Summer Volunteer Program Tanzania 2024

Frequently asked questions

Connect with Past Volunteers

How can I connect with past Volunteering Solutions Tanzania alumni as well as other former and current volunteers? expand_more

We encourage volunteers to get in touch with former Volunteering Solutions Tanzania program participants and also other program participants joining our projects. You are recommended to join the Volunteering Solutions Facebook Page or Facebook Group and connect with other participants and our team.
To read alumni interviews from past participants, visit,  Meet a Volunteer section on our website. 

FAQ's Application and Program Details

When should I apply for a volunteer program in Tanzania? expand_more

As we have limited spots available in our programs and we follow the first come first serve basis, it is recommended that potential volunteers book their programs well in advance to get confirmed placements. You can book your slot by filling the application form online and pay the application fee. You can pay your program fee later and also, in installments, however,  the complete payment should be made 45 days prior the start of the program.  If you are volunteering in a group, you can also fill a group application form.

How long will it take to process an application? Will my application be accepted? expand_more

After you complete your application, your personalized ‘My Account’ will be active.You will need to upload your CV/Resume along with your photo in the same. Our backend team and the placement site takes around 10-12 days to review your application. After we review your CV and documents, your booking is confirmed and booking confirmation is updated in your ‘My Account’. Some projects need a mandatory criminal background check and the same is mentioned in the project info of your program. Approval of your application depends on your qualification and eligibility criteria for each project.

Are there any necessary requirements to participate in the Arusha volunteer programs? expand_more

The necessary requirements to participate in the Arusha volunteer projects are as follows:
Volunteers must be 17 years or older at the time of joining the project. Medical Program volunteers must be at least 18 at the time of joining.
Volunteers joining the medical volunteer project must be either Pre-Medical, Medical or Nursing student or possess other qualifications related to medical and nursing field such as CNA or EMT. Medical professionals such as doctors and nurses are also welcome to join this program.
Volunteers need to have an open mind and flexible attitude for working in a new and different environment. 
A volunteer should bring energy and enthusiasm to make a difference.
The participant must be in good health.

Can I volunteer as part of a group? expand_more

We encourage our participants to volunteer in a group. We take special care in providing you a placement and also customize your itinerary to make sure you get exactly what you are looking for. Also, we can design special group programs for groups of 5 or more. Our programs are designed to be safe, affordable and offer a great group volunteering experience to the volunteers.
In our experience of more than 12+ years we have enabled and facilitated volunteer program placements for student groups- college groups, university groups, high school groups, group of families, group of couples as well as groups of colleagues.

Will VolSol provide with a reference or a certificate after program completion? expand_more

Yes, we will provide you with the Certificate after successful completion of your program. The certificate is provided on request.

Does VolSol provides discount if I choose more than one program or if I am a returning volunteer? expand_more

If you are planning to come for multiple programs in your trip, you will have to pay the application fees just once. Your application fee is valid for a year's time ( from the date of application). You will not have to pay the application fees again if you come within the mentioned time frame.
For our returning volunteers, $50 discount is provided for the application fee for their next Vol Sol program. 

Can I know more about the program location of Arusha? expand_more

Volunteering Solutions offers volunteer placements in and around the region of Arusha, which is surrounded by some of Africa's most famous landscapes and national parks. Situated below Mount Meru on the eastern edge of the Great Rift Valley, it has a mild climate and is close to Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, Tarangire National Park, and Mount Kilimanjaro, as well as having its own Arusha National Park on Mount Meru.

When do I need to arrive in Tanzania for my program? What will happen once I arrive in Tanzania? expand_more

All volunteers need to arrive in Tanzania on the mentioned program starting dates. 
Volunteers are picked up from the Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) by the in-country coordinator or representative. You will be transferred to the volunteer house accommodation in Arusha followed by an orientation session. Kilimanjaro International Airport is around 50 km drive from Arusha city and it takes around 45 minutes to reach.
Volunteers also have an option of arriving in Nairobi and then taking a shuttle bus to Arusha. Pickup will be provided from the bus station. Drive from Nairobi to Arusha takes around 5 hours. This option is chosen by many volunteers. Volunteers should note that airport pickup is not provided from Nairobi airport.

How do I get to the program location? expand_more

Our in-country coordinator will take you to your placement and introduce you to your project after providing a basic orientation about the program, city, culture etc. You will be provided with the directions for the project from your accommodation and will be briefed about the mode of transport to be used.

Flights and Visa

Does Volunteering Solutions help with Visa? expand_more

All participants joining the Tanzania volunteer projects, need to apply for Visa at the nearest Tanzanian Embassy or Consulate. Along with the visa application, you need to attach the required supporting documents. Volunteers are provided with the necessary supporting document for their Tanzanian Visa application. More information shall be provided after you become a Volunteering Solutions’ enrolled participant. 
Participants also have the option to take the Visa on arrival at the airport. Tourist Visa can be obtained on arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport or at the border when arriving overland.
All volunteers working in Tanzania need to get a Class C Permit while in Tanzania. The Work permit costs $200 USD and you will be provided assistance by the local team in Arusha to get the necessary work permit.

