The following document outlines the terms and conditions for participating in Viva Tanzania programs as a volunteer or intern. Hereinafter, volunteers or interns will be referred to as “participants.” Anyone aged 16 or older, who is mentally and physically capable, may participate in our programs. Minors must provide a written declaration of consent from their parents. There is no maximum age limit.
1. Registration and Payment of Registration and Program Fees
After selecting a project, registration is considered binding once the participant completes the registration form on our website. Viva Tanzania will confirm the registration within three working days. Following confirmation, the registration fee must be paid within one week via PayPal (alternative payment methods may be discussed).
Upon confirming the application and receiving the registration fee, a binding contract between the participant and Viva Tanzania is established. This contract does not require further written confirmation. Once payment is received, participants will be provided with two handbooks containing essential information about their stay in Arusha with Viva Tanzania.
The program fee, based on program duration, must be paid no later than six weeks before arrival via PayPal. Alternative payment options, such as installments or cash payment upon arrival, can be arranged with prior agreement. For last-minute bookings (less than six weeks before arrival), all fees must be paid within three to seven days.
2. Registration and Program Fees
- Registration Fee: €250
- Program Fees:
- €200 per week in a four- or six-bed dormitory (gender-separated)
- €250 per week per person for a double room shared with a partner or friend
- €300 per week for a single room
3. Use of Fees
The registration fee includes:
- Pre-arrival support via email, WhatsApp, telephone, and video calls
- Guidance and advice on project selection
- Airport or bus station pickup upon arrival
- Drop-off at the airport or bus station upon departure
- Orientation tour in Arusha tailored to individual needs, including assistance with buying a local SIM card, guidance on public transport, and lunch
- Accompaniment to the project on the first day to ensure smooth integration
- A €50 project donation*
*Note: A quarter of the registration fee goes to the Viva Tanzania Volunteer’s Fund, which supports projects with unexpected expenses, such as medical or veterinary costs, utility bills, salaries, and supplies.
The program fee includes:
- Accommodation in our hostel
- Breakfast and dinner daily
- 24/7 support from volunteer coordinators fluent in English and German
The fees do not include:
- Flights, visas, insurance, vaccinations, lunch, or other personal expenses
4. Changes in Prices
Viva Tanzania is not responsible for price changes by third parties; participants must cover these costs upon proof provided by Viva Tanzania. Viva Tanzania reserves the right to adjust prices and fees due to factors such as increased food or utility costs. Participants will be notified in advance, and changes will not apply retroactively to already booked services.
5. Cancellation by the Participant / Unused Services
If a participant cancels their trip before arrival or during their stay in Tanzania, no reimbursement will be provided.
6. Cancellation by Viva Tanzania
Viva Tanzania reserves the right to dismiss participants who violate Viva Tanzania’s rules or Tanzanian law. In such cases, no reimbursement of paid fees will be granted.
7. Project Placement
Project placements are arranged based on participants’ preferences, abilities, and the demands of partner projects. In rare cases, a desired project may be unavailable due to other volunteer placements. In such cases, Viva Tanzania will offer an equivalent replacement project. Project changes are permitted only with valid justification and prior agreement. Participants may also work on multiple projects if agreed upon in advance.
8. Office Hours and Availability
Office hours are from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. During these hours, a Viva Tanzania staff member will always be available. Outside office hours, participants can reach staff 24/7 via WhatsApp or phone calls.
9. Accommodation and Meals
Participants can choose between:
- A dormitory bed (four to six people)
- A double room shared with a partner or friend
- A single room
Room preferences should be indicated in the registration form. Viva Tanzania provides breakfast and dinner. Breakfast includes a daily buffet with specialties, fruits, vegetables, bread, jam, honey, margarine, peanut butter, eggs, tea, coffee, and juice. Dinner features a mix of Tanzanian and international dishes.
Participants are expected to keep the hostel clean, wash their own dishes, and follow house rules. Bed linen is provided and can be changed upon request, but participants must bring their own towels.
10. Security at the Hostel
The volunteer hostel, located in Sakina, a safe neighborhood in Arusha, is secured by a two-meter-high wall, a daytime caretaker, and two night guards. Safes are available for storing valuables; participants can bring their own padlocks or rent one. Viva Tanzania assumes no liability for lost or stolen items.
11. Insurance
Viva Tanzania strongly recommends participants obtain insurance for health, travel, and luggage. Participants should consult their local insurance providers for appropriate policies. Viva Tanzania is not liable for accidents, lost or stolen items, or other incidents during the program.
12. Acts of Nature / Force Majeure
In cases where participation is prevented by:
- Acts of nature
- Force majeure (e.g., wars, riots, closed borders, pandemics, natural disasters)
- Other unforeseeable events beyond the control of participants or Viva Tanzania
Participants are not entitled to reimbursement of fees already paid. However, they may use these payments for a future program, with a service voucher issued by Viva Tanzania.
13. Disclaimer / Limitation of Liability
Participants travel to Tanzania at their own risk and are responsible for their insurance and well-being. Viva Tanzania advises participants to consult a doctor and a tropical disease specialist before traveling.
Viva Tanzania is only responsible for services directly booked through the organization, such as accommodation, meals, on-site support, and project placements. Any claims for compensation must be made during the stay. Claims made afterward cannot be accepted. Viva Tanzania strives to ensure participant and project satisfaction, offering service-based solutions where necessary. Participants are not entitled to financial refunds.
Tanzanian law applies.
Terms and conditions are valid until further notice.
Last update: January 2025