Volunteering in Kilimanjaro, Moshi Town
Making a difference to the communities of Moshi Town, Kilimanjaro
Why volunteer in Kilimanjaro, Moshi Town?
Kilimanjaro is the perfect location for adventurers wanting to explore a fascinating part of Africa. Located just a few hours’ drive from some of the best game reserves on the continent (Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire NP), it’s perfectly positioned to take off for a weekend on safari. Closer to home, waterfalls, hot springs, lakes and coffee are dotted across the landscape.
And who could forget the view on a clear day of the snow-capped peak of Kilimanjaro towering high above you!
Tanzania Volunteering Projects
Moshi Volunteering
Moshi is a buzzing and vibrant tourist town at the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro in northern Tanzania and home to three main cultural groups: the Chagga, the Maasai and the Pare. It’s small and friendly and everyone is extremely welcoming – you will feel at home in no time at all!
You will encounter many of your students as you stroll around during your lunch break, after project or at the weekend. Here you will find a warm and welcoming community living life at a leisurely pace in a sunny climate. While Moshi itself isn’t especially large, however, you will find plenty of shops, restaurants, cafes and bars around town, as well as many hotel lodges with swimming pools where you can spend the weekend relaxing, all within walking distance or a short taxi journey from the volunteer house.
You will get the chance to spend your free time walking through the lively streets of Moshi, tasting Swahili food, buying curious at the local markets, and visiting coffee plantations. You will also have the chance to meet Maasai warriors wrapped in shukas and elaborate beaded jewellery and listen to their stories and learn from their ways of life!
Kilimanjaro Volunteer
During your time here you will be introduced to a different way of life and meet people who will share beautiful stories and charm you with their friendliness and sense of humour. You will discover the beauty of Africa and gain new perspectives that may change you forever.
What else?
It is also the hub to Tanzania’s best safari’s locations, like Kilimanjaro, Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater National Parks.
Or, if you prefer to take a beach weekend, you can get a direct flight to the turquoise waters and white sands of stunning Zanzibar.
Highlights & Excursions
Tanzania is one of Africa’s most popular destinations since it ́s home to some of the world’s best safari hotspots, the highest peak in the continent, the largest crater and the paradisiac islands of Zanzibar! Here are some of the top extra trips you can do during your free time!
Kilimanjaro Day Hike
Don’t have the time or energy to conquer the summit? Take a day hike to Mandara Camp and Maudai Crater. This moderate introduction to Kilimanjaro offers a taste of what climbing this magnificent mountain is like while enjoying the perks of a hot shower and a comfy bed once back home later that day. You won’t reach the peak but you’ll still be able to say you’ve climbed Kilimanjaro!
Kikuletwa Hot Springs
About 1 1⁄2 hours from Moshi, is an oasis in the desert. Surrounded by idyllic trees, this turquoise warm-water pond makes for a picturesque day of swimming and relaxing. The crystal clear water is also home to a school of ‘doctor fish’ that offer a free cleaning service – as you float, you’ll feel them gently nibbling on your feet!
Safari
Head off on a safari through some of the best game reserves in Africa: Serengeti National Park, Tarangire National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater. Scan the horizon for the ‘Big 5’ and witness the contrast of Maasai communities and nature living together side-by-side.
Marangu Cultural Tour
Lying higher than Moshi, Marangu is very lush and is littered with a number of waterfalls and banana and coffee farms. Explore these plantations and hike the green forest before visiting (and swimming if you are brave enough) a beautiful waterfall. Get a true insight into local Chagga culture by enjoying a traditional, home-cooked Swahili meal washed down with locally produced banana beer!
Zanzibar
With European, African, Asian and Arabic influences, Zanzibar is diverse and very different to mainland Tanzania. Spend a day soaking up the sun on one of many beaches looking out for passing whales and dolphins, explore the narrow alleyways and historical architecture of Stone Town or head to a rooftop and sip an ice-cold drink as the sun sets.
Volunteer Accommodation
You will be staying at our volunteer house in the village of Mdawi, just six kilometres from Moshi town centre. Our volunteer house is very safe and comfortable, with shared, en-suite bedrooms and hot showers.
