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Overview of Volunteer Programs in Tanzania

Home to the towering snow-capped peaks of Mt. Kilimanjaro, the wildebeests and gazelles of the Serengeti, and the legendary spices of Zanzibar, it’s no wonder Tanzania has captured the imaginations of many. Although it is a rising star on the tourist map, Tanzania is still a predominantly rural and agricultural society, and it has struggled to improve basic infrastructure and expand educational and healthcare systems. World Endeavors volunteers in Tanzania make a difference in the lives of the Tanzanian people through hard work and a commitment to promoting a brighter future for this extraordinary country.

WHY VOLUNTEER IN TANZANIA

Volunteering in Tanzania offers a remarkable opportunity to engage with its vibrant culture, contribute to critical community development, and witness breathtaking natural wonders. The country’s warm and welcoming atmosphere provides a perfect backdrop for an immersive cultural experience.

Your volunteer efforts in Tanzania can have a direct and lasting impact on vital areas such as education, healthcare, women’s empowerment, and environmental conservation. Working alongside local organizations, you’ll play a role in improving access to quality education, healthcare services, and sustainable livelihoods. Tanzania’s diverse landscapes, including the Serengeti and Mount Kilimanjaro, offer a chance to explore during your free time, creating unforgettable memories and a deeper connection to the country.

HIGHLIGHTS OF VOLUNTEERING IN TANZANIA

Here are just a few of the best things about volunteer work in Tanzania:

  • Immerse yourself in Tanzanian culture, learning Swahili phrases, participating in traditional dances, and sharing stories with locals, fostering deep connections.
  • Experience the renowned Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater, witnessing the stunning annual migration and getting up close to diverse wildlife.
  • Contribute to community-driven projects such as building schools, providing clean water access, or supporting women’s empowerment initiatives, leaving a lasting impact.
  • Engage with local schools, assisting teachers and students, and helping improve educational resources, giving children better opportunities for the future.

Our Tanzania Volunteer Projects

Browse all of our volunteer projects in Tanzania below. If you can’t find a suitable volunteer program, check out our main program finder to continue your search for volunteering beyond Tanzania.

Volunteer Abroad
Tanzania

Youth Sports Coaching Volunteer in Tanzania

Engage with local communities and promote positive change as a sports volunteer in Tanzania.

Youth Sports Coaching Volunteer in Tanzania

Engage with local communities and promote positive change as a sports volunteer in Tanzania.

Volunteer Abroad
Tanzania

Maasai Tribal Immersion Volunteer in Tanzania

To learn about the Maasai culture is one thing‚ but why not be a part of it! This is your chance to learn from the experience of being and doing. You can see the Maasai way of life up close and participate in the many activities that are typical of their daily lives.

Maasai Tribal Immersion Volunteer in Tanzania

To learn about the Maasai culture is one thing‚ but why not be a part of it! This is your chance to learn from the experience of being and doing. You can see the Maasai way of life up close and participate in the many activities that are typical of their daily lives. During this Maasai Village Homestay, you will be welcomed to stay within their village, learn about their culture, and participate in their daily tasks. Tasks are always divided, with men usually taking care of and/or selling the tribe‚Äôs cattle, while women will take part in milking, cooking, finding firewood and taking care of babies and even constructing the houses in the boma. You will find that there will be plenty of oppo

Volunteer Abroad
Tanzania

Empowering Women Volunteer in Arusha, Tanzania

Maasai Tribe communities are traditionally patriarchal. This program provides insight into the unique culture of the Maasai Tribe and the impact that is felt when the education of girls is not prioritized. The primary focus is on the development of basic skills and financial literacy of the local women, who are learning how they can earn funds to support themselves and educate their children.

Empowering Women Volunteer in Arusha, Tanzania

Maasai Tribe communities are traditionally patriarchal. This program provides insight into the unique culture of the Maasai Tribe and the impact that is felt when the education of girls is not prioritized. The primary focus is on the development of basic skills and financial literacy of the local women, who are learning how they can earn funds to support themselves and educate their children.

