My experience volunteering in Zanzibar was amazing. I loved interacting with the locals and learning about their way of life. I really enjoyed the environmental aspects of the trip such as planting mangrove trees and volunteering with the animals at the local tortoise and reptile park. I would definitely recommend this experience!
Special Needs Care Volunteer Project in Zanzibar
Purpose
Provide care and connection for those with disabilities
Start dates
Programs start every Wednesday
Duration
Choose from 1-12 weeks
Volunteer hours
Up to 8 hours a day
Age
Volunteers aged 16+ and families
Accommodation
Dormitory-style volunteer house
Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
This program is ideal for:
Those who are caring and open-minded with an interest in helping those with functional needs. You aren’t required to have previous experience in disability care, as you’ll be working closely with local teachers. Qualified physiotherapists may also get to help with physical therapy and rehabilitation.
Project details
Compassionate to be a child disability care advocate in Zanzibar? International Volunteer HQ’s Special Needs Care project empowers volunteers to assist in specialist classes for children with disabilities. These schools are often under-resourced and assistance from volunteers can make a huge difference in helping local teachers provide individual care and connection to students who need it to grow, learn and thrive.
What to expect and how you'll make an impact
As a Special Needs Care volunteer in Zanzibar, you’ll provide hands-on support and care to those with mental and physical disabilities in the local community. Your tasks will vary depending on your experience and any relevant qualifications, but may include:
- Teaching
- General supervision
- Interacting with students and providing companionship
- Preparing and serving meals
- Engaging in therapeutic activities and games
- Cleaning or helping with personal care
Volunteers with appropriate qualifications and experience may also be able to assist with physical therapy and rehabilitation. While we will try our best to take this into account when placing you, we cannot make any guarantees as it is subject to availability and volunteers are typically placed where help is most needed at the time.
Why do Special Needs Care volunteering in Fuoni with IVHQ?
As a Special Needs Care volunteer in Zanzibar you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:
- Improving access to care for people with disabilities & functional needs
- Helping students develop life skills in a safe place
- Learning the local language of Zanzibar, Swahili
- Developing your communication skills
- Immersing yourself in Zanzibar’s culture
- Exploring the historic and natural environment of Zanzibar
Volunteer requirements
- Volunteers under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to participate in this program
- Volunteers aged 16 or 17 on their program start date are required to provide IVHQ with parental consent in order to participate on the program, and may be asked to provide additional document to the local team.
- All volunteers aged 13+ are required to provide a criminal background check to IVHQ prior to departure. Those aged 13-17, if unable to obtain a criminal background check, can provide two character reference letters instead
- All volunteers are required to have adequate volunteer travel insurance
- All volunteers must speak fluent English.
Are you eligible to volunteer?
Submit a free application so we can confirm your eligibility and check availability for your preferred dates.
Not sure which program to join?
Get personalized recommendations >
Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
Zanzibar photo gallery
IVHQ Special Needs Care Project in Zanzibar
IVHQ Special Needs Care Project in Zanzibar
IVHQ Special Needs Care Project in Zanzibar
IVHQ Special Needs Care Project in Zanzibar
IVHQ Special Needs Care Project in Zanzibar
IVHQ Special Needs Care Project in Zanzibar
IVHQ Special Needs Care Project in Zanzibar
What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience
MP
Mollie Payne
10 Feb 2025
...
TH
Tati Haslett
10 Feb 2025
I gained a great load of experience and knowledge about the area I was staying at. I was able to really immerse myself in the culture and the people around me were all fabulous! I was hesitant to go but I think it’s was the best decision I could’ve made!
My advice is just to go and do it, I doubt anyone would regret it! I managed to grow so much as a person and meet lots of likeminded people.
...
BB
Bailey Bjorn
04 Oct 2024
Just commit and book it! I’m so grateful I did. I felt the normal worries like “What if I don’t make friends there? What if I do something stupid or culturally inappropriate? What if I don’t speak the language? What if I spend this money and the whole thing just isn’t what I was hoping for?”
The fact is, I’ve met some of the most incredible people in the world on these trips. The people volunteering abroad are generally very accepting and friendly. The culture is generally very accepting and friendly. We all make mistakes, but what we are doing is inherently good. That speaks worlds to how you will be seen and treated abroad. Money is replaceable but experiences like these are one in a million. I’m so grateful I went.
The meals were awesome! It was always clean and tasty. A good mix of local vs. western cuisine.
I felt so safe and taken care of by IVHQ and the local team. They were easy to reach in person or via phone, and always had my back.
...
RW
Rhiannon Williams
19 Sep 2024
I feel like I gained a lot of confidence in myself - volunteering is so worth it!
...
IG
Isaac Gatt Rutter
18 Sep 2024
I've definitely gained a new perspective on things, and I would 100% recommend an IVHQ volunteer program to a friend. It was a really wonderful experience, which i don't think I'll ever forget.
