Volunteer in Tanzania

Most Affordable – PMGY’s volunteer abroad programs are designed to be accessible to everyone passionate about making a difference. With low fees and high-impact projects, you can create meaningful change without breaking the bank.

Best Support – From the moment you join PMGY, our dedicated international and local team provide extensive, round-the-clock support to guide and assist you through every step of your incredible PMGY adventure.

Safety Prioritised – Safety is PMGY’s number one priority! We’ve taken every precaution to ensure our gap year programs are as secure and well-structured as possible, giving you peace of mind while volunteering abroad.

Extraordinary Experiences – PMGY gives you the chance to immerse yourself in incredible cultural and travel experiences fully. Create unforgettable memories while making a difference in communities around the world.

Friendships for Life – Your PMGY journey doesn’t just end with unforgettable experiences—it’s also about forming life-long friendships with fellow volunteers from across the globe. Prepare to meet like-minded individuals and make connections that last a lifetime.

Tanzania Childcare Volunteers

As a childcare volunteer in Tanzania with PMGY, you’ll play a key role in brightening the daily lives of young children. By working in daycare facilities in Arusha, you’ll support local staff by organising educational activities and games while assisting with tasks to ensure the children receive the care they deserve as an international volunteer with children in Tanzania.

Background to the Childcare Program

In Tanzania, an estimated 1.4 million people are infected with HIV, and nearly 6 women die in childbirth for every 1,000 births. Combined with widespread poverty and minimal state welfare, these factors contribute to a significant number of families lacking adequate childcare. PMGY’s childcare volunteers in Tanzania work with several daycare centres in Arusha that aim to improve this critical aspect of life for local families.

The daycare centres you’ll support as a volunteer in Tanzania provide essential childcare for children from single-parent or low-income families who cannot afford private care. These projects allow parents to work and earn a living while giving their children access to early education, helping them prepare for school in a way many would not have the chance to otherwise.

Children attend these centres during the day and return to their families, friends, or relatives in the afternoon. PMGY Tanzania currently supports more than four centres within Arusha, where the dedication and enthusiasm of volunteers make a meaningful difference in the lives of the children and their communities.

Childcare Volunteer Placement Examples

Sunrise & Star Rise Daycare – These daycares are situated just a short walk from the Volunteer House and are run by the same dedicated Head Teacher. Around 20-40 children attend each school daily for care and education. The daycares employ 2-3 teachers in each school so the assistance of volunteers is highly appreciated.

Tristan Day Centre – Situated in the Mbauda district of the Arusha region, Tristan Day Centre is about 15 minutes from both Arusha city and the Volunteer House. The daycare accommodates preschool children aged 2–6 years. Around 30 children attend nursery classes from Monday to Friday and return home in the afternoons. The centre employs 8 local staff, including 2 nursery teachers and 3 cooking/cleaning staff. Volunteers on our abroad volunteer programs work alongside local staff, ensuring these children receive the attention and care they deserve.

Star Daycare – Founded in 2020, Star Daycare was established to support the local community, which faced significant challenges affording childcare following the pandemic. Located in Sombetini, about 15 minutes from the Volunteer House, the centre hosts children aged 1–6, offering nursery and preschool education. As a newer centre, the extra support provided by volunteers is invaluable in helping the centre operate smoothly and expanding its services to the community.

Your Volunteer Role & Typical Childcare Day

As a volunteer with children in Tanzania, your role involves supporting and interacting with the children throughout the day, helping with their care and development. You’ll also be responsible for preparing activities to keep them engaged. While each project varies, typical working hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30am–1pm, with the option to extend until 3pm if requested.

Each day on this program begins with basic English lessons. During this time, volunteers are expected to lead fun and educational activities that teach the fundamentals of the language. The rest of the day is spent entertaining and caring for the children, often involving outdoor play in the garden. The centres have various toys and learning tools to support the children’s development during your childcare volunteer abroad project.

During mealtimes, you’ll help serve food and ensure the children are eating well. After lunch, naptime is scheduled to give the children much-needed rest and nutrition for healthy growth. While the children rest, you’ll assist staff with tasks such as gardening, food preparation, or general upkeep of the centre.