What are the recommended airlines to fly to Tanzania? expand_more

Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) has flight connections from Europe and other African destinations. KLM Dutch Airlines, Qatar Airways, Kenya Airways, Condor Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Precision Air and Ethiopian Airlines are the major airlines flying in directly to Arusha, Tanzania.

Health and Safety

How safe is Arusha and Tanzania in general? expand_more

Arusha is regarded as the gateway to the popular Northern Safari circuit and attracts tourists from around the world. Arusha is a safe city, however,   as in any country around the world, you need to take general precautions for safety. You will be given safety precautions and instructions by your coordinator during the orientation as well as in your Pre-departure handbook after you become an enrolled participant.

What immunizations/vaccinations will I need? expand_more

We recommend you to consult your physician or travel doctor before traveling to Tanzania. All travelers are required to carry an International Certificate of Vaccination (Yellow Card) to show proof of Yellow Fever immunization. 
The following vaccinations are recommended for travelers going to Tanzania.
Yellow Fever
Hepatitis A and B
Typhoid
Rabies

Do I need to buy a health insurance? expand_more

Yes, for all participants it is mandatory to have a travel medical insurance. If you do not have a travel insurance, you have the option to purchase the Travel and Medical Insurance at a nominal extra cost from us.  To provide the best option to our participants, we offer comprehensive insurance coverage in collaboration with a leading insurance provider. 

Accommodation and Living

Can I know more about accommodation and food arrangements? expand_more

Volunteers in Arusha are provided accommodation in a volunteer house/ hostel. The accommodation is centrally located and it is not far from the central part of the town and Arusha clock tower. It is exciting to stay at the volunteer house as you get to meet and interact with other volunteers from around the world. The volunteer house has a guard, a cleaner, and cook who prepares meals for the volunteers. Volunteers share the rooms on the same gender basis. Usually, 2 -3 volunteers share a room together. 
Volunteers are provided with all three meals. Breakfast usually comprises of Tea, Coffee, Bread, Jam, Butter, Eggs and/or Fruits. Lunch and Dinner usually comprise of a mix of Western and local dishes such as vegetables, chicken, rice, spaghetti, meat, and fruits. The dishes can vary on a daily basis and lunch is usually packed for the volunteers or you can eat at the house if you are there.

Can vegetarians be accommodated? expand_more

Yes - please do ensure that you inform the local team about your food preference and they can help ensure you are able to order the best food! Also, please do mention your specific food preference in the application form as well.

Would I have free time during my program? Can I do sightseeing during my program? expand_more

Volunteers typically work for around 5-6 hours in a day, for 5 days a week. Depending on the workload every day, working hours can vary. Evenings are free for the volunteers when they can get together and go out for social gatherings, eat out or just relax at the volunteer house. Weekends are free for the volunteers and you can go for short weekend trips.Volunteers go for Safari trips to Serengeti, Tarangire, and Ngorongoro. You can also go for shorter trips to Arusha National Park or Hot Springs outside Arusha. Local sightseeing trips are arranged for the volunteers by the local coordinators. Volunteers are encouraged to explore different places on the weekends and do sightseeing so that you can see as much of the country during your stay in Tanzania.

Are there more expenses once I arrive in Tanzania? expand_more

Your program fee covers your Airport Pickup, Accommodation, Food and In-country Support. 
You will have to get an work permit, which will cost around $200. The in-country coordinator will guide you about it.
You will need to cover your personal expenses, such as bottled water, local transport, telephone, the internet, shopping, weekend trips etc. However, you should carry around $50-60 per week for your basic personal expenses. This amount can vary and you would need a higher amount if you choose to go on Safari trips. The cost of the safari trips varies between $300- $600 depending on the safari option you choose.
Airport drop is no included in the fee but we can arrange for it at an extra cost of approx $50.
 

For how many hours will I volunteer every day? expand_more

VolSol volunteers usually put 5-6 hours of volunteer work, 5 days a week depending on their program. You will have the weekend for yourself to explore in and around the city. However, volunteers need to be flexible, open minded and understand that work requirements can change on certain occasions.

How will be the weather in Arusha? expand_more

Being at foothills of Mount Meru, the weather in Arusha is extremely pleasant and moderately cold at night. You can carry light jackets. 

Where can I change my money in Tanzania? Are there ATMs in Arusha? expand_more

On arrival in Arusha, you can change your currency to Tanzanian Shillings at the currency exchange shops at the airport. There are several ATMs available and, mostly Visa and Mastercards are accepted. During the orientation, the coordinators would show you the nearest ATM as well as foreign currency exchange shops. Tanzania is mostly a cash-based society and you would need to pay in cash at most of the places you shop. Credit cards are not accepted at many places.