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Maasai Immersion Volunteer Project in Tanzania

Maasai Immersion Volunteer Project in Tanzania

Purpose
Support local Maasai people through various community projects
Start dates
Programs start on the 1st and 15th of every month
Duration
2 weeks
Volunteer hours
Up to 5 hours a day
Age
Volunteers aged 18+, and 14+ accompanied
Accommodation
Stay in a Maasai boma
Apply for free
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Who is going?
Group video calls

Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.

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This program is ideal for:

Enthusiastic volunteers who want to support a community tackle rural poverty, education, food security and more.

Project details

Wondering how living and working as a volunteer in a Maasai Village is? International Volunteer HQ’s Maasai Immersion is a meaningful project in which volunteers will have the opportunity to support the local school and other community projects while gaining an authentic cultural experience. You will experience the day-to-day life of the local Maasai tribes, while learning about their unique culture and lifestyle.

What to expect and how you'll make an impact

Maasailand, spanning northern Tanzania, is the remote and vibrant home of the Maasai tribe. As a Maasai Immersion volunteer, you’ll embark on a transformative cultural journey from Arusha to Makuyuni Village, where the main focus of our project is the education of local children.

Immerse yourself in Maasai life while contributing to the community’s educational, environmental, and poverty reduction efforts. Experience the richness of Maasai culture and make a meaningful impact by supporting the community’s school development initiatives.

Our project, managed by a dedicated Maasai community through a long-established not-for-profit initiative, currently supports over 360 children. A key focus of this project is the on-site pre- and primary school, which is central to our mission. With your support, we aim to expand our efforts and provide essential educational resources to this underserved community.

Volunteers will primarily assist with teaching local children at the school, but there may also be opportunities to engage in additional roles based on current needs, including medical aid, construction, agriculture, and women’s empowerment. You’ll also have the chance to immerse yourself in daily Maasai life by supporting sustainable farming practices and participating in various school activities.

In addition to your volunteer work, enjoy cultural experiences like Maasai dancing, traditional fire-making, and interacting with locals. Join us in empowering Maasai communities and creating unforgettable memories.

Contributes to United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal #8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

Contributes to United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal #8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

As job losses escalate as a result of Covid-19, it is estimated that nearly half of the global workforce is at risk of losing their livelihoods. We must improve access to jobs, decent work conditions and community services in order to achieve peace, sustainable economic growth and a better quality of life for all.

Why do Maasai Immersion volunteering in Arusha with IVHQ?

As a Maasai Immersion volunteer in Tanzania you’ll be making an impact to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:

  • Helping local Maasai people improve education and facilities
  • Supporting a wide range of projects
  • Developing your communication and practical skills
  • Deepening your cultural intelligence and global awareness
  • Engage in Maasai cultural experiences
  • Discovering Tanzania’s incredible landscapes and wildlife

Volunteer requirements

  • Volunteers aged 14 and 17 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to participate in this program and may be asked to provide additional documentation to the local team
  • All volunteers are required to provide a criminal background check to IVHQ prior to departure. Those aged 14-17, if unable to obtain a criminal background check, can provide two character reference letters instead.
  • All volunteers are required to have adequate volunteer travel insurance
  • All volunteers must speak fluent English.
Are you eligible to volunteer?

Submit a free application so we can confirm your eligibility and check availability for your preferred dates.

Apply for free

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'Who is going' users image
Who is going?
Group video calls

Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.

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What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience

JS
Jennifer Smith
12 Sep 2024

It was a relief to have access to the program guide and my program manager via email. I felt comfortable asking questions and appreciated the detailed information.

The local team at the Maasai Village was absolutely amazing! I received such a warm welcome and I was well taken care of throughout my time there. The meals were tasty despite being very carb heavy and I know they did their best. I also had to go to the hospital and the team made sure I had support during that trip. Great accommodation that was very safe and comfortable. It was fun to live similarly to the locals in huts.

