FAQs
Everything you need to know.
Whether you're planning your own volunteer experience, booking through one of our international booking partners, or exploring a partnership with Volunteer in Tanzania, you'll find answers to our most frequently asked questions below.
Volunteering with us
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Who can volunteer with Volunteer in Tanzania?
Volunteer in Tanzania welcomes people from all backgrounds who are excited to contribute, learn, and experience life in a new culture. Whether you're a student, professional, taking a gap year, looking for a meaningful career break, or enjoying retirement, there's a place for you here.
We welcome participants aged 18 and above, with volunteers and interns ranging from 18 to 99 years old. While some placements, particularly within healthcare and education, require relevant qualifications or experience, many of our local community partners welcome enthusiastic individuals who are eager to learn and get involved.
Above all, we value curiosity, respect, flexibility, and a genuine willingness to contribute. We'll work with you to find a placement that aligns with your interests, skills, and goals.
Do I need previous volunteering or work experience?No. Many of our volunteers join us for their very first international volunteer experience.
What matters most is your attitude, willingness to learn, and respect for the local community. Our team will support you from the moment you arrive, helping you settle into your placement and feel confident in your new surroundings.
Some placements do require specific qualifications or experience. For example, medical internships and clinical placements are designed for participants studying or working in healthcare, while certain teaching placements are best suited to those with a background or strong interest in education.
If you're unsure which opportunities are right for you, we're always happy to help.
How do I choose the right placement?Choosing the right placement is one of the most important parts of your volunteer experience, and we're here to help.
We'll take the time to understand your interests, experience, study background, and what you hope to gain from your time in Tanzania before recommending the most suitable placement.
Some opportunities require specific qualifications or experience. For example, medical placements are designed for students and professionals in healthcare, while teaching placements are best suited to those with a background or interest in education.
If you're booking through one of our International Booking Partners, they'll help guide you through the initial process before connecting you with our team. If you're booking directly with Volunteer in Tanzania, we'll work with you personally to recommend the placement that's the best fit for your skills, interests, and goals.
What happens after I apply?Once we receive your application, we'll review your information and get in touch to learn more about your interests, experience, and what you're hoping to gain from your time in Tanzania.
Together, we'll identify the placement that's the best fit for you, whether that's in education, healthcare, conservation, community development, women's empowerment, or animal welfare.
Once your placement is confirmed, we'll guide you through the next steps, including travel preparations, required documentation, accommodation, and access to our pre-departure handbook. From your first enquiry through to your arrival in Tanzania, our team is always available to answer questions and support you along the way.
How long can I stay?We welcome participants for a minimum of four weeks, although many choose to stay for several months.
We recommend at least four weeks because it gives you time to settle into your new environment, build relationships, understand the local culture, and make a meaningful contribution alongside your local community partner.
Longer stays are always encouraged and can often be tailored to suit your goals, university requirements, or internship programme. If you're hoping to experience both Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar, longer placements also provide the opportunity to combine locations and discover different communities, cultures, and ways of life during your stay.
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When do I receive my pre-departure handbook?
Once your placement has been confirmed, you'll receive access to our comprehensive pre-departure handbook.
It's designed to help you feel informed and confident before travelling, with practical information about your placement, accommodation, travel, health and safety, cultural expectations, packing recommendations, and everyday life in Tanzania.
The handbook is complemented by ongoing support from our team, who are available throughout the preparation process to answer questions and help you get ready for your adventure.
What visa do I need?Visa requirements vary depending on where you'll be volunteering and your nationality.
Participants joining placements in Mainland Tanzania (Arusha) generally require a tourist visa, which can usually be obtained on arrival.
Participants volunteering in Zanzibar generally require a volunteer or work permit, which our team will help you arrange before you travel.
As visa requirements and fees can change, we always recommend checking the latest information with the Tanzanian Embassy or immigration authorities in your country before departure. We'll also provide guidance throughout the preparation process to help ensure you have the correct documentation.
(I'd actually check this carefully. Tanzanian visa rules change regularly, so you don't want evergreen website copy becoming inaccurate.)
Do I need travel insurance?Yes. All participants are required to have comprehensive travel insurance before travelling to Tanzania.
Your policy should include medical expenses, emergency assistance, repatriation, and cover for any activities related to your placement. Having suitable insurance provides peace of mind and ensures you're protected throughout your stay.
