Volunteering
At Ubuntu Backpacker
At Ubuntu Backpackers, volunteering is about more than work — it’s about community. Through Workaway and similar platforms, we welcome creative, open-minded people to share their skills and energy with us.
Whether you love social media, art, gardening, cooking, or helping guests, there’s always something meaningful to do. In return, you’ll experience true Zimbabwean hospitality, enjoy homemade meals, and explore the beauty of Mutare and the Eastern Highlands.
Come live the spirit of ubuntu — “I am because we are.”
Diego, Argentina:
I had an amazing time at Ubuntu Backpackers! I helped with social media and local art projects, and every day was full of creativity and good energy. The hostel is beautiful, breakfast is great, and Christa makes everything feel like home. I wish I could have stayed longer — thank you for everything!
Christa (Ubuntu Backpacker):
Diego — always behind the camera or at the computer managing photos, and sometimes in the kitchen creating high cuisine! A true talent in his field — his photos were outstanding and highly professional, and his homemade pasta was the best. He enriched our website with many beautiful images and left a creative mark on Ubuntu.
Moses, German:
This hostel is a rare gem! Christa and her team are incredibly dedicated and involved in the Mutare community. There’s always something to do — from handywork to helping at the kindergarten — and amazing people to meet every day. I loved Mutare’s beauty and rich culture so much that I stayed longer than planned. Check it out!
Christa (Ubuntu Backpacker):
Moses — always relaxed and thoughtful, often found with a good joint and an even better book. Highly intelligent and full of insight, he brought great balance to our sometimes hectic daily life. Wood and glass were his favorite materials — the beautiful bottle vases and the furniture in Strelitzia are his creations. A wonderful mind and spirit to have around!
Siobhann, UK:
A wonderful hostel in the heart of Mutare, tucked away like a little secret garden. I planned to stay a short time but ended up staying three months! The work is varied and fun — from helping guests to walking Sasha 😊. Christa, Tawanda, Unity, and Oliver have created a beautiful, welcoming place — a perfect Workaway experience!
Christa (Ubuntu Backpacker):
Siobhann — our calm, balancing, and peace-making soul. A true specialist in all kinds of good cuisine (and a little drop of wine!) no app was ever too tricky for her to master. She had the booking system perfectly under control, highly organized and skilled in planning. Siobhann successfully managed the hostel for several months and did an outstanding job. How wonderful that you keep coming back!
Lucy, Italy:
Staying at this place was just amazing.
Christa is a powerful and openminded woman engaged in many social and artistic projects.
Living with her, Unity and Oliver was like staying at Home.
The project I did with Christa, Tawanda and their art association was also super enriching and inspiring.
I wish I could go back one day.
Christa (Ubuntu Backpacker):
Lucy — our power lady on the mural ladder! She won everyone’s hearts in no time, and the artists absolutely loved working with her. Social, empathetic, always with a witty remark, motivating, and highly skilled as a mural artist — we miss you, Lucy!
Anna & Ari, Spain:
We spent almost five weeks here but only needed five minutes to fall in love. The place is full of art, music, and wonderful people who made our stay unforgettable. We’re so grateful for the experience — thank you, Christa! Hope to meet again soon!
Christa (Ubuntu Backpacker):
Anna and Ari were a true enrichment for all of us — always cheerful and full of music. Their deep love for music filled the place with joy and inspiration. Ari’s wonderful voice and heartfelt interpretations, together with Anna’s emotional presence, created a special atmosphere. Whether in the kindergarten, during the artists’ workshops, or at festive events, they were always outstanding.
Kiki, German:
I planned to stay three weeks but left after seven — only because I had a flight! Christa is full of energy and inspiring ideas, and she’s created such a warm, welcoming place. The team is lovely, the work enjoyable, and exploring the Eastern Highlands and Chimanimani was unforgettable. I’d love to come back one day — thank you for an amazing experience!
Christa (Ubuntu Backpacker):
Kiki was an absolute joy to have at Ubuntu! Always cheerful and full of positive energy, she brought a wonderful vibe to the hostel. An excellent baker — we were spoiled with her delicious cakes! She connected beautifully with everyone (including our dog Sascha), was always up for some fun, yet also enjoyed deep, meaningful conversations. We’re still in touch today, and I’m so grateful for the time she spent here.
Carina, German:
Volunteering at Ubuntu was an incredible experience! The hostel is beautiful, the food amazing, and the Eastern Highlands simply stunning. We explored mountain sunsets, Vumba, Nyanga, and Chimanimani, and I got involved in inspiring community projects. I learned so much about Zimbabwe and its people — thank you, Christa!
Christa (Ubuntu Backpacker):
Carina was an exceptional volunteer — a very responsible and extraordinary person with strong humanitarian values. A true world traveler: calm, balanced, and grounded like a rock. She practices yoga, is always ready to help, intelligent, and provided wonderful support in every area. She also managed the hostel excellently for several months during my absence.