The centres PMGY supports are often understaffed and overcrowded, making your contribution invaluable. Your responsibilities will include teaching basic English, assisting with meals, organising games and activities, and spending quality time with the children. Most volunteers focus on leading English lessons and classroom activities, but your role will also involve general caregiving.

In the afternoons, you’ll have free time to plan future sessions, relax at the Volunteer House, or explore the vibrant city of Arusha.

Transport to your project is not included in the Program Fee. The majority of projects are within walking distance from the Volunteer House, but some are further afield. In these latter cases, you can take a local bus (dala dala) or a tuk-tuk to your placement, with travel times of up to 45 minutes for your volunteer work in Tanzania. During your orientation, the local team will guide you through the transport system and provide advice on costs. If you’re ever unsure about fares, they’ll be happy to assist.

Tanzania Teaching Volunteers

As a volunteer teaching English in Tanzania, you’ll play a key role in helping students build a skill that can shape their future success. Interacting with fluent, native English speakers significantly enhances their language abilities, which are vital for future job opportunities. This project offers an incredible chance for international volunteers to teach English in Tanzania, fostering meaningful connections and making a lasting impact. You’ll also have the opportunity to develop your leadership skills while enriching the lives of disadvantaged children in Arusha.

Background to the Teaching Program

At the start of this century, the Tanzanian government made a significant push to enrol all children in education. This was largely achieved by reducing primary school education fees nationwide. As a result, approximately 96% of primary-school-age children are now attending school. However, this progress has come with challenges: the average primary school class now has around 53 pupils per teacher, and in rural areas, this ratio is even higher. Additionally, international aid to the education sector has decreased since the global recession, raising concerns about the overall quality of education in Tanzania.

Teaching methods in Tanzania often rely on repetition, aimed solely at passing exams. While students can memorise information, they often lack real understanding, especially when it comes to learning English. This becomes a significant issue as most secondary school classes are taught in English. By improving teaching methods, volunteers can help lay the foundation for better comprehension and learning potential, ultimately enhancing students’ employability in the future.

More than one-third of Tanzanians live below the national poverty line, making education a vital pathway to brighter futures. Tourism is a major industry in Tanzania, and the ability to speak English greatly increases young people’s chances of securing meaningful employment in this sector.

PMGY’s volunteer teaching English abroad program in Tanzania supports local schools and childcare centres to maximise their impact. As a teaching volunteer in Tanzania, you will teach English, Maths, and other subjects, while transferring valuable skills and sharing cultural perspectives. No previous teaching experience is required. All you need is creativity and enthusiasm, and our team will help you settle into your role so you can make a meaningful contribution while gaining valuable experience yourself.

We primarily support primary schools, but volunteering at secondary schools can be arranged upon request. Additionally, many of the childcare projects we work with include nursery schools for preschool-age children, where volunteers can also assist and teach English in Tanzania.

Teaching Volunteer Placement Examples

Good Hope School – Located in the Ngusero Region of Arusha, an area known for being disadvantaged and having limited educational opportunities, Good Hope School was founded in 2005 and now accommodates over 1,000 students. The school includes a nursery for children aged 3–5 and a primary school where the main teaching placements occur with students aged 6–14. The school is conveniently located about 15 minutes from both the Volunteer House and the centre of Arusha.

High View School – Situated in the Mbauda Region of Arusha, around 20 minutes from the Volunteer House, High View School was also established in 2005 to provide affordable, high-quality education to the local community. The school features a nursery for children aged 3–5 and a primary school where most teaching placements take place with students aged 6–14. On average, over 300 children attend this school and daycare.

As a volunteer in Tanzania, you’ll need to approach your role with creativity and proactivity to ensure your classes are both engaging and productive. Your contribution will be invaluable in supporting local teachers and enhancing the students’ learning experience. Many of the students will benefit significantly from having a fluent English speaker teaching them in Tanzania, helping to improve their language skills and future opportunities.

Your Volunteer Role & Typical Teaching Day

As a volunteer teaching English in Tanzania, you’ll be expected to plan and lead lessons. While volunteers sometimes assist local staff and English teachers, there is generally an expectation for international volunteers to take the lead in most lessons. To teach English in Tanzania successfully, you’ll need to be creative, proactive, and prepared to use your initiative. At times, you may also work as an assistant to local teachers.

