See What People Have To Say About Villa Viva
"...great joy to stay at the Villa Viva for about 10 weeks during my time in Tanzania. And what can I say – it was awesome."
“I recently had the great joy to stay at the Villa Viva for about 10 weeks during my time in Tanzania. And what can I say – it was awesome. They are great hosts who will always do their best to make your stay a pleasant one. But the Villa isn’t only a hostel: the team also do a great job at finding you the right place to volunteer or work as an intern if that’s what your looking for (if you haven’t already and that’s why you’re reading this review – in that case just contact them. You won’t find a better place!). All in all, staying at the Villa Viva was a great time. They are great hosts, the mamas are AMAZING cooks (and luckily breakfast and dinner is included – and you definitely won’t go to bed hungry), and we had the fortune of having an amazing group of people at the Villa at the time I was there – which really made the hostel home away from home. Thank you for the great time and unforgettable experience(s)!”
"My stay at Villa Viva was nothing short of inspiring."
“My stay at Villa Viva was nothing short of inspiring. From the first day, I was welcomed into a vibrant, diverse community of volunteers from around the globe. What really stood out was how everyone collaborated—not just on our projects, but socially. Whether it was hiking on the weekends or spending the evenings chatting over a drink at the rooftop bar, there was always something happening. I was surprised by how much I learned about Tanzanian culture, and not just through my project, but through the shared experiences at Villa Viva.”
"Villa Viva is like a home away from home, except with way better weather and the best people."
“Villa Viva is like a home away from home, except with way better weather and the best people. I’ve never been in a place where you feel so supported and connected to the community. The weekly cooking classes were such a highlight—learning how to make traditional Tanzanian dishes and sharing them with fellow volunteers was always fun. The accommodation was super comfortable, and I loved the peaceful evenings by the pool, just unwinding after a busy day.”
"Villa Viva provided an amazing foundation for cultural integration."
“I came to Tanzania looking for a new challenge, and I got far more than I expected. Villa Viva provided an amazing foundation for cultural integration. I was able to participate in local ceremonies, dance workshops, and share cooking experiences with Tanzanians. The volunteers I met became like family, and we spent our evenings at the Villa laughing, cooking, or playing cards. It was a unique experience to engage so closely with the community, and it left me with lifelong memories.”
Private Rooms
For those seeking extra comfort and privacy, our private rooms in Arusha provide the perfect sanctuary during your volunteer stay. Each room features a comfortable bed, private bathroom, and simple yet cosy furnishings for a restful atmosphere. Ideal for solo travellers or couples, these rooms offer peace and quiet while still keeping you close to the vibrant community vibe of Villa Viva. Guests enjoy access to shared amenities like the pool, rooftop bar, garden, and gym. The rooms are secure, spacious, and cleaned daily, with mosquito nets and fans for added comfort. Whether you’re relaxing after a safari or preparing for a day of volunteering, this is your home away from home. Enjoy the best of both worlds, privacy and connection, at Viva Tanzania’s volunteer accommodation.
Dorm Rooms
Our dorm rooms in Arusha offer a welcoming and social space for volunteers and travellers to connect and unwind. Each dorm accommodates 4 to 6 guests, separated into male and female dorms, featuring comfortable beds, secure lockers, and private bathrooms with hot showers. Designed for community living, the dorms make it easy to meet like-minded people from around the world who share your passion for volunteering and adventure. The rooms are cleaned regularly and equipped with mosquito nets and fans for a comfortable night’s rest. With Wi-Fi access and spacious common areas, you can relax, study, or plan your next trip with new friends. Staying in a dorm at Villa Viva is not just affordable, it’s an authentic part of the volunteer experience. It’s the perfect blend of comfort, connection, and cultural exchange.
Facilities
We Have All The Bases Covered For A Comfortable Stay In Tanzania
Free Wifi
Gym
24/7 Security
Spa
Rooftop Bar
Pool
Free Parking
Airport Shuttle
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.
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!
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