The Maasai community has its own distinct culture, which differs from other societies in Tanzania. They have their own recognizable manner of dress, decorations and lifestyle. The majority of Maasai women throughout the many Maasai communities live a life of poverty and cultural oppression. Men are the

Volunteer Abroad
Tanzania

Community Development Volunteer in Tanzania

Volunteers work to strengthen their host community by addressing some of its most pressing needs and sharing their skills and compassion with the people they meet.

Community Development Volunteer in Tanzania

Volunteers work to strengthen their host community by addressing some of its most pressing needs and sharing their skills and compassion with the people they meet.

Volunteer Abroad
Tanzania

Childcare Volunteer in Tanzania

Work hand-in-hand with local Tanzanian community members to make a positive impact on underprivileged children's lives.

Childcare Volunteer in Tanzania

Work hand-in-hand with local Tanzanian community members to make a positive impact on underprivileged children’s lives.

Volunteer Abroad
Tanzania

Tanzania Environmental Conservation Monduli

Experience Tanzania by taking part in its local conservation efforts around the rural outback of Monduli.

Tanzania Environmental Conservation Monduli

Get involved in forestry efforts, teaching classes on environmental conservation, tree planting and more! This program is part of an effort to preserve the local environment and offer important environmental awareness to the local community in Monduli.

This program works with an environmental club through a local school to increase student awareness of environmental issues, and encourage them to join the cause. You’ll be contributing your time on this campaign and planting seeds to nurture responsible future citizens of the world.

Another component of this project is caring for Monduli’s rainforests through reforestry, in order to help preserve the health of the atmosphere. These rainforests

Volunteer Abroad
Tanzania

Tanzania English Teaching Monduli

Meet a new generation of eager students and help improve their English as a community teacher in Tanzania!

Tanzania English Teaching Monduli

Teach in local schools in the district of Monduli and help the students broaden their minds. It will also be a fulfilling experience for you! Friendly school teachers will provide guidance and lesson plans for you based on their curriculum. Take part in informal group activities involving games, coloring, books and toys, all with the goal of improving the local children’s English.

We have strong relationships with various primary, secondary, and high schools around the Monduli district in need of teaching support and community leaders, who would like us to organize English learning programs in the local village hall. You will have the chance to teach mathematics and science for higher level

Volunteer Abroad
Tanzania

Tanzania Medical Placement Monduli

Be part of a medical program at a local hospital in Arusha, Tanzania and gain valuable knowledge and skills alongside local professionals.

Tanzania Medical Placement Monduli

This is a great opportunity for prospective medical students to not only hone their medical skills through international work experience, but also provide medical assistance to people and places with less resources available to them.

The hospital is an institution established in 1975 which is operated by a religious order in the community, and initially focused on providing medical care to expectant mothers and children. As the population grew in Arusha, the need for varied care grew as well. Over time this medical facility has grown to become the second largest hospital in Arusha with an in-patient capacity of 100 and well over 100 staff members. It now handles patients in Obstetrics/Gyneco

Career Break
Tanzania

Tanzania Culture Week

Learn more about Tanzania, create new bonds, and immerse yourself in the local culture. This week will take you to important locations related to Tanzania's culture and history.

Tanzania Culture Week

The week will feature orientation classes and visits to a Maasai Village and other places of interest, all of which will help you integrate into the local culture and prepare you for your volunteer experience in this incredible part of the world!

Culture Week is packed with an introduction to local customs and traditions, do’s and dont’s and language classes, as well as a walking safari to observe animals in their natural habitat. You will visit highlights of the amazing town of Monduli, which is a bustling and developing township with rich history and many places of interest such as museums, art galleries and monuments, where you’ll be sure to learn more about this country’s struggle for in

Location

About Monduli

The district of Monduli is located within the Arusha region, in northeastern Tanzania. It is an extremely popular spot for tourists to learn how the local Maasai people live as well as observe the natural environment. Numerous attractions such as Lake Manyara, Mount Meru, Kilimanjaro, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro can be found nearby and are the wonders of the region.

Dates & costs

The World Endeavors Volunteer in Tanzania program is flexible in duration and can be tailored to last between 1 to 12 weeks. If you have the time, we recommend a stay of at least 4 weeks. Admissions are rolling, and World Endeavors volunteers can choose when they would like to start their program. Due to holidays, traditional vacation schedules, and seasonal work availability, there might be better times than others to volunteer at a specific location or in a specific project.

