Involvement Volunteers International WHY we need you in Tanzania
- Rates for completing school are very low- around one third of the population complete primary education, and less than one in ten finish secondary school.
- According to UNICEF, 88% of all Tanzanian children live in multi-dimensional poverty in Tanzanzia (affected in at least 3 areas).
- In 2015, over 600,000 Tanzanian children were suffering from acute malnutrition.
- 49.1% of Tanzanians lived below the poverty line in 2011, thats just $1.90 USD per day.
HOW can you help?
- This is an incredible opportunity to learn, hands on in a real Maasai village. You can view the Maasai way of life up close.
- Talk with the Maasai locals and teach them basic English conversation skills.
- Assist locals in improving living conditions for the community.
- Support a community in addressing rural poverty, enhancing education, ensuring food security, and more.
WHAT you can do?
- Experience the daily life of the Maasai tribe, learning about their unique culture and lifestyle.
- Pre and primary teaching and women's empowerment.
- Construction and agriculture
- Have fun with Maasai culture experiences!
Why Involvement Volunteers International?
- Non Profit Organisation & Charity
- Over 35+ Years Expertise Globally
- Low Program Fees - From US$295
- Excellent Safety Record, In-Country 24/7 Support & Emergency Assistance
- 1 Application Fee - Multiple Countries
PROJECT NAME: MAASAI CULTURE IMMERSION
LOCATION: ARUSHA & SURROUNDS
START DATES: WEEKLY (SUN ARRIVALS)
ACCOMMODATION: VOLUNTEER HOUSE OR HOMESTAY
MIN DURATION: ONE WEEK
MIN AGE: 16+
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Criminal background check required, Volunteer Visa needed
Overview
Passionate volunteers eager to help address rural poverty, improve education, promote food security, and more are invited to join the Maasai Immersion project. This initiative provides an opportunity to work on community-driven projects with the Maasai people, engaging in diverse tasks while gaining a deep cultural understanding. You will have the chance to experience the daily life of the Maasai tribe, learning firsthand about their unique customs and traditions.
As a Maasai Immersion volunteer, your journey begins in Arusha, taking you to Makuyuni Village where you will fully immerse yourself in the Maasai way of life. Volunteers contribute to important initiatives focused on education, environmental sustainability, and poverty reduction within the Maasai community.
Embrace the opportunity to make a real difference while exploring the richness of Maasai culture. You can choose from various volunteer roles, all carried out with the support and collaboration of the local Maasai people. No prior experience is necessary—just an open mind and a willingness to dive into this remarkable experience.
Volunteer roles include:
- Teaching at pre-primary and primary levels
- Providing medical assistance
- Assisting in construction projects
- Supporting agricultural activities
- Empowering local women’s groups
Location
The program will take place in a village near to Arusha city. Located in northern Tanzania, Arusha is a vibrant city known as the gateway to some of Africa’s most famous national parks and Mount Kilimanjaro. It offers a unique blend of urban and natural attractions, with bustling markets, diverse cuisine, and a rich cultural heritage. Arusha’s temperate climate and stunning landscapes make it an ideal destination for both adventure and relaxation. Visitors can enjoy safaris, hiking, and cultural tours, experiencing the warm hospitality of the local communities.
Project Tasks
As a Maasai Immersion volunteer in Tanzania, you’ll have the chance to make a meaningful impact on the local community while also growing both personally and professionally by:
- Assisting the Maasai people in enhancing education and improving local facilities
- Contributing to a variety of community-driven projects
- Developing valuable communication and practical skills
- Expanding your cultural understanding and global awareness
- Exploring the breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife of Tanzania
Food & Accommodation
Accommodation
You have the option to stay in a volunteer house or with a host family. In the volunteer house each person will have their own room and bathroom, and in the homestay you will have a private room, with the bathroom shared between the other volunteers. The houses are comfortable and equipped with running water and electricity, though occasional power outages may affect hot water availability. Bedding, including a pillow, pillowcase, sheets, and a mosquito net, is provided, but volunteers should bring their own towels and toiletries.
Security in the volunteer house is ensured with a guard on duty both day and night. Staff are available daily during the week and can be reached by phone on weekends. Volunteers under 18 stay in a separate room. For internet access, volunteers should bring an unlocked mobile phone and purchase a local SIM card in Arusha, with assistance from the local staff upon arrival. The accommodation includes sinks, toilets, and showers with hot water, living room with a television, dining room, kitchen, Wi-Fi, security guard and watchman.
Food
Your program fee includes main meals prepared with love by our in-house cooks, offering you a taste of the rich, authentic flavours of Arusha. Meals are predominantly Tanzanian, providing you with a genuine culinary experience. This approach allows you to fully immerse yourself in the local culture through its cuisine.
