Midwifery Elective

Midwifery students will work in the maternity hospital alongside experienced midwives. You will observe antenatal clinics, labour, and childbirth. This placement offers insight into the challenges of maternal care in Zanzibar, including limited resources and support during pregnancy and birth.

Nursing Elective

Nursing students will shadow nurses in a government hospital. You will help care for patients, monitor their health, and give medication. You may rotate through different departments and take part in community outreach, such as health checks, wound care, and screenings. You may also help measure blood pressure and blood sugar levels.

Each elective provides valuable experience, helps build practical skills, and allows you to support important healthcare services in Zanzibar.

Your Volunteer Role & Typical Work Day

As a medical volunteer in Zanzibar, you will have the unique opportunity to observe and learn from qualified healthcare professionals. If you have little or no medical experience, your role will primarily be observational, allowing you to gain insights into the Zanzibar healthcare system. For those studying a medically related degree, there may be opportunities for basic hands-on involvement. However, this is dependent on building trust with the local doctors and nurses, as well as obtaining patient consent.

Your primary role as a medical volunteer in Zanzibar is to observe and learn about healthcare practices in a developing country. This experience will provide you with a deeper understanding of common health challenges on the island, such as malaria and typhoid, and how they are managed within the constraints of a resource-limited setting. It also offers a comparative perspective on healthcare practices between Zanzibar and your home country.

You can expect to spend 3-5 hours per day on the project, typically working from either 8:30am to 1pm or 11am to 4pm, Monday to Friday. Volunteers are often welcome to stay longer at the project if they wish to further immerse themselves in the experience.

Transport to your medical volunteer placement in Zanzibar is not included in the Program Fee. Most volunteers will need to use a Dala Dala or Tuk Tuk (arranged by the local team) to reach their placement, which may take up to 40 minutes for your volunteer work in Zanzibar. During your in-country orientation, our local team will guide you through the local transport system, ensuring you are comfortable navigating it. If you ever have concerns about pricing or travel, the team is always on hand to help. This experience is not only an opportunity to contribute but also to grow personally and professionally in an environment that challenges and inspires. 

Flights

After confirming your place on a PMGY volunteer program, we strongly advise that you book your flights as early as possible. This will help ensure that you get the lowest airfare. You can choose to book your flights independently or we can help you with arranging them.

To join our Zanzibar volunteer program, you should book your flights to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport on the Sunday start date, it is also referred to as Zanzibar City on some flight websites. The airport code is ZNZ. Volunteers in Zanzibar can arrive at any time on their designated Sunday program start date.

Travel Insurance

Importantly, having an appropriate travel insurance policy during your time abroad is essential. Therefore, it is mandatory for all of our international volunteers to be appropriately covered across all of their trip dates. This includes your travel to and from the host country, as well as any onward travel. Although PMGY does everything to ensure your trip is safe, inevitably things can go wrong. Therefore, having a travel insurance policy in place helps you effectively deal with any problems you may encounter during your time away.

We have partnered up with Howden Insurance to create an affordable and comprehensive optional policy. This has been designed with our international volunteers in mind, to cover our participants for all of their travel essentials. The policy is available to anyone across the globe, up to the age of 65 years. The document will cover you for your time on any PMGY destination. You can purchase PMGY Travel Insurance during your online application or you can contact us directly to arrange it.

Our International Team works tirelessly to provide extensive support leading up to your volunteer or gap year trip. From our online chat service to email support and telephone conversations, we’re always ready to assist. All international volunteers with PMGY receive a comprehensive Volunteer Handbook, which serves as your ultimate guide for planning your volunteer trip abroad. This detailed handbook includes everything from visa guidance to suggested packing lists, ensuring you’re well-prepared for your adventure.

We also have dedicated Facebook groups for each of our volunteer destinations. These groups are a fantastic resource where you can connect with our international and local team, as well as past, present, and future volunteers. They provide a valuable platform for sharing experiences, asking questions, and staying updated with community news year after year.