All lessons are taught in English, except for Swahili language classes. Schools follow a basic curriculum, but volunteers are encouraged to introduce new ideas and topics. Spending an hour or two each day preparing for the next day’s lessons is key to ensuring smooth and effective teaching.

While each volunteer abroad program in Tanzania may vary slightly, typical working hours are 8:30am–1pm, Monday to Friday. Volunteers usually spend 3–4 hours teaching basic English, with the rest of the time dedicated to assisting with mealtimes and organising activities. If you wish to stay longer at the project, you are generally welcome to do so.

Staff shortages are common in the under-resourced schools where we work, so flexibility and adaptability are essential. If you’re new to teaching, your confidence will grow quickly after teaching a few classes. Planning your lessons thoroughly will make running classes much easier and more enjoyable.

Transport to your project is not included in the Program Fee. The majority of projects are within walking distance from the Volunteer House, but some are further afield. In these latter cases, you can take a local bus (dala dala) or a tuk-tuk to your placement, with travel times of up to 45 minutes for your volunteer work in Tanzania. During your orientation, the local team will guide you through the transport system and provide advice on costs. If you’re ever unsure about fares, they’ll be happy to assist.

Tanzania Medical Volunteers

As a medical volunteer in Tanzania with PMGY, you’ll have an incredible opportunity to gain first-hand insight into the Tanzanian healthcare system. Whether you’re considering a career in healthcare or currently studying a health-related subject at university, this program provides invaluable real-world experience to support your professional development. By working alongside and learning from local staff, you’ll gain exposure to healthcare practices and challenges that are rarely encountered in your home country.

Background to the Medical Program

Tanzania, like many African countries, faces a severe shortage of healthcare workers. Low wages, challenging working conditions, and limited training programs all contribute to the issue. The situation is worsened by the growing demands of HIV/AIDS treatment, leading to a decline in health standards that leaves Tanzania trailing behind many other developing nations.

The leading causes of death in Tanzania include malaria, HIV/AIDS, respiratory diseases, and cardiovascular conditions. Many of these illnesses are challenging to prevent, and the healthcare system is heavily focused on treating urgent cases. However, significant efforts are also made to educate patients on preventative measures to reduce future risks.

As a medical volunteer in Tanzania with PMGY, you’ll have a unique opportunity to gain first-hand insight into the country’s healthcare system. PMGY collaborates with a government hospital and a community clinic in the Arusha and Meru districts, providing you with an exciting chance to experience healthcare delivery in diverse settings.

This medical program is ideal for individuals looking to gain practical volunteer experience to enhance their medical careers. Participants will have the opportunity to explore a range of departments, offering varied and valuable exposure to different aspects of healthcare. Beyond the professional experience, this program also provides a gateway to exploring one of the most beautiful and culturally rich countries in the world!

Medical Volunteer Placement Examples

Muriet Hospital – Located within one of Arusha’s growing residential communities, Muriet Hospital plays an important role in providing accessible healthcare to local families and surrounding neighbourhoods. As a government-operated facility, the hospital manages a varied patient caseload each day, allowing medical volunteers to gain exposure to a broad spectrum of healthcare services within the Tanzanian public health system.

The hospital offers learning opportunities across a number of departments, including General Medicine, Maternity, Paediatrics, Outpatient Care, Laboratory Services, Antenatal Clinics, Family Planning, and Community Health. Volunteers work alongside local doctors, nurses, and healthcare staff, observing patient care and developing a greater understanding of how healthcare is delivered in a resource-conscious environment. Although volunteers are welcome to express their areas of interest, placements are ultimately determined by hospital needs and availability.

Your placement will begin with an introduction to the hospital, where staff will outline the different departments and discuss your interests. Volunteers may remain within a single department or experience several during their placement, depending on the duration of their stay and operational requirements.

