Location
  • Tanzania
    • Arusha
    • Zanzibar
Length
1 to 24 weeks

Program Details

Language
English
Age Min.
17
Timeframe
Short Term Spring Break Summer Winter Year Round
Housing
Host Family Hostel
Groups
Small Group (1-15) Medium Group (16-30) Large Group (31+)
Travel Type
Budget Family Older Travelers Solo Women

Pricing

Starting Price
295
Price Details
The costs include:
- 24 hrs Assistance and support from Staff
- Airport Pickup
- Orientation
- Accommodation
- Meals (3 meals a day)
What's Included
Accommodation Airport Transfers Meals
What's Not Included
Airfare Travel Insurance Visa
Sep 30, 2024
Oct 22, 2024
8 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Has Tanzania been there on your bucket list since forever? A destination that's a favorite for all - Tanzania is not just a paradise for wildlife lovers, but also a country where a huge chunk of the population needs help from volunteers to live a better life. If you really wish to make a difference through your actions and contributions, then Volunteering Solutions would be glad to help you out in this endeavor. You can choose any program, either in Arusha or Zanzibar, and do something worthy for the people. You can either choose to volunteer as a teacher in Arusha or be a medical volunteer!

We also have specially curated voluntours (volunteer and travel programs) which has a perfect balance of work & safari. We know that if you are in Tanzania, you wouldn't want to miss exploring the Serengeti & Ngorongoro - so we've got the best plans for you!

Consider your impact: Volunteering abroad can be a rewarding experience for both volunteers and local communities, and at Go Overseas, we believe all volunteers should have the resources to make informed decisions about the type of volunteer project they want to partake in. However, despite best intentions, some organizations offering placements in orphanages may unknowingly place children in danger. You can read about the potential dangers of orphanage volunteering here. Learn more about how Volunteering Solutions is promoting ethical volunteering.

Video and Photos

Program Highlights

  • Choose from a wide range of programs available in Arusha & Zanzibar.
  • Programs are available throughout the year, for a minimum duration of 1 week to a maximum of 24 weeks.
  • Make a difference in the lives of the underprivileged ones and contribute towards change.
  • Get to know more about their history, culture & traditions.
  • Change to go for thrilling wildlife safaris in Serengeti & Ngorongoro and spot African Big 5.

Program Reviews

4.75 Rating
based on 16 reviews
  • 5 rating 93.75%
  • 4 rating 0%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 6.25%
  • Impact 4.25
  • Support 4.45
  • Fun 4.45
  • Value 4.5
  • Safety 4.65
Showing 1 - 8 of 16 reviews
Default avatar
Holly
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Arusha, Tanzania

I love that Volunteering Solutions partners with local NGOs in the volunteering locations. It's important because no one knows about their own country more than locals. Everything was organized and easy to navigate. The price is fair given what's offered. I also appreciate their information packet. This is extremely helpful for first time volunteers, and helped me contact the right people when I had a hiccup in my own trip. Everyone has been kind and helpful throughout the entire process, from welcoming me, checking in during my trip, and follow up ftwr my volunteering was completed. Overall, the experience was absolutely wonderful!

What would you improve about this program?
Karibu Foundation has multiple projects they're working on with different local NGOs. I feel it would be helpful if all Partnering NGOs provided an overview of each specific project, so volunteers could choose before instead of upon arrival. I feel this can help volunteers better prepare for whatever project they choose.
Pros
  • Helping people
  • Meet new people
  • Try new things
Cons
  • Time, it's cultural but they expect you to be ready when they are, but when you need to be somewhere, you're expected to wait
  • White people (foreigner) pricing, locals including NGOs take advantage of foreigners
  • Lack of communications on project options until arrival, needs more organization
6 people found this review helpful.
Response from Volunteering Solutions

Hi Holly,
It was indeed lovely to have you in the program in Arusha. Thank you so much for your thoughtful review! We're thrilled to hear that you had a wonderful experience with Volunteering Solutions. Partnering with local NGOs is indeed a core part of our mission, and we’re glad you found it valuable.
It’s great to know that our information packet helped you navigate your trip smoothly, especially when challenges arose. Our team works hard to provide support every step of the way, so your recognition means a lot. We hope to see you again in the future for more rewarding volunteering opportunities! Safe travels!

Thanks
Team Volunteering Solutions

Default avatar
Angelica
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing experience

I’m a med student and I was in the Mnazi Mmoja hospital in Stone Town (Zanzibar) for a medical volunteering program.
Everything is amazing, from the support that you will receive before starting this experience to the things that you will do during the program. So I really recommend this! You’ll get to know a different reality, you will make friends with other volunteers, you can also help in the hospital, and you will remember this for the rest of your life. Everybody can do this, even if you don’t have medical knowledge, for me it’s better to have at least some basics to be able to help them, but you can also just watch and learn.