Sometimes, it’s hard to imagine yourself volunteering abroad without having been there yet. To help manage expectations and give you a clear picture of what to expect, we offer a variety of engaging and informative videos on our PMGY YouTube Channel. These clips offer a visual insight into life as a PMGY volunteer. In addition, don’t miss our webinars, which run on selected Tuesdays at 4pm UK time. Our International Team provides invaluable advice in these sessions, tailored to help you prepare for your trip.

Each webinar is designed with a specific focus. Our Pre-Departure Webinar covers all the essentials you need to know before joining us abroad. The Program Preparation Webinar is project-specific, offering detailed advice and insights about your placement. Finally, our Safety Webinar provides top tips for managing your safety and wellbeing while volunteering abroad. For those simply curious about PMGY, we also run an Introductory Webinar. This session introduces our organisation, background, goals, and the volunteer and gap year travel opportunities we offer overseas.

Our Zanzibar volunteer program is based in Paje, an upcoming tourist town with beautiful beaches. Set on the southeast coast, Paje combines white sand beaches with close knit communities, making it an unforgettable destination.

PMGY’s volunteer opportunities in Zanzibar are delivered by our dedicated and highly experienced in-country local team. Every team member is fully vetted by our International Team, ensuring that your experience is both safe and rewarding. Our local community network provides the structure and support you need to make the most of your time on a volunteer abroad program with PMGY. From arranging your accommodation and meals to coordinating airport pick-up, in-country orientation, and 24/7 emergency support, our team ensures that every detail is covered, leaving you free to focus on making a difference during your volunteer experience in Zanzibar.

Your arrival in Zanzibar will be on Sunday, and your orientation for your volunteer program will take place on Monday. This day is designed to help you settle in, understand life in Zanzibar, and prepare for your upcoming volunteer experience.

The morning session will focus on essential information, including an introduction to local culture, basic Swahili phrases, and important health and safety guidelines. Our local team will also provide a detailed briefing on your volunteer project, outlining what is expected of you and what you can expect in return.

Later in the day, you will head into Paje town for a guided tour. Our team will show you where to find everything you may need during your stay, including the nearest shops, ATMs, and restaurants. You will also have the opportunity to set up a local SIM card and enjoy some lunch on the beach!

The evening is yours to relax, catch up on rest, and get to know your fellow volunteers before starting your volunteer work in Zanzibar on Tuesday.

Please make sure you arrive into Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ).

Day 1 (Sunday) Arrival

Karibu! Upon arrival at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, a PMGY team member will be there to greet you with a sign. You will then travel to the Volunteer House in Paje, a journey of around 1 hour, depending on traffic. Once at the Volunteer House, you will have time to relax, meet fellow participants, and begin to take in your first glimpses of Zanzibar.

If you arrive early in the morning and feel refreshed, you may have the chance to begin your orientation in the afternoon. Otherwise, the local team will help you settle in and arrange anything you may need on your first day.

Day 2 (Monday) Orientation

Your arrival in Zanzibar will be on Sunday, and your orientation for your volunteer program will take place on Monday. This day is designed to help you settle in, understand life in Zanzibar, and prepare for your upcoming volunteer experience.

The morning session will focus on essential information, including an introduction to local culture, basic Swahili phrases, and important health and safety guidelines. Our local team will also provide a detailed briefing on your volunteer project, outlining what is expected of you and what you can expect in return.

Later in the day, you will head into Paje town for a guided tour. Our team will show you where to find everything you may need during your stay, including the nearest shops, ATMs, and restaurants. You will also have the opportunity to set up a local SIM card and enjoy some lunch on the beach!

The evening is yours to relax, catch up on rest, and get to know your fellow volunteers before starting your volunteer work in Zanzibar on Tuesday.

Days 3-6 (Tuesday-Friday) Volunteering Begins

Tuesday marks your first day of volunteering. The local team will accompany you to your project placement to ensure you receive a comprehensive introduction, meet the project staff, and understand your daily role.

As the week progresses, your confidence will grow, and you will begin to settle into your role and build connections with the local community. The local team is always just a phone call away and happy to assist with anything you may need.

Days 7-8 (Saturday-Sunday) Weekend!

After a rewarding week of volunteering, the weekend is yours to explore Zanzibar. Whether you are looking for a relaxing break, an adventure, or a cultural experience, Zanzibar has something for everyone.

