Tanzania: Summer Volunteering

Overview

This exciting and diverse placement gives you a true insight into Africa and the incredible people and environments that make her so special. Join this team if you want to go beyond the tourist experience and become part of a real Tanzanian family, who welcome you with open arms and will ensure you make a huge impact on local lives.

Experience two unique environments - the African bush based in the lively and attractive town of Arusha, Northern Tanzania and close to the slopes of Mt Kilimanjaro, followed by the stunning Indian Ocean Coast.

Our aim is that you take in everything Africa has to offer by experiencing life in the bush followed by a taste of the historic Swahili culture of the coast.  Live alongside local Tanzanian families, immersing yourself in their Swahili culture and make a real impact on a life changing community and conservation projects:

You'll start in Arusha, the Safari capital of Africa helping to change the lives of orphans, building them new homes, improving schools and a safer future. You'll also get the chance to go on safari at the weekends and see the big game Tanzania is famous for: elephant, lion, rhino, cheetah, buffalo, hippo and more...in world famous locations Lake Manyara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.

Then get stuck into laid back beach life on the fabulous Indian Ocean. From our base in the cool hills outside the port of Dar es Salaam, the capital. Your project work will see you teaching English and sport to local school children, whilst making vital improvements to crumbling classrooms. Get stuck into environmental conservation projects, assisting the Roots and Shoots NGO with their reforestation of Mangroves swamps and indigenous species, roping local kids into tree planting initiatives and spreading the word about renewable fuels.

At weekends, relax on spectacular white sandy beaches and scuba dive pristine coral reefs, hopping on a boat to Zanzibar to soak up the famous chilled atmosphere and epic full moon parties. Whilst in the bush you can try your hand at camel riding and mountain biking through National Parks, climb to the top of Africa's highest mountain Mt Kilimanjaro and safari to your hearts content!

How you help

Helping Who
You’ll become closely involved with communities in Arusha and at the coast.

Community projects
    •    Care for children in orphanages in Arusha.
    •    Play and coach sports, teach English and Art to children.
    •    Help with constructing and improving classrooms.

Conservation projects
    •    Plant mangroves along the coast and teach environmental studies with the Roots and Shoots club.

Eco-Tourism Projects
    •    Help staff at Makumbusho cultural village in Dar es Salaam. Work with their various craftsmen, taking part in the traditional dances and assist in the restoration work of their traditional houses.

Your base

Your Team
There is a maximum of 18 volunteers per departure.

Accommodation
Arusha - Northern Tanzania
The whole team will be accommodated in a three wing serviced apartment in the Olorien area close to Mt Meru, about 7 minutes from Arusha. Two volunteers will share a room with en-suite toilets, living room, cable TV and private kitchen. There are cold water showers and a buckets of hot water will be provided for washing clothes.  Arusha the safari capital of Tanzania is a bustling town with nightclubs, bars, restaurants etc.

Coast Phase - Indian Ocean
The accommodation is located in Mbezi Luis, a quiet residential area in Dar es Salaam and about 15kms from the beach. It is a newly built five bedroom house with a kitchen and two bathrooms. There are flushing toilets and electricity.

Food
Three meals per day and clean drinking water are provided. Due to early starts basic breakfast of bread and butter or cereal/porridge, juices, fruit, tea and coffee. The main meal will be in the evening. This will be typical Tanzanian food such as: rice, matoki, beans, chapatti, chicken, fish or European meat dish with pasta, rice, vegetables, salads, fruit, bread etc. We will cater specifically for any vegetarians. Lunch will be a light meal or a packed lunch – sandwiches, fruit etc. Drinks – water, squash, tea, coffee will be provided. Drinking water will be boiled and filtered and safe to drink. 



Wildlife
Tanzania has numerous animals and incredibly diverse bird life. Rhinos, lions, cheetahs, elephants, buffalos, impalas, zebras, antelopes, giraffes, baboons and a myriad of other wildlife birds and animals.

Weather and Seasons
It is warm and dry 25 - 40 degrees with sunny days and cool nights. The long rains are in April – June and short rains (if they arrive) in November.

Time In/Out

Time In
This is a 6 week placement split into two distinct phases, half of your time will be spent in Arusha and the other in Dar es Salaam. Volunteers will fly into Kilimanjaro airport and return home from Dar es Salaam. You will generally work Monday to Friday for 6 - 8 hours, but we do ask you to be flexible.

Time Out
The weekends are your time to explore the local area and have fun! The project team will happily help you arrange transport at weekends to visit local areas of interest.

Top Trips
A one day safari into Lake Manyaya National Park is included - the big 5 are waiting!  Safari in world renowned National Parks such as Tarangire, the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, visit Maasai Bomas and tribal villages, take hikes on the slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro or climb the mighty Mountain herself, camel ride, bike through Lake Manyara, shop for art and crafts made by local tribes, enjoy the beautiful beaches of Zanzibar, explore the alleyways and spice-filled night markets of Stone Town, snorkel and scuba dive in the Indian Ocean and search for wild dolphins to swim with.

Costs/Dates

Dates
2012 6 weeks
July 2nd

2013 6 weeks
July 1st

Costs
Up until 31st August 2012               
6 weeks £1897

Up until 31st August 2013              
6 weeks £1897                             

Includes:
Selection and briefing on all aspects of the scheme
24 hour emergency back-up, management and support by UK team and in-country Placement Manager, with reliable communications and infrastructure.
Safety and induction course on arrival.
Airport pick up and transfer to and from the placement and transport to projects sites throughout.
Food and Accommodation throughout.
National Park Fees only whilst carrying out project work.

Not included:
International flights, internal flights (if applicable), visas, travel insurance, medical expenses (reclaimable through travel insurance), soft drinks/beer etc and independent/weekend travel. We are happy to arrange flights through STA Travel (ABTA 99209 and IATA 9122411) who are well known for offering good value.

View and Print full details

You can view and print the details of this destination in pdf format by clicking the link below:

Tanzania Summer Team Leap Gap Year Uni destination - PDF