...
SH
Sarah Hayes
22 Aug 2024
I feel that I learned and experienced so much more from this trip than I ever would have if I had just visited Zanzibar as a tourist. By working in the local community, you get to help make a small difference with the work they do and learn how they live their lives. It has changed how I look at my own lifestyle and has shown me how privileged we really are. If someone is hesitant about going, I can understand that, I was scared before I left too. But once you have an open mind about what you will experience, then you will adapt more easily to the new culture. Everyone in the local team and community there is so kind and helpful, and meeting the other volunteers you get to make lifelong friends!
...
To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.
Academic course credit
Academic course credit
Gain course credit from your college or university and meet your academic requirements when completing a volunteer abroad program with International Volunteer HQ!
Learn about course creditLocation
Location
Zanzibar is a tropical archipelago off the coast of Tanzania, renowned for its pristine beaches, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant history.
On the main island, Unguja, project placements are based in Zanzibar City and its surrounding areas, including Fuoni and Stone Town. These locations offer a dynamic mix of urban and semi-urban settings, providing insight into local life beyond the island’s tourist hotspots.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Stone Town stands as a historic and cultural gem. Known for its labyrinthine streets, bustling markets, and a unique fusion of African, Arab, Persian, and European influences, Stone Town reflects Zanzibar’s legacy as a global trade hub and the heart of Swahili culture.
With a warm, tropical climate year-round, Zanzibar offers a laid-back atmosphere enriched by lively music, traditional dhow sailing, and a vibrant culinary scene that blends local and international flavors.
Arrival and orientation
Volunteers should arrive in Zanzibar on their designated Wednesday start date. Bedrooms will be available from 2 PM onwards. Volunteers arriving earlier will be taken to the accommodation and can relax in the common area until check-in. Orientation will take place on Wednesday afternoon and/or Thursday morning.
Once you’ve registered for the program, please book your flight to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) in Zanzibar. Airport pick-up is included in your Program Fee. We recommend that volunteers under 18 travel with a notarized letter from their parents to support their documentation.
Upon arrival, a member of the local team will greet you at the airport and transport you to the volunteer accommodation. Your accommodation is covered by the Program Fee, and a return airport transfer will be provided at the end of your program. If you plan to travel in Zanzibar before your program begins, we can arrange a pick-up from another location in Stone Town or nearby on your start date.
Orientation is hosted by our local team at the volunteer accommodation and will begin on Wednesday afternoon and/or Thursday morning after your start date. It will cover all the essential information for your time in Zanzibar, including an introduction to the island, local customs, rules and expectations, language lessons (Kiunguja), safety guidelines, free time opportunities, and an overview of your project and placement. The orientation will also give you a chance to meet other volunteers.
Volunteer schedule example
First Day
On the first day of the volunteering placement, you will be escorted to the project by our local staff and introduced to the staff at the placement you will be working with.
Weekdays - A typical day would be as follows:
| 7:00 - 8:00 AM | Breakfast at volunteer house |
| 8:30 AM | Volunteers travel to their placement |
| 12:00 - 1:00 PM | Lunch break |
| 1:00 PM | Volunteers resume work for the afternoon |
| 3:00 - 5:00 PM | Volunteer placement ends for the day |
| 6:30 - 7:30 PM | Dinner at the volunteer house |
Weekends
Volunteers have free time on the weekends and are able to make the most of the gorgeous beaches, explore Zanzibar’s historic Stone Town and other villages, shop for souvenirs, or enjoy a range of adventure and outdoor activities including snorkeling, diving, swimming, wildlife viewing, and fishing. If you’re staying for a while, you may also like to fly back to mainland Tanzania or other parts of Africa where you can go on safari or otherwise explore.
Accommodation and WiFi
Volunteers on the Special Needs Care project are accommodated in a dorm-style volunteer house near Stone Town and you can expect to share a room with 1-5 other volunteers. Rooms are typically separated by gender, though we cannot always guarantee this because of varied occupancy and booking circumstances.
Living is basic, but comfortable and bathrooms are shared, consisting of western showers and toilets. Bedding is provided, but volunteers are asked to bring their own towel/s. Volunteers need to be prepared for times where there may be no electricity as the supply can sometimes be disrupted on the island. The volunteer house is fenced and has a security guard on-site 24/7.
Single and twin room upgrades can be requested for an additional cost and subject to availability once you register.
If you would like to keep connected during your stay, free WiFi is provided at the volunteer house.
Meals
Volunteers are provided with two meals per day, containing a mix of local and Western food. Breakfast foods such as toasted bread with jam, tomatoes or avocado, olive oil, fruit, eggs, filtered drip coffee, tea and local bakery products such as chapati or mandazi will be provided in the kitchen where volunteers can help themselves each morning.
