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Volunteer in Tanzania

Would you like to explore another country while giving back to the local community? Would you like to travel in Africa? Volunteer in Tanzania with IFRE and fulfill both desires!

Tanzania contains three of Africa's seven natural wonders, the highest mountain peak in the country, and some of its deepest lakes. The country is home to a vast variety of birds and wildlife living in the world's most treasured national parks and game reserves. You'll go back in time as you experience the Maasai people, who retain their way of life and traditions that they have had for centuries.

Sadly, along with its beauty and mystery, Tanzania is a desperately poor country, with close to 70 percent of the population living in poverty. It is one of the least-developed countries in the world, and so suffers from problems common to the developing world. Problems like wealth inequality, malnutrition and a lack of education, health care and social injustice hurts children and women from poor families especially.

Many organizations and NGOs which are working to help these children and communities desperately needs volunteers more than ever. You can help solve these problems by teaching English, working in an orphanage, volunteering in a healthcare project, or promote HIV/AIDS awareness. The possibilities are endless.

Make lifelong connections while helping others. Request information about volunteering in Tanzania and choose a program that speaks to you!

Take a minute to complete the form and we will be in touch.

Available Volunteer Projects in Tanzania

If you are passionate about helping others and making the world a better place, you are sure to find an IFRE volunteer project that matches what you are looking for. From working with kids to teaching to volunteering at healthcare programs and more, we offer a variety of opportunities that will allow you to make a difference in Africa in a number of different ways. Take a look at our available volunteer projects in Tanzania and find the one that’s calling your name.

Due to extreme poverty, deadly diseases, and other devastating problems, there are thousands of orphans in Tanzania. Because of this, Tanzanian orphanages and care centers are always overcrowded and do not have the capacity to provide for all the disadvantaged kids in the country. As these centers lack sufficient funding and resources, there is an immense need for people to volunteer in Tanzanian orphanages.

If you love kids and would like to spend your vacation with charming yet destitute children, then IFRE’s orphanage volunteer program is an ideal opportunity for you. Children in these centers love interacting with volunteers and will highly appreciate your selfless efforts.

Your main responsibilities will include teaching basic English and math, helping kids with their homework, and organizing various creative extracurricular activities such as dancing, music, arts and crafts.

Do you want to create a better future for orphaned children? Go to the project page to find complete information.

The simple ability to communicate in English can open many doors and career opportunities for people in Tanzania. Due to a lack of access to expensive private English classes, volunteers are badly needed to teach English to children of low-income families.

Share your passion for the English language with eager Tanzanian students, and gain valuable teaching experience while making a difference in Africa.

When you join IFRE’s Volunteer teaching in Tanzania program, you will be able to change the lives of many disadvantaged families and communities. You must have a strong grasp of the English language, as well as patience when working with your students.

Change the lives of disadvantaged children in Tanzania! Go to the project page to find pricing and complete information.

Computer skills are in high demand in Tanzania, but schools in deprived rural areas lack sufficient resources to teach this vital skill. Because of this, thousands of students from the poorer parts of the country are deprived of a standard computer education. Tanzanian schools also lack skilled manpower and therefore depend on the support of international volunteers like you and programs like this one to provide these skills to their students.

This volunteer program in Tanzania teaching computer skills is a fantastic opportunity to share your specialized skills with disadvantaged Tanzanian children so that they can enhance their technical education for a brighter future. As a volunteer, you will be teaching under the supervision of a qualified and courteous teacher and helping young students and teachers to enhance their technical skills.

Give poor children in Tanzania a chance at a brighter future. Go to the project page to find pricing and complete information.

Like many African countries, Tanzania is one of the poorest countries in the world. The government and infrastructure are not able to meet the basic healthcare needs of its citizens. People are dying every day in remote villages, as they simply do not have access to doctors or basic healthcare facilities like clinics or hospitals. If you are a medical expert or student and would like to volunteer your time, consider joining this medical volunteer project in Tanzania.

