Departures:
25 June, 2025
06 July, 2025
Duration
11 Days
Price
€870
(Flights and visa not included in the package)
Volunteer in Zanzibar with Xploristas | A Transformational Journey of Solidarity, Culture, and Connection
This June, join us for a unique volunteer journey in Zanzibar at the Seeds of Light school, in partnership with the CR Hope Foundation.
This trip focuses on supporting the local school and community by engaging in activities to empower children and women mainly through education.
It is a unique opportunity to to feel the pulse of Zanzibar and truly connect with its people. Engage, share, and build meaningful bonds with the teachers and children at the Seeds of Light school, while supporting both the school and the local community.
It’s a transformational experience for all of us who take part — and at the same time, it leaves a lasting, positive impact on the lives of the children and the local community.
We create, improvise, connect, and share joyful moments with the children.
We engage in meaningful and fun activities, such as:
- Supporting classroom teaching alongside local teachers
- Exchanging ideas, methods, and teaching experiences with the teachers
- Together with the children, we explore creativity through crafts, music, painting, theatre games, and imaginative workshops in art and handicrafts.
- Assisting with English and math lessons
- Bringing energy to the playground through sports and active play
- Accompanying the children during break time with care and interaction
- Guiding children in daily hygiene routines through fun and engaging activities
- Joining activities that support the environment, including tree planting and community clean-ups
- Organizing and caring for the school library to create a welcoming learning environment
- Facilitating meaningful workshops with local women, focused on connection and empowerment
In preparation for our journey, we’ll meet online to connect as a team and co-create our plan of action. Everyone contributes their unique skills and experiences, making this a truly collaborative effort.
What do we pack? Flexibility, adaptability, and a big dose of imagination!
We give and we receive… truth, purity, simplicity, cooperation, and joy.
The simple truths that give depth and meaning to our lives.
HIGHLIGHTS OF OUR JOURNEY
- 11 days in enchanting Zanzibar
- 7 days of volunteer activities at the local school
- Interaction with the community, sharing stories, experiences, and emotions
- Authentic glimpse into the culture and daily life of the island’s people
- Exploration of the narrow alleys of Stone Town
- Tour of an organic spice farm with traditional local meal
- Blue Safari: snorkeling, swimming, and beach barbecue on a sandbank in the Indian Ocean
- Visit to Jozani Forest with endemic Red Colobus monkeys
- Visit to the famous The Rock Restaurant
- Sunset boat ride with traditional wooden dhows
- Party on a sandbank in the middle of the Indian Ocean
- Beach barbecue dinner under the stars
TRAVEL INFORMATION
DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN ZANZIBAR
Arrive in Zanzibar and transfer to Kizimkazi village, where the school is located. Settle into the volunteer rooms and meet the team of CR Hope Foundation for a guided tour and warm welcome at the school. The afternoon is free to relax and take in your first impressions of the island.
Our adventure begins here. Karibu Zanzibar!
DAYS 2–3: PARTICIPATION IN SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
Morning participation in school activities.
Afternoons dedicated to exploring local culture, engaging with the community, and relaxing.
Evening beach barbecue under the stars.
DAY 4: BLUE SAFARI
Today, we embark on a wonderful marine adventure, heading to a sandbank in the middle of the Indian Ocean, where time fades away with the tide.
We board a traditional fishing boat and set sail. As we glide across the water, we might spot dolphins playfully dancing around us, gracefully slicing through the waves beside our boat. The Safari Blue is known as the best boat excursion in Zanzibar!
We go snorkeling, enjoying the magnificent underwater world as we observe countless colorful fish and vibrant reefs. At noon, we grill fresh seafood on the beach, savoring a delightful meal. Return and enjoy a leisurely afternoon.
DAY 5: JOZANI FOREST, THE ROCK RESTAURANT, SUNSET SAILING & BEACH PARTY
Exploring Jozani Forest: We walk through Jozani Forest, following the rare Red Colobus monkeys. We observe their feeding habits, grooming behaviors, and how they leap from branch to branch. We also learn about the animals and various plants that inhabit this forest. The landscape is a mosaic of mangrove trees, tropical and coral forests, as well as underground waters and saline swamps.
Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park is the only national park in Zanzibar, covering an area of 50 square kilometers. The forest is home to the Red Colobus monkeys, a species endemic to Zanzibar. Today, they are classified as endangered due to a declining population and are under protection.
After our tour of Jozani Forest, we head to Pingue to visit the Rock Restaurant, a famous restaurant situated on a rock in the sea! Depending on the tide, you can either walk to it or reach it by boat. Free time for lunch or relaxing on the beach.
Next, we’ll set sail on a traditional wooden dhow to watch the sunset over the Indian Ocean. We’ll bask in the golden red hues of the sunset, fully immersing ourselves in this magical moment. The sound of the sea awakens our senses while bringing tranquility and peace.
DAYS 6–8: PARTICIPATION IN SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
Morning: Participate in school activities.
Afternoons: Dedicated to exploring local culture, engaging in activities with the locals, and relaxation.