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
Most surprising thing was seeing the maternity ward, it’s totally different from ours, but it was also amazing seeing deliveries and c-sections, and the conditions in which they perform them, with cats on the beds with the mothers that are about to have a baby.
Pros
  • Be able to help
  • Seeing a different reality
  • Be friends with other volunteers
Cons
  • The poor conditions
  • Lack of hot water
  • Food (but if you want you can always go in restaurants on the beach that are cheap and very good)
20 people found this review helpful.
Response from Volunteering Solutions

Hi Angelica,

Thanks for sharing with us your experience in the Medical Volunteer Program in Zanzibar. We are happy to know that you had a good experience on the project. We look forward to your participation in the programs in the future as well.

Thanks
Team Volunteering Solutions

Default avatar
Larissa
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Provide Dental Health Care to Locals

I worked in the program "Procide Health Care to Locals" in Arusha for one week. The mornings I spent at Mt. Meru Hospital and helped the dentists with their work. In the afternoon we had some leisure time to do and see other things. One day for example we could go to an orphanage amd teach the children about brushing teeth. I really had the best time during my stay in Tanzania. The people were all really friendly and supportive, both from the organisation and the locals. I would recommend volunteering in Arusha to everybody who is looking for a great adventure!

118 people found this review helpful.
Response from Volunteering Solutions

Hey Larissa,
Thanks for taking time out to leave us a review. We really appreciate it. It was wonderful to have you in the program in Arusha. Glad that you had a great time in the program. We look forward to having you in the program again.
Thanks
Team Volsol

Default avatar
Elisabeth
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Medical Volunteering Trip In Arusha, Tanzania

"My time in Arusha, Tanzania has been an experience that I did not deserve. If I were to describe my experience in one word, I can say that "amazing" is an understatement. >From the first day, I fell in love with the culture and environment in Arusha. I was warmly welcomed by the Matolo family, Mr. Charles, Abraham and felt at home. I was treated as a member of their family. Originally, I was supposed to volunteer in the summer, however, due to the pandemic, I rescheduled for the holidays instead. That was the best decision I've ever made. The atmosphere during the holidays is very lively, warm, and welcoming. I connected with every individual that I've met--from the house staff to my coworkers, and fellow volunteers at St.Elizabeth Catholic Hospital. At the hospital, I volunteered in the surgical ward and there is no word that suffices to demonstrate my experience. I have observed a copious amount of procedures, but my most favorite was a pediatric, orthopedic broken wrist repair. I have made so many connections with the nurses, physicians, and surgeons at the hospital. The staff there are extremely kind and loving. It's beautiful to see every worker working together as a team--which ultimately is the essence of what medicine is. Lastly, though I only stayed in Arusha, I can tell from the snippet of what I've seen, that Tanzania is a beautiful country. The weekends were one of my most favorite parts of my time in Tanzania. I visited the Tarangire National Park, Kikuletwa Hot Springs, the Maasai Village, and many more. I am more than thankful to the Volunteering Solutions team. Mr. Sahil has been more than helpful in assisting me to prepare for my trip to Tanzania. Thank you so much Volunteering Solutions for making this goal of mine an accomplished reality and acquired blessing. God bless!"

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
I would consider staying for a longer time and sharing the experience with my colleagues.
153 people found this review helpful.
Response from Volunteering Solutions

Hi Elisabeth,
Thanks for your lovely review for the Tanzania program. We are delighted to know that you had a wonderful time in Arusha. It was wonderful to have you on the program and we look forward to hosting you in more such programs.
Thanks
Volunteering Solutions Team

Default avatar
Don
1/5
No, I don't recommend this program

Medical Volunteer Zanzibat

There is a disconnect between what this program promises and what it offers. The best parts were our host mother, who was very sweet and the driver who picked us up. My wife and I are medical professionals (doctor and nurse) and expected to be working in a hospital where we could be of significant use. While the program is advertised for medical professionals with all experiences the majority of volunteers at the hospital were medical students from Germany and Denmark who seemed to be very bored as they did not have much to do. It is a money making program for the hospital (which is understandable as it is government run and relies on donations for supplies) as every volunteer has to pay the hospital to work there. But the hospital does not offer much for the students. In fact my wife and I spent most of our week helping to teach the medical students (who were very grateful we showed up) and taking charge with patient care to the extent we could given the language barrier. Rounds and teaching are very haphazard and by 12pm there is not much do do. Also volunteering solutions never gave our information to the hospital and so there was a delay in us even getting started on Monday. I think they mostly let it slide once they found out we were actual medical staff and not students (which they kept saying is rare for them). If you are a medical professional I would not recommend this program. If you are a student, your mileage will vary but it did not seem the students there were very happy with their experience.

