Volunteering in Tanzania
Making a meaningful impact in Tanzanian communities
Why volunteer in Tanzania?
The largest country in East Africa, Tanzania is a paradise for outdoor lovers. Home to the tallest mountain in Africa (Mt.Kilimanjaro), the largest crater in the world (Ngorongoro Crater), the highest concentration of animals per km2 and with more 30% of its area covered with National Parks, you don’t need to look far to find nature at its most impressive.
Add to this backdrop the beaming faces and colourfully dressed Tanzanian people, and it’s an unbeatable combination.
Are you ready for the adventure of a lifetime in Africa ́s dream safari destination?
Tanzania Volunteer Destinations
With an abundance of wildlife and Tanzania’s commitment to conservation, there is no better place to make a difference, not only to wildlife but also the surrounding communities.
Kilimanjaro
About Tanzania
Tanzania is one of Africa’s most popular destinations and one of the most beautiful countries in the world! Wildlife, beaches, friendly people, fascinating cultures, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Mt Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar and more!
This dream destination has 30 % of its territory occupied by National Parks which translates to amazing wildlife, landscapes, nature and conservation efforts! So the ideal territory to explore and spend your time discovering all its secrets! It’s certainly more than what you could have ever imagined for an African trip.
But it’s not just about the wildlife and nature! One of the main attractions is certainly its people and its culture! The ancient and iconic Maasai People, one of the most well known local tribes continue to live how they have for centuries in interconnected communities sometimes without any electricity, cell phones, internet or running water. Traditional Maasai life centres around their cattle, which is their primary source of food and they are such a wealth of wisdom that experiencing some close time and cultural exchanges with them is a must!
For those adventure lovers, hiking up Africa’s highest Peak, Mount Kilimanjaro is certainly a must that you won’t regret trying! And after that, why not spend a few days relaxing by the beautiful paradisiac warm crystal waters of the Indian Ocean in Zanzibar!
As you can see this stunning country has something for everyone so don’t miss out on the opportunity of making a real contribution to communities in need in Africa ́s top safari destination.
Fun facts
- 30 % of the country is National Parks, including the famous and iconic safari destination Serengeti National Park, also considered a World Heritage Site.
- Tanzania is home to the tallest mountain in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro which is standing 5895 meters above sea level. This is also the highest free-standing mountain in the world!
- The great wildebeest migration sees over 1.5 million wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle, making their way through the grasslands of Tanzania and Kenya every year!
- Ngorongoro Crater, the result of a volcanic explosion, is the largest crater in the world and is also one of the best places in the globe to spot the Big 5.
- The famous baobab trees that can live 100 years can be easily seen in Tanzania’s Tarangire National Park.
- The famous and renowned singer of Queen, Freddy Mercury was born in Stone Town in the beautiful beach paradise of Zanzibar in 1946.
- Tarangire National Park is also home to the rare tree-climbing lions
Tanzania Volunteering Projects
Teaching and Community Empowerment
Get ready to discover the fascinating Maasai Culture of Tanzania while spending time in a rural village on the foothills of the iconic Mount Kilimanjaro, while helping empower the community as a whole and combat poverty in the region through education, support, mentoring and assistance
Location: Kilimanjaro
Duration: 2 – 12 weeks
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.
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.
