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.
Medical Volunteer Program Highlights
- Support The UN’s Sustainable Development Goal No. 3 For Improved Health
- Gain Medical Experience Across Hospitals & Clinical Departments In Zanzibar
- Shadow Local Healthcare Professionals & Observe Patient Care Across Wards
- Explore More Of Zanzibar With Weekend Trips To Jozani Forest & Prison Island
- Experience Zanzibar Culture Through Cooking Classes & Swahili Lessons
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 a medical volunteer in Zanzibar 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.
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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.
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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.
Other Things to Consider as a Medical Volunteer in Tanzania
Return Airport Transfer – Your return airport transfer is not included in your Program Fee. However, our local team can assist in arranging onward transfers to the airport or another destination. Making arrangements once you’re in-country allows for greater flexibility, especially as plans can often change, and some participants may share similar flight schedules. Costs will vary depending on your chosen method of transport and destination, and they can often be split if you’re travelling with fellow trip participants. It is strongly advised not to use public transport or tuk-tuks for airport transfers, as they are less convenient and pose additional safety risks.
Hands-On Involvement – The level of hands-on involvement at medical volunteer abroad projects depends on several factors, including your medical background, the length of your program, and your willingness to participate. The medical staff overseeing your work decides upon the extent of your involvement, ensuring all procedures are carried out responsibly.
Some previous participants in the medical volunteer in Zanzibar program have been allowed to administer IV injections, dress wounds, and perform other basic tasks. However, hands-on involvement cannot be guaranteed, regardless of your experience. Volunteers without medical training typically take on observational roles, while those pursuing medical studies may have the opportunity for more direct participation under supervision.
Hospital Experience – Healthcare students who can provide proof of study may be eligible for additional learning opportunities. Be prepared to encounter cultural differences in bedside manners and expressions of grief, which may differ significantly from Western norms. Government hospital placements can be emotionally challenging, and medical staff may not always offer emotional support during difficult moments. If you feel uncomfortable, you are encouraged to step away and discuss any issues with our local team.
Trained Professionals – This program is not designed for trained professionals looking to practise medicine overseas. It is specifically tailored for school leavers and medical students who wish to learn about healthcare systems abroad and gain experience in a supportive environment.
Advice for 17-Year-Olds – While the medical program in Zanzibar is open to participants aged 17 and above, younger volunteers must be confident, proactive, and capable of using their initiative. The large government hospital setting can be overwhelming for some. For a more structured experience with closer mentorship, consider our medical programs in India or Sri Lanka.
Multiple Projects – Typically, you will be placed at one medical facility during your program. In some cases, it may be possible to combine placements across multiple facilities. However, this incurs an additional local payment of 150 USD as a medical donation to the new facility.
Yellow Fever – Tanzanian and Zanzibar Island authorities have updated their Yellow Fever Vaccination requirements. The vaccination is only legally required for:
• Travellers arriving from countries with a risk of Yellow Fever transmission
• Travellers transiting through at-risk countries for 12 hours or more
Despite this, some participants outside these criteria have been asked to show proof of vaccination upon arrival. To avoid confusion or entry issues, it’s advisable to obtain the Yellow Fever Vaccination before your trip. Ensure you plan ahead to secure the vaccination in time. While there has been ongoing debate about this requirement, PMGY’s team has consistently been asked for proof upon arrival, so we recommend obtaining the vaccination to avoid complications.
Mandatory ZIC Insurance - If you are travelling to or arriving in Zanzibar, please note it is mandatory to take out separate insurance for this visit via the island’s insurance provider - the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC), for the duration of your stay. You can purchase insurance for the duration required on their website. Please note this must be done before travelling to Zanzibar. Otherwise, you may be denied entry.
Weekend Trip Opportunities
For a tropical escape, Mnemba Atoll Marine Reserve delivers world-class snorkelling and the chance to experience coral reefs filled with colourful fish and playful dolphins. Set off early for a scenic boat ride along the coast, then spend the morning exploring the underwater world before unwinding on a peaceful sandbank. It’s an ideal day trip for anyone wanting a mix of adventure and relaxation in one of Zanzibar’s most beautiful marine areas.
