Overview
Volunteer with Turtles on Zanzibar Island, Africa

As a volunteer on this project you will live in the village of Nungwi at the northern tip of Unguja Island, where traditional Swahili coastal life persists alongside one of Zanzibar's most popular tourist destinations. Both traditional fishing and modern tourism development threaten the globally endangered turtle species found here. Your work will be hands-on alongside local villagers in caring for rescued turtles and hatchlings that are being given a head-start in survival at the community-run Mnarani Marine Turtle Conservation Pond. Daily duties will include feeding the resident turtles, maintaining facilities and guiding visitors, whilst you may also participate in local beach cleans, education programmes, turtle nest protection and releases. A unique way to aid community-conservation, live the Swahili lifestyle and enjoy one of East Africa's most stunning locations.

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Thank you so much, I am happy to have come and worked here, and I will miss both the people and the turtles

Alice Meier-Hedde, Germany

What Difference Does This Project Make?

Sea turtles are globally endangered, declining in the face of coastal development, pollution, fishing and hunting. This community-based project rescues turtles brought in by fishermen, and you will assist in their care in a large natural tidal pool for subsequent release. Paying visitors support the group to maintain facilities and enable education of local fishermen and school children, protecting nests and cleaning the beaches of debris that obstructs nesting females and reduces hatchling survival rates. Where possible you will assist in the safeguarding of turtle nests, and the relocation and eventual release of hatchlings to maximise survival rates during their critical first year. With additional support the group aim to expand their centre, improving facilities, and hope to initiate their own tagging programme to contribute to scientific understanding of Western Indian Ocean turtle populations.

Highlights

Learn about sea turtles and assist their conservation; make new friends in the community, learn Kiswahili and teach them new skills; educate visitors and school children on turtle conservation; join the community on beach cleans; join the local youth for sunset football matches on the beach; live the traditional Swahili lifestyle on Zanzibar's finest beaches; learn how dhow boats are crafted on a visit to the boat yard; party into the night at Zanzibar's very own full moon parties!

Location

Unguja is the southern and most popular of Zanzibar's two main islands, a two hour ferry ride or half hour flight from Dar es Salaam on the Tanzanian mainland, across the Indian Ocean. Nungwi sits at the northern tip, 56km or one and a half hours drive from the world heritage site of Stone Town. Nungwi successfully merges a traditional fishing community with the more modern benefits of tourism. Sitting on Zanzibar's finest beaches, Nungwi is the gateway to the Mnemba atoll, one of East Africa's premier coral reef dive and snorkel sites.

Field Conditions

You will be staying in basic guest house accommodation within the village, just a few minutes walk to the turtle sanctuary and beach. You will be in shared rooms with access to electricity, showers and western-style toilets. Food will be traditional local fare with daily fresh fruit and vegetables as seasonally available.