We worked on building a chicken coop to provide a sustainable nutritional option for the students and community members. I also had the chance to work with students in the classroom, write student bios to promote future sponsorship, and assist with permaculture (planting/gardening).

I gained confidence travelling solo to a new continent that was very far from home. It was a very rewarding, incredible experience. I highly recommend travelling and volunteering if you have the opportunity to do so.

...
MB
Maria Elisa Buttelli
10 Sep 2024

I feel I learned a lot by having the possibility to fully immerse myself in the local culture. I also had the chance to give a real-strong impact on the community, daily cooperating with the volunteer activities. This made me grow as a person and realise that it's always more important to offer my time to support those in need.

...
BD
Barry Diamond
09 Sep 2024

IVHQ made it easy to volunteer with the organization provided. All the details were handled. The local team was good as they checked in with us in Makuyuni a couple of times.

It was rewarding to complete a chicken coop project during our 2 weeks. The project was funded by the volunteers. I felt our volunteer group accomplished something with the chicken coop. We also did other things for the school which were equally rewarding.

...
NH
Nathanael Hostetler
02 Aug 2024

The immersive experience with the Maasai was invaluable. I learned more about myself and about other human beings than I ever thought possible in two weeks. I made lifelong friends and cannot wait to continue using my own experiences to support the Maasai in achieving their own goals.

...
CH
Cheryl Hashimoto
16 Jul 2024

IVHQ and the local team Tanzania walk you through and support you through each step. If there are any questions you are unsure of, make sure to ask and they will be answered. Doing something like this in another country so far from home is definitely something out of my comfort zone. I did this journey on my own, I felt comfortable, confident and safe from the time I signed up to the time I stepped on the plane to return home. Even though I was away from all of the volunteers in a remote area, they followed up to ensure I had everything I needed, if there was anything that was needed then arrangements would be made. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience!

...
MH
Matt Heady
18 Jun 2024

From the time I landed to the airport drop-off, IVHQ took care of everything including excursion transports, food, lodging, and they were very flexible for me to stay my extra night at the Maasai boma instead of the volunteer house. The entire trip and experience was phenomenal.

...

To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.

Academic course credit

Academic course credit through International Volunteer HQ and Intern Abroad HQ.

Academic course credit

Gain course credit from your college or university and meet your academic requirements when completing a volunteer abroad program with International Volunteer HQ!

Learn about course credit

Location

Maasai Cultural Immersion Volunteer Project in Tanzania with IVHQ

Location

Get ready for an adventure like no other! Our project is based in the heart of Makuyuni Village, nestled in the stunning rural landscape of Maasailand, just a thrilling 1.5-hour ride from Arusha. With luck, you’ll be treated to the sight of majestic wildlife roaming freely, as the village sits within the vast expanse that encompasses Manyara and Tarangire National Parks. Get ready to be immersed in nature’s playground as you embark on this unforgettable journey!

Arrival and orientation

The program orientation begins on the 1st and 15th of every month. Volunteers joining this project will need to arrive in Arusha the day before their start date. All Maasai Immersion volunteers will stay at the volunteer accommodation in Arusha until their orientation day. They will be transported to Maasailand after orientation and this transfer is included in the program fee.

After you have registered for the program, please book your flights to arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK) in Arusha. Your airport pick-up is included in your program fee. When you arrive, you will be greeted at the airport by a member of the local team and transported to the volunteer accommodation in Arusha. Your accommodation is covered by your program fee and includes the night before your start date.

If you are traveling in Tanzania prior to your volunteer program, we can arrange for you to be picked up in Arusha on the day before your start date.

Orientation is hosted by our local team at one of the volunteer houses in Arusha. Orientation begins on the morning of your chosen start date. If your start date falls on a weekend or a public holiday, your orientation will begin on the Monday or first working day following the public holiday. However, your recommended arrival date doesn’t change, and it is always the day before your start date.