This project is ideal for those studying or pursuing a career in the field of healthcare, as you will get hands-on experience and work with healthcare professionals to treat sick patients, both adults and children, on a daily basis. Your main responsibility will be looking after people in need of medical aid and educating the locals on different health topics, which will protect them in the future and help raise their quality of life.

Help save lives in Tanzania and gain valuable experience. Go to the project page to find pricing and complete information.

HIV/AIDS is a deadly virus that has been causing mayhem in poor African countries like Tanzania. Despite various local and international prevention efforts, the rate of the HIV epidemic is still rising and crippling the lives of millions of people in Tanzania. Moreover, the economy of Tanzania is also in dire straits and unable to provide proper support for the country’s infected citizens. As a result, the demand for dedicated volunteers in Tanzania is at its highest.
                                            
By participating in this project, you will be working with local hospitals and medical organizations to educate the public and help prevent the transmission of HIV/AIDS, providing support to already infected patients, and helping promote adolescent reproductive health education and disease awareness and prevention. The aim of this project is to eradicate the myths about HIV/AIDS and focus on developing behavioral changes with open discussions within community groups.

Help stop the spread of HIV in Tanzania! Go to the project page to find pricing and complete information.

Are you intrigued by the rich culture and thriving wildlife of Tanzania? Then you should consider joining IFRE’s exciting 4-week summer program. Tanzania boasts the highest mountains on the continent, exotic islands, and the historical and famous Serengeti National Park. Come explore this great country where hundreds of different ethnic groups and cultures live side by side in peace as they have for millennia.

On this exciting trip you will combine travel with meaningful service work. You will get a once in a lifetime opportunity to discover the beauty of Tanzania’s generational artistry, while working in an orphanage where you can dedicate your time and share your love with children in need. You will also enjoy the hospitality and generosity of the Maasai people while traveling across Arusha. During your free time, you can go hiking to the nearby hillside villages and explore the wonders of mesmerizing Tanzania.

Looking for a lifechanging summer adventure? Go to the project page to find pricing and complete information.

In addition to the above listed projects, we also offer group programs for college and high school students, family volunteering, alternative spring breaks, and many other specialized programs. Contact IFRE for further information.


Volunteer in Tanzania: Fees & Dates

Program Dates

IFRE programs begin every Monday year-round. If you have travel constraints, you can still start your chosen program on any day of the year.

Please check the program page for the available dates

Our Fees:

Since 2006, IFRE Volunteer has been the most trusted and respected volunteer abroad organization in the world, and also the most affordable. We’re dedicated to providing the highest quality volunteer programs at the lowest fees, which make it possible for everyone, especially students, to volunteer internationally and make a positive impact in the lives of others.

We believe in 100% transparency. Rest assured; we never use middlemen. Your one-time registration fee of $299 covers our administrative costs. The low weekly fee is paid in the host country directly to your host family and project (via country coordinator), and includes housing, food, and minor expenses. IFRE Volunteer is a non-profit organization, so your program fees are tax deductible.

Volunteer Program Fee (US$)

Duration All Projects HIV Medical
    1 Week $205 $255 $505
    2 Weeks $360 $460 $660
    3 Weeks $515 $665 $815
    4 Weeks $670 $870 $970
    5 Weeks $825 $1,075 $1,125
    6 Weeks $980 $1,280 $1,280
    7 Weeks $1,135 $1,485 $1,435
    8 Weeks $1,290 $1,690 $1,590
    9 Weeks $1,445 $1,895 $1,745
    10 Weeks $1,600 $2,100 $1,900
    11 Weeks $1,755 $2,305 $2,055
    12 Weeks $1,910 $2,510 $2,210

Note: 50/week surcharge for medical project

Comprehensive Travel Insurance $3.49/day ( below 28 years) and $4.49/day ( above 28 years) »

Please apply for volunteers visa since volunteers are not allowed to use tourist visa to work as a volunteer.

How your fee is allocated?

