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Last replied
15 Apr 2025
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Description
Hi! My name is Morten, and I’m currently spending a season or two per year on the beautiful island of Zanzibar. Right now, I’m focused on completing a small bungalow on my property to prepare it. This is the first step toward the larger vision of building a space where local talents and global visitors can connect, share, and thrive.
This exchange is perfect for someone who is passionate about sustainability, permaculture, and contributing to a project that’s about creating something bigger than ourselves.
I currently have one local worker, Khatib, who is an essential part of the project. He helps maintain the property, plants trees and plants, cares for the chickens, and looks after our dog, Shadow. Khatib also acts as a caretaker for the bungalow and ensures the space is secure. Workawayers will be working alongside him, and their contributions will be a supplement to, not a replacement for, his role. Collaboration and mutual learning are central to how we work together.
I believe in the power of meaningful work, sustainable living, and creating from a feeling of something bigger than ourselves.
The little village called Jambiani, on the southeast coast of Zanzibar, is very dear to my heart, as my mother was brave enough to bring me and my three older sisters here way back in 1998. Then, in 2002, we drove a car from my home country, Norway, all the way to Zanzibar, and my mom and stepdad moved here for a decade. Naturally, I have been here many times, and I feel like Jambiani and Zanzibar is my second home. What I love the most about this island is the happiness and the down-to-earth, island-vibes people in general live with. Although many people are living in financial poverty, few live in spiritual poverty. Quite the opposite. When I am here, I am reminded about the important things in life. I feel grateful and abundant. I eat local, fresh food. I'm often in the ocean, which I love, and I just feel in general that I'm being lifted to a higher state of consciousness.
That said, there are matters that can feel uncomfortable and take time to get used to, like the power outages, having to fill up mobile data instead of being able to pay for unlimited, or waiting for "TIA" (This Is Africa): African time. People like to take things slowly, and showing up for appointments at exact times is a foreign language few are familiar with. I think we have a lot to learn from African culture when it comes to enjoying the moment, living in harmony with nature, and keeping things simple in body, mind, and spirit.
If you're someone who’s up for an adventure and passionate about making a difference, I’d love to welcome you to join this journey!
Types of help and learning opportunities
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Help around the house
Hospitality/Tourism
General Maintenance
Interests
Sustainability
Van life
Movies & TV
Self development
Culture
Events & social
Charity work
Farming
Writing
Carpentry
Drawing & painting
Astronomy
Books
Music
Photography
Cooking & food
Art & design
Animals
Hiking
Cycling
Dancing
Outdoor activities
Team sports
Yoga / Wellness
Water sports
Nature
Fitness
Camping
Beach
Adventure sports
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
You'll be taken good care of when it comes to being integrated in the culture. Because of my long history here and my network of friends, you'll have an 'in' with whatever you'd like. Weather it would be to eat with local families, learn about harvesting sea-weed, going out with the fishermen, swimming with dolphins, tortoises, learning how to make bracelets from the Masai people. You'll know where the best live-band experiences are at any given time. I'll link you up with my full network of local friends who'll make sure you get an authentic experience of being integrated into the culture.
Personally, by hosting on WorkAway I hope to learn more of how to build a community the organic way with people who care about being part of the solution, doing valuable things while we're here and learn heaps of hacks, tricks and ways of growing a true community.
Help
We are looking for a dedicated individual or a couple who is motivated to contribute to a meaningful project and embrace a simpler, sustainable lifestyle. Your primary responsibility will be helping to prepare a basic bungalow, which will generate the first stable income for our larger vision. Tasks include painting, cleaning, organizing, fixing things, doing errands (shopping, going to offices, making small improvements to the structure and surrounding area ++
In addition, you’ll help maintain the property, collaborate on permaculture initiatives, and support other ongoing projects. These might involve planting, watering, landscaping, or brainstorming creative solutions for sustainability. If you have skills in carpentry, construction, or eco-design, that’s a big plus, but a willingness to learn and a positive attitude is definitely most important.
The ideal Workawayer is proactive, adaptable, and enjoys hands-on work and follows through by getting things done one way or another. While the work is physically engaging, it's also highly rewarding. You’ll work 4-5 hours per day, 4-5 days a week, and we can discuss the schedule together to ensure it suits us both. There should also be enough time for getting to know the culture and community and so on.