When you are ready to start planning your volunteer trip to Tanzania, contact us. Our experienced advisors will help you sort through any timing considerations unique to your destination or your volunteer project.

Please wait until after you are accepted into the program and you have received the confirmed arrival and departure dates before you book your flight.

First Week: $3,390 | Each Additional Week: $1,490

Eligibility

  • Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older, though exceptions to this age requirement may be made on a case-by-case basis.
  • Successful volunteers are hardworking, flexible, and open to truly immersing themselves in the culture.
  • Keep in mind that all countries have different visa restrictions for varying types of passports.

Housing

Volunteers stay in a shared volunteer house and stay in shared rooms by gender or with a local host family. Three meals a day on weekdays (two on weekends) are included during your stay. Meals are inspired by the local cuisine and consist of a lot of corn, rice, potatoes, and bananas. Beef, goat meat, beans, and a few green leafy vegetables will help to add nutrients to your daily meals.

Every World Endeavors Volunteer Project Includes

Our carefully designed international volunteer programs encompass everything necessary for your success and well-being while abroad.

YOUR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

  • Volunteer project customized to match your interests and goals and meet community needs
  • Year-round program availability
  • Flexible durations from 2 to 12 weeks

PEACE OF MIND

  • Comprehensive travel medical insurance
  • Mental Health First Aid-certified staff
  • 24/7 emergency travel assistance

ACCOMMODATION

  • Host family or shared volunteer house, depending on destination
  • Vetted and hand-selected with quality and safety in mind
  • 2 to 3 meals per day included

PREPARATION AND SUPPORT

  • Airport pickup
  • Pre-arrival and on-site orientation
  • 24/7 local support

TEAM OF EXPERTS

  • Dedicated one-on-one advisor
  • Local on-site coordinator
  • Volunteer project supervisor

RE-ENTRY AND CAREER INTEGRATION

  • Re-entry handbook and support
  • Assistance with resume updates
  • World Endeavors Alumni Network

HEALTH & SAFETY

When you feel safe and respected abroad, you will flourish. World Endeavors participants are transformed through enriching, rewarding and safe experiences around the world. We meticulously monitor travel recommendations and will only facilitate programs where we can ensure our participants’ safety. 

We take key steps to ensure our participants’ well-being, including providing a pre-trip success guide, 24/7 local support, in-country trained staff, pre and post-arrival orientation, comprehensive travel medical insurance, and Mental Health First Aid-certified staff. Please contact us if you have any specific questions or concerns.

WHAT TO DO IN YOUR SPARE TIME IN TANZANIA

In Tanzania, there’s a wide range of activities to enjoy during your spare time:

  • Cultural Encounters: Interact with local Maasai communities, learn about their traditions and way of life, and participate in cultural exchange programs.
  • Climb Mount Kilimanjaro: Challenge yourself with a trek to the summit of Africa’s highest peak, enjoying breathtaking views and a sense of accomplishment.
  • Swahili Language Learning: Immerse yourself in the local culture by learning basic Swahili phrases, enhancing your interactions and understanding of the people.
  • Safari Adventures: Embark on thrilling safari experiences in world-renowned national parks like Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire, where you can witness incredible wildlife and stunning landscapes.

How to choose the best volunteer program

Choosing your volunteer program is easy when you evaluate your priorities. Follow these steps to guide you toward your ideal program.

Explore a New Career

Interning abroad offers a great opportunity to explore your professional and personal interests, and help define your career path. Peruse our internship fields and past examples to find the best fit.

Choose Your Dream Destination

Finding a meaningful way to combine interning and travel to your dream location is a big incentive. Carefully consider which destinations suit your interests and international internship goals.

Improve Language Skills

Immersing yourself in a language-rich environment is the ultimate method for developing fluency. If language-learning is your goal, favor destinations that use your language of choice.

Fit your budget

Explore scholarships and financial aid to determine if these may impact your destination options. Consider the overall cost of the program and cost of living in-country to identify the optimal match.

Try our program finder to filter based on your choices.

