From Only $33/day
Here's what you can expect
Your volunteer fee includes personalised pre‑arrival support via email, WhatsApp and video calls, airport pick‑up and drop‑off, city orientation, accommodation at Villa Viva (dorms or private rooms), breakfast and dinner, and 24/7 support from our English and German speaking coordinators. Free‑time activities like safaris and treks can be arranged at extra cost.
Dog & Cat Shelter Volunteer Programme at Mbwa Wa Africa
Volunteer at Mbwa Wa Africa to feed, bathe and care for rescued dogs and cats, assist with veterinary treatment, and socialise animals for adoption. Your work helps rehabilitate abused or abandoned animals while educating the community about animal welfare.
Investment In Your Adventure:
Registration: $295 USD
Weekly: From $235 USD/week
Environmental Conservation & Agrovet Project at Elang’ata Agrovet
Support Elang’ata Agrovet by planting saplings, building seed beds and implementing eco‑friendly farming practices. Volunteers help restore degraded land, promote sustainable agriculture and educate farmers on conservation techniques.
Investment In Your Adventure:
Registration: $295 USD
Weekly: From $235 USD/week
See What Past Animal & Environmental Volunteers Said
"I felt at home right from the start..." ~ Elang'ata Agrovet
“When I told my husband about my idea of taking a few months off to go to Tanzania as a volunteer, I was met with a very puzzled face. He said that only teenagers would do that and that they wouldn’t want someone my age there. But my idea was set and so I did a lot of research until I finally came across the Viva Tanzania website. I had a great phone call with the founder Tizia, who took away all my doubts and encouraged me to fulfill my wish. Volunteering knows no age and I would be very welcome to join her and her team. And so it was that a few weeks later I became part of the “Elang’ata Agrovet” project. As we are mostly self-sufficient in the family, I felt at home right from the start and was thrilled when I told my husband every evening on the phone about my daily tasks in Dr. Everest’s large garden. During the two months of my stay, however, I was involved in much more than just growing fruit and vegetables. For example, I often had the pleasure of reporting on environmental protection and agriculture at schools or starting a campaign together with the children where we cleaned the surrounding area of garbage. I also felt very comfortable in my accommodation, Villa Viva, and quickly made friends.With a big grin, I also told everyone at home that I was far from being the only older person and, thanks to all my gushing, I finally got my husband to sign up for a project too. I couldn’t be more grateful to Viva Tanzania for giving me this experience at my age!”
"It was so touching to see how happy the animals are..." ~ Mbwa Wa Africa
“I stayed at Villa Viva by Viva Tanzania for four weeks. Tizia and the team gave me a very warm welcome and I immediately felt at home. I did my voluntary service at Mbwa wa Africa, an animal sanctuary on the edge of Arusha National Park. It was so touching to see how happy the animals are in their new life full of hope. Tizia organized my volunteer project well so that there were no problems and also showed me the way to the shelter so that I felt safe driving there alone. I am glad that I got to know all these nice people at the villa and the project and that we could all share nice moments together. If I had any questions, I just asked the staff and they arranged everything for me. Tanzania was a great experience that I will remember for the rest of my life and it’s a shame that my time here is over now. I can absolutely recommend Viva Tanzania. P.S. The food is fantastic and there are great international as well as Tanzanian dishes. Asante Sana!”
"My time at Elang’ata Agrovet was incredibly fulfilling." ~ Elang'ata Agrovet
“My time at Elang’ata Agrovet was incredibly fulfilling. I spent my mornings helping local farmers with their crops, learning about organic agriculture, and sharing sustainable practices. What made this experience stand out, however, was the ability to work closely with local communities. I also gave talks in schools about environmental sustainability, which were well-received. The team at Villa Viva arranged everything, from transportation to ensuring I had local language support, making the experience smooth and enriching.”
"Tanzania was a great experience I will remember my whole life..." ~ Mbwa Wa Africa
“I stayed at Viva Tanzania’s Hostel for four weeks. Tizia welcomed me very heartfully and I directly felt home. I did my volunteer at Mbwa wa Africa which is an animal shelter at the outskirts of Arusha National Park. It was sad to see how people treat the street dogs but great how happy they are in their new life full of hope. Tizia organized my volunteering project well so that there were no problems. She also showed me the way to the shelter so that I felt safe when going there on my own. I am glad to have met all these nice people at the hostel and we all share beautiful moments. When there were any questions, I just asked Tizia and she arranged everything. Tanzania was a great experience I will remember my whole life and its sad that the time here is over now. I can totally recommend Viva Tanzania if you want to learn about Tanzania. It was also nice partying with Tizia and the other guests. Asante Sana!”