What would you improve about this program?
Communication, better description of what you can actually do. Experience significantly different than what is promised.
151 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Kayla
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Home away from home

This program is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. When I first arrived, it was the middle of the night, and the hostel seemed questionable, but as I adjusted to my African family, I grew to love the staff and the place like home. It’s Africa, so yes...sometimes things were a little slow to happen, and yes...sometimes I encountered struggles that I’ve never had to face in the past, but that is all part of the experience. The challenges that I overcame with my fellow volunteers just made our bond so much stronger. The cooks put their heart and soul into their food even though they are there sun up to sun down cooking. The house mamas...or sisters, care for the volunteers as if they are family, and the night guards are like dad’s looking out for their kids.♥️ Dinner time was one of my favorites times, as some of the staff would stay after to play games with the volunteers. It made for such a light, happy atmosphere. I did the medical program for 5 months, and I did an orphanage/women’s center for the last month. St. Elizabeth hospital was life changing. I worked with Dr. Quaker for a few months in the pediatric ward before switching wards, and I learned SO MUCH from that women...not just medical information, but she also taught me about the tribes in the area and their traditions and beliefs and how it correlates with the health of the child. The cases I experienced here were like nothing I would ever experience at home. Some were definitely “heavy,” but that is a challenge every healthcare provider will have to eventually face. The orphanage and women’s center were also amazing. I was at Enjevai Orphanage and Faraja Women’s center. Both the kids and the young moms were such a joy to work with. Despite their circumstances, they came each day with smiling faces. It really puts life into perspective. Overall, I think anyone looking to volunteer with an open mind should book it in Arusha, Tanzania. Don’t go there expecting to improve how they do things, but instead, learn from them and how they survive with limited resources. I promise...you won’t want to leave.💛 It’s home away from home.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
The most nerve/racking moment for me is when my bag was ripped off me by a boda boda (motorcycle taxi). I am one that always takes care of my things and I am very aware of my surroundings, but it was very unexpected one Sunday afternoon when I was walking down an empty street when it drove by and pulled my bag so hard that the strap broke. Luckily, I had two friends with me that helped me to report it. Even though a lot was lost from this experience, there was also a lot gained. It was a learning experience. I learned to cope with the bare minimum. I learned that we shouldn’t rely so much on earthly things (cards, money, possessions in general), and I learned to always expect the unexpected. It made things very difficult for a long period of time, but looking back on it, I don’t think I would chang how things happened.
142 people found this review helpful.
Response from Volunteering Solutions

Hi Kayla,
Thanks for joining our program in Tanzania and leaving an in depth and detailed review. We are very happy to know that you consider choosing this program as one of the best decisions you have ever made. Considering you spent a longer duration of time in Arusha (18 weeks), you were able to fully immerse in the local way of life and go to interact more with the local staff at the project as well as volunteer accommodations. Your suggestions in regards to being open minded, flexible and to learn from locals would be very happy for future participants. We are sure you would have a great experience on your next program destination with us. Once again, thanks for joining the programs and leaving us a review.
Thanks
Team Volunteering Solutions

Matt
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Life Changing Experience

Traveling to Tanzania was a life changing experience. I have had few experiences in my life that have been as fulfilling as the volunteer work I did here, and I would not change a thing about my experience. The community is engaging and the citizens are friendly and outgoing. The area is filled with opportunities to immerse yourself in an unforgettable culture. I can confidently say that I made some lifelong friends during my stay. I highly recommend this trip to anyone and everyone!

143 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Cristina
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

ARUSHA

my experience in Arusha has been awesome. I have enjoyed a lot with all the volunteers, staff, and local people. i will always recomend this program, although i think that it is a bit expensive.
Also the extra activities during the weekend were amazing, and the location was too good.
the work at the hospital Levelosi was wonderful, because we could learn a lot and also do many kinds of different things.
At Arusha i met a lot of people and also did some incredible plans: with some friends we did an Spanish omelette at a local tanzanite home. Also we went party with some medical students of Arusha,(with whom i am still in contact). Despite the fact that i worked at the hospital, i visited an orphanage: flowers orphanage, and that was an unforgettable experience. The way the children looked at you, the way they laughed without material things... it was fantastic.
The volunteers became my second family, and the local people was amazing.

Everything has been perfect. I wish i could come back, because it has been one of the most wonderful experiences in my whole life. Thank you a lot!!

What would you improve about this program?
The one thing that i think it must be clearer (in the predeparture program) is that when you enter into Tanzania (at the airport), you have to say that you are a turist at Kilimanjaro, not that you are a volunteer, because if not, you have to pay 250 $ to kilimanjaro, not to Arusha. It is something to take into account because my friends and I had a really bad moment at the airport, and anyone told us about that.
Also I think that it could be useuful to change a bit the food, because you get annoyed of eating all the time the same food(pasta and rice).
138 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers