Location
  • Tanzania
    • Arusha
    • Zanzibar
Length
1 to 16 weeks

Program Details

Language
English
Timeframe
Short Term Spring Break Summer Winter Year Round
Housing
Guesthouse Host Family
Groups
Small Group (1-15) Medium Group (16-30) Large Group (31+)
Travel Type
Budget Family Older Travelers Solo Women

Pricing

Starting Price
295
Price Details
Fully hosted experience from only $295 for 1 week - this includes airport pick-up, orientation, accommodation, meals and 24/7 in-country support.
What's Included
Accommodation Some Activities Airport Transfers Meals Wifi
What's Not Included
Airfare Travel Insurance Visa
May 01, 2024
Dec 13, 2024
93 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Trusted by 136,000+ volunteers, IVHQ offers the world's #1 rated volunteer programs in Tanzania and 50+ destinations worldwide.

For 6 years, we've won the "Top Volunteer Abroad Provider Award" from GoOverseas, so you can trust that you're in the safest hands with IVHQ in Tanzania.

Our affordable projects start from $24/day for your accommodation, meals, airport pick-up, project placement and local support. Projects run year-round, with durations from 1-16 weeks. Choose from 8 projects, ranging from Animal Welfare, Sustainable Agriculture and Childcare in Arusha, a small city near Mt Kilimanjaro to the Maasai Immersion based at a village in Maasailand. Plus, you’ll stay with other like-minded, impact-focused travelers from around the world (private room options available).

With IVHQ’s superior pre-departure support services, you’ll gain exclusive access to your own Volunteer Travel Specialist, comprehensive preparation tools and volunteer training before you leave home.

Video and Photos

Program Highlights

  • Cheapest volunteer programs from $24/day for your accommodation, meals, airport pick-up, project placement & local support.
  • Volunteer for 1-16 weeks, year round start dates most Mondays
  • 15+ years experience & only B Corp certified volunteer travel organization
  • Get free changes up to 14 days before you start with our flexible booking policy
  • Affordable way to earn college credit - gain 5 credits for only US$500!

Popular Programs

IVHQ Zanzibar Turtle Conservation

Support a local Marine Turtle Sanctuary in Nungwi - a coastal village home to Zanzibar’s finest beaches. As a Turtle Conservation volunteer, you’ll have the opportunity to get involved in helping boost wild turtle populations and assist with treating and releasing injured turtles.

Volunteer with children in Tanzania with IVHQ

Do you love working with children and want to provide invaluable support within childcare centers across Tanzania? Work alongside local caregivers as a Childcare Volunteer, creating fun and educational environments to support the development of local children.

Medical Volunteering with IVHQ

Enhance your global perspective of medicine by shadowing and assisting medical professionals in clinics and hospitals around Arusha. This project is open to students in at least their third year of medical or nursing school, or fully qualified professionals. Paramedics, EMTs and CNAs are also welcome.

Maasai Immersion Project

Live like the Maasai people on this truly unique cultural immersion experience. Help in the village with farming, teaching, bead making or building to support the learning and development of local people.

Teach children in Tanzania with IVHQ

Collaborate with local teachers in Tanzania and lead classes of up to 80 students across a wide range of subjects. This is an opportunity to play a hands-on role in delivering more focused education to students within schools of limited resources.

Volunteer with women in Tanzania with IVHQ

Support with the education of local Tanzanian women who come from challenging backgrounds, giving them a chance to upskill and earn a sustainable income.

Volunteer with animals with IVHQ

Volunteer alongside a local vet in Tanzania, delivering mobile care to farm and domestic animals around Arusha. This project is perfect for all volunteers who love working with animals and have a passion for animal welfare.

IVHQ Zanzibar Rainforest and Coastal Conservation

Work within the local community to support the conservation of the Jozani Forest - the largest area of indigenous forest on the island of Zanzibar. You'll assist with environmental education efforts through various activities, including helping at a small reptile sanctuary, working at a farm co-op and assisting with mangrove tree planting.

Program Reviews

4.97 Rating
based on 139 reviews
  • 5 rating 97.12%
  • 4 rating 2.88%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Impact 4.8
  • Support 4.95
  • Fun 4.9
  • Value 4.75
  • Safety 4.85
Showing 1 - 8 of 139 reviews
Default avatar
Maya
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Nice trip!

