Volunteering in Tanzania offers an unparalleled blend of adventure and impact. Imagine volunteering by day and, as shown below, ending your day gazing at Mt. Kilimanjaro at sunset. Tanzania’s diverse ecosystems—from snow-capped mountains to sprawling savannas and tropical islands—draw volunteers seeking meaningful work and unforgettable experiences. In 2025, the country’s rich heritage and warm hospitality make it a standout destination for every generation of volunteer traveller.
Why Volunteer in Tanzania?
Tanzania is East Africa’s largest country – bigger than California – famed for natural wonders like Mt. Kilimanjaro, the Serengeti, Lake Victoria and the Zanzibar archipelago. Beyond its beauty, Tanzania has pressing needs in education, healthcare, women’s empowerment, and sustainable development. Volunteering here means contributing your skills where they’re needed most while exploring communities that welcome visitors. As one guide notes, Tanzania promises “an unparalleled blend of cultural immersion and purpose-driven travel”.
- Adventure: Safari trips, mountain hikes, and island beaches are just the weekend activities of volunteers in Tanzania.
- Community Impact: Rural villages and urban clinics alike benefit from volunteer help in teaching, nursing, and community-building.
- Cultural Exchange: Share Swahili greetings like “Jambo” and “Karibu”, and learn from local traditions. Tanzanians greet elders with “Shikamoo” (to which the answer is “Marahaba”) to show respect.
VolunteersTanzania (the hosting organization) connects volunteers with local communities and businesses, aiming to “drive economic and social growth” through service. Their mission is to empower hospitality and underprivileged sectors by supplying skilled volunteers, so you know programs are organized with impact in mind.
Choosing the Right Volunteer Program
With many programs available, how do you pick one that’s ethical and effective? Consider these factors:
- Community Involvement & Sustainability: Good programs involve local leaders in planning and focus on long-term skills, not just short stays. For example, a sustainable project lets locals lead workshops and trains villagers to continue the work after volunteers leave.
- Volunteer Skills & Safety: Ensure your skills match the project. Organizations like VolunteersTanzania prioritize qualified volunteers and structured support. As one past volunteer noted, “The programs are very well organised and safety is not a concern at all… Volunteers are really well taken care of.”
- Transparency: Trustworthy programs clearly explain costs, goals, and outcomes. Look for detailed descriptions and reviews (such as our Top 10 Tanzania Programs for 2025 guide).
- Ethical Standards: Avoid “voluntourism” traps. Ethical projects aim to empower, not enable dependency. Check for measurable impact reports and real community benefits.
Volunteer Programs (Spotlight)
VolunteersTanzania offers a variety of programs to match different interests and skills. For example:
- Teaching Volunteer Program: 1–4 week placements in rural schools. Volunteers teach English, arts, and crafts to eager students. Cost example: $380 for 2 weeks (room only; meals extra).
- Community & Women’s Empowerment: Work with local NGOs to educate and train women in rural areas. Projects include sewing, literacy, and business skills classes. (e.g., $330 for 2 weeks, room only).
- Medical Volunteering: Placements at clinics or small hospitals for pre-med, nursing, or healthcare volunteers. Assist doctors, support clinics, and provide basic healthcare. (e.g., $580 for 4 weeks, room only).
Volunteers and local teachers at a Tanzanian elementary school. Programs like our Teaching Volunteer Program immerse you in classrooms, where you’ll develop lesson plans and teach English (as above) while cultural exchange happens organically.
Other programs include graphic design support, ICT development, hospitality management, and more (see VolunteersTanzania’s site for details). Each program includes basic accommodation (usually dorm-style), in-country orientation, and 24/7 support. (Note: volunteers usually cover meals and incidentals themselves.)