Program Fees Cover:

  • Accommodation (host family)
  • Food (local food 3 times a day)
  • Airport Pick up
  • Program Orientation
  • In-country support
  • Personalized project
  • Pre-departure information
  • Certificate of completion
  • Fundraising ideas and letters
  • Discount for returning volunteers

Program Fees Exclude:

  • Business visa fee. Pleases see volunteers visa requirement in Tanzania http://tanzaniaembassy-us.org/?page_id=76
  • Airfare
  • Personal expenses on soft drinks and foods
  • Daily transportation
  • Airport return transfer

C permit can be received upon arrival.

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Arrangement of Room/Food/Supervision

The prospect of volunteering abroad in a country you have never visited can be daunting, and you might be worried about things like safety, where you will stay, and what you will eat in addition to your concerns about your volunteer project.

You can rest easy knowing that IFRE will take care of everything for you for the duration of your time volunteering in Tanzania. We arrange safe and secure housing, provide three healthy and local meals a day, and offer you full guidance, support, and supervision from our experienced in-country staff. You can focus on making the world a better place and exploring Africa, and IFRE will take care of the rest!

Most Tanzania volunteers stay with our host families in Moshi. Our host families try to create a “home away from home” for you and it is a perfect way for you to live safely and comfortably while making many new friends and sharing experiences every day.

Most of the projects in Tanzania are located within 1-10 KM from our accommodations, so you may walk or ride a local bus to your workplace. In the evenings when you return to the home base, you can relax, eat dinner, explore the local area, or simply socialize and share experiences with your fellow volunteers. Our accommodations provide rooms shared with volunteers of the same gender and shared bathrooms with running tap water and western-style toilets.

Our host families are socially respected and experienced with hosting international volunteers in Tanzania. They have a strong interest in your safety and well-being and demonstrate this with caution and care.

If you’re volunteering at an orphanage, another viable option is an at-orphanage stay. Many orphanages in Tanzania have set aside special rooms to house international volunteers.

Throughout your project volunteering in Tanzania, our local staff stays in contact with you with face-to-face visits or via email/telephone. IFRE's main office is in Moshi and our in-country coordinator serves as a point of contact for local volunteers.

With longer placements, we visit our international volunteers in Tanzania every 2 weeks (when possible), and you are always welcome at the local office. If your project placement is close to our office, we request that volunteers stop by once a week to keep us posted on how they are doing with their homestay and project. If the project placement is further from our main office, then our local staff members maintain communication by either email and/or phone, and the local project director serves as your main point of contact.

Find out more about volunteer accommodation and meals.

For more readings:
12 tips to enhance cultural experience in host families


Free Time

While you are volunteering in Tanzania to make a difference and help others in need, you are also going to want to get out and explore the country. You might be wondering if you will have enough free time to enjoy yourself and engage in recreational activities while you are in Africa.

You will be happy to discover you will have plenty of free time in the evenings and on the weekends to sightsee and go on adventures. While IFRE does not arrange activities during this time off, our local staff members and coordinators can provide priceless assistance in making appropriate arrangements for traveling in Tanzania.

Moshi rests on the slopes of the Mount Kilimanjaro. This city offers a wide variety of cultural experiences, as it is home to three major African tribes: Chagga, Pare, and Maasai. Giraffes roam just outside the city, and local parks are abundant with wildlife. Local transport is an interesting experience with "Daladalas." These are 16-seat vans, which usually transport about 30 people and/or children and livestock at any given time.

A typical Moshi experience is more rural than urban with abundant cultural sights and markets throughout this quaint city, where nature's borders and city limits are at times indistinguishable.

Learn more about the exciting destinations you can visit in Tanzania


Safety and In-country Support

Your safety is IFRE’s number one priority at all times, and you can have peace of mind knowing we will do everything possible to ensure you have a safe and secure experience volunteering in Tanzania. We offer pre-trip support, reliable and comprehensive travel insurance, airport pick-up, and availability to 24/7 guidance and support by an experienced in-country staff that is right there on the ground to help you every step of the way.

