Research wild dolphins, swim with them in their natural habitat, and learn about marine conservation, all whilst becoming a qualified PADI diver on the tropical spice island of Zanzibar!
While volunteering, become a qualified PADI scuba diver and be able to dive all over the world Monitor dolphins in their natural habitat, collecting data on the impact of tourism on their behavior. This data feeds into better tourism regulation that will protect this species Ethically swim with dolphins in their natural environment and witness their behavior away from regular tourists. This is a close wildlife encounter you will never forget! Run workshops with local boat and tour operators, educating them on ethical dolphin tourism and best ecotourism practices Snorkel Zanzibar s beautiful coral reefs - teeming with fish and other marine animals - while collecting data on coral bleaching Plan and run exciting activities for our Marine Conservation Club students, helping to create a future of environmentally-minded and conscious young people Live and work in a beach-side fishing village; in one of the most beautiful spots on the island During your free time, choose from incredible optional excursions: Adventure through Jozani Forest, canoe through mangroves and search for Red Colobus monkeys Enjoy sunset BBQs on the beach with your fellow volunteers Experience the culture and traditional way of life by enjoying a homecooked meal with local families This project was established in 2013 in the fishing village of Kizimkazi in Zanzibar, with the goal of investigating the impact of marine tourism on the dolphin population. Carried out in partnership with the Dar Es Salaam University, the research collected by our volunteers is used to provide reliable and longitudinal data to support the implementation of tourism policies that will protect the dolphin population for future generations. There is a vital need for this project as Zanzibar is one of the last remaining areas in the world with a dolphin population that is not governed by guidelines that limit the impact of tourism on their behavior. And dolphin tourism is booming. Many tourists flock to the area for the chance to swim with dolphins, with many operators offering these experiences. Unfortunately, a lot of these encounters are highly unethical, causing stress to the dolphins and ultimately, can push them out of their natural feeding areas and deplete the population. As a volunteer, you ll be immersed USA within Toll this Free: vibrant 1 800 606 community 7185 UK and Toll get Free: involved 0800 098 in 8440 a multitude of different activities that will help ensure a sustainable future for both the dolphins, and the community who rely on them for income.
As part of our long-term research on the impact of tourism on the dolphin population, volunteers monitor dolphin numbers, behavior, feeding, reaction to humans, tourist numbers and tourist-dolphin interaction. This gives us vital data for our academic partners at the Institute of Marine Science and the local government in their fight to protect the species. As part of this, you ll get to undertake an ethical dolphin swim and see how these encounters can be done in an ethical and sustainable way a true bucket list activity. A big part of this program is getting involved in our ethical boat driver training that we provide to local boat operators who offer dolphin tours to tourists. Through this, we are teaching ethical and responsible practices that will help protect the dolphin population while also offering an exceptional experience for guests on the boat. This is a win-win for all, and most importantly, ensures a sustainable source of income for the boat drivers. To-date, African Impact, volunteers, and interns have trained 16 boat drivers who now offer their own ethical dolphin tours to tourists visiting nearby hotels. You ll get the chance to snorkel through the stunning reefs of Zanzibar, conducting coral reef bleaching surveys to monitor the effects of global warming. You will also monitor fishing activity at the local fish market to collect data for a local project partner. You will help raise awareness on the importance of dolphins, whales, sharks and other marine life by setting guidelines and creating a network of information available to tourists, hotels, tour operators and guides. You will also help run our Marine Conservation Club where you will teach teenagers from the local high school about the environment, conservation issues and initiatives. Whether you are a complete beginner and have never been diving before, or you are already qualified and want to reach the next level, Zanzibar is the perfect place to get your scuba diving qualification. It s one of the cheapest places to dive and with a 15% discounted rate for volunteers, it s a perfect opportunity to get the qualification and enjoy diving all over the world!
Dolphin tourism monitoring and data entry Dolphin tourism monitoring and data entry. Kiswahili lessons. Dolphin tourism Fishing activity Data entry. Dolphin tourism Fishing activity Swahili lessons. Time to get in the water again with snorkeling and coral reef bleaching survey Task Time: - creating ethical awareness material, planning, and running workshops.= Ethical dolphin swim and dolphin behavior monitoring Ethical dolphin swim and dolphin behavior (week 1) Snorkeling and coral reef bleaching survey. (week 2) Marine conservation club Free time to enjoy island life, take a swim in the sea and explore Jambiani s many resorts, restaurants and beachfront bars Free time! Presentation on our charity that supports our projects in Zanzibar Culture night! Enjoy a homecooked local meal at a home in the village Event evening games evening or bonfire on the beach Free time! You can begin your chosen PADI diving course either before, after or on during your project on weekends, just enquire with your Destination Manager. You will also have Saturdays and Sundays off to explore and enjoy the many tourist activities in the area. *This is an example of how your week as a marine research volunteer will look.