The program was problem free from day one. You got all the help you needed both bet for your travel and in country. And the local team was amazing, always trying to make your day better and easier! You get to experience a new culture and actually taking part of it trough the projects and activities. I felt save every day and if I was unsure of something the local team always offered to go with me. I met so many new and likeminded friends, who I’m so happy I met and shared this moments with. Overal an amazing experience

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Be open! And be present, do your best to be a part of the culture
Pros
  • Included in the culture
  • New experience
  • New friends
Cons
  • You don’t want to leave
2 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Bridie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A Truly Life-Changing Experience with IVHQ

A Truly Life-Changing Experience with IVHQ

I had the incredible opportunity to volunteer with IVHQ in Africa, working with children, and it was an experience I’ll never forget. From start to finish, IVHQ was incredibly organized and supportive, ensuring that every step of my journey was smooth and fulfilling.

The orientation was comprehensive, and the local staff were passionate and welcoming, providing all the tools and resources I needed to make a meaningful impact. My time spent with the children was deeply rewarding—they were eager to learn and incredibly resilient. I felt like I was able to contribute to their education and well-being, even in small ways, and that made all the difference.

The living conditions were basic but comfortable, and the accommodation was as expected for a volunteer program. IVHQ’s focus on sustainable, ethical volunteering meant that I knew my time and efforts were being directed where they were most needed.

Overall, this experience has opened my eyes to a new culture, and I feel privileged to have been part of the IVHQ family. I would highly recommend this program to anyone looking to make a real difference while experiencing the beauty and diversity of Africa.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
If you are alone, or worried. Dont be! I was like this at the airport but keep reminding yourself this is your dream and you can do this . After your trip you will realise how brave you are and what an amazing time you had. It’s not a regret.
Pros
  • Made lots of friends
  • Some great trips
  • Fun
Cons
  • Bumpy roads
  • Have to get to placement yourself
2 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
meg
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best experience of my life

The local team was there for me at any opportunity!! They were always willing to help whatever it may be!! I made best friends for life on my trip that I’ll be traveling with and visiting in their home countries! I’ve only been back a week and I already miss the culture and how happy everyone is in Tanzania. I can’t wait to go back and I know IVHQ will support me in my dreams to fulfill this! I decided to sponsor a child and the local team couldn’t have done enough to help me complete this! Best thing I’ve ever done!

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
the first few days when I experienced culture shock and didn’t really
know anyone yet! i pushed myself out of my comfort zone and spoke to the people around me about how i was honestly feeling and my friendships grew from there!!
3 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
José María
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Zanzibar

My experience was truly wonderful! From the moment I arrived, both the volunteers and coordinators went above and beyond to make me feel welcome and comfortable. The volunteers were warm, approachable, and always willing to lend a hand, whether I needed guidance or just a friendly chat. The coordinators were equally fantastic, always attentive and ready to provide support. Their professionalism, combined with a genuine warmth, helped me feel at ease and allowed me to focus fully on enjoying the experience. I felt like part of a community, supported by people who genuinely cared about my comfort and enjoyment. Their encouragement and friendliness made the entire experience unforgettable, and I would highly recommend it to anyone seeking a supportive and positive environment.

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
Participate in an algae farm with local women
Pros
  • Fun
  • Builds resilience
  • Builds independency
Cons
  • Really warm climate
  • Sometimes poor wifi
  • Power sometimes cuts out
7 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Ayman
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The most memorable experience!

A truly unique and life changing experience and I would do it all over again. My first solo trip and I'm so glad I chose to do it with IVHQ. The add ons for the weekends can be booked whilst your in the country which is very convenient so you can book with people you meet whilst your there.
Tanzania was everything I hoped it would be and so much more. The locals and volunteers I met along the way had the warmest smiles and open hearts that made me feel at home. I could not recommend this program enough!

The visa application process is super simple and the local team have an excellent guide to guide you through it to avoid any hassle at the airport. The local team were incredibly kind, helpful and friendly. I personally found that their wasn't many mosquitos but I think it depends on where you go in Tanzania.