Enjoy the warm temperatures in the outside dining and lounge area – the perfect spot to kick back and relax, plan lessons and watch films. All your meals will be freshly cooked by our excellent on-site chef. Our Project Coordinator lives on the premises and is always there to support you with everything you need.
Offering guidance and advice, the staff will help you plan your day, and make sure you’re having fun the whole time you’re with us
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tanzania safe to visit?
We take our volunteer’s safety very seriously and we ́ll give an in-depth induction upon arrival. Please check our Safety Tips as well and don’t worry about this since we ́ll look out for you and lots of tourists visit this beautiful country every year. Petty crime and scams are some of the biggest issues so you need to be on the lookout and pay attention to pickpockets or similar petty thieves.
What is the weather/climate in Tanzania?
As with most other countries in the equatorial belt, seasons seem to merge into one and are not distinctly different. Tanzania’s climate is determined by the monsoons, and so there are typically hot and humid conditions all year round. The main rains are generally from March to May, and there is also a short rainy season in November/December. Please be advised that when it rains the nursery school children do not always turn up for school. The power also sometimes turns off during the rains which can affect some of the work that we do. If you plan on volunteering during the rainy season please bring a waterproof jacket with you
Which Electrical Plugs are used in Tanzania?
For Tanzania, there are two associated plug types, types D and G. Plug type D is the plug which has three round pins in a triangular pattern and plug type G is the plug which has two flat parallel pins and a grounding pin. Tanzania operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz.
How much money should I bring?
How much spending money you need differs from person to person and depends on how much you shop, drink and eat besides the meals provided for you.
It is important that when deciding how much money you bring, you take into account what optional activities you anticipate doing. Activities greatly range in price, from budget-friendly to 5-star luxury. Think of your own budget before you come. As a rule of thumb, you should pay for small purchases in Tanzanian Shillings and large purchases in US Dollars. We have a great partnership with a local, well- respected travel company, and if you book a safari through us or them, you can pay with a card (VISA & MasterCard).
There are many ATM’s (VISA & MasterCard accepted) available in Moshi town that accepts international cards as well as money changers. US Dollars, British Pounds and Euros will be the easiest to change (be aware that bills should be post-2006 and the higher the note, the better the rate).
We strongly advise against bringing travellers’ cheques.
What should stay in your hand luggage when travelling?
All valuables should be kept in your hand luggage, not left in your checked bags.
What is the language in Tanzania?
Tanzania is a multilingual country and the Bantu, Swahili and English are the most widely spoken ones.
Know Before You Go
Visa Requirements
Packing List
Code of Conduct
Volunteering Safety Tips
- Be sure to keep track of your belongings at all times.
- Keep your belongings on your lap while riding the bus.
- Do not accept drinks from strangers.
- Use busy and well-lit streets when walking and never walk alone after dark.
- Only use official taxis and public buses.
- Keep small change in your pockets and hide large bills.
- Be vigilant when using an ATM.
- Never count your money on the street or in public.
- Take special care with your camera, laptop, jewellery, purse, and electronics.
- Save your project manager’s number on your phone and make sure to provide us with a copy of your emergency contact person at home.
We will review safety again in detail during your orientation.
Tanzania Vaccinations
Please consult with your private physician or doctor in regards to what immunizations or vaccinations are needed.
Our recommendations:
Hepatitis A&B: Recommended
Tetanus: a recent tetanus injection is highly recommended
Polio: recommended
Tuberculosis: recommended
Malaria: We advise you to bring an ample supply of anti-malarial tablets for your entire time in Tanzania. Ask your doctor to prescribe the best one available. N.B: We do not recommend Larium (sometimes known to cause hallucinations) or Doxycycline (many people have had bad reactions to the sun when they use this prophylactic).
Yellow Fever: A Yellow Fever vaccination and the certificate is an ENTRY REQUIREMENT for ALL travellers arriving (including Airport transit) from countries where there is a risk of Yellow Fever transmission in any disembarkation to endemic areas after 24hours. More information on here: https://www.taa.go.tz/index.php/traveller-guides/health-requirements.
You WILL NOT be allowed to enter the country without it.
