Volunteers can expect to share a house with others from all cultures and backgrounds. You will stay in dorms, eat breakfast together, and perhaps work on the same volunteering project or explore Zanzibar together. An orientation will be given on the day you arrive or the day after.
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 meets 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, but it was enlivened by 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 cover your head or wrap around your arms, as the locals appreciate this gesture. It also serves as UV protection and a 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 and after-bite cream. You can get these over here, but it’s best to be prepared. Also, bring wet wipes and antibacterial hand gel, as you will need them out and about.
- Buy a local SIM card with data, as the house does not have internet or Wi-Fi. i
- The plug sockets are the same as in the UK (3-pronged), so 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 |