You will be staying at our volunteer house in the picturesque Jambiani village, directly on the beach. There is no better place to wake up and watch the sunrise over the Indian Ocean! We offer shared en-suite accommodation with a balcony overlooking the sea. Our Project Coordinators live on the premises to provide you with all the support you need, while our team of excellent chefs cook you three delicious meals a day. During your time on this program, you will be located in a friendly rural village called Jambiani, on Zanzibar Island a fascinating archipelago just off the coast of Tanzania. Jambiani is a stunning, safe beach location where you will have the opportunity to explore village life and the beautiful beach dotted with palm trees, have a swim in the turquoise warm waters or visit some of the many beachfront resorts, restaurants and cafes to sit back and have a cold drink! While strolling around Jambiani, you will constantly hear the phrase Karibu You are welcome ), which sums up island life. Just over an hour s drive away from Jambiani is the historical trading city of Stone Town. Wander down the cobbled alleyways, along twists and turns that will lead you to a fascinating mix of African, Arabic, Indian and European cultures. Step back in time to experience the heart and soul of this enchanting island.
1297 2304 1459 1646 2925 1852 1995 3545 2245 2344 4165 2638 2693 4785 3031 3042 5405 3424 3391 6025 3817 Add on your PADI diving course which includes equipment and a 15% discount, exclusively for African Impact marine volunteers Open Water Diver Course (Beginner) 3 / 4 days - USD 417 + USD 105 for PADI Study Book. The study book can be bought online before or you can buy it on arrival. Advanced Diving Course (Must already be Open Water certified - Please enquire further. Special dives, one day or weekend dives can also be booked, just enquire for details. You can do your diving course before during or after your dolphin project. Whatever suits you best! 7, 14 & 28 January 11 & 25 February 11 & 25 March 1 & 22 April 6 & 20 May 3 & 17 June 1, 15 & 29 July 12 & 26 August 9 & 23 September 7 & 21 October 4 & 18 November 2 December - last date for 2 weeks stay only
Great news! Pretty much everything is included: Airport pick-up and drop-off from Zanzibar airport, ferry port or hotel in Stone Town Three fresh and delicious meals every day, cooked by our in-house project chefs Shared en-suite room in your home away from home Daily housekeeping service and 24-hour onsite support from our Project Coordinators Safe and secure surroundings, our team stay with you and offer guidance and advice whenever you need it Book 2 or more different projects and receive a 10% discount on your 2 nd project! We help plan your day so you get as much out of your work as possible, also to make sure you have fun and experience this wonderful location. During your free time, you will get the opportunity to enjoy some incredible attractions around the island, as well as venture further to mainland Tanzania. Here are just a few suggestions of what to do: Go snorkeling or scuba diving and experience Zanzibar s beautiful coral reefs Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Stone Town on a City Tour or the famous Spice Tour Stay in a jungle lodge in Zala Park Conservation Area and get to know the local wildlife Enjoy stunning sunsets and BBQs on the beach Take to the water, kite-surfing or paddle-boarding Head out on a Safari Blue Island Tour, snorkel and tuck into a picnic lunch on a sandbank Experience a Full Moon Party in Kendwa Rocks Challenge yourself on a five-day trek up Africa s highest peak Mount Kilimanjaro. That s one to write home about Visit the best safari destinations in the world, including the Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater or Amboseli National Park
At African Impact, we create the most transformative and impactful volunteer experiences on the planet for communities, wildlife and volunteers. Volunteering in Africa is what we do, it s in our DNA and what we are awarded for year after year. We ve built, grown and developed our very own projects, hand-in-hand with local African communities. We work with the most incredible people to make this happen and surround ourselves with inspiring human beings from every corner of the world. Every year is a chance to grow, learn and better our offering both for host communities and for volunteers themselves. We re constantly pushing the boundaries of excellence and know that volunteering can achieve even more. What do we believe in? Providing an extraordinary experience to our volunteers Making tangible, measurable impacts for our communities and wildlife initiatives Transforming the lives and perspectives of everyone who is part of our journey So, welcome to what good volunteering looks like. Join us and go #BeyondVolunteering to a place that connects cultures, mindset and ideas. A place that leaves you awed and inspired, able to do more, discover more and to make a real impact.
Kelsey is your point of contact. She will provide you with all the information you need to plan your amazing adventure in Africa. Originally from the United States, Kelsey was introduced to Africa with her first volunteering experience in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. She loved it so much she ended up staying for two years, working full time with local communities in the areas of education and empowerment. She has now called South Africa her home for the last three years, and can t wait to share her passion for Africa with you! Kelsey is happy to answer any questions you might have and is excited to introduce you to this beautiful continent. Email Kelsey on: kelsey@africanimpact.com We look forward to welcoming you for a unique, rewarding and unforgettable experience!