Our team encourages volunteers to explore Zanzibar’s amazing sites and will be happy to help you plan your trip.

There are many exciting weekend options to choose from. You can choose from an array of snorkelling spots, explore the Jozani Forest or go back in time with a historical tour of Stone Town. Alternatively, fly over to Tanzania for a safari in three of Tanzania’s most beautiful reserves. For those who enjoy shopping, the Maasai Markets are a great place to find traditional African art, crafts, and souvenirs. If you have extra time before or after your placement, you may also want to climb Mt Kilimanjaro!

Please note there is a strong customary tipping culture when it comes to partaking in day trips around the island and over in Tanzania. Staff such as drivers, guides, and cooks are paid reasonable wages, but tips are an important supplement to their income. The amounts vary depending on the activity, but as a general guideline, budget $25-$30 per group for joining day trips around Zanzibar, and $50-$60 per group per day for tips when climbing Kilimanjaro.

The Following Weeks

Your next weeks will follow a similar pattern, as you will be volunteering from Monday to Friday. Weekends will be free to travel. Time will fly, so make sure you make the most of it. The local team is there to support you throughout your stay, whether you need help planning a trip, have lost your phone, or simply want someone to talk to.

Last Day (Sunday)

Sunday marks your final day of your volunteer program in Zanzibar. If you are heading home, the local team can help arrange your airport drop-off. Please note that this is not included in your Program Fee. A taxi from the Volunteer House to Zanzibar Airport costs approximately 40 USD.

For many first-time travellers, heading abroad can feel both exciting and daunting. At PMGY, we take every precaution to make our volunteer projects in Zanzibar as safe as possible. While no experience can ever be 100% risk-free, our robust safety measures provide peace of mind for both volunteers and their families.

Every program has been personally inspected and approved by a PMGY director. We’ve lived in the Volunteer House, experienced the orientation, and worked on the projects ourselves. Through frequent visits and daily communications, we’ve built strong, trusting relationships with our local team, ensuring that all programs meet our high standards.

In the unlikely event of an issue, volunteers have access to several layers of support:

• PMGY Local Team
• Project Staff
• PMGY International Team

Our programs are continually monitored to evaluate volunteer experiences and ensure high standards. We rely on volunteer feedback to make ongoing improvements to improve volunteer opportunities in Zanzibar. Safety and security are regularly assessed, and participants are encouraged to raise concerns with our local or International Teams, allowing us to resolve issues promptly and effectively.

Pre-Departure and In-Country Guidance

To ensure you’re fully prepared, PMGY provides comprehensive pre-departure guidance and an in-depth safety briefing during your orientation. Our local team cover all the essentials, including project introductions, emergency procedures, tips for using local transport, and cultural differences. Volunteers also receive a full list of important contact numbers, ensuring you always know who to reach out to.

General Safety Tips

While our local team work hard to ensure your safety, we encourage volunteers to follow these general tips for an even more secure experience:

• Be modest with jewellery worn in public.
• Avoid drinking tap water.
• Stay vigilant in crowds or near beggars; distractions may be used to target you.
• Be discreet when handling money in public.
• Plan your journeys carefully, especially at night, and know your destination in advance.
• Use only reputable transport providers; recommendations will be provided during your orientation.
• Stay in groups at night and avoid walking alone in dark or isolated areas.
• Keep valuables safe, especially when heading out of the accommodation.
• Be cautious of traffic, always looking left and right before crossing roads.
• Never accept food or drinks from strangers.

By following these guidelines and the advice provided by our in-country teams, you’ll be able to enjoy a safe, enriching, and memorable experience at your volunteer project in Zanzibar.

Zanzibar enjoys a warm, tropical climate year-round, with temperatures moderated by a consistent sea breeze. The islands experience consistently hot and humid conditions along the coast, while the interior remains slightly cooler and breezier. The warmest period typically stretches from December through March, while June to October brings more pleasant, slightly cooler weather – ideal for beach activities and enjoying project time!

Zanzibar experiences two distinct rainy seasons. The short rains usually occur between November and December, bringing brief, refreshing showers every so often. The long rains take place from March to May, when heavier and more sustained rainfall can occur, particularly in the evenings. 