Top Destinations: Arusha, Moshi & Zanzibar
Arusha & Moshi
Arusha and nearby Moshi (in northern Tanzania) are major hubs for volunteers. Both lie at the foot of Mt. Kilimanjaro and near the Serengeti, making them a base for both community projects and safari adventures. Volunteers here might teach in Maasai villages, assist clinics in town, or help with environmental projects. Weekends often include safari excursions or even Kili trekking. As one volunteer put it, life in Arusha means “playing with the kids at my school” and having “everything… amazing” – from safari to Kilimanjaro.
Elephants in the arid savanna (near Arusha). Many volunteers combine community work with wildlife encounters. On your days off you could be tracking elephants or watching the great wildebeest migration under the African sky.
In these cities you’ll find reliable volunteer housing, markets, and travel links. Lodging is basic but comfortable – shared dorms or volunteer guesthouses. Transportation to project sites is usually arranged.
Zanzibar
The Zanzibar Archipelago offers a very different experience: Swahili island culture, white-sand beaches, and clear ocean waters. VolunteersTanzania runs programs in Zanzibar’s Stone Town and villages, often focusing on healthcare (clinics) and teaching (primary schools). For example, medical volunteers might assist at a local clinic, while teaching volunteers help at overcrowded schools teaching English and math.
Volunteers on Zanzibar typically stay in a volunteer house in the Mbweni district just outside Stone Town. Meals are often eaten together (many will try local Zanzibar pilau and biryani!). Important: Tanzania requires all visitors to Zanzibar to have local travel insurance. The government even mandates a special Zanzibari policy on arrival. Be prepared to purchase this (it’s very affordable) for peace of mind on the island.
Visa & Entry Requirements
Check entry rules well in advance. Most nationalities need a Tanzania visa (often an e-visa) for entry. Tourist visas are available (e.g. a one-year multiple-entry for $100), but do not use a tourist visa for volunteering. Both U.S. and Canadian officials warn that “volunteer work is prohibited on a tourist visa”. Instead, arrange the proper visa/permit through Tanzanian immigration (often a Class “C” permit for unpaid volunteers). Your volunteer organization usually guides you through this process.
- Tip: Apply for your visa online through the Tanzanian e-visa portal before traveling. Ensure your passport has at least 6 months validity and blank pages.
- Important: Always keep a copy of your permit/visa and carry it with your passport.
Health & Safety
Tanzania is generally safe for tourists, but take common-sense precautions. Vaccinations: Tanzanian authorities require proof of yellow fever vaccination for travelers from affected countries. In addition, CDC advises routine vaccines (measles, polio) and recommended shots (typhoid, hepatitis, etc.). Malaria: Tanzania is in a malaria zone. Take an effective antimalarial medication (ask a travel clinic) and use mosquito nets/repellent at night. A handy rule of thumb: “Many health risks in Tanzania are preventable by getting vaccinated, eating/drinking safely, and avoiding bug bites.”
- Food & Water: Stick to bottled or purified water only. (Tap water is generally unsafe.) Eat cooked foods; in rural areas, hearty volunteer groups often bring fruits, rice, and milk they trust.
- Health Insurance: Ensure you have travel health insurance that covers medical evacuation. Tanzania’s emergency services in rural areas are limited, so medevac coverage is a must.
Cultural Etiquette
Tanzania has a conservative, community-focused culture. Showing respect earns trust and makes your volunteer experience smoother. Key etiquette tips:
- Dress modestly: Both men and women should cover shoulders and knees. Women volunteers often pack lightweight long skirts or pants, and a shawl for extra coverage. This shows respect in villages and urban areas alike.
- Use your right hand: Hands have cultural meaning. The left hand is reserved for hygiene, so offer gifts, shake hands, eat, and pass money with your right hand.
- Avoid public displays of affection: Holding hands, hugging or kissing in public is discouraged. Save the PDA for private moments.
- Polite greetings: Greet elders with “Shikamoo” (“I hold your feet”) and reply “Marahaba”. Say “Jambo” or “Mambo vipi?” (How are you?) to younger people. Always smile and be patient.
- Respect local norms: Don’t point your finger or stick your feet toward sacred objects. When offered food or drink, accept graciously and use your right hand. (In Tanzania it’s considered rude to sniff or refuse food.)