Getting There
• 2.5 hours from base
• Taxi & Boat
Where to Stay
• Day Trip
Things to Do
• Snorkelling Equipment – Included
• Boat Transfers – Included
• Beach Picnic – Included
Just a short boat ride from Stone Town, Prison Island is one of Zanzibar’s best-known day trips. Once used as a quarantine site, it’s now home to giant Aldabra tortoises and surrounded by clear turquoise waters ideal for swimming and snorkelling. After visiting the island’s small museum, you can enjoy a beach picnic or relax under the palm trees with views across the Indian Ocean.
Getting There
• 1.5 hours from base
• Taxi & Boat
Where to Stay
• Day Trip
Things to Do
• Snorkelling – Included
• Visit to Tortoise Sanctuary – Included
• Island Entry Fee – Included
Visit Zanzibar’s only national park, known for its population of endangered Red Colobus monkeys. A local guide will lead you along the mangrove boardwalk and through peaceful forest trails, offering a close look at the island’s unique wildlife. After exploring the reserve, enjoy a coastal drive to The Rock Restaurant, one of Zanzibar’s most recognisable dining spots set on a tidal rock in the Indian Ocean.
Getting There
• 1.5 hours from base
• Taxi
Where to Stay
• Day Trip
Things to Do
• Forest Entrance and Guided Tour – Included
• Lunch at The Rock – Optional, 25 GBP
Zanzibar is often called the Spice Island and a visit to one of its fragrant spice farms is a memorable part of any trip. At Kizimbani you will walk through plantations of cinnamon, cloves, vanilla, and cardamom with local farmers who will explain how each spice is grown and prepared. You will also taste a range of fresh fruits and enjoy a traditional Swahili lunch made with local spices.
Getting There
• 1 hour from base
• Taxi
Where to Stay
• Day Trip
Things to Do
• Guided Spice Tour – Included
• Fruit Tasting – Included
• Local Lunch – Included
Tanzania is known for its world class safaris, attracting visitors from around the world. These wildlife experiences can often be expensive, so we offer a three day safari tailored to suit both the time and budget of volunteers. Across the trip you will visit three national parks, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire. Each park offers its own character and wildlife, and together they provide an excellent chance to see the Big Five.
Accommodation is in comfortable glamping style tents with proper beds, electricity, and either en suite or nearby private bathrooms. The campsite is safely fenced, so there will be no wildlife wandering outside your door. A professional chef prepares three hot meals each day, and your experienced guide will lead the group through the parks in an open roof safari vehicle offering a full 360 degree view of the surroundings.
Getting There
• 5 hours from base
• Flight and Private Jeep
Where to Stay
• Accommodation – Included
Things to Do
• Three National Parks – Included
• Chance to See the Big Five – Included
• Evening Bonfire and Stargazing – Included
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- Rural Village Street With Cyclist And Greenery
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- Sugar Cane Farm Group Harvest Joy
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- Underwater Fun Group Swimmers Neon Goggles
Accommodation - Shared & Comfort Options Available
Volunteer House
During your time on the Zanzibar volunteer program, you will stay at our Volunteer House in Paje, an upcoming coastal town on the west coast of Zanzibar. This is also where our volunteer programs are based. The house is situated in a peaceful neighbourhood, with restaurants, supermarkets and ATMs just a short walk away.
You will share the Volunteer House with other international volunteers, creating a friendly and social environment throughout your stay. The house has communal areas where you can relax and spend time with other participants, as well as a refrigerator for storing food and drinks and access to filtered drinking water. A laundry service is available close to the supermarket, or you can choose to hand wash your clothes.
Free Wi-Fi is available at the Volunteer House, although the connection can occasionally be unreliable. Volunteers are also provided with a local SIM card for use with an unlocked phone. Power cuts can occur from time to time in Zanzibar and are usually resolved within a few hours.
Both shared and private room options are available within the Volunteer House. All volunteers are provided with bed linen, a locker and a mosquito net. For added security, a nightguard is on duty at the house, and valuables can also be stored securely with our local team. We recommend bringing a small padlock for personal use.
