Head to a breathtaking African island 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, marine ecosystem monitoring, and community-focused environmental education programs at local schools.
As a marine conservation 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 – all while being based on a picturesque island!
Learning Objectives
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.
This Marine Conservation Internship will allow you to join this nonprofit on its journey of local community development work. Each member of the team is involved across multiple aspects of the projects and contributes in ways that go beyond outlined task descriptions. Interns are expected to be hands-on, open-minded, and eager to learn across various areas of the organization, but you will be assigned to the project that best fits with your interests, skills, and learning goals.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
If you’re ready to apply for this internship, here’s what to do:
Fill in the application form (it will show in a new screen) which includes sharing your CV to us.
We’ll set up a call with you to go through your application.
If we feel it’s a good match, we’ll set up a call between you and the supervisor for this internship.
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.
Only once we receive payment of the deposit your placement will be confirmed.
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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ABOUT US
At Roots, we create the perfect balance between meaningful work and valuable learning through internships with nonprofits & social enterprises in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America.TEST
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ABOUT US
At Roots, we create the perfect balance between meaningful work and valuable learning through internships with nonprofits & social enterprises in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America.
CONTACT
UK: +44 139 269 0255
US: +1 617 500 6179
internship@rootsinterns.com
OFFICE: Cape Town, South Africa
SOCIAL
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ABOUT US
At Roots, we create the perfect balance between meaningful work and valuable learning through internships with nonprofits & social enterprises in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America.
CONTACT
UK: +44 139 269 0255
US: +1 617 500 6179
internship@rootsinterns.com
OFFICE: Cape Town, South Africa
SOCIAL
SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER
