MARINE CONSERVATION NUNGWI
Protect Zanzibar's
Sea Turtles.
Join the conservation team at Mnarani Aquarium and help rescue, rehabilitate and protect endangered sea turtles while supporting one of Zanzibar’s most important marine conservation initiatives.
Project Overview
Marine Conservation That Creates Lasting Impact
Founded on the northern tip of Zanzibar, Mnarani Aquarium has been a sanctuary for injured and endangered sea turtles since the early 1990s — one of East Africa’s most important grassroots marine conservation initiatives.
Our team rescues injured turtles, rehabilitates them in protected tidal pools, safeguards nesting beaches and educates both visitors and the local Nungwi community about the fragile coastal ecosystem.
As a volunteer, you become part of a passionate, hands-on conservation team working to protect marine life for generations to come.
OUR IMPACT
Measured in Lives Saved
A Sanctuary By the Sea
A Safe Haven for Zanzibar's Sea Turtles
Tucked beside the historic Nungwi Lighthouse and a series of natural tidal pools, the aquarium offers rescued hatchlings and adult turtles a calm space to heal before returning to the open ocean.Rehabilitation pools are designed to mimic the natural environment — warm, oxygen-rich water filtered directly by the Indian Ocean tides.
Today, Mnarani has grown into one of Zanzibar’s leading marine conservation centres and a defining educational destination — promoting environmental awareness, scientific research and sustainable coastal protection.Every visitor, every volunteer, every child who walks through its gates becomes part of a longer story: the ocean caring for those who care for it.
YOUR ROLE
How You'll Make a Difference
Turtle Care
Prepare food, feed rescued turtles and monitor their wellbeing under the guidance of experienced conservation staff.
Habitat Maintenance
Help clean rehabilitation pools and maintain healthy, oxygen-rich environments for recovering turtles.
Conservation Activities
Join beach cleanups, nesting protection, egg collection during nesting season and environmental conservation projects.
Visitor Education
Guide visitors and share knowledge about sea turtles, marine ecosystems and environmental protection.
WHY IT MATTERS
Every Turtle Saved Protects
an Entire Ecosystem
Sea turtles play an essential role in maintaining healthy oceans — grazing seagrass beds, balancing jellyfish populations and transporting nutrients between deep sea and shoreline. Yet they face growing threats from plastic pollution, habitat destruction and accidental fishing.
Every rescued turtle contributes to a healthier marine ecosystem, inspires greater environmental awareness throughout Zanzibar and offers hope to a species that has navigated these waters for over 100 million years.
“The smallest acts of conservation today create healthier oceans for generations to come.”
— Mnarani Aquarium Team
Accommodation & Life in Nungwi
Live Beside the Ocean
Volunteers stay at Aquarium Beach House, an intimate guesthouse overlooking the tidal lagoon where rescued turtles recover.
Each room is thoughtfully furnished — mosquito nets, private bathrooms, fan or air conditioning, and views that change with the tide.
Meals are served at the nearby Nungwi Seafoods Restaurant, celebrating authentic Zanzibari cuisine: fresh-caught fish, fragrant pilau rice, coconut curries and tropical fruit.
Evenings unfold gently — a community of volunteers and locals gathered on the sand, the sound of the Indian Ocean closing each day.
JOINING THE PROGRAM
What You'll Need
01
Passion for Wildlife
A genuine interest in protecting marine life and the ecosystems that sustain it.
02
Team Spirit
Enjoy working alongside local conservation teams and international volunteers.
03
Respect for Nature
Patience, responsibility and the quiet care that wildlife asks of us.
04
Positive Mindset
Bring curiosity, enthusiasm and a willingness to learn from every tide.
What You Can Expect
An Experience You'll Never Forget
You’ll gain practical conservation experience, develop a deeper understanding of marine ecosystems and create meaningful friendships while living beside the Indian Ocean.
And then — one quiet morning — you’ll carry a rehabilitated turtle to the shoreline, watch it disappear into the surf, and understand why this work matters.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No prior experience is required. Our local conservation staff will train you on everything from turtle feeding to pool maintenance and visitor education. A genuine interest in marine life and a willingness to learn matter most.
The length of your stay depends on the project you choose. Most programs welcome volunteers for several weeks, with opportunities to stay longer if you wish to make a greater impact.
Volunteers stay at our welcoming accommodation in Zanzibar, where you’ll have the opportunity to connect with fellow volunteers while enjoying a safe and comfortable environment close to your project.
Yes. Visa requirements depend on your nationality and the duration of your stay. Our team will guide you through the process and provide the information you need before you travel.
Yes. Volunteers help feed rescued turtles, support daily health checks, and during nesting season may assist with egg collection and hatchling protection — always under the guidance of our experienced team.
Can’t find what you’re looking for? Our team is one message away.
From the moment you apply until your volunteer experience ends, our local team will be there to support you with preparation, arrival, accommodation, project orientation, and any assistance you may need.
Absolutely. You can select the project that best matches your interests, skills, and goals. Whether you are passionate about education, childcare, healthcare, or conservation, we’ll help you find the right fit.
Yes. Comfortable volunteer accommodation is available as part of your program, creating a welcoming space where you can relax, connect with others, and experience life in Zanzibar.
Simply choose the project that inspires you, submit your application, and our team will guide you through every step of the process—from planning your trip to welcoming you in Zanzibar.
Bring comfortable clothing suitable for a school environment, closed-toe shoes, sunscreen, insect repellent, personal essentials, and a positive attitude. If you’d like, you may also bring educational materials or small games to share with the children.
Help Protect the Ocean,
One Turtle at a Time
Every rescued turtle represents hope for our oceans. Join our conservation program in Zanzibar and become part of a mission that protects endangered wildlife while creating unforgettable memories and meaningful impact for future generations.