Despite the rains, Zanzibar is considered a year-round destination. Sea temperatures hover around 27°C, making swimming and snorkeling enjoyable in all seasons. Volunteers should pack light, breathable clothing, a hat, sunscreen and perhaps a light rain jacket or umbrella if traveling during the wet season.

Accommodation – Volunteer House

During your time on the Zanzibar volunteer program, you will stay in our Volunteer House. The accommodation is located in Paje, an upcoming tourist town on the southeast coast of Zanzibar. This is also where our volunteer programs are based. The Volunteer House is situated in a peaceful neighbourhood, yet you’ll find restaurants, supermarkets, and ATMs just a short walk or quick Tuk Tuk ride away.

As a volunteer in Zanzibar, you’ll share the Volunteer House with other international volunteers. The house is spacious, simple, but comfortable. Bedrooms are arranged dorm-style, separated by gender, with up to 8 people per room. Each volunteer in Zanzibar is provided with bed linen and a mosquito net. Bathrooms in the Volunteer House are shared and include a Western-style toilet and shower, with hot water available whenever possible. Each room has an en suite bathroom with extra communal ones spread throughout the house.

Free Wi-Fi is available in the Volunteer House but may be unreliable at times. Volunteers will be provided with a local SIM card for use with an unlocked phone. The accommodation also has communal areas where you can unwind in the evenings, as well as a refrigerator for storing food and drinks and access to filtered drinking water. There is a laundry service close by, or volunteers in Zanzibar may choose to hand wash their clothes.

For added security, a nightguard is on duty at the Volunteer House. Volunteers are encouraged to bring a small padlock for personal use, and any valuables can be stored securely with our local team. However, it’s best to bring only essentials for your volunteer work in Zanzibar. Please also note that power cuts are common in Zanzibar but usually don’t last more than a few hours.

The atmosphere is warm and inviting, and you’ll have the chance to connect with amazing people throughout your stay. Most of the projects are within walking distance of the volunteer house but some are a short drive away. The local team will explain your transport options during orientation.

During our busiest months, you may be accommodated in one of our secondary Volunteer Houses. These alternate accommodations provide the same core amenities but may differ slightly in location or setup.

Meals

Volunteers enjoy breakfast and dinner prepared on-site by our cook. Meals are a mix of local and Western cuisine. For lunch, you can visit the restaurants close by the Volunteer House or head to the beach for lunch with a view! Alternatively, small stores in Paje offer supplies if you prefer to prepare your own meals at the house.

Meals follow a rotating weekly menu, providing a variety of dishes. Dinner portions are divided equally to ensure everyone gets their fair share. Filtered water is available at the Volunteer House or you can also purchase bottled water.

* Our team will do their best to cater for dietary requirements, but this cannot always be guaranteed. Volunteers may need to purchase additional ingredients at their own expense. Please note any dietary requirements in your application and re-iterate them to the local team on arrival. For major concerns, contact the PMGY International Team before confirming your place on the program.

Here is an example of the meals you can expect:

Breakfast – Pancakes, Eggs, Toast, Jam, Coffee

Lunch – Not Included

Dinner – Pasta, Beans, Rice, Chapati, Sweet Potato

On the Zanzibar volunteer program, the cost of your project transport is not included in your Program Fee. Some placements are within walking distance of the Volunteer House, while others require a trip in a tuk-tuk. Commutes can take up to 30 minutes. The local team will guide you through the transport system during orientation and provide tips on costs.

PMGY welcomes volunteers of all nationalities and backgrounds. The minimum age to join the program is 17, and there is no upper age limit. All volunteers need to have a good level of English, although it does not need to be your first language. You do not need to speak the local language; however, learning a few words during your time with us will go a long way and greatly enrich your experience!

All participants must provide a clean criminal background check before volunteering abroad with us. No formal experience or qualifications are required—just lots of energy, enthusiasm, and a willingness to prepare!

To confirm your place on a PMGY program, you need to pay a Registration Fee. The remaining Program Fee is due no less than 60 days before your program start date.

For more information on how to join one of our volunteer opportunities abroad, please visit our Application Process.