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
Mar 20, 2025
94 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 148 reviews
  • 5 rating 97.3%
  • 4 rating 2.7%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Impact 4.8
  • Support 4.95
  • Fun 4.9
  • Value 4.75
  • Safety 4.9
Showing 1 - 8 of 148 reviews
Default avatar
Megan
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Once in a lifetime experience

I am a young, female, solo traveller and figured I’d be safest going through a company and stumbled across IVHQ. I wasn’t sure what to expect from my trip to Tanzania, but I felt at home as soon as I arrived there. Everyone is extremely welcoming from arrival and I could not have asked for a better local team to hand. They were so helpful, replied to any queries promptly and made the experience run so smoothly for me. They are super flexible with your travel needs and incase you fall ill, they provide a lot of support. I was able to travel to Zanzibar during my time there (somewhere I have always wanted to go) and I had free time to relax by myself also. I made friends from all over the world, whom I still have contact with a couple months later and we are planning to meet up at some point!

The first weekend I got to experience my first safari, the second weekend I visited Zanzibar, and the last weekend I got to visit a coffee plantation, Chegga Tribe Cave tour and the Chemka Hot Springs, all of which were phenomenal.

Honestly, I would go back in a heartbeat, I loved every second and would recommend to anyone and everyone!! :)

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
When I started my placement at the primary school, I didn’t feel I was making a difference at first. One of the other volunteers said to me - ‘we have no idea what goes on in their lives and school may be an escape for some, even making them smile or laugh, you are making a difference’. That stuck with me and I feel that really helped me with the rest of my placement and I felt so fulfilled by the end. You are making a difference whether you realise it or not just by being there!:)

If you wanted to add any more to your experience, any spare cash or if you would like to collect donations to your placement area, a small amount can go a long way in Tanzania and every little can help these children! :) I had done this and recommend it so much, they are the kindest, most hardworking and most grateful people I have ever met.

Hope this helps!
Pros
  • Making friendships
  • Building confidence
  • Trying new things you wouldn’t normally do
Cons
  • Negotiating prices in the markets is something I struggled with but you get used to this!
  • Malaria pills - can make some people feel ill, some people (me) felt totally fine
Default avatar
Rachel
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing Experience Volunteering with IVHQ in Tanzania

Volunteering with IVHQ in Tanzania, Africa was hands down one of the most rewarding and transformative experiences of my life. From the moment I arrived, I was welcomed with open arms by both the local Team and the community. The support system they provide is outstanding, ensuring that you have everything you need to make the most of your volunteer experience.

The programs offered by IVHQ in Africa are diverse, impactful, and deeply rooted in local needs. I volunteered in a rural community, where I worked alongside local staff in a local daycare. The opportunities to interact with locals, learn about their culture, and contribute to the community, made the experience so much more than just volunteer work—it was a chance to build meaningful connections and immerse myself in a new environment.

The Local team provided excellent orientation and support throughout, which helped us feel safe and confident during our time in Africa.

The living conditions were simple, but comfortable, and we were encouraged to adapt to the local lifestyle, which made the experience feel more authentic and connected. The food was always fresh and delicious, and the accommodation was clean and well-maintained.

Aside from the volunteering, the cultural immersion was incredible. The weekends were filled with opportunities to explore local wildlife, vibrant markets, and even go on safari in the Serengeti! The local team and our coordinators also encouraged us to learn a few words in the local language, which truly helped in connecting with the community on a deeper level.

The program gave me the chance to be a part of something greater than myself while making lifelong memories and friendships. If you're looking for a meaningful way to give back while also experiencing the beauty of Africa, I cannot recommend IVHQ enough!

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
There was so many foods that I tried that I never had before. One of there most cultured foods that is ate a lot is Chapati's!! And they are delicious!
Pros
  • Making amazing friendships
  • The most rewarding experience (I really want to go back to my daycare)
  • Getting involved in the culture and wearing local clothing (Everyone is so lovely)
Cons
  • No Cons in my opinion
Default avatar
Maddie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

I will never forget this experience

I feel so lucky to have had this experience! The program was incredible, I didn't want to leave. I loved how social it was having a house full of people from all over the world. I definitely recommend doing at least 4 weeks as 2 certainly wasn't enough. The local team were amazing and I never once felt unsafe the entire trip! There is so much opportunity and time outside of your placement to do lots of fun activities such as going on a safari or to the nearby waterfalls. Already thinking about planning my next IVHQ trip.