We cater to various dietary preferences, including vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. Please specify any dietary needs in your application so we can meet your requirements from the beginning. While the number of meals provided may vary by program, the fee generally includes three meals daily—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—plus evening soup and snacks, seven days a week.
Breakfast usually features eggs, bread with butter and jam, pancakes, fruits, and beverages like tea and coffee. Lunch and dinner include a mix of meat, fish, vegetables, and fruits, accompanied by staples such as rice, potatoes, pasta, and fries, all enhanced with traditional Tanzanian sauces and stews.
Standard
Projects (Arusha)
- Maasai Immersion
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1 Week - $400
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2 Weeks - $595
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3 Weeks - $810
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1 Month - $1210
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2 Months - $1990
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3 Months - $2610
What's Included
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Accommodation
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Meals
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1 Day Orientation
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24/7 In-Country Support
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Project Materials & Equipment
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Pre-departure Expert Advice
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Preperation Tools & Checklists
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Certificate of Completion
- Application fee is one off per person (unlimited placements)
- Click Here to convert the below prices to your local currency
- Discounts may apply if travelling in a pair or group!
- All credit card /international fees included in below pricing! 🙂
FAQ
If you would like to gain an insight into traditional Maasai life and the culture that goes with it, then this project is perfect for you. For anyone looking to jump straight in and who is after a back to basics experience then is a great way to experience that. This project allows you to really connect with and speak to the locals in a rural and authentic setting.
- Accommodation
- 3 meals p/day weekdays
- 1 day orientation
- In country 24/7 support & emergency assistance
- Fundraising support
- University course credits (where applicable)
- Certificate of Completion
- Airfares
- Travel Insurance
- Tours, Souvenirs & spending money
- Transportation to and from program
- Airport Pickup
Orientation is held at one of the volunteer houses in Arusha, starting on Monday.
During orientation, our local team will provide detailed information about Tanzania, local customs, program rules and expectations, basic Kiswahili language lessons, safety guidelines, travel opportunities within Tanzania, and an introduction to your specific project and placement. This is also a great opportunity to meet fellow volunteers and exchange contact information for weekend trips and social activities.
Program orientation begins on Monday, and volunteers should arrive in Arusha the Sunday before orientation starts.
Once registered, arrange your flights to either Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK) in Arusha. Airport pickup is not included in your program fee but can be arranged for a small extra fee. Volunteers under 18 are advised to travel with a notarized parental consent letter. Upon arrival, a local team member will greet you at the airport and transport you to the volunteer accommodation in Arusha.
First Day
On the first day of the volunteering placement, you will be escorted to the project by our local staff and introduced to the staff at the project you will be working with.
Weekday (Mon-Fri)
Work and hours are dependent on the project and placement that each volunteer is working at. A typical volunteer day would be as follows:
7:30 AM Breakfast at the volunteer house or homestay.
8:00 AM Volunteers leave home and travel to their placements. Work and hours are dependent on the project and placement that each volunteer is working at.
1:00 PM Work at the placement usually ends. Volunteers are free to travel home for lunch at their accommodation, prepare for the next day or do some shopping and sightseeing.
8:30 PM Dinner at the volunteer house or homestay
There are many exciting places to explore in the surrounding areas, here are just a few!
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Home to the Ngorongoro Crater, this stunning area of vast plains, green forests and wild savannahs, sits next to the Serengeti National Park. You will see the highest concentration of animals here from lions, zebra, wildebeest and elephants. The views from the crater are absolutely stunning, with an atmospheric mountain backdrop. This should be at the top of your bucket list for Tanzania!
Serengeti National Park
Another one for your bucket list and a perfect way to spend your weekend off. The Serengeti is home to an abundance of wildlife, including the big 5 (lion, rhino, leopard, buffalo & elephant). You will also find zebra, wildebeest, giraffes, hippos, baboons, hyenas, ostriches and many more incredible animals. The best way to explore is by camping out in the open or in one of the many lodges. The area is huge, and we recommend at least 2 days here.
Tarangire National Park
A quieter park in Northern Tanzania, Tarangire is known for its large population of elephants and the incredible Baobab tree. In dry season you can spot all kinds of amazing animals that congregate to the Tarangire river. Spot anything from zebras, giraffes, buffaloes, elephants, wildebeests and even lions of you’re lucky.
Moshi and Mount Kilimanjaro
Moshi is about a two and half hour drive from Monduli and can be easily reached using a “dala dala” or taxi to Arusha and then changing again onto Moshi from there.
Moshi is a quiet town with several Western cafes and coffee shops. It is also the closest town to the starting point of the Mount Kilimanjaro trek. On a clear day, you can get excellent views of Kilimanjaro right from the roadside (Tip: Moshi Train Station, which is no longer is use, has fantastic views of Africa’s highest mountain, with locals selling drinks and snacks up the top).