SEARCH

Recent Tanzania Testimonials

Kristin MVolunteer in Tanzania

This experience broadened my eyes to global health and perspective and one day I hope to return to Tanzania to help as a medical professional.The host family was very welcoming and helpful in adjusting to the culture.I gained a much deeper knowledge and appreciation of the culture in east Africa as well as how the health system is operated.

Francesca MVolunteer in Tanzania

I felt well-cared-for from the first day to the last one, if I had doubts I could ask and soon had an answer. I experienced many unexpected feelings and faced a lot of situations which made me love Africa even more than I thought. Moreover, I became familiar with the local culture, met local people and made so many friends there.

Samantha RVolunteer in Tanzania

From my experience abroad, I gained a whole new level of confidence in myself. I went outside of my comfort zone to travel alone to a new country in order to help others. I gained a further appreciation for other cultures, and a knowledge that other parts of the world are extremely different and yet similar at the same time. I learned of my love to volunteer, and a deeper passion for traveling.

Aaron JVolunteer in Tanzania

Being abroad, I learned so much about myself and a different culture. I gained more patience. I was able to work with the kids a lot. I was able to have a very good mix of teaching and playing with the children.It helped me learn that I love teaching, so I am sure of my future career plans.

Tanzania FAQs

Is it Safe to Travel to Tanzania?

Tanzania is generally considered safe for travel, offering diverse wildlife, landscapes, and cultural experiences. However, travelers should be aware of health precautions, including vaccinations and malaria prevention, due to tropical diseases. Adhering to local laws and customs is essential, and petty crime can occur, especially in urban areas. It’s recommended to use reputable tour operators for safaris and excursions and to exercise caution on roads. Additionally, monitoring weather conditions, particularly during rainy seasons, and staying informed about travel advisories can contribute to a safer and more enjoyable trip to Tanzania.

Is Dar es Salaam in Tanzania?

Yes, Dar es Salaam is the largest city in Tanzania and is located on the country’s eastern coast.

What is the History of Tanzania?

Tanzania has a long, rich, and varied history that dates back centuries. Various cultures and civilizations inhabited it, including the Swahili, Portuguese, and British. It was a significant trading hub for East Africa before the arrival of Europeans in the 19th century. After establishing German East Africa in 1885, the area became a British protectorate in 1920, and Kenya gained independence in 1961. Since then, Tanzania has become a significant tourist destination due to its natural beauty and diverse wildlife.

Do I Need Any Vaccinations to Travel to Tanzania?

It would help if you got vaccinations for diseases such as yellow fever, typhoid, and Hepatitis A before traveling to Tanzania. It is also advisable to get vaccinated against other conditions that may be present in Tanzania, such as rabies, meningitis, and polio.

Do I Need Malaria Pills to Travel to Tanzania?

Yes, malaria is present in Tanzania, and it is recommended to take malaria prevention medication when traveling there. It is also essential to take other precautions, such as using insect repellent and wearing long sleeves and pants to reduce the risk of being bitten by mosquitos.

Does Tanzania Have a Visa on Arrival?

Yes, Tanzania does offer visas on arrival for most visitors. Upon arrival at one of the country’s international airports, most visitors can apply for and receive a visa.

Depending on the type of program you decide to do in Tanzania, your visa requirements may vary, and the visa on arrival might not be available to you. Don’t worry, though; our helpful advisors will guide you through every step so you can avoid visa woes!

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Our Top Volunteer Abroad Destinations

World Endeavors volunteers support communities in several destinations in Africa, the Americas, Asia and Oceania. Our programs are located in a variety of sites, including urban and rural, economically developed and developing, and English-speaking and non-English speaking.

How to apply for a Volunteer Abroad Program

You’ve decided to volunteer abroad – congratulations! Applying for your World Endeavors program is easy and stress-free. We can’t wait to get you on your way!

STEP 1
EXPLORE & ASK

Research and compare. If you can’t decide on a program, we can guide you toward the best fit.

STEP 2
SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION

Fill out our online application form to share all your relevant details with our team.

STEP 3
ENROLL & PREPARE

Receive your official acceptance and enroll. We’ll give you all the info you need to get ready!

STEP 4
START YOUR ADVENTURE!

You’ve researched, planned and saved. Now you’re ready. It’s time to PUT YOURSELF OUT THERE!