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Host rating
100 %
Last replied
22 Oct 2024
Reply rate
94.6 %
Usually responds within 5 days
Feedback
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Description
We are a family running our own homely lodge in Zanzibar, an island off Tanzania. We have an eco-friendly inclination, trying our best to respect the local environment and give back to our local community while offering tourists an authentic Zanzibari experience. One of our favourite things about working in our lodge is meeting people from all over the world. We have also enjoyed hosting some short-term volunteers, a really great way to learn about other cultures.
My family includes Haji, the lodge's owner, a charismatic local Zanzibari, myself who is an Italian nature and healthy nutrition lover living here for over 15 years, our four sons, dogs and cats and our working team.
We would like to meet responsible people who share our passions and lifestyle and deeply respect the island with its people and culture and would like to support the homely lodge to thrive.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Art Projects
Language practice
Help with Eco Projects
Teaching
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Hospitality/Tourism
General Maintenance
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
The lodge is located within Chuini village, offering a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Zanzibari culture. With locals frequenting the beach at our doorstep and our owner, Haji, being an enthusiastic host, you’ll have ample chances to learn about local traditions, practice Swahili, and explore the surrounding areas. Whether it’s observing traditional fishing, enjoying Zanzibari meals (with the option to join a cooking lesson), or exploring Old Town, beaches, and rural areas, you'll see firsthand how locals balance tourism with their traditional way of life.
Help
Zanzibar is a beautiful place to live for many reasons, but we acknowledge that education and certain skills are lacking in the local community. To address this, we are eager to host teachers and facilitators who can provide our staff with valuable training and support in areas such as:
. English and French language skills
. Food and beverage production
. Daily operations and management
Additionally, we are seeking volunteers with previous experience to assist with:
. Waste management
. Gardening
. Setting up our historical site
We are also open to hosting creative and skilled professionals, including:
. Artists and DIY experts
. Social media specialists and photographers
. Coaches, healers, meditation, bodywork, and yoga teachers
These certified professionals would be welcome to organize classes, engage with our guests, or contribute to the improvement of our property in line with our current projects.
Key Requirements:
. Flexibility and Adaptability: A positive attitude and the ability to adjust to different situations are essential.
. Responsibility and Cultural Respect: While Zanzibar has a relaxed, holiday atmosphere, it’s crucial to respect our culture and working environment.
. Commitment and Autonomy: We value individuals who are loyal to their commitments and can manage their time independently.
Important Considerations:
Please refrain from seeking accommodation if your primary intention is to travel for leisure, meet new friends, or party. We are looking for individuals who genuinely wish to share their experiences and knowledge with us, and any meaningful connections should arise naturally from this shared purpose.
Trial Period:
We may require a two-week trial period to ensure mutual compatibility. If we feel that the arrangement is not a good fit for either party, we may shorten the stay accordingly.
Thank you for considering this opportunity to contribute to our community. We look forward to potentially collaborating with you.
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Italian: Fluent
Swahili (Kiswahili): FluentThis host offers a language exchange
We like to practise English and French. We can teach Swahili.
Accommodation
As a volunteer at the lodge, you will be provided with a spacious room equipped with a comfortable bed, a wardrobe, a fan, and an ensuite bathroom.
Meals:
You will be on a full board plan, which includes a fulfilling breakfast and two meals each day. These meals are a mix of Zanzibari and Italian cuisine, freshly prepared by our skilled cooks. While you will receive meals prepared specifically for the family, please note that you will not have the same dishes served to our guests. However, you are welcome to purchase guest dishes if you wish.
Facilities:
During your stay, you will have access to all of the lodge's facilities, including:
Basic internet (you may want to consider getting your own bundle for additional data)
Relaxing areas and pool
A meeting room that serves as a quiet workspace
Tours:
While you are welcome to join the tours we offer, please note that they are not free of charge and you will need to pay for them.
Location:
Our lodge is right on the beach, offering a beautiful and serene environment.
What’s Not Covered:
Tourist Visa for Tanzania: Valid for 3 months.
Zanzibar Revenue Tourist Tax: $2 USD per day, per person.
Please note that Zanzibar, as a developing tourist destination, requires all visitors, including volunteers, to contribute to these costs.
What else ...
The lodge is located right on a peaceful, off-the-beaten-track beach, offering a tranquil setting while still being just 30 minutes by car from Stone Town, where you can enjoy shops, cafes, restaurants, and some nightlife. Zanzibar, though an island, has diverse experiences across its east and west coasts. On your days off, you can explore the island by snorkelling, visiting Masingini or Jozani forests, or venturing to small islands and sandbanks. You might also enjoy relaxing on a different stretch of beach or cycling to nearby spice farms to taste the fruits and spices of Zanzibar.
For transportation, you’re welcome to join our drivers on trips to town. Alternatively, you can walk to the main road and catch a local bus, tuk-tuk, or taxi motorbike.
Many of our previous volunteers have become like family, joining us on outings and sharing meals. We’re relaxed yet focused people, and we’re happy to host committed travellers who are ready to help our lodge and family thrive. We kindly ask for serious and dedicated helpers—no time wasters, please.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
We can organise long stays. There's plenty of space to work (open spaces and a multifunctional room where wifi is available). The connection is quite good but for extra needs, I'd suggest buying extra MBps through our provider. No connection in the rooms.
Space for parking camper vans
Our car park is available for free, suitable for small and big cars and motorbikes.
Can possibly accept pets
We can't accept pets as we have dogs and cats. We love animals.
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Hours expected
5 hours a day, 5 days a week. Flexibility required.
Feedback (13)
I gave French lessons to Marina and Hadji's children, as well as to the staff, and I loved spending time with them.
It was a wonderful experience, the whole family was great with me.
The staff were very keen to learn, which was nice.
In my free time I enjoyed the pool, the beach, walks around… read more
Marina, together with all the staff, are wonderful and friendly people. I really hope to return to visit them in the future, it was a memorable experience that changed me for the… read more
Photos
Feedback
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Accuracy of profile:
(4.9)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
(4.9)
I gave French lessons to Marina and Hadji's children, as well as to the staff, and I loved spending time with them.
It was a wonderful experience, the whole family was great with me.
The staff were very keen to learn, which was nice.
In my free time I enjoyed the pool, the beach, walks around… read more
Marina, together with all the staff, are wonderful and friendly people. I really hope to return to visit them in the future, it was a memorable experience that changed me for the… read more
It was an interesting experience as he is keen to improve. I proposed an holistic approach, to develop his
responsibility for his wellbeing. Due to long hours of online school he was not available as i
recommended. Also, he often had not… read more
We hadn't enough time to make of Omar the strongest Yawara Do martial… read more
All the family and the staff were very welcome, I had a great time with the kids and with others volunteers that it was so easy to feel like home.
I help with different proyects but mainly painting and making sign.
Marina is a strong woman and it was a pleasure get… read more
Their small hotel is beautiful,… read more