Do I need vaccinations?We strongly recommend visiting your local travel health clinic or doctor before travelling.
They'll be able to provide personalised advice on recommended vaccinations, malaria prevention, and any other health precautions based on your country of residence, travel plans, and length of stay.
As medical advice can vary between countries and individuals, we recommend seeking professional guidance well in advance of your departure.
What should I pack?Once your placement has been confirmed, you'll receive a comprehensive packing guide in our pre-departure handbook tailored to your placement and location.
In general, we recommend bringing:
Important documents including your passport, visa information, travel insurance, and any placement documentation.
Health and personal care items such as prescription medication, toiletries, insect repellent, sunscreen, and basic first aid supplies.
Comfortable, modest clothing suitable for the local climate and your placement, along with sturdy walking shoes.
Everyday essentials including a reusable water bottle, day bag, universal power adapter, phone charger, and power bank.
Technology such as your mobile phone and, if needed, a laptop or tablet.
A few personal comforts to help you feel at home during your stay.
The good news is that many everyday items, including toiletries, clothing, snacks, and basic medication, can be purchased locally, so there's no need to overpack.
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Is accommodation included?
Yes. Accommodation is included as part of your volunteer experience, so everything is ready for you when you arrive.
You'll stay in one of our welcoming volunteer houses alongside participants from around the world, with daily breakfast and dinner, reliable Wi-Fi, shared kitchen facilities, and comfortable communal spaces included. You'll also receive local support, cultural activities, and guidance from our team throughout your stay.
Our shared kitchens are fully equipped if you'd like to prepare your own meals or snacks outside of the provided meal times.
Are meals included?Yes. Breakfast and dinner are provided every day throughout your stay.
Meals are a mix of traditional Tanzanian dishes and familiar international favourites, giving you the opportunity to experience local flavours while still enjoying meals you'll recognise. We do our best to provide balanced, nutritious meals and can usually cater for dietary requirements or food allergies with advance notice.
Lunch isn't included, as most volunteers enjoy lunch at or near their placement, giving you the chance to explore local cafés and restaurants or eat alongside your Community Partner.
Can I stay in a private room?Yes. Private rooms are available at most of our volunteer houses, subject to availability.
If you'd prefer additional privacy during your stay, you can request a private room for an additional 50% accommodation supplement. As numbers are limited, we recommend requesting this option as early as possible.
How do I get to my placement each day?Getting to your placement is all part of experiencing everyday life in Tanzania.
Depending on where you're volunteering, you may walk or travel by local transport such as a dala dala (shared minibus), bajaji (tuk-tuk), or trusted taxi.
During your orientation, our team will show you exactly how to get to your placement, explain how local transport works, and make sure you feel confident before your first day. We'll always recommend the safest and most practical option, and if you ever need assistance, our local team is only a phone call away.
Is airport pickup included?Yes. Airport pickup is included for every participant.
When you arrive in Tanzania, a member of our local team will be there to welcome you and take you safely to your volunteer house. Before you travel, we'll ask for your flight details so we can track your arrival and be there to meet you—even if your flight is delayed.
It's one less thing to worry about, so you can simply relax and enjoy the start of your adventure.
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Is Tanzania safe?
Yes. Tanzania is a welcoming and friendly country, and every year thousands of international volunteers, interns, and travellers enjoy safe, rewarding experiences here.
Like travelling anywhere in the world, staying safe comes down to being aware of your surroundings, using common sense, and respecting local customs. During your orientation, our local team will share practical advice based on years of experience living and working in Tanzania. This includes guidance on local transport, travelling after dark, looking after your belongings, and understanding local customs and cultural expectations.
Our accommodation is secure, our team is available 24/7, and you'll always have someone to turn to if you need support. With good preparation, local guidance, and an open mind, you can confidently enjoy everything Tanzania has to offer.
What support is available if I need help?From the moment you arrive, you'll be supported by our experienced local team, who are your primary point of contact throughout your stay.
Whether you have a question about your placement, need help getting around, experience a health concern, or simply need someone to talk to, we're here to help. No question is too small, and we encourage you to reach out whenever you need support.
For participants undertaking medical internships or clinical placements, our dedicated Medical Supervisor also provides professional guidance and works closely with our healthcare Community Partners throughout the placement.
If you've booked through one of our International Booking Partners, they'll also remain available to support you throughout your journey. However, for anything on the ground in Tanzania, our local team is always your first point of contact.
