With a variety of placements on offer and no specific experience required, volunteers of all ages, from a range of backgrounds and possessing different skills are encouraged to help in this friendly destination.
Best Volunteer Programs in Tanzania
Community Volunteering in Zanzibar
• 2-8 weeks
• £2,045
How You Can Help
Popular placements include:
• Orphan and street children initiatives
• Sports coaching
• Medical and healthcare missions
• Wildlife conservation
• Teaching
• Environmental conservation
Here’s a more in-depth look at the types of projects you can join.
Teaching
This is a great option for volunteers who may be feeling slightly nervous about taking charge of their very own class but want to gain some classroom experience and build confidence. You can work together with the teacher or take a class in pairs.
Some ideas can include; dividing the students into smaller groups and assigning them with different tasks before swapping them around, or working on a one to one basis with an individual student, whilst the teacher has the rest of the class. You could also simply work the children through a study guide that you bring from home.
University lecturing
There are three universities in Iringa who are keen to use your expertise! In particular, the IT departments require volunteers to lecture, help with set-up and maintenance of resources and so on. However, your help in all subjects and areas is desired and valued.
Coaching sports
Sports coaches are highly sought after for school, college and local teams. Football, volleyball, basketball, netball and athletics are some of the most popular sports here. However, people are always keen and excited to learn new sports should you be interested in coaching something else.
Teaching English as a second language to adults or children
Many people here are very keen to learn or improve their English. This is a highly valuable skill that will help with the development of the local area. The local community is keen to provide classrooms for teaching.
General maintenance work
Some volunteers, who do not wish to have a go at teaching in the school, may decide to have a go at some general maintenance work within the school grounds. This is likely to include; gardening, painting, basic repairs, carpentry, plumbing and other general manual work.
Working with an orphanage
There are many orphanages located around the area of Iringa, due to a high HIV infection rate- 14% of people here are affected by HIV, in comparison to the national rate of 7%. Volunteers are needed to help with everyday life. This may include cooking, cleaning, helping children with homework and running games and activities.
Working with a local NGO
Volunteers are needed to help with writing funding proposals, developing websites, raising awareness about the work that they do, fundraising, and gaining support from outside organisations.
Volunteering in Tanzania FAQ
Do I need a visa for Tanzania?
Although it is possible to obtain a visa on arrival if you have a return flight, it is strongly recommended to obtain a tourist visa before arrival to avoid any stress on arrival after a long flight. All volunteers in Tanzania from all organisations now also require a volunteer permit.
The most affordable method is to obtain this after arrival in Iringa as this can be half the cost if obtained outside of Tanzania even though you will still need a visa to enter the country. The volunteer coordinator will assist you with paperwork after you arrive in Iringa.
Language
The local language is Swahili – a phrase book may be useful and free language lessons can be arranged at your convenience on arrival.
Time
The time difference is +3 hours from GMT (+2 hours during British summertime).
Working Hours
Volunteers usually work five days a week during school hours at a school in need or community project and will have the choice to help out during the weekend, undertake some sightseeing, or simply relax and enjoy local life. If you wish, your time can be split between working on different projects.
Your local coordinator is always available to help you make the most of your time. If you change your mind about anything whilst your there, for example, changing projects, accommodation, dates or anything else, this can easily be accommodated.
What to Expect
There are occasional, short power cuts in most places throughout Africa, these usually occur about twice in some locations. You will enjoy the wonderful, friendly, relaxed attitude, but don’t expect everything to be perfect or exactly on time- after all, T.I.A – This is Africa!
Will I need any jabs?
Most visitors to Africa will need some jabs and boosters to protect themselves and malaria tablets are essential. Boosters usually advised are Diptheria, Hep A, Tetanus and Typhoid. Yellow Fever is sometimes recommended. Rabies and cholera not generally advised (taken from fitfortravel 21/08/13).
What do I need to know about currency?
The Tanzanian shilling is only available in Tanzania. You cannot change any currency for shillings outside the country. You can change money on arrival at Dar es Salaam Airport and ATM’s are widely available throughout the country. There are bank branches and ATMs throughout the country. Please be aware that Traveller’s Cheques are not accepted in any shops or exchanged in any of the banks in town. US Dollars or Pounds Sterling can easily be exchanged in Tanzania for local currency- The Tanzanian Shilling. Exchange rates fluctuate, but as a rough guide, £1 = 2769Ts/ $1 = 1726Ts.
Not to be missed before your return home
The breathtaking sandy beaches on the magical spice island of Zanzibar Serengeti National Park Ngorongoro Crater Mt Kilimanjaro Mt Meru Olduvai Gorge Lake Manyara National Park Rift Valley Escarpment Tea estates in the south Isimila Stone Age site Previous volunteers have advised:
Afternoon trips such as visiting a dairy farm and milking cows!, The Bridge of God and Isimila, large tea plantations, orphanages and rural villages. Weekend trips: Iringa is situated between four large National Parks (you will cross one of them on your way from Dar es Salaam so watch out for zebras, monkeys, giraffes and elephants!)
After volunteering: Most volunteers will stay in Tanzania for several weeks and then have until recently some have headed to Zanzibar for a lazy week before travel home – an island boasting stunning sandy white beaches, crystal clear water and the perfect opportunity to relax. There are plenty of great beaches along the coast and around Mombasa over the border in Kenya and also Zanzibar island!
Alternatively, some choose to challenge themselves with Mount Kilimanjaro – Africa’s highest peak. Allow approx £900 for a complete trek. These Tanzania tours can be arranged before or after your arrival and many volunteers choose to arrange extra trips together, in order to save costs.
How will I get back to the airport?
Your in-country support team will help you to organise the journey back to the airport. Most volunteers travel back to Dar Es Salaam by bus and stay a night at a guesthouse before flying home.