For many volunteers, one of the most rewarding aspects of Muriet Hospital is the opportunity to gain firsthand insight into healthcare practices that may differ considerably from those at home. The placement encourages cultural exchange, adaptability, and professional development while offering a realistic perspective on both the challenges and successes of healthcare delivery in Tanzania. Through observation and engagement with local staff, volunteers leave with a deeper appreciation of global health issues and the important role community hospitals play in supporting local populations.

Tengeru Hospital – Tengeru Hospital, a government facility located in the town of Tengeru near Arusha, is the primary placement for many of our medical volunteers in Tanzania. Initially established as a women’s health centre, it now addresses a wide range of general health needs. Operating 24/7, the hospital treats 50-80 patients daily and features a well-established maternity ward that delivers an average of 500 newborns each month, making it an excellent placement for midwifery students. Additionally, a recently opened Dental Ward provides dentistry students with opportunities to promote dental hygiene education.

Medical volunteers in Tanzania can gain experience in various departments, including Dental, Diabetes Clinic, General Medical Consultation, Laboratory, HIV Awareness and Testing, Midwifery & Labour Ward, Newborn Care and Immunisations, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Optical, Paediatrics, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy (part-time), Prenatal and Antenatal Care, Radiology, Surgery (both minor and major), and the Tuberculosis Wing. While you may indicate preferences in your application, specific placements cannot be guaranteed.

On your first day, you’ll receive an orientation from the matron, who will discuss your interests and aim to get you rotated between your preferred departments. You can focus on one or two departments or rotate through several, with a minimum of one week typically recommended in each area.

This placement offers the chance to encounter cases rarely seen in your home country, such as Typhoid and TB, and to learn about tropical diseases like Malaria, Yellow Fever, and Dengue. However, working in a government hospital comes with challenges, such as limited equipment and facilities, which can evoke strong emotions. Tanzanian healthcare may feel more relaxed in pace, and patient interactions may appear impersonal. By embracing these differences and immersing yourself in the experience, you can make a meaningful impact while gaining invaluable insight and knowledge.

Community Clinic – The community clinic provides affordable healthcare to some of the poorest residents in Arusha and surrounding areas. As the first full-service charity clinic in the city, it serves up to 3,000 patients monthly despite its relatively small size. Patients can receive consultations, blood work, and prescription treatments for minimal fees.

Departments at the clinic include General Medical Consultation, Minor Surgeries (primarily fractures), Laboratory, Pharmacy, X-ray, and Ultrasound. As a volunteer in Tanzania, you’ll have the opportunity to work across multiple departments, guided by the head doctor and their team, who are dedicated to involving you in as much as possible.

In the small surgery room, you might assist with procedures such as circumcision, abscess or cyst removal, drainage, and stitching. The pharmacy offers a chance to learn about commonly prescribed medications, including antibiotics, anti-worm treatments, and antimalarial drugs. This placement is open to all medical backgrounds, including school leavers and university students. You’ll witness a variety of cases, including malaria and typhoid, along with frequent issues in obstetrics, basic dentistry, and the urinary system.

Student Elective Opportunities

PMGY offers specialist elective placements for students in Tanzania, providing a unique opportunity to gain invaluable international experience. Whether you’re pursuing a career in medicine, midwifery or nursing, our programs allow you to learn directly from health professionals in distinctive medical settings. As a medical volunteer in Tanzania, you can specify your desired clinical elective during the online application process. Simply highlight your preferences in the ‘Special Requirements’ section, and the PMGY Tanzania team will organise everything to ensure your elective placement runs smoothly.

Medical – As part of your medical elective in Tanzania, you’ll be based at a government hospital in Arusha. Here, you’ll shadow doctors and nurses during their daily rounds, learning about the diagnosis, management, and treatment of common illnesses such as Malaria and Typhoid. Beyond hospital walls, you’ll have the opportunity to engage in medical outreach work, conducting health checks in rural villages and supporting health education campaigns to raise awareness about key healthcare issues in Tanzania.

Midwifery – Gain unparalleled international midwifery experience during your placement in Tanzania. Shadow experienced midwives in the maternity ward, observing consultations and assessing the conditions faced by pregnant women in Tanzania. Witness childbirth in the delivery room and explore the stark differences in maternal care, including limited support during labour and prenatal care. Your midwifery elective will be an eye-opening journey into the challenges and triumphs of maternal healthcare in a developing country.

