Twice the size of California, Tanzania is the largest country in East Africa, bordered by eight (yes, eight!) other African countries and the Indian Ocean. It’s a popular destination in Africa because of its many natural wonders and welcoming communities. A wide range of Tanzania volunteer opportunities is the cherry on top of what this country already has to offer!
Ready to find meaningful volunteer work in this incredible country?
Mt. Kilimanjaro, Lake Victoria, the Serengeti, and the mystical island of Zanzibar are just a few of the many compelling reasons to find volunteer work in Tanzania. When not exploring these world-renowned wonders, you could be playing some pick-up soccer—a favorite sport in Tanzania—or munching on Chipsi Mayai (Swahili for chips and eggs), a popular Tanzanian comfort food.
Is it safe to volunteer in Tanzania?
While the Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends avoiding nonessential travel to Tanzania, the country reports that it has COVID-19 under control. There has been speculation around the underreporting of Coronavirus cases, so take every precaution when traveling to Tanzania (wear a mask, wash your hands frequently, etc).
Other potential health risks include diseases such as malaria and dengue fever, so make sure you are up to date on your vaccinations. Many health risks in Tanzania are preventable by getting vaccinated, eating and drinking safely, and avoiding bug bites.
Additionally, choosing one of the recommended Tanzania volunteer programs in this article is the first step to having a safe and healthy experience. You’ll want to invest in an experienced, reputable provider (like Projects Abroad) who has your wellbeing at the forefront of their priorities!
Can I volunteer in Tanzania for free?
Volunteer in Tanzania for free? You wouldn’t want to! As mentioned above, program providers can ensure a safe and healthy experience. Your program fees cover placement at experienced organizations that have long-established connections to local communities and sustainable projects for you to be a part of.
Volunteering with a reputable organization helps guarantee that your money and time make a difference.
Paying to volunteer through an established organization is better for Tanzanian communities. You’ll know your volunteer work will have long term impact, be beneficial (not detrimental) to the local environment, and be done with the permission and collaboration of the community you’re working in.
You’ll also benefit from working with experts with years of experience and the ability to write letters of recommendation!
8 best Tanzania volunteer opportunities
1. Projects Abroad: Gap Semester Abroad in Kenya and Tanzania
For an authentic, unforgettable Tanzania volunteer program look no further than Projects Abroad! Choose from a variety of Tanzania volunteer opportunities based in coastal Dar es Salaam and the northern town of Arusha, or their new Public Health program (which offers completely flexible dates). You’ll be making an impact in Tanzania by supporting low-income communities through helping to improve their personal and communal hygiene and distributing Personal Protection Equipment (PPE). With 24 hour support and experienced in-country staff, you’re sure to have a meaningful, positive experience that will stand out on your resume.
- What? Public health
- When? Year-round
- How long? Minimum one week
- Read Projects Abroad reviews
2. World Endeavors: Volunteer in Tanzania
Let Tanzania capture your imagination on this incredible adventure with World Endeavors! You’ll not only witness Tanzania’s natural beauty, but work with communities within it, creating a brighter future for all. This is a culturally immersive program in which you’ll make new friends and broaden your international network, something invaluable in today’s interconnected world! World Endeavors also offers a wide variety of volunteer project types, so you’ll be sure to find something that both interests you and that you can contribute to. In your free time, you’ll explore the Serengeti, a world-famous national park teeming with African wildlife.
- What? Environmental conservation, teaching, community development, and more!
- When? Year-round
- How long? From one to 12 weeks
- Read World Endeavors reviews
3. Kaya Responsible Travel: Teaching and Community Work in Zanzibar
Experience true paradise when traveling to Zanzibar for this Tanzania volunteer opportunity, an archipelago on the eastern coast, also known as the Spice Islands! From its compelling history to its beautiful northern coast, this destination is just as incredible as it sounds.You’ll be making a difference in the community through teaching and childcare opportunities, but also have time to experience the mainland and go on safari (a must-do activity when in Tanzania). Note that if you’d like to lead lessons, you’ll need a teaching certification like TEFL or TESOL.
