Tanzania Community Volunteers

Programme Orientation

In order for you to get the most out of your experience, you will receive a two-day comprehensive orientation by one of the project co-ordinators before starting at your volunteer project. Your orientation will include the following:

An introduction to the volunteering projects, getting the most out of your placement
Health and safety and personal security and house rules
Cultural awareness and basic a Kiswahili lesson
Information about Weekend excursions and activities e.g. Safaris, Zanzibar visit, handicraft & music courses
A tour of Dar es Salaam city centre (you will learn how to use public transport, where to change money, where to buy things and other helpful day-to-day things)

Accommodation and Meals

There is a large volunteer house located in a former hotel building in the Bahari Beach area, approximately 25km from Dar es Salaam city centre.

The house is a short bus ride or longer walk of approximately 20 minutes to the beach. The house is safe and comfortable but are basic, compared to what you are used to at home. Compared to how some of the local communities live though, this is luxury.

The house has around 27 bedrooms across three floors and you will be sharing a room with up to five other volunteers. There is also a lounge area for you to relax in the evenings. Internet is available at the house for a small fee and a large garden for you to relax in. There is also a bar open most days for you to enjoy in the evenings. There are often live music events, parties or cinema nights for the volunteers in the social area.

Most of the volunteer projects are within walking or cycling distance or a bus ride away from the volunteer house. There are several members of staff at this house who are there for your safety. However, you will be expected to assist in keeping the volunteer house clean and tidy and to the standards that you require.

All meals are served at the house. You will be provided with two meals each day; breakfast (consisting of bread, jam, fruit, juice, tea and coffee) and dinner (either rice, pasta, potatoes or chapati with meat, vegetables and salad), prepared for you by the cook. Filtered drinking water is provided in the fridge and soft drinks are available.

Free Time

Your weekends are free for you to relax and spend time with the other volunteers. There are plenty of activities and things to do whilst in Dar es Salaam city. You may also choose to partake in one of the weekend safaris offered to you on the programme with your programme coordinator (these can be arranged in Tanzania). Alternatively, head to stunning Zanzibar Island to relax on the beautiful beaches or go diving and see the wonderful sea life in the amazingly clear waters of the Indian Ocean!

Being in Tanzania means that you are close to Dar es Salaam, which is a major transport hub for overland tours as the gateway to Eastern and Southern Africa. We have tours that last from 7 days to 56. Please contact us to enquire about these options and we will be happy to send you further details and help you explore Africa in a safe and adventurous way.

Programme Support

We have in-country coordinators and a support team to help you out with any support, guidance, or assistance you may need during your time away. Your house staff will also be there to help you during the day. Should you need to urgently contact one of our staff members in the UK, you will be given a 24-hour emergency contact number before you leave.