Nursing – Embark on a transformative experience with a nursing elective in Tanzania. Shadow nurses in a government hospital as they care for patients, monitor their health, and administer medication. Rotate across different departments to witness a range of medical cases, illnesses, and injuries. Additionally, take part in community outreach work by assisting with healthcare checks, wound care, and screenings for tropical diseases. You’ll also have the chance to conduct blood pressure and blood sugar tests, gaining valuable experience while making a meaningful impact.

Each elective offers a unique opportunity to broaden your medical knowledge and develop your skills, all while contributing to essential healthcare services in Tanzania.

Your Volunteer Role & Typical Work Day

As a medical volunteer in Tanzania, you will have the unique opportunity to observe and learn from qualified healthcare professionals. If you have little or no medical experience, your role will primarily be observational, allowing you to gain insights into the Tanzanian healthcare system. For those studying a medically related degree, there may be opportunities for basic hands-on involvement. However, this is dependent on building trust with the local doctors and nurses, as well as obtaining patient consent.

Your primary role as a medical volunteer in Tanzania is to observe and learn about healthcare practices in a developing country. This experience will provide you with a deeper understanding of common health challenges in Tanzania, such as malaria and typhoid, and how they are managed within the constraints of a resource-limited setting. It also offers a comparative perspective on healthcare practices between Tanzania and your home country.

You can expect to spend 3-5 hours per day on the project, typically working from either 8:30am to 1pm or 11am to 4pm, Monday to Friday. Volunteers are often welcome to stay longer at the project if they wish to further immerse themselves in the experience.

Transport to your medical volunteer placement in Tanzania is not included in the Program Fee. Most volunteers use a Dala Dala (local bus) to travel to their volunteer work in Tanzania, with journeys typically taking up to 45 minutes each way. Volunteers placed at Muriet Hospital usually have a much shorter commute, with a tuk-tuk ride of around 10 minutes from the Volunteer House. Our local team can help arrange this transport, with payment made directly to the driver at local rates. During your in-country orientation, our local team will explain the local transport system and ensure you feel comfortable getting around independently. If you have any questions about routes, pricing, or travel, the team is always available to help.

Flights

After confirming your place on a PMGY volunteer program, we strongly advise that you book your flights as early as possible. This will help ensure that you get the lowest airfare. You can choose to book your flights independently or we can help you with arranging them.

To join our Tanzania volunteer program, you should book your flights to Kilimanjaro International Airport on the Sunday start date. The airport code is JRO. Volunteers in Tanzania can arrive at any time on their designated Sunday program start date.

Travel Insurance

Importantly, having an appropriate travel insurance policy during your time abroad is essential. Therefore, it is mandatory for all of our international volunteers to be appropriately covered across all of their trip dates. This includes your travel to and from the host country, as well as any onward travel. Although PMGY does everything to ensure your trip is safe, inevitably things can go wrong. Therefore, having a travel insurance policy in place helps you effectively deal with any problems you may encounter during your time away.

We have partnered up with Howden Insurance to create an affordable and comprehensive optional policy. This has been designed with our international volunteers in mind, to cover our participants for all of their travel essentials. The policy is available to anyone across the globe, up to the age of 65 years. The document will cover you for your time on any PMGY destination. You can purchase PMGY Travel Insurance during your online application or you can contact us directly to arrange it.

Our International Team works tirelessly to provide extensive support leading up to your volunteer or gap year trip. From our online chat service to email support and telephone conversations, we’re always ready to assist. All international volunteers with PMGY receive a comprehensive Volunteer Handbook, which serves as your ultimate guide for planning your volunteer trip abroad. This detailed handbook includes everything from visa guidance to suggested packing lists, ensuring you’re well-prepared for your adventure.

We also have dedicated Facebook groups for each of our volunteer destinations. These groups are a fantastic resource where you can connect with our international and local team, as well as past, present, and future volunteers. They provide a valuable platform for sharing experiences, asking questions, and staying updated with community news year after year.