6 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Chelsea
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Tanzania 🇹🇿

Everything about this experience is truly amazing! The placement, the accommodation, the food, the local team, the excursions and the friends you make for life! I’ve been home 1 day and already wishing I had done longer and hoping I get the opportunity to go back one day. If you’re thinking about doing it then do it it’s so worth it, It was even better than expected, I was abit worried going but I felt so safe during my stay with ivhq and onwards! Tanzania really has the most friendliest of people

What was your funniest moment?
There are too many funniest moments, the whole program from start to finish was amazing and had so much laughs but I really laughed while being in my placement playing with the children
Pros
  • Different culture
  • Making friends for life
  • Enjoying yourself
Cons
  • Not staying longer!
9 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Alessia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Volunteering in Tanzania

I had the honor and opportunity to volunteer in Tanzania, in the childcare program for three weeks and it was the best experience of my life. The local team made me feel at home. this experience has allowed me to make new friends and grow. I learned a lot, especially to appreciate the little things around me and it stirred up new positive emotions. I came into contact with different cultures, but very close at the same time to my own, and I loved everything! I would like to thank the local team and coordinators for their helpfulness, support, and presence was crucial during this trip It was a great experience, one to do at least once in a lifetime, which I recommend to anyone!

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
One of the typical foods in Tanzania: Chipsi Mayai. Potatoes and eggs with vegetables and ketchup. When I saw it, I thought "what is that?" But in reality it was a pleasant discovery, I fell in love with it! It's really good!
Pros
  • Getting in touch with a culture different from my own
  • The proximity of the volunteer house to our school
  • The food cooked was very good
Cons
  • The too little time, I was there three weeks but I should have stayed longer
  • The volunteer house I was in may have been too big, too many people
  • Some mosquito nets had holes in them
14 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Ghiya
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Incredible Experience

My experience was Incredible. The team was very responsive and I felt more than prepared before traveling. My preparation tasks were clear and organized. The local team that accommodated me was friendly and welcoming. I was always accompanied by one of the coordinators to ensure my safety and comfort. the volunteer experience (Childcare) was extremely rewarding. I made some amazing memories and felt like I left a lasting effect by volunteering.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Be open to new things and try to live the experience like a local!
Pros
  • Discovering a new country
  • Meeting new people from around the world
  • Volunteering and making a positive impact
Cons
  • Na
  • Na
  • Na
18 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Tori
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Once in a LifeTime Experience

I decided to volunteer through IVHQ because I wanted additional security and reassurance when volunteering abroad. Every step of the way IVHQ was helpful and easy to communicate with. I volunteered for 3 weeks in Arusha, Tanzania doing childcare. IVHQ connected me with the local team: THE (Tanzania Host Experience). The entire preparation process was made easy as IVHQ uses tools and reminders to ensure that you have everything covered. Any issues that arise the team was quick to communicate with us and have everything rectified. The local team in Arusha was amazing. Everything from accommodation, to transport and food was good quality and comfortable. I was able to fully be immersed into the local culture in Arusha because I felt safe to do so knowing that I had the support of IVHQ and THE. Volunteering with the children is an experience that I will never forget. They truly taught me more than I could have ever imagined about joy and resilience. Volunteering with IVHQ is definitely something I would recommend to anyone especially people in their 20’s if their family members may have concerns about them going abroad alone. IVHQ ensures that every concern is put to ease.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
I would recommend to anyone who decided to do this program to go with an open heart and fully immerse yourself into the community. Try the local food, ask the Mama’s in the house to show you how to cook some of the food. Use the public (recommended) transport to get around and speak with the locals. The people in Arusha are so warm and welcoming. I would encourage people to connect with the people in your volunteer house because you really do become a little family whilst there. Organise trips together even to get some ice cream, go for a hike or kayaking or go to the local cafe. Actively participate in placement! The kids will teach you Swahili and the staff are so kind, they will ensure that you are comfortable and have fun. Allow yourself to feel the joy and magic of volunteering in Arusha.
Pros
  • The connection with the people in my volunteer house
  • Immersing ourselves into local culture
  • How much fun I had being with the children.
Cons
  • The program fee can be a little expensive so ensure you go for a longer period of time.
16 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Novah
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

It was an amazing experience

It was an unforgettable experience that got me the chance to dive into a new culture and environment, something I could not have fully appreciated on my own. The local team and the other volunteers, allowed me to understand with the city and culture on a much deeper level. I was able to walk through the daily lives just as the locals. Exploring the natural beauty of the area was also unforgettable whether it was the endless clear blue ocean and the sight of palm trees swaying in the breeze, which I could not find back home. It was amazing to not only witness the local culture but to actively take part in it. Volunteering in a completely new country, meeting diverse people, and adapting to a new lifestyle was an experience I will carry with me forever.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
I tried Chipsi Mayai for the first time there. The ingredients are super familiar, which is eggs and fries, but the combination of them was something I never thought about, which made it even more surprising. I ended up really liking it. It goes super good with ketchup.
Pros
  • Getting to experience locals daily lives
  • Traveling somewhere I was hesitant to go alone
  • Meeting many new people
Cons
  • Less free time than travelling alone
20 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...