Step 1
Step 3
Step 2
You’ll be matched with your personal volunteer travel expert who’ll guide you every step of the way.
Meet Your Travel Expert
Receive your welcome pack with everything you need: arrival info, contacts, visa and insurance help, packing tips, vaccines, language basics, and so much more.
Get Ready to Go!
Choose your dream project and apply for free—no commitment, just excitement!
Pick Your Destination & Apply
Step 2
Step 3
Once your dates are confirmed, pay your program fee—choose to pay in full or in easy installments.
Secure Your Spot
Step 4
Interested in exploring Zanzibar beyond its beaches? Our Cultural Program is your chance to immerse yourself in the traditions, values, and everyday rhythms of life in a Swahili coastal village.
As a volunteer, you’ll join a vibrant and welcoming community where cultural exchange is at the heart of every experience. You’ll support language learning sessions, help organise traditional music or dance workshops, and engage in meaningful conversations about heritage and customs with local youth and elders. This program is about learning from one another—building bridges between cultures and strengthening global understanding.
You’ll also assist in documenting oral histories, supporting community events, or participating in arts and crafts sessions, depending on current activities and needs. Whether it’s preparing coconut-based dishes with a local family or helping children learn English through stories and games, every day is an opportunity to connect and grow.
By volunteering on our Cultural Program in Zanzibar, you will:
• Immerse yourself in daily life in a traditional Swahili coastal village
• Learn basic Swahili phrases and local customs through real-world interactions
• Support cultural preservation through storytelling, crafts, and community activities
• Build lasting relationships with local residents and fellow volunteers
• Gain a deeper understanding of Zanzibar’s history, identity, and traditionsWhat to Expect: A Day in the Life on the Culrutal Program in Zanzibar
Each day on the Cultural Program offers a dynamic and enriching experience. While your schedule may vary based on local festivals, community activities, and seasonal customs, here’s a sample day to give you a feel for what’s in store:
7:30 AM – Morning Chai & Language Exchange
Start the day with a warm cup of chai and a light Swahili breakfast while chatting with locals and practicing your language skills.8:30 AM – Cultural Workshops or Local Support
Take part in a hands-on workshop—such as weaving, traditional cooking, or drumming—or support a cultural centre, museum, or community event prep.12:00 PM – Lunch & Midday Break
Enjoy a relaxed communal meal with fellow volunteers or your host family, followed by free time to rest or explore your surroundings.2:00 PM – Storytelling & Youth Engagement
Work with local youth to document oral histories, help with cultural games, or lead a fun English-through-culture session.4:00 PM – Village Walks or Heritage Site Visits
Join a guided walk through the village or explore nearby historical or spiritual sites to better understand the region’s roots.6:00 PM – Dinner & Cultural Exchange
Share stories, songs, and laughter over dinner with your hosts or housemates—sometimes followed by dancing or music from local performers.Days Off
Weekends or designated days off are yours to explore Zanzibar’s famous beaches, spice farms, Stone Town’s winding alleys, or simply unwind under the stars.Your Impact as a Volunteer
By joining the Cultural Program in Zanzibar, your presence goes far beyond simple participation—you become a bridge between communities, stories, and generations.
Your efforts help preserve traditions that are at risk of being forgotten in the face of rapid development and modernisation. By supporting cultural exchange activities, promoting local heritage, and giving youth a sense of pride in their identity, you're helping to keep Zanzibar’s vibrant culture alive and celebrated.
You’ll also build deeper connections—with the local people, with your fellow volunteers, and with yourself. In learning how others live, you’ll reflect on your own values and worldview. The relationships and shared experiences you gain through this program will stay with you long after you leave.
Your Home in Zanzibar
During your stay, you’ll be based in a welcoming, locally-run volunteer house just a short walk from the beach and community projects. It’s a relaxed, social space where you’ll live alongside other international volunteers—sharing meals, stories, and daily routines as part of your Zanzibari journey.
Sleeping Arrangements
Accommodation is shared, with same-gender dorm-style rooms that include mosquito nets and fans to keep you cool in the island heat. The house is basic but comfortable, designed to immerse you in local living without sacrificing safety or cleanliness.Facilities Include:
• Shared bathrooms with western-style toilets
• Communal kitchen and dining space
• Lounge area for socialising or lesson planning
• Free Wi-Fi in communal areas (limited bandwidth)
• Access to filtered drinking waterMeals & Cooking
Unlike some programs, food is not included—giving you the freedom to explore local markets, cook your own meals, or enjoy the many affordable food options nearby. Fresh produce, seafood, and spices are readily available from markets in Jambiani and Paje, and you'll find plenty of beach cafés and stalls offering delicious Zanzibari dishes.This setup gives you the chance to live like a local—shopping in the community, learning traditional recipes, and sharing meals with fellow volunteers.
History
The roots of this community-driven initiative trace back to the vision of Rashid Mohammed Issa, a local of Jambiani, a coastal village in southeastern Zanzibar. After building a successful career in the tourism industry—from beach boy to hotel manager—Rashid’s experiences abroad inspired him to reinvest his energy and earnings back into his hometown. He was deeply moved by his father’s words: “Don’t forget about your community.”
Seeing how tourism profits were largely leaving the island and local communities were being left behind, Rashid founded the nonprofit with two trusted friends and colleagues, Amani and Abdul.
