Seliani
Hospital
Providing Essential Healthcare Services To Over 300 Patients Daily
Destiny Foundation
Transforming The Lives Of Children With Mental And Physical Disabilities.
Oltrumet Hospital
District-Level Healthcare Facility Serving 500+ Patients Monthly.
From Only $33/day
Here's What You Can Expect
- Pre-arrival support through email, WhatsApp, telephone, and video calls.
- Advice and guidance about the projects.
- Free pick up at the airport or bus station on your arrival.
- Free drop off at the airport or a bus station when you leave.
- An orientation tour in Arusha personalized to your individual needs, including help buying a local SIM card, guidance on how to use public transport, and lunch.
- On the first day of your project, our volunteer coordinator will come with you to show you which public transport to take and make sure you settle in well at your project.
- Accommodation in our hostel. Dormitories or private rooms!
- Breakfast and dinner seven days a week in the hostel. Lunch can be bought from nearby local restaurants!
- 24/7 support from our volunteer coordinators who speak English and German.
- Additional free time activities, such as safaris and treks, can be organized by the hostel for an additional cost.
About Our Regional Healthcare Volunteer Opportunity
Seliani Hospital
The Seliani Lutheran Hospital in Tanzania provides essential healthcare services to over 300 patients daily, serving local Maasai communities with limited access to modern care. Volunteers play a key role in assisting with general patient care, maternity services, and treatments for various conditions like tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and mental health. As a medical volunteer in Africa, you’ll gain hands-on experience in a hospital setting, working alongside skilled doctors and nurses while expanding your understanding of global health. Volunteers must have a background in healthcare, making this an ideal volunteer program in Africa for students or professionals seeking international experience in a clinical environment. Please note this project requires a monthly donation, which is built into the investment cost below, for resource funding and hospital support.
Investment In Your Adventure:
Registration: $295 USD
Weekly: From $235 USD/week
About Our Children with Disabilities Volunteer Project
Destiny Foundation
The Destiny Foundation is dedicated to transforming the lives of children with mental and physical disabilities in Tanzania. Founded in 2017 by an experienced special needs educator, the foundation provides a safe and nurturing environment for 20 resident children, with outreach programs supporting up to 120 more. Volunteers play a vital role, assisting with daily care, physiotherapy, and community education. No prior experience is needed, just compassion and a willingness to help. By joining this program, you’ll contribute to creating a more inclusive future for these children while gaining a life-changing experience.
Investment In Your Adventure:
Registration: $295 USD
Weekly: From $235 USD/week
About Our Hospital Volunteer Internship
Oltrumet Hospital
Oltrumet Hospital in Arusha, Tanzania, is a district-level healthcare facility that serves around 500-600 patients monthly, including delivering care to approximately 172 mothers each month. Volunteers support local medical staff in departments throughout the hospital, assisting with patient care, emergencies, and daily operations. This medical volunteer in Africa program provides invaluable real-world experience for healthcare students and professionals, helping to improve the hospital’s capacity and quality of care. Volunteers are encouraged to bring their skills and compassion to contribute meaningfully to Tanzania’s healthcare system. Please note this project requires a monthly donation, which is built into the investment cost below, for resource funding and hospital support.
Investment In Your Adventure:
Registration: $295 USD
Weekly: From $235 USD/week
See What Past Healthcare Interns Said
“I can only warmly recommend anyone to have the same or a similar experience. Have the courage!" ~ Destiny Foundation
“I will definitely never forget my time with Viva Tanzania! I came to Arusha alone, so it was important for me to make friends as quickly as possible. I was absolutely in the right place for that! Whether it was organizing my internship visa, a day trip, a safari or taking clothes to the tailor, there was always someone there to help me. As I was accommodated in a 4-bed dormitory, it was easy for me to get to know other volunteers! But even if you wanted to be alone, the terrace and the living/dining room offered plenty of quiet alternatives. Magga’s food was also great and there was plenty of variety! I really felt welcome at Viva Tanzania, not as a tourist or visitor, but after a short time as a friend, thank you for this feeling and the wonderful time. At the beginning I was very insecure and reserved about my work with the Destiny Foundation. As I neither understood nor could speak Swahili, I was unable to communicate well with either the teachers or the students. Over the weeks, however, the teacher involved me more and more in the school day. The more vocabulary I learned, the better I got on with the pupils. The teachers were proud of every little bit of progress I made and kept encouraging me to just keep going. I can only warmly recommend anyone to have the same or a similar experience. Have the courage! The children appreciate your affection and presence and the teachers gratefully accept any help!”
"... that I would receive so much support (for example when looking for the right bus 😉) ~ Seliani Hospital
"I'm studying medicine in my 4th semester and wanted to do something meaningful during my semester break and also see more of the world. Volunteering in a hospital in another country quickly turned out to be the perfect choice and so I was more than happy that a good friend immediately referred me to the NGO "Viva Tanzania", with whom her older sister herself had spent a few months in Tanzania a few years ago. My arrival was already super warm, I would never have thought that the Tanzanians are such incredibly warm-hearted people and that I would receive so much support (for example when looking for the right bus 😉) from all the locals. My first day on the project was very impressive. To be honest, I first had to get used to the different working conditions. But everyone was so friendly and helpful that I settled in very quickly. After a month, it already felt like I had never worked anywhere else and I became more and more experienced and confident in what I was doing. The team therefore began to integrate me into larger surgerys. They also involved in many births and wound dressings. The two months were over far too quickly and I will miss everyone there very much! Many thanks to Tizia and her staff for this unique opportunity!"
"My time with the Destiny Foundation was challenging but so rewarding." ~ Destiny Foundation
“As a physiotherapist, I wanted to volunteer in a healthcare-related field while experiencing the beauty of Tanzania. My time with the Destiny Foundation was challenging but so rewarding. I worked with children with physical disabilities, helping them with mobility exercises and assisting teachers. What made this experience so special was the community around Villa Viva—there was always someone to talk to, and I met incredible volunteers from all walks of life. The afternoons by the pool or playing board games at the Villa were perfect ways to unwind.”
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