Marine Conservation Internship in Zanzibar, Tanzania
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Travel to Zanzibar and gain extensive experience in marine conservation work.
Travel to the tropical paradise of Zanzibar and get involved in an array of community-focused marine conservation work. This is a versatile internship that offers manifold opportunities to experience dynamic marine conservation and education work, develop extensive knowledge of sustainable solutions, and make a real impact in protecting our oceans.
You’ll work with a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving marine conservation in Zanzibar, Tanzania. They partner with and support numerous locally-led marine conservation projects and initiatives in the area. These include reef restoration projects, turtle hatcheries, coastal pollution survey, and marine ecosystem monitoring, and community-focused environmental education programs at local schools.
As an intern, you’ll have the opportunity to involve yourself with any number of these projects, whilst also gaining insight into the day-to-day running of a marine conservation nonprofit. You’ll gain experience in practical marine conservation work, marine research, and community education and education.
ORGANIZATION
This organization works to develop marine conservation in Zanzibar, Tanzania, by supporting local initiatives and projects. Started by a marine biologist & dive instructor who ran her own diving school in Zanzibar for 16 years, the organization was started by their passion and love for the ocean and the fears of the demise of marine life in the area.
To combat the decline of marine life in the area, they started the first NGO that operates by partnering with and supporting locally-led conservation initiatives and projects. The organization’s aim is to instigate long-lasting change by changing the attitudes around marine conservation in coastal communities. Toward this goal, they focus on educating and training locals in sustainable practices and creating means of employment within the field of marine conservation.
TASKS & REQUIreMENTS
Responsibilities
Your daily tasks in this program can vary hugely based on your skills and interests. You’ll assist with marine life care work like turtle hatchery and patrols and coral reef farming. You’ll also get to experience more community-focused work like assisting education workshops. For those with diving experience, there is also the opportunity to assist with coral nursery monitoring projects.
- Assisting community conservation initiatives and events
- Creating educational material and resources for community engagement programs
- Conducting conservation education workshops and school visits
- Assisting at the turtle hatchery and coral nursery
- Conducting turtle nest patrols
- Collecting sea turtle photo identification
- Managing ecosystem survey databases
- Assisting with coastal pollution surveys
- Monitoring coral reef health and beaches
- NB. If you wish to get your SCUBA diving qualifications, contact us for more information about available diving courses
Requirements
- Professional or academic background in education or marine biology
- Passion for marine conservation
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Communication and the ability to connect with local communities
- If you’d like to be involved with their Coral farm project you’ll need at least Open Water SCUBA diving qualifications and your last dive should have been no longer than six months ago
WHERE YOU’LL STAY
You’ll be staying at the accommodation on-site the organization’s project base. Along with the local coordinators and marine biologists, you’ll enjoy all that beach life has to offer and live it up to the fullest in local style housing. The lodging has self-catering arrangements with a well-equipped kitchen, shared twin bedrooms, ensuite toilets & showers, a common area, beach access, and laundry facilities. The project base is near two surrounding villages, so there is plenty local life to explore during your time off.
Safety & Support
Safety & Support
Tanzania is a stable country and Zanzibar is one of the safest African travel destinations, even for solo female travelers. Make sure to visit your doctor and dentist for a check-up before your internship and to get all the recommended vaccines and/or medications necessary to stay healthy. Yellow fever vaccination or malaria tablets are not necessary for Zanzibar.
Please note that Zanzibar is Muslim, so when in Stone Town and in local villages, women need to make sure to wear a t-shirt covering shoulders and skirt/ pants covering the knee and men should not go shirtless. Beach and swim wear on the actual beach is no problem.
Communication
Communication
Internet in Zanzibar is, with the exception of Stone Town, often not the best. There is Wifi at the accommodation/project base, however this is intended for project work only (not for video calling or streaming). We recommend purchasing a local prepaid SIM card to ensure network connection. Double check that your phone is unlocked for international carriers.
Meals
Meals
The accommodation is self-catering and meals are not included in the fee. If you will go out for a meal, you will find a culinary mixture in Zanzibar ranging from British and Portuguese to Bantu, Arabic and Indian. Tap water is not drinkable, so its recommended to buy 20L bottles at the small supermarket.
Location details
Location details
You will be based between Kigomani and Matemwe, small villages on the north-eastern coast of Zanzibar which is the definition of a tropical paradise. You’ll find exquisite white sand beaches, crystal blue water, great diving, and wonderful people to work with. In your spare time, make sure to visit Stone Town and explore other quaint rural villages. Zanzibar is a traveler hotspot which offers a selection of restaurants and bars to enjoy a night out.
DATES & RATES
Fee Breakdown
Internship start and end dates are flexible and will be discussed with your during the selection process.
What you’ll pay (2025 rates)
2 months USD 2,842
3 months USD 3,857
Inclusions
- Careful matchmaking. It takes time to find the right internship for each person, and we take this process very seriously.
- Initial interview with one of our team to gauge your skills, interests, and desired learning outcomes.
- An academic internship eligible for university credit. Check with your university to confirm if this internship qualifies for credit or alternatively we can assist you with purchasing transfer credits.
- Accommodation based on a shared room (2 pax)
- Airport transfers upon arrival and departure
- Wifi access
- Housekeeping
- Project transport for field work
- Assistance with your visa arrangement and other preparations
- An orientation program with your supervisor
- Supervision and support during your stay
- Regular check-ins during your internship with your supervisor
- Troubleshooting if needed
- A reference letter at the end of your internship
Exclusions
- Flights to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport
- Mandatory Business Visa
- Mandatory travel insurance purchased through the government of Zanzibar
- Personal medical/travel insurance costs for the duration of your placement – must include cover for repatriation
- Meals
- Drinks, snacks, and items of personal nature (f.e. curios, gifts, clothing)
- Internet access (for consistent connection, it is recommended to buy a local SIM card)
- Diving gear and diving courses (additional fees apply)
- Costs for additional excursions or activities
GALLERY
QUICK FACTS
HIGHLIGHTS
- Gain international marine conservation experience in a nonprofit context
- Build practical skills in marine conservation and research
- Gain insight into the day-to-day running of a marine conservation nonprofit
- Possibility to get your SCUBA Diving qualification (additional fees apply)
- Live and work in Zanzibar
HOW TO APPLY
If you’re ready to apply for this internship, here’s what to do:
APPLY
Fill in the application form (it will show in a new screen) which includes sharing your CV to us.
SPEAK WITH AN ADVISOR
We’ll set up a call with you to go through your application.
INTERNSHIP MATCHING
If we feel it’s a good match, we’ll set up a call between you and the supervisor for this internship.
PAYMENT
If everyone’s happy, we’ll provisionally confirm your placement! We’ll then send you the invoice for the deposit, getting started with the booking process and all the info you need.
CONFIRMATION
Only once we receive payment of the deposit your placement will be confirmed.
NEED TO MAKE AN ENQUIRY FIRST?
Or if you’d just like to ask us some questions about this internship first, just fill in the contact form below. We’ll be happy to assist!
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