Overview
Turtle Conservation Volunteering on Zanzibar Island, Africa

On this volunteer program you will live in the village of Nungwi on the northern Zanzibar, East Africa. Traditional Swahili coastal life persists here alongside one of the island's most popular tourist destinations. Unfortunately fishing and modern tourism development threaten the endangered turtle species found here. As a volunteer your work will be hands-on alongside local villagers in caring for the rescued turtles and hatchlings. At the community-run Mnarani Marine Turtle Conservation Pond these turtles are being given a better chance of survival. The different tasks will include feeding the resident turtles, maintaining facilities and guiding visitors. In addition you may also participate in local beach cleans, education programs, turtle nest protection and releases. This project offers a superb way to aid community-conservation, live the Swahili lifestyle and enjoy one of East Africa's most beautiful locations.

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This is a wonderful opportunity to get involved in grass-roots community-based conservation efforts, in the heart of Swahili culture and one of East Africa's most beautiful coastal areas

Graham Corti, GVI Country Director

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 private ensuite rooms within the sanctuary itself, 2 volunteers to room maximum. 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.