- What? Childcare and children, community development, and teaching
- When? Year-round
- How long? From two to 12 weeks
- Read Kaya Responsible Travel reviews
4. International Medical Aid: Pre-Med/Health Fellowships
You’ll feel supported and guided through this one-of-a-kind experience with International Medical Aid! With programs developed at Johns Hopkins, profits that are reinvested into the community, and sustainable community outreach programs, International Medical Aid is truly top-notch. If that’s not enough for you, consider their graduate and medical school support and admissions consulting services! Partner guides will make it possible for you to explore Tanzania in your free time while feeling safe and unobtrusive.
- What? Medicine, pre-med, health administration, biology, psychology, and more!
- When? Year-round; summer semester
- How long? Minimum two weeks
- Read International Medical Aid reviews
5. GoEco: Tanzania Dolphin and Marine Conservation
Work alongside other volunteers to protect humpback and bottlenose dolphins and other marine life! Plus, you’ll be doing so on the white sand beaches of tropical Zanzibar. Learn about the impact of tourism on the environment and how to advise the government in terms of policy changes. The data you collect will actually be used to make future decisions about marine conservation in Tanzania!
- What? Biology, conservation, marine science, and culture
- When? Year-round
- How long? From one to 8 weeks
- Read GoEco reviews
6. Putney Student Travel: Service Program in Tanzania
What won’t you do on this all-encompassing Tanzania experience with Putney Student Travel? From the moment you land you’ll be enveloped in Tanzania’s vibrant culture, exploring curio shops and markets, taking in the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, and exploring hidden waterfalls near the mountain town of Marangu. Learn more about the community you’re hosted in while teaching schoolchildren, constructing classrooms, or visiting a Masai boma (community). And a trip to Tanzania isn’t complete without a zebra, lion, or hippo sighting! Keep your distance and be amazed at these quintessential African animals on safari in Ngorongoro Crater National Park.
- What? Community service and volunteering, experiential learning, and outdoor education
- When? Year-round
- How long? 2-4 weeks
- Read Putney Student Travel reviews
7. Kilimanjaro Tanzanite Safaris Ltd: Climbing and Volunteering Adventure in Mount Kilimanjaro
Not only does Kilimanjaro Tanzanite Safaris Ltd provide a safe climbing adventure of the highest mountain in Africa (fun fact: Mount Kilimanjaro is also a dormant volcano), they prepare you for your experience with free climbing training, budget backpacker accommodation, and discounts for volunteers! That’s right, in addition to a trek up one of the world’s most famous mountains, you’ll have the chance to lend a hand to conservation, education, and health projects. What could be better than combining your love of backpacking with your love of volunteering?
- What? Backpacking, trekking, community development, conservation, health education, and more!
- When? Year-round
- How long? 3-6 months
- Read Kilimanjaro Tanzanite Safaris Ltd reviews
8. Volunteering Solutions: Affordable Volunteer Abroad Programs
If you’re looking for a group volunteering opportunity, perhaps something you can experience with your partner or family, this is an affordable and safe choice! The flexibility of programming and length makes it a great choice for making a difference while seeing the world. You’ll also discover two fascinating Tanzanian towns: Arusha and Moshi!
- What? A wide variety of programs are offered from community development and education to conflict resolution and veterinary science
- When? Year-round
- How long? From two to 12 weeks
- Read Volunteering Solutions reviews
Compare these Tanzania volunteer programs side-by-side for FREE with MyGoAbroad
Your volunteer work in Tanzania will make a difference!
Don’t just dream it—go see it for yourself!
Volunteer work in Tanzania has never been more diverse and worthwhile. The program providers listed above ensure a quality experience in Tanzania that will leave you feeling more globally competent and empowered to tackle volunteer projects in other parts of the world, maybe even at home!
Tanzania has proven to travelers worldwide that it is leading Africa in terms of sustainable tourism and environmental conservation. You can play a part in keeping Tanzania beautiful for its future people and communities (and adventurers like yourself!).
Browse ALL Tanzania Volunteer Opportunities on GoAbroad.com
This article was written with help from Projects Abroad. Projects Abroad was founded in 1992 with the mission of inspiring young people to volunteer abroad. Their programs provide the opportunity to gain work experience while discovering new cultures and positively impacting communities, wildlife, and environments across five continents.
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