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
May 27, 2025
95 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 154 reviews
  • 5 rating 97.4%
  • 4 rating 2.6%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Impact 4.8
  • Support 4.95
  • Fun 4.95
  • Value 4.75
  • Safety 4.9
Showing 1 - 8 of 154 reviews
Default avatar
Janie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

IVHQ is a life changing experience

IVHQ was super well organized. I felt safe at all times and everything was planned through. They really make for a stress free trip. I completely fell in love with the organization and the people working for them, I would definetly book with IVHQ again. You get the real full experience and you get to explore as much as you want. I met amazing people, got fully emerged in the culture and everything was fantastic! This experience really touched my heart and I don’t think ill ever be able to forget this trip.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Have fun! Make the connections, talk to people, do things you wouldn’t usually do. Your time goes by quickly.
4 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Dalton
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best weeks of my life!!! Just DO IT!!!!!

Pay your fees, get your shots, and IVHQ will take care of all the stressful stuff so you can focus on fully immersing yourself into one of the most beautiful experiences of your life! I volunteered on the construction project in Tanzania and couldn't be happier! The volunteering was worthwhile, essential, and allowed me to truly dive into the local scene and culture and associate with the people of the country. I helped finish the construction of a home that will serve a family for generations to come! While renovating a school bathroom I was able to associate with the kids as well. Those were the most genuine smiles I've ever seen and shared! I was also able to take advantage of a safari and create unforgettable memories! I was also able to spend time with the kids at a local orphanage. The fellow volunteers and local organization coordinators of Tanzanian Host Experience were incredibly caring and thoughtful of my wellbeing. They were some of the most heart-filled people I have ever met! As a solo traveler they quickly became like family. Initially, it was nerve racking to embark on this journey but then SO sad to leave when my time was up. This experience was a true reminder of what actually matters in life and where real happiness is found. It was transformative. I am forever grateful! Overall, if you are reading this and questioning whether or not to go and volunteer, take it from me, this was the best few weeks of my life! So take courage and go for it! You will not regret it for a moment. Asante!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Come ready with an open heart and willingness to serve and you will walk away a new human with fresh perspectives on what really matters in life. You will find yourself reflecting on your trip as one of the defining moments of your life and of yourself!
Pros
  • Genuine, meaningful opportunities to serve
  • Incredible interactions with the locals and children
  • Unbeatable safari excursions
Cons
  • None
  • None
  • None
7 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Kaatje
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

IVHQ is the best!

My adventure with IVHQ was amazing! It was my first time travelling as a solo female traveler. I encountered a lot of stress. But before the program starts, you are already very well supported! I could always ask Marianne questions and I could always call her if I was stressed or needed reassurance. Also, during my stay in Tanzania, I was very well supported by the local team. They were always there for us. I really liked that someone came to check on the school every week to see if everything was going well. Even if you go alone, you definitely do not feel alone with all these warm people around you. I have built friendships for life here.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
If I could go again. I would enjoy every moment even more. I have been in Tanzania for a total of 3 months. In the middle of my adventure I sometimes had a hard time with homesickness. That is why I could not enjoy the full 100 percent. I regret it because now I want to go back every day. I miss it terribly.
Pros
  • A lot of support by IVHQ and the local team
  • A chance to make a lot of new friends
  • A life experience that makes you grow as a person
11 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Gillian
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Incredible Medical Volunteer Experience in Tanzania

Volunteering through IVHQ's medical program in Tanzania was one of the most impactful experiences of my life. I spent six weeks living and working in Arusha, where I was placed at a local hospital and also had the opportunity to join a medical outreach in rural communities. The staff were incredibly kind and welcoming, and I learned so much from observing and assisting in real healthcare settings with limited resources.

Before my departure, IVHQ and the local team were very helpful in answering questions and preparing me for what to expect. Once I arrived, I felt supported by the in-country coordinators, who helped us adjust, stay safe, and make the most of our time both inside and outside of the medical setting.

The hands-on learning was invaluable, but what made the trip even more special was the community. I bonded with other international volunteers, formed connections with locals, and even picked up some Swahili! The cultural immersion, from exploring the town to visiting nearby villages and national parks, added so much to the experience.

This program gave me a realistic look at healthcare challenges in low-resource environments and deepened my desire to become a doctor. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and gave me lasting memories and friendships. I highly recommend this program to anyone interested in medicine, global health, or meaningful travel. I hope to return someday and continue contributing to this amazing community.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Be open-minded and flexible, things may work differently than at home. Try to learn some basic Swahili to connect with people. Take initiative, but always be respectful to local staff. Pack comfortable clothes, scrubs, and any medical supplies you can donate. Explore the area and get to know the community. Most importantly, take care of yourself and enjoy the experience, it goes by fast!







Pros
  • Hands-on experience in real medical settings with limited resources.
  • Cultural immersion through local interactions, language, and travel.
  • Supportive staff and community that help you feel welcome and safe.
Cons
  • Limited medical supplies can be challenging if you're used to more advanced facilities.
  • Unpredictable schedules, sometimes there’s not much to do, so flexibility is key.
  • Cultural and language barriers may make communication harder at first.
17 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Kiara
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Volunteering in Tanzania

Volunteering in Tanzania was an incredibly rewarding and transformative experience. The program was well-structured, and the local team provided amazing support every step of the way. I felt truly welcomed into the community and appreciated the chance to contribute meaningfully to the projects. I gained new skills, made lifelong friends, and left with a deeper understanding of the culture. I’m so grateful for the opportunity and would highly recommend it to anyone considering volunteering abroad.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Do everything, be open to everything!!
Pros
  • Can travel solo
  • Safety
  • Meet new people
Cons
  • None :)
20 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Shionainn
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

THE experience

I was so so so terrified of taking part in this experience as I knew no one who done it before. IVHQ and the local team in Tanzania were absolutely amazing in making me feel comfortable. I was there for 8 weeks and I could’ve stayed another 8 weeks. It was the best experience of my life. I made the most amazing life long friends. This experience has honestly changed my life. The people and culture are so special. I would highly recommend anyone to take the opportunity to volunteer here because you will absolutely not regret it.

What was your funniest moment?
Honestly the day 7 bees flew into our tuk tuk and screamed the whole place down and everyone around us couldn’t stop laughing while I continued to scream
Pros
  • Meeting people from all around the world
  • Feeling like your truely having a positive impact on the children’s education
  • Creating the most amazing memories
Cons
  • Leaving
28 people found this review helpful.
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
28 people found this review helpful.
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
28 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...