Sometimes, it’s hard to imagine yourself volunteering abroad without having been there yet. To help manage expectations and give you a clear picture of what to expect, we offer a variety of engaging and informative videos on our PMGY YouTube Channel. These clips offer a visual insight into life as a PMGY volunteer. In addition, don’t miss our webinars, which run on selected Tuesdays at 4pm UK time. Our International Team provides invaluable advice in these sessions, tailored to help you prepare for your trip.

Each webinar is designed with a specific focus. Our Pre-Departure Webinar covers all the essentials you need to know before joining us abroad. The Program Preparation Webinar is project-specific, offering detailed advice and insights about your placement. Finally, our Safety Webinar provides top tips for managing your safety and wellbeing while volunteering abroad. For those simply curious about PMGY, we also run an Introductory Webinar. This session introduces our organisation, background, goals, and the volunteer and gap year travel opportunities we offer overseas.

Our Tanzania volunteer program is based in Arusha, nestled in the Kilimanjaro region. Set against the dramatic backdrop of Mount Meru, Arusha combines natural beauty with a lively atmosphere, making it an unforgettable destination.

PMGY’s volunteer opportunities in Tanzania are delivered by our dedicated and highly experienced in-country local team. Every team member is fully vetted by our International Team, ensuring that your experience is both safe and rewarding. Our local community network provides the structure and support you need to make the most of your time on a volunteer abroad program with PMGY. From arranging your accommodation and meals to coordinating airport pick-up, in-country orientation, and 24/7 emergency support, our team ensures that every detail is covered, leaving you free to focus on making a difference during your volunteer experience in Tanzania.

Your arrival in Tanzania will be on Sunday, and your orientation for your volunteer program in Tanzania will take place on Monday. This day is designed to help you settle in, understand life in Tanzania, and prepare for your upcoming volunteer experience.

The morning session will focus on essential information, including an introduction to Tanzanian culture, basic Swahili phrases, and important health and safety guidelines. Our local team will also provide a detailed briefing on your volunteer project, outlining what is expected of you and what you can expect in return.

Later in the day, you will head into Arusha town for a guided tour. Our team will show you where to find everything you may need during your stay, including the nearest shops, ATMs, and bus stops. You will also have the opportunity to set up a local SIM card and enjoy some lunch in town.

The evening is yours to relax, catch up on rest, and get to know your fellow volunteers before starting your volunteer work in Tanzania on Tuesday.

Please make sure you arrive into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) on Sunday.

Day 1 (Sunday) Arrival

Karibu! Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, a PMGY team member will be there to greet you with a sign. You will then travel to the Volunteer House in Arusha, a journey of around 1.5 hours, depending on traffic. Once at the Volunteer House, you will have time to relax, meet fellow participants, and begin to take in your first glimpses of Tanzania.

If you arrive early in the morning and feel refreshed, you may have the chance to begin your orientation in the afternoon. Otherwise, the local team will help you settle in and arrange anything you may need on your first day.

Day 2 (Monday) Orientation

Your arrival in Tanzania will be on Sunday, and your orientation for your volunteer program in Tanzania will take place on Monday. This day is designed to help you settle in, understand life in Tanzania, and prepare for your upcoming volunteer experience.

The morning session will focus on essential information, including an introduction to Tanzanian culture, basic Swahili phrases, and important health and safety guidelines. Our local team will also provide a detailed briefing on your volunteer project, outlining what is expected of you and what you can expect in return.

Later in the day, you will head into Arusha town for a guided tour. Our team will show you where to find everything you may need during your stay, including the nearest shops, ATMs, and bus stops. You will also have the opportunity to set up a local SIM card and enjoy some lunch in town.

The evening is yours to relax, catch up on rest, and get to know your fellow volunteers before starting your volunteer work in Tanzania on Tuesday.

Days 3-6 (Tuesday-Friday) Volunteering Begins

Tuesday marks your first day of volunteering. The local team will accompany you to your project placement to ensure you receive a comprehensive introduction, meet the project staff, and understand your daily role.

As the week progresses, your confidence will grow, and you will begin to settle into your role and build connections with the local community. The local team is always just a phone call away and happy to assist with anything you may need.

Days 7-8 (Saturday-Sunday) Weekend!