- Photographs: Ask permission before taking photos of people. Some Tanzanians believe cameras can steal part of their soul.
Following these simple customs will endear you to hosts and help you “win friends” quickly. Remember, a little respect goes a long way.
Budgeting & Costs
Costs vary by program and personal style, but here are ballpark figures:
- Program fees: Expect to pay a program fee covering in-country support and housing. (For example, VolunteersTanzania’s teaching project is $380 for 2 weeks of placement and lodging.) Fees often include accommodation (dorms or volunteer houses) and some support (orientation, 24/7 staff), but not meals. Most volunteers pay extra for food, internet, and local transport.
- Living expenses: Budget about $50–$75 USD per week for food, laundry, local transit, and personal items. This usually covers three meals a day (try chapati, rice dishes, ugali, fresh fruit) plus modest extras.
- Additional costs: Don’t forget flights, visa fees ( ~$50–$100 USD), travel insurance (mandatory for Zanzibar, as noted), and any required vaccines or paperwork (e.g. criminal background check for child projects). Travel-state guidance specifically lists visa, flights, insurance, and vaccinations as things to budget.
- Tipping: Carry small Tanzanian shillings for tips – a few thousand TZS (roughly $1–2) per day for helpers, guides or drivers is appreciated but not mandatory. Always tip discreetly.
Downloadable Resources: We offer free packing and budgeting tools to help you plan. Check out our Packing Checklist PDF (layered clothing, sturdy shoes, first-aid kit, Swahili phrasebook, etc. ) and our Budget Planner template (track fees vs. expenses). These tools will make your preparation stress-free.
Accommodation & Living Arrangements
Volunteers in Tanzania usually stay in shared dormitories or volunteer houses. These lodgings are simple but safe: expect bunk beds, mosquito nets, and communal bathrooms. In cities like Arusha or Moshi you might stay in a small hostel or volunteer lodge; in Zanzibar, accommodations are often a volunteer guesthouse in a neighborhood like Mbweni.
Meals are usually not included in program fees, so plan to cook or eat local. Most projects have a communal kitchen where volunteers take turns cooking or share home-cooked meals. (Typical cost: $5–10 USD per day for groceries/food.) Water should be boiled or filtered. Electricity and Wi-Fi can be unreliable outside cities, so pack a power bank and USB cable.
- Laundry: In rural sites, laundry may be done by hand or by a local service (for a small fee). Bring a small packet of laundry soap.
- Communication: Most volunteers buy a local SIM card for data ($10–20/month). Coverage is good in towns and many project villages.
By understanding the costs and living conditions, you’ll avoid surprises. For instance, note that “$380 for 2 weeks (room only)” means meals are on you. Planning ahead keeps your budget on track.
Stories from the Field
Real volunteers often describe Tanzania experiences as life-changing. Here’s what a couple of them shared:
- “Everyone from different age groups should participate in these volunteer programs… The programs are very well organised and safety is not a concern at all. The volunteers are really well taken care of, and people there need help.” – A healthcare volunteer (age 46) after a placement in Arusha.
- “I had an amazing time in Tanzania! I felt so welcomed…Everything about this program and this country is amazing! I would 100% recommend [volunteering there].” – A 5-week volunteer in Arusha.
These testimonials highlight common themes: strong support for volunteers, genuine need in communities, and life-long memories. As another volunteer noted, working with Tanzanian children taught her “how simple it is to be happy… I realized how important it is to spread love”.
Volunteers at a rural Tanzanian school bring lessons and joy to local children. Experiences like this—teaching English or playing sports—are often the “best days” that volunteers remember.
Get Started
Ready to make a difference? Explore our volunteer opportunities and choose a program that suits your skills and schedule. Visit VolunteersTanzania’s Top 10 Programs (2025) page or How to Apply page for more details. Contact us via our Contact Us page to ask questions or start your application. Tanzanian communities are awaiting your help – book your volunteer slot now and be part of the change!