Explore What Else You Can Do With Viva Tanzania
We lead you through the breath-taking experiences that Tanzania has to offer. Marvel at the most beautiful places of the country, experience the different tribes and ethnic groups up close and enjoy a hike through the impressive mountain landscape in the North. Whether it is a camping safari in the vast expanses of the Serengeti, a day trip to the Moshi Hot Springs, a hike to the summit of Kilimanjaro, or a yoga retreat on the beaches of Zanzibar – We are ready for any adventure with you! No matter what you decide, we guide you all the way from the start to the end of your trip! This is the best way to get your individual memories of wonderful Tanzania. Explore now!
Why Do People Choose Viva Tanzania For Their African Adventure?
We Provide Experienced, Locally-Led Volunteer Programs
Our Tanzanian team grew up in Arusha and has been running locally-led volunteer programs & tours in Tanzania since 2015. We match you to experiences that genuinely need support, schools, clinics and animal welfare partners, so your time is well spent. Expect clear role briefs, classroom resources and on-site mentors. Whether you’re interested in education, volunteer in Tanzania placements, or medical volunteer in Tanzania experiences, we’ll guide you from enquiry to impact with practical training and cultural insight.
Personal Support & Safe Volunteer Accommodation
From airport pickup to your first day at project, you’re backed by 24/7 in-country support. We provide a city orientation, help with SIM cards and transport, and arrange ethical weekend trips like a safari from Arusha. Our hostel offers safe volunteer accommodation in Arusha with Wi-Fi, meals and friendly staff. You’ll focus on your placement while we handle logistics, ideal for gap year Tanzania volunteering or short-term stays.
Unforgettable Tours & Cultural Experiences In Tanzania
Beyond volunteer projects, we offer safari tours and mountain treks from Arusha and cultural excursions that bring Tanzania’s beauty to life. Spend a weekend spotting elephants in Tarangire, climb Mount Kilimanjaro, or relax on Zanzibar’s beaches. Our team also arranges day trips in Arusha like waterfalls, hot springs, and local markets. These adventures are ethical, guided by locals, and designed to complement your volunteering. It’s the perfect way to combine meaningful work with once-in-a-lifetime travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which airport do I have to fly to?
There are two airports near Arusha, Kilimanjaro (JRO) and Arusha (ARK). Kilimanjaro is an international airport, and Arusha is a domestic airport. You can often find cheaper flights to JRO, so that should be your first choice. We will pick you up at any time, day or night, so please choose the flight that suits you best.
Which vaccinations are needed? Should I take a malaria prophylaxes?
Information about travel vaccines and health advice for Tanzania can be found on your country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs website, and on the World Health Organization’s website. We recommend you visit a doctor who specialises in tropical diseases before your trip, to get any vaccines or medicines you may need.
What visa do I need?
To volunteer in Tanzania you will need an Ordinary visa for the purposes of humanitarian and charity activities. Most countries can easily obtain the visa on arrival at the airport. It costs $US50 ($US100 for American citizens), is valid for three months and can be renewed once. If you plan to stay longer than six months you need to apply for a Resident Permit.
What about insurance?
We recommend you have health insurance for your trip to Tanzania. Health care is not expensive here, but in case of an emergency your insurance can arrange for you to return to your home country for better treatment.
What’s the exchange rate from Euro, Pound and Dollar to Tanzanian Shilling?
Fluctuation in the exchange rate is common but currently it is:
1 Euro = 2.700 Tsh
1 GBP = 3.000 Tsh
1 Dollar = 2.500 Tsh
Which languages do locals speak in Tanzania?
English and Swahili are both official languages in Tanzania, although English is not widely spoken. At your project we will make sure that there is at least one person who speaks English. Also we offer Swahili lessons for a small fee to make your everyday life easier. Read more about Tanzania here.
How safe is the city?
Our house has a secure two-meter-high wall, a daytime watchman, a night guard and our guard dogs. Arusha is generally safe but it is best to take a taxi in the evenings rather than walking. When you arrive we will give you all the tips you need to know on how to stay safe.
What are the requirements to volunteer with Viva Tanzania?
We welcome anybody who is open to new cultures, and who wants to contribute to meaningful projects in Tanzania. Work experience in the chosen field is welcome but is usually not a requirement. If a project has specific requirements they will be listed on the project page. A basic knowledge of English, and the willingness to learn some Swahili words are necessary.
Have a Quick Question?
WhatsApp: +255 686 490 500
Email: info@viva-tanzania.com