Can I travel before or after my placement?Absolutely! Many participants choose to explore more of Tanzania before or after their placement.
Whether you're dreaming of a safari, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, relaxing on the beaches of Zanzibar, or continuing your travels through East Africa, we're happy to help you plan your adventure around your volunteer experience.
The most important thing is that we know your arrival and departure dates so we can arrange your accommodation, airport transfers, and placement accordingly. If your travel plans change, simply let us know as soon as possible and we'll do our best to accommodate them.
Our team is also happy to share local recommendations and travel tips to help you make the most of your time in Tanzania.
Can friends or family visit me during my stay?Yes! Friends and family are welcome to visit you during your time in Tanzania.
Subject to availability, they're also welcome to stay at our volunteer accommodation. Simply speak with our team in advance so we can check availability and help make the necessary arrangements.
Will I have free time?Yes. Outside of your placement, you'll have plenty of opportunities to relax, explore, and experience Tanzania. Evenings and weekends are often spent visiting local cafés, beaches, markets, waterfalls, or joining organised activities with other volunteers. Many participants also use their free time to travel further afield, making the most of everything Tanzania has to offer.
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What will I do during my placement?
Every placement is different because every local community partner is different.
Your role will depend on the placement you choose, your background, experience, and learning objectives. Before you arrive, we'll carefully match you with a local community partner where your skills, interests, and goals align with the work already taking place.
Regardless of where you're placed, you'll always have a supportive role within the team. You'll never replace the work or responsibilities of a teacher, doctor, nurse, caregiver, or other local professional. Instead, you'll work alongside local staff, learning from their experience while contributing in ways that genuinely support the organisation.
Whether you're volunteering in education, healthcare, animal welfare, conservation, women's empowerment, or community development, you'll become part of everyday life within the organisation and contribute to the work they're already doing.
If you're completing an internship, we'll also do our best to align your responsibilities with your studies and learning objectives wherever possible.
Will I always work under supervision?Yes. Every participant is supported by both the staff at their placement and the Volunteer in Tanzania team throughout their experience.
From your first day, you'll be introduced to your role, the people you'll be working alongside, and what to expect during your placement. Your local supervisor will provide guidance, answer questions, and support your learning, while our local team is available 24/7 should you ever need assistance.
If you're undertaking a medical internship or clinical placement, our dedicated Medical Supervisor also works closely with our healthcare partners to provide additional professional guidance and complete university documentation where required.
You'll never be expected to work independently or take on responsibilities beyond your experience or qualifications. Instead, you'll learn by working alongside experienced local professionals in a safe, supportive environment.
Can my placement be tailored to my skills or studies?Absolutely. We understand that every participant arrives with different goals, skills, and experience, which is why we take the time to get to know you before recommending a placement.
We'll discuss your interests, educational background, previous experience, and what you'd like to gain from your time in Tanzania. This allows us to match you with the local community partner that's the best fit while, wherever possible, tailoring your placement to meet your university or professional requirements.
For internships and specialised placements, we can often accommodate specific learning objectives. For example, healthcare students may request a particular hospital department and, where appropriate, rotations between departments can be arranged.
At the same time, we believe meaningful learning comes from building relationships and becoming part of one team. Rather than moving participants frequently, we generally encourage longer periods within one placement so you have time to settle in, understand the local context, and make a genuine contribution.
How are placements allocated?Every placement is arranged individually, we never allocate participants at random.
Once we receive your application, we'll take the time to understand your motivation, interests, educational background, experience, and learning objectives before recommending the placement that's the best fit for you.
We work closely with our local community partners to ensure each placement benefits both the participant and the organisation. Wherever possible, we'll also consider personal preferences, such as a particular school environment, hospital department, or type of organisation you'd like to work alongside.
Our goal is to create an experience that's rewarding for you while strengthening the work already being carried out by the local community partner you'll be joining.
Partnering with us
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How do we become an International Booking Partner?
If you like what you've seen and are looking for a trusted local partner to deliver ethical volunteer experiences and internships in Tanzania, we'd love to hear from you. Simply complete our partnership enquiry form or contact our team to arrange an introductory meeting. We'll take the time to understand your organisation, your participants, and your goals before exploring how we can work together.
What types of organisations do you work with?We work with universities, schools, study abroad providers, volunteer agencies, NGOs, travel organisations, and other institutions from around the world. Whether you're sending a single participant, coordinating a university cohort, or developing a long-term partnership, we can tailor volunteer experiences to suit your organisation, participants, and learning outcomes.
