FAQs about Our Programs
When is the rainy season and can I participate in the program during that time?
The rainy season is approximately from mid-March to the end of April and in November. However, this is only an approximate timeframe that often shifts, and sometimes the rainy season is very mild. Participating in the program is definitely possible during the rainy season. It's not a continuous downpour for days; instead, there are intense rainfall periods for a few hours, followed by sunshine.Few readersWhat is a suitable clothing style for women?
At the Mother Nature Camp, on a tourist beach, in hotels, and in restaurants of tourist nature (not in small local eateries), you can wear similar summer clothing as you would at home, and swimwear, including bikinis. However, please remember that on the way there, in villages, or in Zanzibar Town, as a woman, you should always cover your knees and shoulders. Thin scarves work well for this purpose, as you can easily wrap them around your hips or drape them over your shoulders. At your plaFew readersWhen is the rainy season and can I join during that time?
The rainy season is approximately from mid-March to the end of April and in November. However, this is only an approximate timeframe that often shifts, and sometimes the rainy season is very mild. Participating in the program is definitely possible during the rainy season. It's not a continuous downpour for days; instead, there are intense rainfall periods for a few hours, followed by sunshine.Few readersAre there fixed start dates for the project in Zanzibar, which I must adhere to?
Arrival and departure days for the Mother Nature Programs are Wednesdays. For our programs in Zanzibar Town, the arrival and departure day is Saturdays. On these days, your scheduled flight arrival at ZNZ International Airport should be between 4 am and 11 pm. You can still arrive (and leave) outside of this time window, but an additional service and transfer fee will apply.Few readersDuring my stay, can I travel around in Zanzibar and Tanzania?
Zanzibar is a relatively small island, and you can explore the entire island on public transportation during the weekends, such as the beaches of the North and East coasts, the Jozani National Park, or the capital Zanzibar Town with the historic Stone Town. You can link up with other participants for these trips, and our coordinators on-site will provide you with guidance and suggestions. You can also travel from Zanzibar to Moshi/Kilimanjaro and stay in our accommodations there at the same favSome readersWill I be the only volunteer/intern in the project in Zanzibar?
In the case of the Mother Nature programs, there are always other participants on-site in the program. In Zanzibar Town, we collaborate with a large number of organizations where we place volunteers and interns. Here, you might be the only foreign person at your placement. However, at any given time in Zanzibar Town, we have between 20 and 40 participants in all our programs, some of whom share accommodations with you in case of shared housing. Additionally, there is a weekly meeting between alFew readersWhat language skills do I need in Zanzibar?
All our services are offered in English. You should be able to communicate in English. While Swahili is the national language of Tanzania, English is widely spoken, particularly among those with better education or working in tourism. In everyday situations, communicating in English is usually not a problem. If you encounter someone who doesn't speak English, you can often easily find someone nearby willing to translate. If you're involved in a social project for an extended period, you may inFew readers
FAQs about Safety
Is it realistic to be attacked by (modern) pirates while participating in the Mother Nature Coastal Conservation Program in Zanzibar?
No, this is completely unrealistic.Few readersIs it safe to travel in Zanzibar alone as a single female traveller?
Approximately 80% of our participants are female, with many of them around 20 years old. Not a single instance of a serious security issue has occurred. Our local team will advise you on how to conduct yourself to avoid problems, including guidance on your dressing style, handling valuables, and interacting with local men. Further details on this matter can be found in our preparation materials. By adhering to these basic rules, which are applicable in many other places, the risk in Zanzibar isSome readersWhat vaccinations do I need in Zanzibar?
In the password-protected participant area, which you will gain access to after your booking, you will find comprehensive information on health precautions and vaccinations. We provide the vaccination recommendations of the Berlin Tropical Institute. The health authorities of your country may also provide recommendations for worldwide travel destinations.Few readers
FAQs about Accommodation
Can I stay longer at my accommodation in Zanzibar after my volunteering/internship or arrive earlier?
Yes, this is possible and we will give you our best rates. Just let us know from when to when you would need accommodation and we will let you know the costs.Few readersWhere will I stay in Zanzibar?
On our Zanzibar country overview page, you will find details about our accommodations in Zanzibar. You can also find this information in the respective program descriptions.Few readersCan I choose my accommodation in Zanzibar myself?
You can choose the accommodation category (e.g., shared apartment single room, shared apartment double/twin room, shared apartment dorm room, host family, tent, etc.) when doing the booking. We will then select accommodation within the chosen category for you, taking into consideration the accessibility of your placement and availability, and provide you with the details. If you expect accommodation of a higher standard, you can independently book a hotel. Please contact us in this case.Some readersHow much freedom do I have if I live with a host family?
With the host family, you have the freedom to manage your own schedule and are not obligated to join them during meal times or fulfill any other specific duties. If you plan to return late at night, it's essential to inform them in advance, as the doors are locked at night for security reasons, and they can make arrangements to unlock them for you. It is considered inappropriate to bring home casual acquaintances. While the host family aims to integrate our participants into their family life,Few readersDoes my accommodation in Zanzibar have internet facilities?
At the Mother Nature Camp Matemwe and at our Migombani shared house, we provide WiFi internet at no additional cost. At all other accommodations, we don't provide WiFi internet, but you will receive a Tanzanian SIM card for your mobile phone and a one-time voucher worth 10,000 TSH to top up mobile data for internet access. If you have used up the mobile data from your initial voucher, you can easily and inexpensively recharge airtime/mobile data. Our coordinators will show you how to do this.Few readersCan I get vegetarian food in Zanzibar?
The host families are familiar with participants who follow a vegetarian diet and can prepare dishes accordingly. Some restaurants in Zanzibar Town offer vegetarian meals. There is a wide variety of vegetables and fruits available at the market. Host families can also accommodate other special dietary needs (e.g., allergies to certain foods). In our Mother Nature programs where meals are provided, a vegetarian diet is possible. What may not always be easy to ensure is a strictly vegan dietSome readersHow can I do my laundry in Zanzibar?
Our two Mother Nature Camps as well as all accommodations and host families in Zanzibar Town have washing machines.Few readers