For more than 20 years, the Mnarani Natural Aquarium has engaged in efforts to save endangered sea turtles hunted for their patterned shells and distinctive meat. Local residents operate this site to rescue these elegant creatures and provide education to drive long-term success of conservation efforts. Visit for a day or sign up for a longer-term volunteer stay.
Also known as the Mnarani Marine Turtle Conservation Pond, the site centers on a natural coral lagoon next to the lighthouse near Nungwi. In 1993, Eco & Culture Tours NGO, a local cultural non-profit group, teamed with Nungwi villagers to start the conservation operation. View the hundreds of tiny hatchlings in tanks and pools and see the adults in the lagoon.
Each year the team rescues these endangered turtles, including paying local fishermen for any turtles caught in their fishing nets. The lagoon is connected to the Indian Ocean but partially separated by a small section of rocky reef. Stand on a wooden platform over the lagoon and join team members feeding seaweed to the hungry turtles. At times, swimming in the lagoon with the turtles is allowed. Come in February to watch a joyful release of turtles back to the ocean from nearby Nungwi Beach.
Join the team at the aquarium for a volunteer stay for a month or more. As a volunteer, you will engage in beach cleanup, seaweed collection, keeping the turtles clean and providing guided tours. Pay a fee for room and board, some of which contributes to support the organization and the community.
Drive to Nungwi at the northernmost tip of Zanzibar in about 1 hour from Stone Town. Walk to the conservancy site near the lighthouse. The Mnarani Natural Aquarium is open daily from mid-morning to early evening. Arrive 2 hours before high tide for the clearest water in the lagoon. Admission fees and contributions support the ongoing efforts of the conservation team.