Pros
  • The local team are fantastic - feels like a home away from home
  • Make friends all over the world - meet likeminded people
  • The food is great
Cons
  • 6 weeks felt too short
7 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Blanca
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Zanzibar

The experience was unique and something I will never forget. I met great people, and friends that I will take with me for life. I learned a lot to grow as a person by living in a completely different reality from my own. Zanzibar is amazing in every aspect and being part of its conservation was a magical experience.

The culture, the food, and the beaches are beautiful, but I will not forget that it is a poor country and the people live very little. I also hope that the IVHQ team's efforts to raise awareness about pollution and the protection of natural landscapes will disappear in the future, as it will mean that the locals have learned to take care of their precious environment and all the effort made by the team and volunteers will have gone a long way.

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
I am a marine science student and I was shocked to learn that the only university in Zanzibar is a marine science university!
Pros
  • The landscapes are incredible
  • The friends you make
  • the food is super good
Cons
  • Beware of some of the locals
  • Very little protein is eaten in the camp
  • electricity goes out a lot
13 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Bailey
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Absolutely Incredible!!

This project was AMAZING. I feel that I made a real contribution to the project, and I learned a lot and really grew as a person. It puts you outside of your comfort zone to travel alone for weeks at a time, away from friends and family, in a country where you don't speak the language or know anybody. However, this project made me feel very safe, empowered, and a strong sense of connection both with the volunteers as well as the local community. It was absolutely incredible, I'm so grateful to have participated in such an empowering project.

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
One day after our volunteer work was done, we knew there was a football match happening in another city. We bought tickets (which were SO cheap!) and drove about 1.5 hours by taxi to the stadium. This was the LOUDEST event I have ever been to in my life haha!!

The locals were SO passionate about football! Everyone was cheering so loud and using noisemakers the whole time. When one team would score, it would get even louder and never quiet down! I could hardly hear by the end of the game!

Also, at the game, there were vendors walking around selling crisps, snack breads, ice creams, etc. The one that was surprised me was boiled eggs! There were lots of vendors walking around with probably 10 dozen boiled eggs in trays they carried on their heads. It was really unique haha, that's not normal in my country. The game was SO much fun and I'm so glad we went!!
Pros
  • I made so many friends from all around the world
  • I got my Scuba certification and had some awesome diving experiences
  • I was fed 3 delicious fresh meals per day, and it was a great mix of local vs western foods
Cons
  • A few of the volunteers there seemed to just be looking for a cheap vacation, not interested in actually working or helping :/
  • I was on an anti-malaria medication that made my stomach really sensitive. Malaria risk was low enough that personally I decided to quit taking it
15 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Sofia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

An experience you must have, because it changes your life!

It was a wonderful three-week experience. I was in charge of Child care; the children were great and lovely. The owner of the school was very nice and I got so attached to everyone. The local staff was nice and very helpful. From day one they explained how to safely get to the school from the house and always supported me for all the activities I chose to do on the weekends. The food was good and the house was very clean. I met great friends who came from all over the world. this experience really leaves you with some great and life-changing things because you learn to make sense of things and people.

What was your funniest moment?
One morning I brought as a gift a game they could all play together. They went crazy with joy, ran left and right, sang, and then they all played together sharing the pieces admirably (they were really little between 2 and 5 years old!)
Pros
  • They became so fond of me and when I arrived in the morning they were overjoyed to see me and would run up to me and hug me.
Cons
  • A great sorrow to leave them when I had to leave.
17 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers

So for me to get from Calgary, Alberta, Canada to the Kilimanjaro airport in Tanzania, it cost about $2800 Canadian dollars through KLM.

Hi Eesha, As long as you travel with a parent, guardian or family member who is 18 years or over, you are eligible to participate on one of our programs! When you apply, it is important that you include the name of your family member on your application, so that our local team can ensure you are placed with your sister. Jordan IVHQ Community Manager

Hi Sarah! Children volunteering as part of a group with adult minders, or with a parent, guardian or family member who is 18 years or over, are eligible to participate on an IVHQ program. When a volunteer under the age of 18 applies to volunteer with IVHQ, it is important that the name of their minder is noted on their application, so we know that they are eligible to volunteer and our local team...