Volunteer with Us in tanzania!
experience a cultural exchange like no other! Explore opportunities to empower communities, conserve nature, and inspire change through meaningful volunteer work!
Our Mission
Our mission at Viva Tanzania is to create lasting, positive change by connecting passionate volunteers with impactful projects across Tanzania. From education and healthcare to environmental conservation and youth empowerment, our projects address community needs, promote sustainability, and empower individuals to build brighter futures. Each volunteer effort directly contributes to improving lives, building skills, and fostering resilience within Tanzanian communities.
- 10 Years of connecting international volunteers with life-changing experiences.
- 14 Incredible programs.
- 1 Stunning hostel villa.
- 3000 (and counting) volunteers.
1 Experience you will never forget
Our Projects
Education
Volunteer with children and help educate the future of Tanzania! When you volunteer in a school in Tanzania you help shape the lives of young people who otherwise may struggle to get the education they need. You can volunteer in a day care, or with primary age children, or with kids that need extra care. Whichever you are most passionate about, we will help you decide on the program that is right for you!
Healthcare
Hospitals in Tanzania are very different when compared to Western institutes. Generally speaking they lack the funding, the facilities, the equipment and the personnel. This is where you can come in. Suitable only for people with training and experience in the medical field, you can help make a difference in Tanzania. Bringing your skills and experience to these projects will make a huge difference in so many people's lives!
Empowerment
What do we mean by 'Empowerment'? These projects are about immersing yourself in Tanzanian culture and helping give confidence to the women and the youth of Tanzania. These people have been through a tough time due to the loss of a loved one, struggling to fit in in society or any other number of difficulties. You can help give these people the skills and tools to regain their confidence and help further them along in their lives!
Earth and Animals
Have you got a passion for the environment? Or perhaps you have a passion for animal welfare? Either way, we definitely have a program for you! Help out in an animal shelter and rehabilitate stray pets so they can be adopted into loving homes. Or if you prefer to get your hands dirty then an environmental conservation program will be better for you. Help out the earth and the animals of Tanzania. Both of them really need your help.
Education
Volunteer with children and help educate the future of Tanzania! When you volunteer in a school in Tanzania you help shape the lives of young people who otherwise may struggle to get the education they need. You can volunteer in a day care, or with primary age children, or with kids that need extra care. Whichever you are most passionate about, we will help you decide on the program that is right for you!
Healthcare
Hospitals in Tanzania are very different when compared to Western institutes. Generally speaking they lack the funding, the facilities, the equipment and the personnel. This is where you can come in. Suitable only for people with training and experience in the medical field, you can help make a difference in Tanzania. Bringing your skills and experience to these projects will make a huge difference in so many people's lives!
Empowerment
What do we mean by 'Empowerment'? These projects are about immersing yourself in Tanzanian culture and helping give confidence to the women and the youth of Tanzania. These people have been through a tough time due to the loss of a loved one, struggling to fit in in society or any other number of difficulties. You can help give these people the skills and tools to regain their confidence and help further them along in their lives!
Earth and Animals
Do you have a passion for the environment? Or perhaps you have a passion for animal welfare? Either way, we will have a program for you! Help out in an animal shelter and rehabilitate stray pets so they can be adopted into loving homes. Or if you prefer to get your hands dirty then an environmental conservation program will be better for you. Help out the earth and the animals of Tanzania. Both really need your help.
What's Included?
All of our projects include;
- Pre-arrival support through email, WhatsApp, telephone, and video calls.
- Advice and guidance about the projects.
- Pick up and drop off at the airport or bus station.
- 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. Dormitory and private room options available.
- Breakfast and dinner every day in the hostel.
- 24/7 support from our volunteer coordinators who speak English and German.
- Additional free time activities, such as safaris and treks, can be easily organized by the hostel for an additional cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which airport should I fly into?
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 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 $50 USD ($100 USD for American citizens), is valid for 3 months and can be renewed once. If you plan to stay longer than 6 months you need to apply for a Resident Permit. Consult your Foreign Affairs Office if you are unsure.
What are the requirements to be a volunteer?
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 in the project description, and if you are still unsure you can ask in your Free Discovery Call. A basic knowledge of English, and the willingness to learn some Swahili words are necessary. Volunteers must be over the age of 16 (18 for Medical projects) unless otherwise agreed upon with Tizia.
Which vaccines do I need?
Requirement: Proof of Yellow Fever vaccination is required if you are traveling from a country with a risk of Yellow Fever transmission. If you’re arriving from a non-risk country (e.g., the United States or most of Europe) and have only transited through an airport in a risk country, you usually do not need the vaccination.
Recommended but not essential: Rabies, Polio, Typhoid, Hepatitis A & B, Meningitis and MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella).
COVID-19: Travelers are no longer required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative test. However, requirements can vary and change, so check the latest guidelines before traveling.
Keep up to date with guidelines here - Tanzania, including Zanzibar - Traveler view | Travelers' Health | CDC
Travel vaccines can be obtained through your local Travel Doctor.
How safe is Tanzania?
Our hostel has a secure 2 metre high wall, a daytime watchman, a night guard and 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. If you are still unsure, then you can ask Tizia or Grace in your Free Discovery Call.
Are there any other activities to do in Tanzania?
Yes! There is plenty of activities to do in Tanzania! In fact, we can even organize them for you! We can help organize;
- Safaris: We can help you visit the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire Park, Lake Manyara and Arusha National Park!
- Hiking: You can climb the Roof of Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro (the tallest mountain in Africa and the tallest freestanding mountain in the world) and Mount Meru which is Arusha's local mountain!
- Engaging cultural tours to Maasai markets and opportunities to interact with diverse ethnic groups.
- Refreshing swims in natural hot springs, offering stunning views of Mt. Kilimanjaro.
- Educational coffee plantation tours, delving into the bean-to-cup process.
- Scenic hiking/walking tours to waterfalls, through forests, and around a picturesque lake.
You can check these out here - Tours & Excursions - Viva Tanzania