Together, they assembled a team of passionate local leaders determined to tackle Jambiani’s growing needs—educational inequality, environmental degradation, healthcare access, and youth unemployment. The RACOF Foundation was created to ensure that development in Zanzibar is not just beautiful on the outside, but deeply empowering from within.
Mission & Vision
The mission of this grassroots foundation is to create inclusive, locally-led solutions to the most pressing challenges in Zanzibar—through education, healthcare, environmental stewardship, and sustainable community development. Every initiative aims to uplift the Jambiani community from the inside out.
With a vision rooted in unity, equality, and empowerment, RACOF strives to build a more sustainable and dignified future—where young people are educated, the environment is protected, and local communities thrive through shared opportunities.
Program Fees & What’s Included
Program Fee Schedule
Duration Fee (EUR)
1 week €406
2 weeks €812
3 weeks €1,218
4 weeks €1,624
6 weeks €2,436
8 weeks €3,248
10 weeks €4,060
12 weeks €4,872
Fees are due 30 days before your start date. If you’re applying within 30 days of arrival, full payment is required within 48 hours of confirmation.
What’s Included
✅ Shared volunteer accommodation in Jambiani
✅ Program placement and orientation
✅ Daily support from local team and coordinators
✅ All necessary project materials and resources
✅ 24/7 in-country emergency assistance
✅ Welcome meeting, project briefing & cultural guidance
✅ Certificate of completion
✅ Full support before, during, and after your placement
✅ So much moreYour Investment in Yourself & Local Culture
Volunteering on our Cultural Program is more than just travel—it's a journey of learning, self-discovery, and connection.
You're not only gaining insight into Zanzibar’s cultural richness and daily life, but also developing valuable intercultural communication skills, community-building awareness, and personal confidence. These are experiences that shape your perspective, enhance your global citizenship, and empower your growth far beyond the program’s end.
At the same time, your fees contribute directly to preserving traditions, supporting local youth engagement, and strengthening pride in cultural heritage within underrepresented communities. Your presence makes a difference—both in their story and your own.
Where You’ll Be – Jambiani, Zanzibar
Your volunteering journey will take place in the heart of Jambiani, a friendly coastal village on the southeast shore of Zanzibar. This picturesque stretch of coastline is lined with swaying palms, white sand beaches, and turquoise Indian Ocean waters—a dreamlike setting that feels far removed from the bustle of city life.
But beyond the postcard beauty, Jambiani is a living, breathing community where tradition, culture, and daily rhythms blend seamlessly. Locals are warm and welcoming, eager to share their Swahili heritage, culinary traditions, and stories with you. Here, life moves at a gentler pace—perfect for those looking to ground themselves in authentic cultural exchange.
You’ll be surrounded by small local schools, beachside homes, fruit markets, and narrow winding roads where bicycles and donkeys still outnumber cars. Despite being under-resourced in many areas, Jambiani holds a strong sense of pride, cooperation, and resilience—qualities you’ll witness and become part of each day.
Zanzibar – The Spice Island of East Africa
Zanzibar is more than just a tropical paradise—it’s a culturally rich archipelago bursting with history, diversity, and ecological beauty. Often referred to as the “Spice Island,” Zanzibar was once a central hub for spice trading and still boasts lush plantations of cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
From the cobbled alleyways of UNESCO-listed Stone Town to the vibrant marine life of its coral reefs, Zanzibar offers a unique blend of African, Arab, Indian, and European influences. This cultural mosaic is reflected in everything—from the architecture to the music, food, and language.
Expect a warm, humid climate year-round, with sun-drenched days perfect for exploration and connection. Whether you're wandering through history, learning Swahili phrases, or relaxing on the beach after a meaningful day at your placement, Zanzibar offers a balance of purpose and paradise unlike anywhere else.
Your time in Zanzibar won’t just be about volunteering—it’s also about exploration, discovery, and immersing yourself in the vibrant culture and natural beauty of the island. During your free time, you can enjoy:
Beach Days in Jambiani – Relax on the pristine white-sand beaches or take a refreshing swim in the turquoise waters just steps from your accommodation.
Snorkeling & Diving Excursions – Discover colorful coral reefs and marine life on guided trips around the island’s protected lagoons and reefs.
Spice Tours – Explore Zanzibar’s famous spice plantations and learn about cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, and other exotic crops.
Stone Town Visits – Stroll through the historical alleys of this UNESCO World Heritage site, filled with markets, architecture, and stories from the past.
Village Cultural Nights – Join community gatherings with traditional Swahili music, dancing, and local dishes.
Island Hopping – Take a boat to nearby islands like Mnemba Atoll or Prison Island for unforgettable day trips.
Kitesurfing Lessons in Paje – Try your hand at one of the island’s favorite adrenaline sports just a short drive away.
Cooking Classes – Learn to prepare local Zanzibari meals using fresh market ingredients.
Dhow Sunset Cruises – Sail into the golden horizon on a traditional wooden dhow, complete with snacks and music.
Yoga & Wellness – Unwind at nearby eco-resorts offering beachfront yoga and spa treatments.
Whatever your interests, Zanzibar’s rhythm of life invites you to both relax and engage—making your volunteer adventure one of impact and inspiration.