If you have a driver’s license, that’s a bonus, as it could help with errands.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Norwegian bokmål: Fluent
Accommodation
During your stay, you'll experience life in a tropical, yet simple, environment. Here’s what we offer:
Sleeping arrangements: You’ll start by staying in the bungalow while assisting in its completion. Once the bungalow is ready for rental, you’ll move into a cozy thatched hut on the property. Bedding will be provided, so no need to bring your own.
Amenities: Right now as I write, I'm in the research-phase for the new solar-panel setup. So depending on when you arrive, that will possibly be up. Right now the bungalow is super-basic and barely functional. Within weeks it will be much better. We have water on the property, though it needs to be carried in buckets. Digging a well starts next week. There is a water closet that flushes manually using the same water until we have the solar-setup with water pump in place. Ideally you look at these amenities as part of the charm of sustainable living as we work to upgrade facilities over relatively short time (weeks-to-months).
Food: We ask for 20-25 hours of work per week, typically spread over 4-5 days. In exchange, we provide 3 meals a day, which you’ll enjoy at a local restaurant we partner with in Jambiani. The meals are simple, fresh, and reflect the local cuisine. Examples of what you might have include:
Pilau: Spiced rice with a small portion of meat and salad.
Zanzibar Mix (Urojo): A flavorful soup with ingredients like chickpeas, potatoes, lemon juice, tamarind, and various toppings such as fritters, crunchy noodles, fried cassava, and chutneys.
Soup with meat and broth: Served with local bread on the side (similar to a donut or fritter).
The food is basic but tasty and nourishing, giving you a true taste of Zanzibar’s culture.
These will be provided at no cost to you. If you enjoy cooking, there may also be opportunities to experiment with local ingredients and share meals with others on the property.
Community support: You won’t be alone in your work or living arrangements. The property includes a local gartner and caretaker, Khatib and his girlfriend, who is not only knowledgeable about local customs, but ensures that the environment remains safe, secure, and inspiring.
This accommodation is ideal for those who appreciate a minimalist lifestyle, are comfortable adapting to simple conditions, and value the opportunity to contribute to something meaningful while living close to nature.
What else ...
Local Customs and Culture
Zanzibar, including Jambiani, is predominantly Muslim. Respect for local traditions and customs is essential. When out in public, dress modestly: women should cover shoulders, knees, and avoid revealing clothing when in the village. That said, because of tourism and integration of different cultures, local customs are becoming more liberal. As soon as you're on the beach, on my property or in a resort og hotel etc, you're free to wear whatever you like, and I see tourist not covering their knees _all the time_ so it's not an issue, but worth mentioning if you want to respect culture and religion.
Alcohol consumption should be limited to licensed restaurants or resorts. During Ramadan, please refrain from eating or drinking in public spaces during daylight hours.
Legal and Safety Considerations
Social Awareness
Tanzania's laws prohibit homosexual acts, and there is a notable cultural stigma against LGBTQ+ individuals. Please exercise caution and discretion regarding this aspect of personal identity.
Transport and Exploring
Jambiani is a charming village along Zanzibar’s southeastern coast, known for its pristine beaches and friendly locals. During your time off, you can:
Relax on the white sandy beaches or swim in the turquoise waters.
Explore Jozani Forest, home to the rare Zanzibar Red Colobus Monkey.
Visit the nearby Paje beach for kite surfing and other water sports. I have some kites you can use.
Take a cultural tour to learn about seaweed farming, a local industry.
Transportation options include shared minibusses (dala-dala) and private taxis. Motorbike or bicycle rentals are also common and a fun way to explore the area.
If you have a driver license and you would like to stay for a longer period and we are are good match, I will consider buying a car.
We look forward to welcoming you to our project, sharing stories, and creating a positive impact together!
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
There are a few different options regarding mobile data, but most of them have quite good reception on my plot. I don't have a unlimited broadband internet yet, but the plan is to get that ASAP. There are resorts and cafés with wifi.
Space for parking camper vans
This host can provide space for campervans.
Can possibly accept pets
This host has said they are willing to accept those travelling with a pet.
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