Most volunteer projects are within walking distance of the Volunteer House, while some require a short drive. The local team will explain the most suitable transport arrangements for your placement during orientation.
🛏️ Shared Option - Standard Offering (Recommended for 18-25 Year Olds)
Our Shared Option offers the most social way to experience life at the Volunteer House. Bedrooms are arranged dorm style and separated by gender, with up to 8 volunteers sharing a room. This makes it easy to meet other participants and become part of the volunteer community from the beginning of your stay.
Bathroom facilities are shared with other volunteers and include western style toilets and showers, with hot water available whenever possible. This is our standard accommodation option and is particularly popular with younger volunteers who enjoy the communal experience of living alongside a larger group.
🔒 Comfort Option - Private Room Upgrade 150 USD100 GBP120 EUR210 AUD170 CAD Per Week (Recommended for 26+ Year Olds)
For volunteers who prefer additional privacy and their own space to unwind, our Comfort Option provides a private bedroom within the Volunteer House. You can still enjoy all of the communal areas and social aspects of the house, while having your own space to return to at the end of the day.
Comfort rooms can accommodate a solo traveller or up to 2 participants travelling together. Each Comfort room also has its own private ensuite bathroom with a western style toilet and shower, with hot water available whenever possible.
Wi-Fi
Yes (Free)
People Per Room
Up To 8 (Shared) or 1 (Comfort)
Single Sex Rooms
Yes
Western Bathroom Facilities
Yes
Airport Transfer
1 Hour
Nearest ATM & Shops
5 Minute Walk
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 to 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 Volunteer 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 reiterate 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
Program Location
FAQ's
PMGY welcomes medical volunteers in Zanzibar of all nationalities, religions, and backgrounds. The minimum age to join the program is 17, with no upper age limit. Additionally, all volunteers need to have good English, although it does not need to be your first language. While it’s not necessary to speak the local dialect, you’ll find that learning a few local words during your time in Zanzibar will go a long way in building connections and enriching your experience.
As a Zanzibar medical volunteer, you must provide a clean criminal background check before volunteering with us abroad. This ensures the safety and well-being of the children and communities we work with. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept anyone with previous criminal convictions.
In general, no formal experience or qualifications are required to join the medical projects — just lots of energy, enthusiasm, and a proactive approach to preparation! However, please note that medical and healthcare projects often require additional documentation before participation begins in-country.
Volunteering overseas can be a rewarding yet demanding experience. It can be physically and mentally challenging, so all participants must be fit in both areas. If you have any medical or mental health conditions that may affect your participation, these must be disclosed to us during your online application. This ensures we can best support you and assess the program’s suitability.
If you have any concerns or queries regarding your eligibility or suitability for the Zanzibar medical program, we recommend that you contact us before committing to the program. Our team is always happy to assist you in making an informed decision and ensuring a positive and enriching experience for all involved.
For your volunteer trip to Zanzibar, you should book your flights to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (airport code ZNZ) to arrive on the designated Sunday start date. This is the official arrival day for the program, ensuring a smooth and well-organised beginning to your experience as a Zanzibar medical volunteer.
Upon your arrival, you will be warmly greeted at the airport by a member of our local team or an appointed driver. They will be easy to spot, holding a sign with your name to ensure you feel welcomed from the moment you land. From there, they will escort you to your accommodation, where you will have the rest of the day to relax, settle in, and prepare for the exciting journey ahead.
The program officially ends on the Sunday of your final week. This means you will need to vacate the accommodation on this day to make way for new participants arriving for their own life-changing experiences. Our local team will be available to assist with arranging transport to the airport or providing guidance for any onward travel plans you may have.
Whether you’re just arriving or bidding farewell to Zanzibar, our team is here to ensure your transition is as seamless and stress-free as possible. Your time as a Zanzibar medical volunteer will leave you with unforgettable memories, meaningful connections, and a lasting impact on the communities you’ve helped.
