The program orientation starts on the 1st and 15th of each month, and volunteers should arrive in Arusha the day before orientation.
Once you've signed up for the program, please book your flights to either Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK) in Arusha. Your airport pick-up is included in your program fee. If you're under 18, it's a good idea to bring a notarized letter from your parents when traveling internationally. When you arrive, a local team member will meet you at the airport and take you to the volunteer accommodation in Arusha. Your accommodation is paid for by your program fee and includes the night before orientation.
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If you're already in Tanzania before your volunteer program starts, we can arrange for you to be picked up in Arusha the day before orientation. Orientation takes place at one of the volunteer houses in Arusha and starts on the morning of your chosen start date. If your start date falls on a weekend or public holiday, orientation will begin on the Monday or the day after the holiday.
During orientation, you'll learn all about Tanzania, its customs, rules, and what's expected of you. You'll also have language lessons (Kiswahili), and get tips on staying safe and exploring Tanzania. Plus, you'll get to meet other volunteers and exchange contact information for weekend adventures and hanging out.
First Day: On your first day of volunteering, our local staff will accompany you to the project site and introduce you to the project's staff.
Weekdays: Your daily schedule will vary depending on your project and placement. Typically, volunteers start their day with breakfast at the
volunteer house or homestay around 7:30 AM. Then, they head to their placements, where they work until around 1:00 PM. After work, volunteers have free time to return home for lunch, prepare for the next day, or explore the area. Dinner is served around 8:30 PM at the volunteer house or homestay.
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Weekends: Tanzania offers incredible wildlife experiences. During your free time, you can go on a safari to see Africa's Big 5 and other amazing species. In Arusha, there are markets to explore, opportunities for hiking Mt Meru, and chances to learn about local tribes like the Maasai and Meru. You can also take a short flight to Zanzibar for beach relaxation or plan a climb up Mount Kilimanjaro before or after your volunteering program.
In Tanzania, volunteers stay in shared dorm-style houses or homestays located in Sakina, Arusha. In the volunteer houses, you'll share a room with 1 to 10 volunteers of the same gender, usually 4-6 people per room. There are also homestays, with one accommodating up to 10 volunteers and the other up to 6, with rooms separated by gender. Typically, each room fits up to 4 people.
Living conditions are simple but comfortable, with running water and electricity. However, there may be occasional power outages affecting hot water and electricity. Meals are prepared by cooks, and each house has a security guard.
Private rooms aren't available in Tanzania. To stay connected, bring an unlocked mobile phone and buy a local SIM card upon arrival. WiFi is available in cafes and restaurants in Arusha.
If you need extra nights before or after your program, you can book them for $35 per person per night, including meals, if space is available. You can arrange this through your profile after registering.
Meals:
Tanzanian cuisine varies, with influences from Indian flavors due to the migration of Khoja Indians. Staple foods include rice, ugali (maize porridge), chapatti, and beans. Meals provided at accommodations include three meals a day.
Breakfast usually includes eggs, pancakes, mandazzi (deep-fried dough balls), fruit, bread, and spreads.
Lunch and dinner consist of a meat dish (chicken or beef), vegetables, beans, lentils, or cooked vegetables served with rice, pasta, chips, or chapatti.
If your placement ends after lunchtime, you can request a lunch box with fruits and sandwiches.
Bottled water costs around $5 per week for 2 liters a day. Filtered water is also available at accommodations.
Let us know about any dietary requirements, and the local team can accommodate vegetarian, dairy-free, and gluten-free options. However, vegan, halal, and kosher options aren't available. Be flexible as your eating experience may differ from home.