In-Country Support

As soon as you arrive in Tanzania, you will have the support of an experienced team of in-country field staff. The team is comprised of mature, educated, socially respected individuals who are dedicated humanitarians highly experienced in working with international volunteers.

Your main point of contact will be the in-country coordinator. They will select your project placement, make all the arrangements for your airport transfer, accommodations, and food, give you an orientation which covers culture, safety, and your service work, introduce you to your host family and project staff, and make periodic visits and calls to check up on your progress. You can reach out to the coordinator at any time with any questions, issues, or to ask for advice and they will be happy to assist you.

If you’d like to learn more about the safety features and field support offered by IFRE, click here.


Volunteer in Tanzania - FAQ

You’ve decided you want to volunteer in Tanzania and selected a project where you feel you can make the most difference, but you’ve never done anything like this before and you still have lots of questions. IFRE is here to help guide you on your journey. To make things simple and to set your mind at ease, we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions here and given you the answers you’re looking for.

Which airport do I need to fly to for my Ghana volunteer trip?

You should fly to Kilimanjaro International Airport<.

Do you organize airport pick-up services?

Yes, we organize airport pick-up services for our volunteers. You just need to provide our staff with your flight details ahead of time and meet up with them at the airport, so that they can safely transfer you to your hotel.

What happens if I miss my flight or arrive late?

It is vital that you notify us about missed flights or late arrivals in case of such circumstances. You will be provided with our local representative’s contact information ahead of time, and you should call or send a message as soon as you are aware of a delay or change in your travel plans so that they can adjust your pick-up time.

Who will come to pick me up? How will I recognize this person at the airport?

Our local representative will be waiting for you at the airport arrival terminal. He/she will be responsible for picking you up from the airport on time and taking you to your accommodations before the start of your volunteer work in Tanzania. You can recognize our local representative by looking out for a person carrying a white signboard with your name on it. You can call them if you do not seem them at first, as their contact details will be provided to you before your flight to Tanzania.

If my volunteer placement begins on Monday, when should I arrive? If I want to arrive earlier than the starting date of my assignment, where will I stay and who will organize the accommodations? Will it cost me extra?

If your assignment begins on Monday, we highly advise you to arrive on Sunday, one day early. Get in touch with our in-country coordinator and let them organize the accommodations for your stay, which will cost you an extra $30 per day. You can also just look for hotels online and make reservations for your stay yourself, if you’d like.

Who will bring me to the airport for my departure?

IFRE does not provide airport drop-off service after the completion of your volunteering project in Tanzania. So, you will have to arrange a transfer vehicle to take you to the airport for your departure back home. Our local field staff will be happy to offer you advice in this regard.  

What do I need prior to departure from my home country?

You will need to do many things prior to the departure from your home country. Listing all of them will be difficult, but we can at the very least list some of the most crucial preparations for you, so that you will not forget to pack them: passport, visa, a couple of photos, credit cards, some cash, flight tickets, comfortable clothing and shoes, toiletries, medicines, first-aid kit, sanitary towels, deodorant, insect repellent, mobile phone, laptop, adapter, chargers, and travel insurance.

These are all very necessary items for a safe and secure volunteer experience abroad. Doing research on your destination ahead of time will also prepare you for your trip to Tanzania.  

Where are the projects located?

Our volunteer Tanzania projects are all located in Arusha.

Set at the base of Mt. Meru, Arusha stands out as a beautiful sub-Saharan town that is bustling with lively markets, colonial buildings, historical monuments, pot-holed roads, and charming dining restaurants. Arusha is famous for its laidback and relaxing atmosphere. Many foreign tourists consider going on a safari trip as one of the best things to do in Arusha.

Is there any minimum and maximum length of stay?

You can volunteer from one week all the way up to twelve weeks in duration.

Can I extend my stay if I choose to do so?

Yes, you can extend your stay if you wish. You may need to extend your visa to do so, and IFRE can assist you in this matter. 

Will I have enough time to travel after work and on weekends while volunteering in Tanzania?

Yes, you will have enough free time to travel and explore Tanzania after work and during weekends.

Who will guide or support me ?

Our in-country coordinator and local staff will be responsible for guiding and supervising you throughout your time in Tanzania.

Can I change my project if I do not like the one I have chosen?

Yes, you can change your program if you have an issue with your first placement. Simply contact your in-country coordinator to see what other projects are available for you to transfer to.

Can I work in more than one volunteer program in Tanzania at a time?

Yes, you can choose to work in more than one volunteer project at a time. Our in-country coordinator can help you begin the application process for two volunteer programs. But you should keep in mind that each project requires you to work for at least 4 hours every day. Therefore, it can be physically exhausting to complete more than one volunteer project at the same time.

A better option might be splitting your travel time between two projects so you can fully devote yourself to each one at a time.

How old should I be to take part in IFRE’sprojects?

You must be at least 18 years old in order to be eligible. If you are below the recommended age of 18, but still wish to volunteer abroad, then you must get a parental consent from your parents/guardians and in some cases, you may be able to participate.

Who manages the volunteer works in Tnnzania?

All of our programs are completely managed by our in-country coordinator from the start of the project to its end. They will offer you support and are there to help you with anything you may need.

Will I receive any training before the start of the project?

IFRE provides an orientation class run by our in-country coordinator and local staff after your arrival in Tanzania and before the start of your project.

Is there a dress code in the project?

No, there is no dress code for any of our volunteer Tanzania projects. However, we advise our international volunteers to wear modest and decent clothing and to be respectful of the culture they are visiting.

Why should I pay to volunteer abroad?

IFRE is a non-profit volunteer organization that highly prioritizes offering its participants life-changing volunteer opportunities around the world. We do this to support local development projects and help make a difference in the lives of people living in disadvantaged areas, not for profit. IFRE depends on its application and program fees for the operation and management of its programs, as well as to cover your housing, food, and supervision while volunteering abroad. The program fees go directly to your projects and host families, so you know your money is going right where it is needed.

Why are IFRE’s fees so much more affordable than the fees of other volunteer organizations?

IFRE does not aim to gain any profit through its projects. IFRE’s program fees have always been low and affordable, as the money paid directly goes to the host families and projects. There are no hidden costs or middlemen involved. This helps us to cut down on unwanted expenses. IFRE is also a financially transparent organization that works together with many international organizations to provide the most affordable and meaningful volunteer opportunities in Tanzania.

Can I get a tax deduction?

Yes, you can get a tax deduction for volunteering abroad. Being a 501(c)3 organization, IFRE can provide tax deductions to its participants who wish to take part in any of its volunteer projects.

Can I get help to raise funds?

Yes, IFRE can provide supporting documentation and advise you on different ways to raise funds for your volunteering trip abroad.

For further readings:
Cost /money matter
Why to pay for volunteer abroad
How to reduce the cost of volunteer abroad
Pay fee directly to host family

Is it safe to travel to Tanzania?

Yes, it is safe to travel and volunteer in Tanzania. The government is doing its best to make sure that international travelers can come and experience the beauty of Tanzania as safely as possible. IFRE also aims to keep you safe and away from dangers during your experience abroad.

What safety measures should I take?

Even though Tanzania is a safe country for foreigners, it is always a good idea to exercise some caution during your travels. The occurrence of mass protests and violence is rare, yet you always have to be vigilant of your surroundings and take precautionary measures as you would do in any other country. You must always make sure that no one is following you and need to keep your money, credit cards, and passport in a safe place. We advise you to do proper research on your destination prior to travel.  

What will happen if I get sick during my volunteering project in Tanzania?

If you ever get sick and require immediate help, our field staff will take care of you and bring you to the nearest hospital or medical clinic. Our in-country coordinator along with the doctors and medical professionals will do their best to treat you while you are sick. Be sure to bring along your passport and proof of your insurance policy.