Can you support both individual participants and groups?Yes. We regularly support individual participants, university cohorts, faculty-led groups, and customised programmes. Our participants range from 18 to 99 years of age and include students, professionals, gap year travellers, career changers, and retirees who choose to share their skills and experience while living alongside local communities.
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What placement lengths do you accommodate?
Participants stay with us for a minimum of four weeks, although many choose to volunteer or complete internships for several months. Placement length can be tailored to suit your organisation, academic requirements, or participant goals.
We believe it's important not to rotate volunteers or interns too frequently. Building relationships, becoming familiar with a new environment, and adapting to a different culture and, in some cases, a language barrier takes time. For this reason, we generally recommend participants remain within one placement for the majority of their stay, allowing them to make a more meaningful contribution while gaining a richer learning experience.
For participants staying for an extended period, it's also possible to combine placements across Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar, providing the opportunity to experience different communities, cultures, and environments during the same trip.
Where appropriate, rotations between departments or local community partners can also be arranged, particularly for university students, medical placements, and professional internships.
Can placements be tailored to our learning outcomes?Absolutely. We work closely with every participant and our local community partners to understand their background, interests, motivation, and learning objectives before they begin. This allows us to match participants with placements that are both personally rewarding and aligned with your organisation's academic or professional requirements.
For example, healthcare participants can often request a particular hospital or department, and where appropriate, may rotate between departments to broaden their learning experience. Any rotations are carefully planned by our team to ensure participants have enough time to build relationships, understand local systems, and adapt to their new environment before moving elsewhere.
We also prioritise placements where supervisors have a good level of English, ensuring clear communication while maintaining an authentic and immersive cultural experience.
Can you support large groups?Yes. We regularly welcome university cohorts, faculty-led groups, and organised volunteer teams of up to 30 participants at one time.
Depending on accommodation availability and placement capacity, larger groups may also be possible. If you're planning a larger programme, we'd be happy to discuss a tailored solution for your organisation.
What sectors and placement opportunities are available?We work with a diverse network of trusted local community partners across Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar, allowing us to offer placements across a wide range of sectors while ensuring every experience is locally led and community driven.
Placement opportunities are available in:
– Education
– Healthcare
– Community Development
– Women's Empowerment
– Conservation and Animal Welfare
Within education, participants can volunteer in both government and private nursery, primary, and secondary schools, experiencing a variety of educational settings.
Our healthcare placements range from local district hospitals providing essential care to surrounding communities through to larger regional referral hospitals offering specialised departments and clinical learning opportunities.
Participants interested in conservation and animal welfare work alongside organisations dedicated to animal rescue, rehabilitation, veterinary care, community education, and initiatives such as rabies vaccination campaigns.
Within community development, we partner with a wide range of locally led organisations, including women's empowerment initiatives, youth programmes, disability support organisations, environmental projects, community centres, and other grassroots initiatives creating lasting social impact.
Across all sectors, every local community partner has been carefully selected because of their commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for both local communities and international participants. While every placement is different, they all share the same philosophy: fostering genuine cultural exchange, supporting locally led organisations, and creating experiences that have lasting value for everyone involved.
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What documentation is required before participants travel?
Before participants travel to Tanzania, we ask them to complete our application form so we can collect the information needed to prepare both the participant and their placement. This includes personal details, emergency contacts, placement preferences, and relevant experience. We also require an English-language CV and a recent police clearance (criminal background check).
We strongly recommend all participants visit a travel health clinic before departure for advice on vaccinations, malaria prevention, and other travel health requirements based on their country of residence.
Participants are also responsible for obtaining the appropriate entry visa. Depending on the purpose of their stay, this will usually be a tourist or volunteer visa. Our team provides guidance throughout the visa process to help ensure participants have the correct documentation before departure.
When do participants receive their pre-departure resources?Preparation begins as soon as participants are confirmed.
Shortly after registration, participants receive access to our comprehensive online pre-departure handbook. This resource covers everything they need to know before travelling, including accommodation, placements, health and safety, cultural expectations, packing recommendations, transport, and practical information about everyday life in Tanzania.
Throughout the preparation process, our team remains available to answer questions by email and can arrange online meetings via Microsoft Teams where additional guidance is needed. Our aim is to ensure every participant arrives informed, confident, and well prepared for their experience.