You can apply anytime for most of our programs, including the Zanzibar medical volunteer program. However, we highly recommend applying soon to secure your spot. Some of our programs have limited capacity, and spaces can fill quickly, especially during our peak travel period from June to August. If you plan to join us during this time, applying early is even more important to avoid disappointment!
When you embark on this experience, you must be 100% committed to joining the program. To apply, locate the “Apply Now” button on the individual project page. This will guide you step-by-step through our online Application Process. We’ve made it as straightforward and user-friendly as possible so that you can easily secure your place.
Based on feedback from previous medical volunteers, we’ve found that 4-6 weeks is the ideal amount of time to fully immerse yourself in the experience of volunteering in Tanzania and Zanzibar Island. This duration provides ample opportunity to integrate into the local community, build meaningful relationships, and contribute to your chosen project. Over this time, you’ll be able to make a lasting positive impact while having plenty of time to explore Zanzibar’s incredible sights and culture during your weekends.
Many of our Zanzibar teaching volunteers who joined us for just 2 weeks often expressed that their time was too short. They leave wishing they had stayed longer to further engage with the projects they’ve grown passionate about. If your schedule allows, we highly encourage you to consider a longer stay to make the most of this life-changing experience!
While our programs are available for longer durations, volunteers can initially sign up for a maximum of 12 weeks in each destination. In the past, we’ve found that some volunteers commit to extended placements but later wish to adjust their plans for independent travel or to join another program. Please note, however, that Program Fees are non-refundable once committed. If you arrive and find yourself loving the program (as many do!), you are more than welcome to extend your placement. Extensions are subject to availability at the time of your request, but our team will do their best to accommodate your desire to stay longer and continue making an impact.
For those considering an even more adventurous journey, we recommend exploring our Encounter Programs. These unique opportunities allow you to experience 2-4 week stays across 3-10 destinations, offering a perfect balance of travel, cultural immersion, and volunteering.
At PMGY, we understand the importance of safety, especially for first-time travellers, and we work diligently to ensure that all our programs, including those in Zanzibar, provide a secure and enriching experience. Our programs are carefully designed to balance structure and independence perfectly. This means you’ll enjoy a guided and supportive environment while free to explore and immerse yourself in local culture. For further details, please refer to our Safety & Wellbeing page.
Volunteer safety in each destination is a top priority and is monitored regularly. A member of our International Team has thoroughly inspected every PMGY program to ensure it meets our high standards. We also stay current with advice published by the UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office. Through constant communication with our local teams, we ensure that our volunteers are always placed in secure and stable regions.
Our International Team has personally visited and participated in every program we offer, paying close attention to every detail—from the living conditions and local neighbourhoods to the food you’ll enjoy. These meticulous checks ensure that all aspects of your stay meet our rigorous standards. Additionally, our local teams are experienced professionals with years of experience hosting international volunteers. They serve as PMGY’s trusted representatives, offering 24/7 support to all volunteers throughout their stay. To further enhance your safety, PMGY provides a 24-hour international emergency line accessible at all times. In-country staff also maintain connections with local medical professionals, ensuring that immediate assistance is available should it be required during your placement as a Zanzibar teaching volunteer.
Before you embark on your journey, you’ll receive a comprehensive Volunteer Handbook, which covers key topics such as health, safety, visas, and dress codes. If you have additional or specific questions, our dedicated support team is available 24/7 to assist. Furthermore, on a monthly basis, PMGY hosts an Introductory Webinar and a Safety Webinar. These interactive sessions offer invaluable information about our projects and practical tips for staying safe abroad.
When you arrive in-country, you’ll participate in a detailed orientation session. This introduction will cover the general volunteer program and your specific project, including essential safety advice tailored to your destination. During this session, you’ll also have the opportunity to purchase a local SIM card — a step we highly recommend to ensure you remain contactable at all times. Additionally, you’ll receive a comprehensive list of essential contact numbers to keep on hand during your stay.
While no travel experience can ever be guaranteed 100% trouble-free, PMGY has taken every precaution to ensure that your time as a Zanzibar medical volunteer is as safe and enjoyable as possible. We strongly suggest following the local team’s guidance and advice to ensure your safety throughout your journey.
