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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
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Once your dates are confirmed, pay your program fee—choose to pay in full or in easy installments.
Secure Your Spot
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Zanzibar’s stunning natural beauty is facing increasing pressure from pollution, rapid tourism, and climate change. As a volunteer on this Environmental Program, you’ll play a key role in helping local communities take action to protect their island home.
This grassroots project focuses on environmental education, beach and village clean-ups, sustainable practices, and hands-on support for eco-initiatives. You might help create community recycling stations, plant trees or mangroves, lead environmental awareness sessions at schools, or assist with campaigns to reduce plastic waste.
You’ll work alongside passionate locals and fellow volunteers to build a cleaner, greener future for Zanzibar—one small action at a time.
By volunteering on our Environmental Program in Zanzibar, you will:
•Help reduce pollution through clean-up initiatives and recycling campaigns
•Educate youth and communities on sustainability and eco-awareness
•Support the protection of marine and coastal ecosystems
•Gain hands-on experience in grassroots environmental work
•Live and work in one of the world’s most stunning island environments
•Make a lasting impact while immersing yourself in Swahili cultureWhat to Expect: A Day in the Life of an Environmental Volunteer in Zanzibar
Each day on the Environmental Program offers a rewarding mix of outdoor activity, community engagement, and cultural immersion. While tasks can vary based on weather and current needs, here’s a general idea of what your weekday might look like:
Examle Day
7:30 AM – Morning Start
Begin your day with a light breakfast and team check-in at the volunteer house before heading out to your designated project site.8:30 AM – Clean-Up & Outreach
Mornings are often dedicated to hands-on work such as beach clean-ups, creating signage for eco-campaigns, or assisting with recycling and composting initiatives in nearby villages.11:00 AM – School & Youth Engagement
Help run environmental education sessions in local schools or community centres—using fun, interactive methods to teach children about topics like ocean conservation and plastic reduction.1:00 PM – Lunch Break
Return to the volunteer house or a local café to enjoy a well-deserved lunch and some time to relax or connect with other volunteers.2:00 PM – Sustainability Projects
Afternoons may include assisting with longer-term efforts like planting mangroves, setting up compost systems, or helping locals develop eco-friendly business practices.4:00 PM – Wrap-Up & Free Time
Finish the day by logging your work or prepping materials for the next day. Then, enjoy your evening however you like—whether it’s exploring the beach, joining a group dinner, or unwinding in the garden.Weekends are free, giving you plenty of time to explore Zanzibar’s historical sites, go snorkelling, or simply enjoy island life.
Your Impact as a Volunteer
As a volunteer on the Environmental Program in Zanzibar, your actions contribute directly to the protection and regeneration of the island’s delicate ecosystems. From the coral reefs that support marine life to the beaches that locals and tourists rely on, every effort you make helps preserve the natural beauty and biodiversity of the region.
You’ll be part of vital projects that address pollution, unsustainable waste practices, and environmental degradation. Whether you're organising awareness events, helping build recycling systems, or restoring green spaces, your role has a ripple effect—empowering communities to adopt more sustainable habits and inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards.
But your impact doesn’t stop with nature. Your presence also supports education, community cohesion, and intercultural understanding. By sharing your time and energy, you show local children and families that their environment matters—and that they have allies around the world who care.
This is more than volunteering. It’s a step toward a cleaner, greener, more conscious future—for Zanzibar, and for the planet.
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 €286
2 weeks €499
3 weeks €745
4 weeks €990
6 weeks €1286
8 weeks €1644
10 weeks €2077
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 the Planet — and Yourself
This program is more than an opportunity to volunteer abroad. It’s a hands-on investment in your personal growth, your environmental values, and your role in global change. Whether you're pursuing a career in sustainability, looking for purpose during your gap year, or simply passionate about making a difference—this experience will challenge, inspire, and transform you.
And the impact you make? It’s real, lasting, and felt not only in the sands of Zanzibar but in the hearts of the people you work alongside.
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.
