Zanzibar Butterfly Centre

The Zanzibar Butterfly Centre (ZBC) is a newly established tourist attraction in Zanzibar. The centre hosts a large free flight aviary (30 x 20 m), which provides living space for some 400-600 butterflies. All the butterfly species which are being kept are from Zanzibar.

The ZBC is a project of sustainable tourism. Due to the short life span of the butterflies of just a few weeks, the center is in permanent need of new butterflies, which are raised and bred by the locals of the neighboring village of Pete. This activity is an alternative and ecologically sustainable source of income for the local population, helping to decrease poverty in the region. A biologist advises the villagers in butterfly farming and further educates them in other environmental and agricultural subjects. Besides the free flight aviary, the center offers an interactive exhibition about the different butterfly species and their life in nature for tourists and locals. ZBC closely cooperates with the Jozani Chwaka Bay national park, Jozani Environmental Convervation Association (JECA) and Pete Development Association (PDA).

The following volunteer positions and internships are possible at ZBC:
Students or graduates of biology and ecology can work as an ecological advisor in the village of Pete. They are going to teach and assist the locals in butterfly breeding and other areas of ecological farming. The minimum duration for this activity is 3 months.

Volunteers can stay in Stone Town, which means one hour travel time by Daladala to ZBC, or they can stay alternatively in the village of Pete.

Students of tourism, marketing, public relations, etc. can assist the center in public relations and marketing. The main goal is to attract tourists to visit the center; students can contact tour operators to make them integrate a visit of the ZBC into their Zanzibar travel itineraries, or try to reach individual travelers via online marketing.

Volunteers and interns for that option should have at least 3 months time. It is recommended to live in Stone Town, since most of the tour operators are located there and as in Pete there isn’t any internet access. Please note that volunteers need to pay the costs for internet access in internet cafés in Stone Town themselves.

Info box:

Location: Pete Village, Zanzibar, Tanzania

Duration: Minimum 3 months

Special qualification required: Yes 

Costs: free of charge (trouble-free package for € 500 is optional)

Accommodation: Not included

Meals: Not included

Included: Placement in the project; if you opt for the trouble-free package the whole range of services which is part of the trouble-free package is included

Not included: Travel, health insurance, visa, work permit