Why This Project Matters 

Sea turtles face growing threats from ocean pollution, climate change, and human impact. Fewer than 1% of hatchlings ever make it to the ocean and survive on their own. Along Zanzibar's coast, in the village of Makunduchi, a small local team works to change these odds, protecting nests, improving turtle habitats, and raising awareness in the surrounding community.

Volunteers are part of this effort. Whether it's monitoring nests, caring for turtles at the center, or helping hatchlings reach the sea, your work directly supports a fragile ecosystem that depends on consistent, hands-on care.

Your Project

This project centers on daily animal care at the Turtle Center, feeding, cleaning, and looking after the turtles in our care, while also contributing to the wider ocean and beach ecosystem they depend on.

Your Typical Tasks as a Volunteer Include:

• Feeding and caring for the turtles at the newly founded Turtle Center
• Keeping the tanks clean and helping maintain and expand the center's facilities
• Collecting eggs and monitoring nesting sites along the beach
• Guiding young turtles on their journey to the ocean
• Educational work through workshops, posters, and similar initiatives
• Joining beach clean-ups to help keep the coast free of plastic

Location: Your project takes place in Makunduchi Village, about a 30 to 40 minute transfer from the wayers Home, included in your program.

Who You Will Be Working With

You'll work alongside a small local team dedicated to protecting the endangered sea turtles of Zanzibar. On the ground, your coordinator Lydia oversees the daily running of the wayers Home and the projects, while supervisor Medy makes sure everything works smoothly day to day and that you feel safe and settled. At the Turtle Center in Makunduchi, the local staff guide your work and are your point of contact for anything project related. You won't be working alone: other wayers volunteers live with you at the wayers Home, exclusive to wayers participants, and you travel to and from the project together.

What We Expect From You

This is a hands-on project, and you'll be closely involved in the day to day work of the center, which naturally means getting wet and a little sandy at times. It is all part of the experience, and of the genuine contribution you make to marine conservation and the protection of the turtles.

No previous experience or formal qualification is required. What matters most is genuine commitment: a willingness to get involved, to show initiative, and to treat the animals, the local team, and the surroundings with care and respect. Basic English is sufficient to communicate with the team on site. Reliability is equally important, as the daily transfer follows a set schedule and the animals depend on consistent care.

Life in Zanzibar follows its own rhythm, and some things may work differently from what you are used to. Tasks can also vary with the season, so each week may look slightly different. An open and flexible attitude will help you make the most of your time here.

What You Can Expect From Us

Before departure, we prepare you through an online seminar, access to the wayers Lounge, and the opportunity to connect with fellow participants. On arrival, you receive a thorough introduction covering your project, the local context, safety, and everyday practicalities.

Throughout your stay, a designated contact person at the project is available for any questions regarding your work there, while our wayers team lives on site at the wayers Home and is reachable at any time. Daily transport to and from your placement, accommodation, meals, and the included excursions are all organized for you. In addition, a 24 hour emergency line staffed in Germany and in Zanzibar remains available for the entire duration of your stay.

Life at the Tropical Villa

You'll live at the wayers Home, a villa with pool and palm-shaded gardens, exclusive for wayers volunteers. Rooms are shared (max. 4 people), with private double or single rooms available for a surcharge.

Breakfast and dinner are provided Monday to Friday, mixing Tanzanian staples like chapati and plantains with international dishes. On weekends, the fully equipped house kitchen is yours to use. Vegan, gluten-free, or lactose-free options are available for a small weekly surcharge; just let us know when booking.

Surroundings: The beach is a 15 to 20 minute walk away, or 5 minutes by scooter or taxi, perfect for swimming or snorkeling in the lagoon. Lively Paje, just a short ride further, offers kitesurfing spots, beach bars, and a livelier scene whenever you're looking for more activity.

Travel with Confidence

As a German tour operator with over 22 years of experience and more than 70,000 participants sent abroad, wayers supports you with visa guidance, insurance information, and a personal welcome on arrival, backed by a 24/7 emergency line in Germany and on the ground.