Arusha National Park and Mount Meru
Mount Meru is located in Arusha National Park and is the second largest mountain in Tanzania. If you’re looking to Climb Kilimanjaro ,then Mt Meru can be a great acclimatisation trek, taking you through various types of vegetation. There are also scenic trails around the mountain at ground level. Other attractions include Meru Crater, the Jekukumia River, Ngurdoto Crater and the Momelia Lakes which are known to change colour! You might even find wildlife here including giraffes, warthogs, cape buffaloes, lions, elephants, flamingos and more.
Lake Manyara National Park
If you love bird watching, then head to Lake Manyara during the dry season where pink flamingos flock to the vast lake. During wet season see if you can spot the lions, leopards, hippos, giraffes, zebras, elephants, blue monkeys, gazelles and cheetahs roaming the park.
Kikuletwa Hot Springs
A somewhat ‘secret’ pool of clear blue water, situated in between Arusha and Moshi is the Kikuletwa Hot Springs. The water isn’t actually hot but totally refreshing after the dusty drive getting there. Enjoyed by tourists and locals, this is a beautiful spot for relaxing and swimming in the crystal clear water, surrounded by jungle. There’s even a rope swing into the water for more fun and games. If this wasn’t on your list before, it should be now.
Arusha
Just over an hour’s drive from Monduli, Arusha is a large city in Tanzania which has many Western style eateries, a cinema, Maasai markets, shopping malls, supermarkets and a cultural centre. There are a lot of things to do here and a great way to spend your weekend. Close to the Serengeti, Arusha is a popular starting destination for wildlife safari tours.
Iringa and Ruaha National Park
If you have the time after finishing your project, Ruaha National Park is a quieter and much less visited place for wildlife viewing. It’s located in Central Tanzania, near the small and quiet town of Iringa (which is a great stop off for visiting Ruaha). The park is actually the largest in Tanzania but less frequently visited by tourists, although visitors are rarely disappointed by its natural beauty. It’s home to cheetahs, the second largest population of Leopards in Africa, buffalos, hippos, and more!
Zanzibar
A little further afield, it is still possible to fly to Zanzibar for a weekend from Arusha (although several days here would be ideal). Zanzibar is known for its sandy white beaches, turquoise water and unique culture. Stone Town is an interesting town, known for its mazes and spices. Other things to do is a visit to Prison Island, where prisoners were once held but is now home to giant tortoises. You can also spot dolphins and try snorkelling off the island. The North and East of Zanzibar have some of the best and cleanest beaches in the world.
- Volunteers under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or friend who is over 18 to participate in this program
- Volunteers aged 16 or 17 on their program start date are required to provide a parental consent in order to participate on the program, and may be asked to provide additional documents to the local team.
- All volunteers are required to provide a criminal background check prior to departure, or if aged under 18 need to provide two character reference letters instead
- All volunteers are required to have adequate volunteer travel insurance
- All volunteers must speak fluent English.
Tanzania is a large country in Eastern Africa within the African Great Lakes region. Tanzania is bordered by Kenya and Uganda to the north, Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west and Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique to the south. It also sits alongside the beautiful Indian Ocean. Tanzania is home to Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain, in its north-eastern region. The trek to the top is challenging but provides stunning mountain views. The country is also considered the Safari capital of the world, with incredible wildlife viewing throughout Tanzania, in particular, the Serengeti.
Tanzania is a presidential constitutional republic, and its official capital city has been Dodoma (since 1996). Here you will find the President’s Office, the National Assembly, and other government buildings. Dar es Salaam, the former capital is still the largest city and holds most of the government offices, as well as being the country’s principal port and leading commercial hub.
Climate can vary greatly within Tanzania. Up in the highlands, temperatures range between 10 and 20°C during cold and hot seasons.
The rest of the country is usually pretty consistent, with temperatures rarely falling lower than 20°C. The hottest period months are between November and February (25–31°C) while the cooler months occur between May and August (15–20°C). Tanania can recieve some cooler evenings and mornings, so be sure to bring along something warm to wear.
Tanzania has two major wet seasons: one is uni-modal (October to April) which is experienced in southern, central, and western parts of the country, and the other is bi-modal (October to December and March to May), found in the north from Lake Victoria and up along the east coast.
The Serengeti can be visited throughout the year but is most popular during March to May, due to very little rain. For the wildebeest migration, travel from June to September. And for Zanzibar, this is best visited from June to October, which is dry season.
Tanzania has a large and diverse population, consisting of many different tribles, ethnic communities and religous groups.
Christians and Muslims make up the majority and 2% still practice Traditional African Religion.
incredibly, there are over 100 different languages are spoken in Tanzania, making it the most diverse country in East Africa for language. All four of Africa’s language families are spoken (Bantu, Cushitic, Nilotic, and Khoisan), with Swahili and English being the official languages. Although some locals speak great English, Swahili is predominantly spoken throughout the county.
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