Why must I get travel insurance before volunteering?

All IFRE volunteers are required to obtain reliable travel insurance prior to departing on their trip to guard against illness, injury, or emergency. If you need assistance with this, IFRE can help offer a comprehensive and reliable policy.

What vaccinations do I need to have prior to the start of my Tanzania volunteer project?

You must take precautionary measures such as vaccinations before coming to Tanzania to protect your health and the people you are volunteering with. Recommended vaccines for travel to Tanzania are Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Cholera, Malaria, Rabies, Yellow fever, Diphtheria, Tetanus, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, and Polio. You should consult with your physician regarding your upcoming trip and which vaccines and health precautions you should take.

What are the principle health risks in Tanzania?
 
Like many other developing African countries, Tanzania has its own set of health risks and hazards which you should be prepared for. You must be cautious while volunteering outdoors and prepared to cope with the temperature and exposure to the sun and insects. A good protection against mosquito bites in the daytime is necessary. Staying hydrated all day long should be your top priority, but you should only drink boiled or chemically filtered water. You should avoid drinking tap water and only eat food from hygienic places.

For further readings:
Vaccination
Volunteer Health and Safety
Safety Tips for Your Volunteer Abroad Trip

Do I need a visa?

To participate in our programs, you need “Business Visa” (not tourist visa)

How do I apply for a visa?

The easiest way to apply for a Tanzanian business visa is by visiting the Tanzanian Embassy located in your home country. You will have to fill out a visa application form and bring your original passport along with a couple of photos for submission.

You may be able to obtain a business visa to Tanzania upon arrival, depending on your nationality. If you are from the UK, then you can also submit your visa application by post. Citizens of 66 different countries can enter in Tanzania without obtaining a visa. Do your research ahead of time to learn about the particular requirements for your home country.

The following links can help you submit your visa application for Tanzania.
For the US citizens: https://tanzaniaembassy-us.org/
For the UK citizens: https://tzhc.uk/visa-application

Can I extend my visa while I am in the country? Can you help me with this?

Yes, you can extend your business visa to continue your volunteering experience in Tanzania with IFRE. You simply need to pay a visit to the Immigration Bureau located near your project and submit an application for the visa extension. You can extend your business visa for up op 3 months at a time and your in-country coordinator can offer you advice in this regard.

How do I contact IFRE’s local coordinator while I am in Tanzania?

You can contact the IFRE’s local coordinator via your mobile phone or go online and email them about your inquiry. We will provide you with the contact details prior to your trip, so if there is an emergency or you feel like you need help, you can get in touch with them immediately.

How can I communicate with my family while volunteering in Tanzania?

There will not be any trouble to communicate with your family from Tanzania, as you will have access to telephone and Internet. Thus, you can either dial the number of your parents and friends or go online and chat with them on Facebook or Skype

Can I use my phone?

Yes, you can use your personal mobile phone during your project.

Can I buy a SIM card in Tanzania?

Yes, you can buy a SIM card while volunteering in Tanzania. You will need to bring your original passport along with a recent passport size photo for documentation. It will take a couple of minutes to fill out a form with your personal details, but it will, nonetheless, be an easy task.

How can I get/purchase Internet services?

First, you need to buy a local SIM card and then purchase an Internet data pack, which remains valid for a certain time period, in order to access and use the Internet.

Is Internet available everywhere?

Yes, there are Internet services where you will be doing all of your volunteer work in Tanzania.

What do I need to bring to Tanzania?

Things like passport, visa, flight tickets, hand sanitizer, sunscreen, power adapter, insect repellent, toiletries, medicines, power bank, first-aid kit, earplugs, travel insurance, rolling suitcase, pollution mask, filtered water bottle, and sleep mask items you are likely to need during your volunteer experience abroad.

We hope we have managed to address all of your questions and concerns regarding your upcoming Tanzania volunteer trip. We are here to guide and support you should you have any further questions you need answered. Contact IFRE today to get started planning your volunteer abroad experience!


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