Volunteers can expect to share a house with others from all cultures and backgrounds. You will stay in dorms, eat breakfast together and perhaps do the same volunteering project or go explore Zanzibar together. An orientation will be given the day you arrive or the following day.
There can be social activities with the team leaders during the week depending on what is happening in Zanzibar and how busy everyone is, the team do meet for lunch, dinner or drinks where possible.
Volunteers can look forward to a BBQ games night whilst staying at the accommodation. Edward, the team leader, was in his element rustling up a BBQ of Kingfish and Octopus. This was a quiet BBQ night with a feisty game of ‘Snatch’. You need to find this game and learn to play it to have a chance of beating the ‘King of Snatch’ aka Edward. The atmosphere varies depending on the size and dynamics of the volunteers. It was a pleasant evening against a backdrop of African music and good old banter.
Our tips for being out in Zanzibar, especially as female travellers:
- Bring a headscarf to put on your head or around your arms because the locals do appreciate this. It also serves as UV protection and mosquito barrier! We covered as much as possible and felt respected for doing so. We brought an umbrella with us to provide much needed shade when there was none.
- Bring mosquito repellent, mosquito after bite cream…you can get these over here, but best to be prepared. Also bring wet wipes, antibacterial hand gel because you will need these out and about.
- Buy a local SIM card with data as the house does not have internet-wifi
- The plug sockets are the same as in the UK (3 pronged), bring an international plug adapter
- Learn some essential Kiswahili words and phrases
| Kiswahili | English | Response in Kiswahili | English |
| Mambo | Hello | Poa | Good |
| Karibu (singular) Karibuni (pr) | Welcome | Asante
Asante sana |
Thank you
Thank you very much |
| Habari | How are you | Nzuri | Good |