On Day 8 in the afternoon, we step into the heart of the village for a unique cultural experience. We visit a women’s cooperative, where local women share their traditions, skills, and warmth. Together, we take part in a cooking class, learning to prepare chapati, a traditional flatbread that’s a staple of Zanzibari cuisine, using fresh, local ingredients and time-honored techniques.
After the cooking, we enjoy a delicious homemade lunch, served in a relaxed setting, filled with stories, laughter, and connection. The experience continues with a guided village tour, offering insight into daily life, local customs, and the strong sense of community that defines the island.
It’s more than a tour — it’s a chance to connect, learn, and support local women who keep their culture alive through food and shared experience.
In the evening, we say goodbye to the village and the local community with a joyful celebration.
DAY 9: SPICE TOUR & STONE TOWN
Zanzibar was once one of the world’s leading producers of spices such as cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Today, we will visit an organic farm with a rich variety of plants. We touch, smell, and taste different spices and herbs used in cooking, cosmetic creation, and traditional medicine. We’ll enjoy a lunch featuring local flavors and sample a wide range of tropical fruits.
Arriving in Stone Town, you have the rest of the afternoon to wander and discover as you wish.
DAY 10: STONE TOWN – FREE DAY
A free day to explore the city at your own pace.
The soul of Zanzibar lives in the winding alleys of Stone Town, the island’s historic heart, where tradition, diverse cultural influences, and vibrant street life blend effortlessly. The day is yours — to wander, discover, and absorb the sights, scents, and sounds of this unique place.
As you walk through narrow streets lined with carved wooden doors and bustling markets, you’ll find spice shops, handmade crafts, and quiet spots to pause. Highlights include Freddie Mercury’s childhood home, the historic Slave Market, the Old Fort, and the lively harbor with the Forodhani Gardens.
Stone Town is not just a city — it’s a living experience. Every step reveals something new, every moment invites you to slow down and connect. Here, history and present life flow together in a rhythm all their own. Overnight stay.
DAY 11: DEPARTURE
Participation Cost: €870 per person
Included:
- Accommodation (10 nights)
- Daily breakfast
- 9 meals
- Transfers as mentioned in the itinerary
- Activities, excursions, and transportation as outlined in the itinerary
- Greek educator / group leader
- Civil liability insurance
- Informational material
- VAT
Not Included:
- Air tickets (You may contact our office if you wish us to handle your booking: [email protected] or +30 6944 782329)
- Visa: $50 (You can apply online at https://visa.immigration.go.tz, or contact us for assistance)
- Mandatory local travel insurance (ZIC) – can be purchased at https://www.zic.co.tz/
- Travel insurance (not included for participants residing outside of Greece); we recommend arranging your own coverage.
- Anything not specifically mentioned in the “Included” section
- Drinks and meals not mentioned in the itinerary
- Optional activities and transfers
- Tips and porterage
DURATION: 11 Days / 10 Nights
DATES: June 25 – July 6, 2025
Fitness Level: Suitable for all
Minimum number of participants for the trip to take place: 10 people
Flights: You may book your tickets independently, or contact our office for assistance at [email protected] or +30 6944 782329.
For 8 out of the 10 nights, we stay at the school, in rooms designed for volunteers. Breakfast and lunch are included in the price.
Passports: Must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Tanzania.
Please check if your country requires a visa and any additional entry requirements.
You can apply for a Tanzanian visa online at:
🌐 https://visa.immigration.go.tz
Vaccinations & Health Information:
For information on vaccinations, malaria prevention, and other health-related precautions, please consult your doctor or a travel health clinic in your country.
Yellow fever vaccination is generally optional, unless you are arriving from (or have recently traveled through) a country where yellow fever is endemic.
Plastic Bags – Important Note:
Since September 2021, Tanzania enforces a ban on plastic bags to reduce environmental impact, especially in natural habitats and wildlife areas. The production, import, sale, and use of plastic bags is prohibited, and penalties apply. Please use reusable, paper, or biodegradable bags during your stay.
*Note: The order of excursions may be adjusted, but no activity will be omitted.
At the CR Hope Foundation, our mission is rooted in the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential. Our primary goal is to create a lasting, positive impact on the lives of young people by offering children in underprivileged communities access to quality education.
As a crucial component of our mission, we established the Seeds of Light school in Kizimkazi, Zanzibar. This beacon of hope now provides education to 115 children between the ages of 3 and 10 years old. By laying the groundwork for their individual success, we are also paving the way for the future prosperity of their generation and the entire nation.
The CR HOPE Foundation is a charity, not-for-profit organization launched in 2017 with the sole objective of providing quality education to children and youth in Zanzibar, Tanzania, thus fighting against poverty in the region. Our vision is to inspire children to strengthen their local communities through quality education and lifelong learning.
CR HOPE currently provides 115 school-aged children with quality education, helping them to develop literacy and numeracy skills, and spur their interest in sports, community development, and leadership.
Our values are the main driving force behind all our activities. We believe that good intentions are not enough for making a difference, which is why we evaluate the impact made by our programs and take responsibility for their results.
CONTACT FORM
Please fill out the form below to get in touch with us. We are always available for any information or clarification you may need.
Photos Copyright © Eleni Angelidou