Volunteer Teaching: Zanzibar

Come with an open mind and realistic expectations. Life on a volunteer project is simpler and slower than at home: shared rooms, basic facilities, heat and humidity, and a culture with its own customs. Everyone feels a little out of place at first, and that is normal.

Before you travel, read the programme information we send you. When you arrive, the local team introduces you to the project, the house rules and local customs, and they are there to talk to if you feel homesick or unsure. Most volunteers find the first few days are the hardest, and the rest flies by.

We accept participants aged from 16 and above. Participants under the age of 18 must travel with a parent or legal guardian. There is no upper age limit however, we recommend participants to check with the program options that are available.

We should always be healthy and maintain our fitness. However, it depends on the project you choose and you should always be ready to work.

Nothing formal. Pack modest, practical clothes that you do not mind getting dirty. On teaching and kindergarten projects, wear neat, casual clothes that cover your shoulders and knees. On construction and conservation projects, wear hard-wearing clothes and closed shoes you do not mind ruining, plus a hat and light long sleeves for the sun. Vest tops and short shorts are not allowed while you are working.

Away from the project, dress with respect for local customs, especially in villages and at religious sites. Your coordinator will tell you about any local rules when you arrive.

Your arrival transfer is included. You will be met at the airport and taken to your accommodation, so there is nothing to arrange for the journey in.

The departure transfer at the end, from your accommodation back to the airport, is not included. You can add it as an optional extra in your account, or make your own way.

Once you have booked your flights, log in to your account and add them under Flight Details so we know when you are landing.

Possibly, depending on your vaccination history. See your GP or a travel clinic 6–8 weeks before you travel and check the TravelHealthPro advice for Tanzania, including Zanzibar. It lists hepatitis A, tetanus and typhoid for most travellers, and others such as hepatitis B and rabies for some, depending on your plans. Zanzibar has a high risk of malaria, so ask about antimalarial tablets too.

Yellow fever vaccination is not usually recommended for Zanzibar, but you must show a yellow fever certificate if you arrive from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission. This is guidance, not medical advice.