Once participants arrive in Tanzania, our local team becomes their primary point of contact, providing orientation, ongoing support, and assistance throughout their placement.
How do you prepare participants before arrival?We believe good preparation is one of the most important factors in creating a successful volunteer experience.
Before participants arrive, we take the time to understand their background, experience, motivation, and learning objectives. This enables us to carefully match each participant with the most suitable local community partner while ensuring both the participant and placement are well prepared.
Our preparation goes beyond travel logistics. We help participants understand the cultural differences they may experience, what to expect in their placement, and how to approach their time in Tanzania with respect, flexibility, and an open mind.
By the time participants arrive, they have a clear understanding of their accommodation, daily life, and the role they'll play within their placement.
What role do you play before participants arrive?We work closely with our International Booking Partners throughout the planning process to ensure every participant arrives well prepared.
Before arrival, we coordinate placement arrangements, accommodation, airport transfers, orientation, risk management documentation where required, and ongoing communication with your organisation.
By the time participants arrive in Tanzania, everything is in place, allowing them to settle in quickly and begin their placement with confidence.
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How are placements supervised?
Every participant is supported by our experienced local team from the moment they arrive until the completion of their placement. We provide orientation, ongoing guidance, regular check-ins, and are available 24/7 should any assistance be needed, ensuring participants always have someone they can rely on.
To help participants settle into their new environment, we also offer a range of cultural experiences including Swahili language lessons, cooking classes, and traditional dance classes in Zanzibar. In Arusha, Swahili lessons are offered whenever there are enough participants to form a group. These activities help participants build confidence, better understand the local culture, and navigate everyday life in Tanzania.
For medical internships and clinical placements, we also have a dedicated Medical Supervisor within our team. They work closely with our healthcare Community Partners to ensure placements align with learning objectives, provide professional guidance throughout the placement, and help participants gain the most from their clinical experience.
How do you manage participant safety and risk?
The safety and wellbeing of participants is one of our highest priorities.
From the moment participants arrive in Tanzania, our local team provides a comprehensive orientation designed to help them settle in safely and confidently. This includes practical guidance on local transport, withdrawing money safely, purchasing and using a local SIM card, navigating the local area, and other everyday information that helps participants adjust quickly.
We also provide cultural guidance and safety advice based on our team's extensive experience living and working in Tanzania, helping participants understand local customs while travelling respectfully and responsibly.
For additional peace of mind, all of our volunteer accommodation has on-site security, and we work with trusted local drivers who are available whenever transport is required.
While we do everything possible to provide a safe and supportive environment, we also encourage participants to take personal responsibility by following local advice and making sensible decisions throughout their stay.
Should an emergency or unexpected situation arise, our team is available 24 hours a day to provide immediate support. Participants are never alone, we're always just a phone call away.
Do you provide placement documentation, reports, or evaluations?
Yes. We're happy to complete any documentation required by your university, school, or organisation.
For medical internships and clinical placements, our qualified Medical Supervisors can complete assessments, evaluation reports, and academic documentation where required. We also assist with learning agreements, progress reports, timesheets, placement evaluations, and other official documentation in collaboration with both the participant and their placement supervisor.
We understand that many universities and professional programmes have specific academic requirements, and we work closely with our partners to ensure all documentation is completed accurately and on time.
At the conclusion of every placement, participants also receive a personalised Certificate of Participation recognising their contribution and successful completion of their volunteer experience or internship.
Who will be our main point of contact?
From the beginning of our partnership, you'll have a dedicated point of contact within the Volunteer in Tanzania team.
Before participants travel, we work closely with your organisation to coordinate placements, accommodation, arrival logistics, documentation, and any academic or programme requirements. Throughout this planning process, we're available to answer questions, provide updates, and ensure everyone is well prepared before departure.
Once participants arrive in Tanzania, our experienced local team becomes their primary point of contact. They provide airport transfers, orientation, placement support, welfare checks, and ongoing assistance throughout the participant's stay, ensuring both participants and partner organisations have confidence that support is always close at hand.
If required, we're also happy to provide regular updates to your organisation throughout the placement and maintain open communication whenever needed.
Our policies
We believe in providing safe, ethical, and transparent volunteer experiences. Before confirming your placement or partnership, we encourage you to read the policies below so you understand our expectations, responsibilities, and commitment to both our participants and the local communities we work alongside.