After a rewarding week of volunteering, the weekend is yours to explore Tanzania. Whether you are looking for a relaxing break, an adventure, or a cultural experience, Tanzania has something for everyone.

Our team encourages volunteers to explore Tanzania’s amazing sites and will be happy to help you plan your trip. 

There are many exciting weekend options to choose from. You could take on the challenge of climbing Mt Meru, a four-day trek up Kilimanjaro’s lesser-known but equally rewarding sister mountain. Alternatively, a safari at Arusha National Park offers the chance to spot wildlife in one of Tanzania’s most beautiful reserves. For those who enjoy shopping, the Maasai Market is a great place to find traditional African art, crafts, and souvenirs.

If you have extra time before or after your placement, you may also want to climb Mt Kilimanjaro, embark on a three-day safari in Ngorongoro Crater or Serengeti National Park, or take a trip to Zanzibar Island. 

Please note there is a strong customary tipping culture when it comes to partaking in safaris or climbing Kilimanjaro or Meru. Staff such as the driver, guide, porter, and cook are paid reasonable wages, but tips are an important supplement to their income. The amounts vary depending on the activity, but as a general guideline, budget $25-$30 per car per day for tips at safari, and $50-$60 per group per day for tips when climbing Kilimanjaro or Meru.

The Following Weeks

Your next weeks will follow a similar pattern, as you will be volunteering from Monday to Friday. Weekends will be free to travel. Time will fly, so make sure you make the most of it. The local team is there to support you throughout your stay, whether you need help planning a trip, have lost your phone, or simply want someone to talk to.

Last Day (Sunday)

Sunday marks your final day of your volunteer program in Tanzania. If you are heading home, the local team can help arrange your airport drop-off. Please note that this is not included in your Program Fee. A taxi from the Volunteer House to Kilimanjaro International Airport costs approximately $50 USD.

For many first-time travellers, heading abroad can feel both exciting and daunting. At PMGY, we take every precaution to make our volunteer projects in Tanzania as safe as possible. While no experience can ever be 100% risk-free, our robust safety measures provide peace of mind for both volunteers and their families.

Every program has been personally inspected and approved by a PMGY director. We’ve lived in the Volunteer House, experienced the orientation, and worked on the projects ourselves. Through frequent visits and daily communications, we’ve built strong, trusting relationships with our local team, ensuring that all programs meet our high standards.

In the unlikely event of an issue, volunteers have access to several layers of support:

• PMGY Local Team
• Project Staff
• PMGY International Team

Our programs are continually monitored to evaluate volunteer experiences and ensure high standards. We rely on volunteer feedback to make ongoing improvements to improve volunteer opportunities in Tanzania. Safety and security are regularly assessed, and participants are encouraged to raise concerns with our local or International Teams, allowing us to resolve issues promptly and effectively.

Pre-Departure and In-Country Guidance

To ensure you’re fully prepared, PMGY provides comprehensive pre-departure guidance and an in-depth safety briefing during your orientation. Our local team cover all the essentials, including project introductions, emergency procedures, tips for using local transport, and cultural differences. Volunteers also receive a full list of important contact numbers, ensuring you always know who to reach out to.

General Safety Tips

While our local team work hard to ensure your safety, we encourage volunteers to follow these general tips for an even more secure experience:

• Be modest with jewellery worn in public.
• Avoid drinking tap water.
• Stay vigilant in crowds or near beggars; distractions may be used to target you.
• Be discreet when handling money in public.
• Plan your journeys carefully, especially at night, and know your destination in advance.
• Use only reputable transport providers; recommendations will be provided during your orientation.
• Stay in groups at night and avoid walking alone in dark or isolated areas.
• Keep valuables safe, especially when heading out of the accommodation.
• Be cautious of traffic, always looking left and right before crossing roads.
• Never accept food or drinks from strangers.

By following these guidelines and the advice provided by our in-country teams, you’ll be able to enjoy a safe, enriching, and memorable experience at your volunteer project in Tanzania.

Tanzania has a tropical climate, though conditions vary significantly across different regions. Along the coast, the weather is hot and humid, while inland areas—particularly in the mountains—are noticeably cooler, especially in the evenings. The warmest months of the year are December through March, while the cooler season lasts from June to October.

Tanzania experiences two distinct rainy seasons. The short rains (Mvuli) occur between November and December/January, typically bringing light showers during the night and early morning, followed by warm, sunny afternoons. The long rains (Masika) arrive between March and May, bringing heavier and more prolonged downpours. During this period, the environment in and around Arusha can become quite muddy, so it’s essential to pack sturdy walking shoes and avoid white clothing. In contrast, the hotter months can be particularly dusty, so be prepared for changing conditions.

Despite its equatorial location, Arusha enjoys a cooler and drier climate due to its high elevation. The average daytime temperature is around 25°C, but evenings can be quite chilly. It is especially cold in June and July, so packing warmer layers is highly recommended.

Accommodation – Volunteer House

During your time on the Tanzania volunteer program, you will stay in our Volunteer House. The accommodation is located in Arusha, a city nestled at the foot of Mount Meru. This is also where our volunteer programs are based. The Volunteer House is situated in a peaceful neighbourhood, yet you’ll find restaurants, supermarkets, and ATMs.

As a volunteer in Tanzania, you’ll share the Volunteer House with other international volunteers. The house is spacious, simple, but comfortable. Free Wi-Fi is available in the Volunteer House but may be unreliable at times. Volunteers will be provided with a local SIM card for use with an unlocked phone. The accommodation also has communal areas where you can unwind in the evenings, as well as a refrigerator for storing food and drinks and access to filtered drinking water. There is a laundry service on-site, or volunteers in Tanzania may choose to hand wash their clothes.

For added security, a nightguard is on duty at the Volunteer House. Volunteers are encouraged to bring a small padlock for personal use, and any valuables can be stored securely with our local team. However, it’s best to bring only essentials for your volunteer work in Tanzania. Please also note that power cuts are common in Tanzania but usually don’t last more than a few hours.

The atmosphere is warm and inviting, and you’ll have the chance to connect with amazing people throughout your stay. Most of the projects are within walking distance of the Volunteer House but some are a short drive away. The local team will explain your transport options during orientation.

During our busiest months, you may be accommodated in one of our secondary Volunteer Houses. These alternate accommodations provide the same core amenities but may differ slightly in location or setup.

Meals

Volunteers enjoy breakfast and dinner prepared on-site by our cook. Meals are a mix of Tanzanian and Western cuisine. For lunch, you can visit the restaurant opposite the Volunteer House or explore nearby eateries near your placement. Alternatively, Western supermarkets in Arusha offer supplies if you prefer to prepare your own meals at the house.

Meals follow a rotating weekly menu, providing a variety of dishes. Dinner portions are divided equally to ensure everyone gets their fair share. Filtered water is available at the Volunteer House.

* Our team will do their best to cater for dietary requirements, but this cannot always be guaranteed. Volunteers may need to purchase additional ingredients at their own expense. Please note any dietary requirements in your application and re-iterate them to the local team on arrival. For major concerns, contact the PMGY International Team before confirming your place on the program.

Here is an example of the meals you can expect:

Breakfast – Pancakes, Eggs, Toast, Jam, Coffee

Lunch – Not Included

Dinner – Pasta, Beans, Rice, Chapati, Sweet Potato

On the Tanzania volunteer program, the cost of your project transport is not included in your Program Fee. Some placements are within walking distance of the Volunteer House, while others require a trip on a Dala Dala (local bus). Commutes can take up to 45 minutes. The local team will guide you through the transport system during orientation and provide tips on costs.

PMGY welcomes volunteers of all nationalities and backgrounds. The minimum age to join the program is 17, and there is no upper age limit. All volunteers need to have a good level of English, although it does not need to be your first language. You do not need to speak the local language; however, learning a few words during your time with us will go a long way and greatly enrich your experience!

All participants must provide a clean criminal background check before volunteering abroad with us. No formal experience or qualifications are required—just lots of energy, enthusiasm, and a willingness to prepare!

To confirm your place on a PMGY program, you need to pay a Registration Fee. The remaining Program Fee is due no less than 60 days before your program start date.

For more information on how to join one of our volunteer opportunities abroad, please visit our Application Process.