Dinner typically consists of plain or pilau rice (which is traditionally cooked in Zanzibar with cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves), chapati, cassava, plantains, legumes such as beans, pasta, and french fries with meat or vegetables (typically carrot, sweet potatoes, peas, or okra) cooked in a coconut sauce that contains some herbs and spices.
The meal plan aims to promote sustainable practices and healthy nutrition by using more plant-based foods. Volunteers can typically expect two meat dishes and three fish dishes per week. Please also note, meals can vary depending on seasonality.
Please note that while the local team can cater for vegetarians, they are not able to cater to other special dietary requirements or requests. You should not expect to eat as you normally do at home and there is the need to be flexible or prepared to supplement the food provided.
A drinking water filter machine is available at the accommodation and to help reduce plastic trash volunteers are asked to bring a refillable drinking bottle.
Volunteer Building Exterior in Zanzibar
Volunteer Shared Bedroom in Zanzibar
Volunteer Dormitory Accommodation in Zanzibar
Volunteer Single Bedroom in Zanzibar
Volunteer Lounge in Zanzibar
Volunteer Living Space in Zanzibar
Volunteer Accommodation Balcony in Zanzibar
Volunteer Open-Air Lounge in Zanzibar
Volunteer Balcony in Zanzibar
Volunteer Accommodation Hallway in Zanzibar
Pricing
Secure your place for just US$299 (approximately £250), pay your Program Fee later.
Spots are limited. For a Registration Fee of just US$299 (approximately £250) you secure your spot and unlock all our preparation and training tools.
You don't need to worry about paying your Program Fee until you get closer to your start date.
Duration |
Program FeeDue 30 days before you start, or within 48 hours if you register inside of 30 days. Covers the cost of hosting you.
|
|---|---|
| 1 week | $590 Equivalent to $84/day |
| 2 weeks | $730 Equivalent to $52/day |
| 3 weeks | $870 Equivalent to $41/day |
| 4 weeks | $1,010 Equivalent to $36/day |
| 5 weeks | $1,150 Equivalent to $33/day |
| 6 weeks | $1,290 Equivalent to $31/day |
| 8 weeks | $1,570 Equivalent to $28/day |
| 10 weeks | $1,850 Equivalent to $26/day |
| 12 weeks | $2,130 Equivalent to $25/day |
- All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$299 (approximately £250) in addition to the Program Fee. This covers all pre-departure support services.
- A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.
- Volunteers staying for 5 weeks or more will need to budget US$400 to obtain a work permit.
- Recommended spending money: Volunteers in Zanzibar generally find US$50-75 per week to be sufficient for expenses.
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- Breakfast and dinner
- Accommodation
- 24/7 in-country emergency support
- In-country program orientation
- Pre-departure support from your Program Manager
- Personalised preparation tools, guides and check lists
- Access to IVHQ’s preferred insurance and flights partners
- Comprehensive in-country day to day support and guidance
- Discounts on travel and tour add-ons
- Certificate of International Volunteer Service
Learn more about what's included in your IVHQ Registration Fee and Program Fee.
- Flights
- Visa (if required), travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check.
- Personal spending money for snacks, laundry, public transportation, drinks and leisure activities during your free time.
Popular add-ons & experiences in Fuoni
Take your volunteer experience to the next level with these popular add-ons and experiences. Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto the IVHQ Fuoni program.
Private Room Upgrade - Double Occupancy
Taking part as a couple or duo of freinds and want your own private room in a nearby bungalow? Enjoy your own private space in comfort and style during your volunteer experience, with IVHQ’s affordable accommodation upgrade.
From £284
Private Room Upgrade
Want your own private room in a nearby bungalow suite while volunteering in Zanzibar? Enjoy your own private space in comfort and style during your volunteer experience, with IVHQ’s affordable accommodation upgrade.
From £234
Check what's required to visit Zanzibar
Safety and support
Safety and support
IVHQ follows best practice and industry-leading health and safety procedures, which are regularly reviewed and optimized as part of the B Corporation recertification.
- All volunteers encouraged to complete our interactive pre-departure training.
- All local teams trained on best practice volunteer management & First Aid.
- All IVHQ programs are required to adhere to IVHQ's Risk Management Policy.
- All volunteers have access to 24/7 in-country support from our local team.
Essential country information
Essential country information
| Capital | Dodoma |
| Population | 58 million |
| Languages | Swahili and English |
| Currency | Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) |
| Time zone | UTC+03:00 |
Weather and climate
Zanzibar follows very similar weather patterns to that of mainland Tanzania but is always a little more humid and warm weather should be expected all year round. The island’s rainy season runs from March through May when humidity is high and afternoon downpours are common. The dry season occurs from June through October and rain is infrequent. During November and December there’s another short rainy season followed by a short dry season across January and February.
Apply to check if you're eligible!
