Day 1 (Sunday) Arrive in Africa and say a big Jambo to Zanzibar. After clearing customs and immigration in Dar or Zanzibar airport you’ll be met by our local team and taken straight to your accommodation, a journey of around 30 minutes depending on traffic. Airport pickups will be at 10am and 2pm, so please arrange your flights accordingly. Orientation will be a group meeting with any other volunteers starting the same time as you, and will take you through what you can expect from your project, dos and don’ts and how to stay safe.
Days 2 to 6 Culture Week (Monday to Friday) Week 1 is a gentle introduction to a wonderful island. We’ll get to know Zanzibar, exploring its rich culture and complex history, and we’ll meet some of the amazing people who call this fantastic place home.
Get lost in the mesmerizing maze-like layout of Stone Town, glimpse the turtles of Prison Island and learn the history and culture of Zanzibar. This is an opportunity for exploration that will give you both insight and appreciation for Zanzibar, an island location known and loved for its spices and unique atmosphere. This is where worlds and cultures combine to create a beautiful mosaic that encompasses, African, Arabic, Asian, and European influences. While perusing Stone Town, you may find that the door itself is even more interesting than what may be behind it. Enjoy the chance to be transported through time and lulled into a peace as you relax on the beach. Then when the sun goes down, get into the rhythm of the Zanzibar nightlife. There is so much to take in that your senses of smell, taste, sight and touch are all stimulated by the exotic nature of this truly remarkable place. Days 7 and 8 (Saturday to Sunday) Spend your free time as you please, your weekends are yours to enjoy. Our coordinator will be able to help you decide what to do and will advise on the best way to get around. Book a tour, head to the beach, check out the markets or go further afield.
Days 9 to 13 (Monday to Friday) Our co-ordinator will accompany you to your project until you are comfortable, introducing you to all the staff and of course the kids so you can get stuck in straight away. Whether you’re teaching at a school or helping at a kinder your days will follow a similar structure – a longer morning session before lunch followed by a couple more hours of class in the afternoon. Your actual project roster will vary according to local requirements at the time. You should be prepared to use your initiative to plan and prepare content, games, lessons etc in advance. Information, ideas and support are available to you via your coordinator. We also encourage volunteers to involve themselves in project maintenance and renovation activities which are always appreciated.
Subsequent weeks will be in the classroom and you’ll find the longer you’re here the better the relationships you build with teachers, students and parents alike.
Your last day (Saturday) – One of these days it will be time to say goodbye. We’ll help organise the return airport transfer, just allow a few dollars for the taxi or bus.
Accommodation & meals You will be staying in a traditional and comfortable guesthouse with multiple bedrooms, communal bathrooms, a kitchen and one sitting room. Accommodation is basic but clean and you’ll be sharing a single gender bunk-room with 3 to 7 others. Nearby, you will easily find a few small local stores that sell snacks, drinks and any basic supplies you might need during your stay. Within reach there are also ATMs, banks, shops, a local pharmacy ++ 3 meals per day are provided (B/D at weekends). Typical Tanzanian food consists of meats, vegetables, potato, eggs, bread, chapati and tropical fruits.