Skip to content
  • Certified B Corp
  • International volunteering since 2010
  • Rated 9.8/10 on GoAbroad
English
Talk to the team

Tanzania

Volunteer opportunities in Tanzania

Volunteer in Tanzania on wildlife, environmental or educational programmes, from a Maasai tribe immersion project to an educational project on Zanzibar.

4 programmes in this country

See the programmes

Volunteer Opportunities in Tanzania

Tanzania, an East African country, has a rich array of wildlife and natural beauty. It is home to Africa’s highest peak, Kilimanjaro. The Serengeti and Ngorongoro crater are Tanzania’s world-famous natural parks. Besides that, it has a beautiful coastline, a coral reef, and the islands of Unguja (Zanzibar) and Pemba.

Tanzania is also home to the Great Rift Valley, a geological marvel that stretches across its western border. This dramatic landscape encompasses stunning lakes like Lake Tanganyika and Lake Victoria, providing habitats for a rich array of aquatic species. Volunteers can witness this awe-inspiring landscape as well as encounter lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, and numerous bird species.

Tanzania is also very ethnically diverse, with over 120 ethnic groups. The largest ethnic groups include the Sukuma, Chaga, Haya, and Maasai.

Good to know before you go

Visa
Tourist visa on arrival for US$50 with the possibility of applying for a volunteer permit on site for an additional US$30.
Health
Please check with your doctor or a travel clinic which vaccinations you need for your destination. You can also find up-to-date health advice for each destination on the Institut Pasteur website.

Our programmes in Tanzania

Responsible travel by Freepackers

Not looking to volunteer?

Travel in Tanzania with Planeta First

No project to join here: you discover the country with local guides and hosts, at your own pace.

About the destination

About Tanzania

The official languages are Swahili and English, with Swahili being widely spoken across the country.

About Zanzibar

The region or archipelago of Zanzibar is located off the coast of Tanzania in East Africa. It features a tropical climate with pristine white sandy beaches and turquoise waters. This tropical paradise offers a unique blend of African and Arab cultures along with mesmerising marine life for snorkelling and diving enthusiasts. Zanzibar is also known for its historical Stone Town and spice plantations. The economy of Zanzibar is mainly characterised by tourism, fishing and agriculture.

Is it safe to volunteer in Zanzibar?

Zanzibar is considered a safe destination for travellers and volunteers. Freepackers has vetted all its partner organisations and has also visited the sites! As with any volunteer programme, you should familiarise yourself with local customs, traditions and cultural norms. Respecting the local culture will contribute to a positive and safe experience and will help you make the most of your programme by fully immersing yourself in the community.

Volunteer opportunities in Tanzania

There is no shortage of volunteer opportunities in Tanzania. The country is one of Africa’s great wildlife lands, and there is no shortage of animal projects for a humanitarian mission in Tanzania. You can join a variety of volunteering programmes. Choose among environmental volunteering, wildlife protection programmes, or humanitarian educational programmes. Discover the Maasai tribe immersion project or an educational project on the island of Zanzibar.

Advice before volunteering in Tanzania

Before volunteering in Tanzania, it is important to do your research! Learn about the country and some cultural norms. You should also check the visa, vaccine and insurance requirements. Familiarising yourself with some basic phrases in Swahili could come in handy too. There is always a learning curve when travelling to a new country but you will have support the whole way, both before you leave and as soon as you arrive!

Requirements to volunteer in Tanzania

In order to volunteer in Tanzania, you must be 18+, have at least an intermediate level of English and a clean criminal record.

Get involved with wildlife or the community while discovering a new culture. Join a Freepackers project and take a humanitarian trip to Tanzania!

So, why not you?Travel to be useful, on ground we know.Find my programme

Line drawing: a beach and its turtle, a mangrove, two backpackers, a school on a hillside, a giraffe and an elephant under an acacia