Orientation covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program in Tanzania – an introduction to Tanzania, Tanzania customs, rules and expectations, language lessons (Kiswahili), safety, travel opportunities in Tanzania, and an introduction to your project and placement. The orientation will also give you a chance to meet other volunteers and swap contact details for weekend travel and socializing.

Volunteer schedule example

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 local people at your project in Makuyuni.

Weekdays

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 accommodation.
8:00 AM Volunteers take the short walk to the placement. Work and hours are dependent on the project and placement that each volunteer is working at.
1:00 - 5:00 PM Work at the placement usually ends. Volunteers will walk back to the accommodation for lunch, rest and prepare for the next day. You can choose to continue your project, or engage with the local culture, if you wish to.
6:00 - 7:00 PM Dinner is available at the volunteer accommodation.

Weekends

Tanzania is a wildlife lover’s dream. In your free time you can venture out on a safari and see Africa’s Big 5 - lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards and rhino - as well as the mind-blowing number of other species that call Tanzania home.

In Arusha itself you can find great markets, take a few days to hike up the nearby Mt Meru, or learn about the Maasai and Meru tribes of the area. You can also take a short flight down to Zanzibar for a weekend of sun and sandy beaches or save some time before or after your program to climb Mount Kilimanjaro.

Far from the bustling crowds and distractions of modern life, the remote Maasailand offers a rare opportunity to disconnect and reconnect with nature’s rhythm. While it may not boast an array of activities for leisure, its simplicity invites introspection and immersion in the beauty of the natural world. Embrace the stillness, let time slow down, and savor the moments of quiet contemplation in this untouched landscape.

The Maasai Immersion project is located about 2 hours away from Arusha. Due to the remoteness of the project, volunteers who wish to go back to Arusha and take part on tours over the weekends, will need to arrange transportation with the local team directly at an extra cost of CA$102 per vehicle, for up to 4 passengers. Please note that this doesn’t apply to safaris, as the local team can pick-up volunteers from the Makuyuni Village on the way out to the wildlife parks and reserves.

Accommodation and WiFi

Makuyuni Village

In Makuyuni Village, volunteers will stay in Maasai Bomas and gather around the campfire each evening for dinner under the stars. Volunteers typically share a boma with one or two others of the same gender. These bomas are purpose-built to closely resemble traditional Maasai structures, providing an authentic experience.

A boma consists of a cluster of simple, traditionally crafted Maasai earth huts, typically made from mud, sticks, grass, and cow dung. Each hut is equipped with solar power, comfortable beds, and basic washroom/shower facilities. Although the living conditions are rustic, they are clean and comfortable.

Bedding is provided, but you will need to bring your own towel and toiletries. A sleeping bag is also recommended for cooler months. While at your Maasai accommodation, Wi-Fi is widely available.

Please note that private room upgrades and extra nights are not available in the village.

Arusha

Before heading to Makuyuni Village and after completing the program, Maasai Immersion volunteers are accommodated in dorm-style volunteer houses or homestays in Sakina, Arusha. These accommodations are standard for all volunteers involved in projects in Arusha. The local team offers three volunteer houses, generally suited for younger volunteers, and two homestays, which are often favored by families and more mature volunteers.

In the volunteer houses, volunteers share a room with one to nine others of the same gender, with most rooms accommodating up to six people. Homestays can accommodate up to 10 volunteers, with rooms also separated by gender and a maximum of four people per room. Living conditions in Arusha are basic but comfortable. Both volunteer houses and homestays have running water and electricity. Toilets and showers are Western-style, though power outages are common, which can affect the availability of hot water and electricity.

During the busy months of June, July, and August, the volunteer accommodations in Arusha may reach capacity. To ensure everyone is comfortably accommodated, some volunteers may be hosted in a nearby hotel in dormitory-style rooms separated by gender. Volunteers can expect to share a room with up to seven people.

Wifi is not available at homestays, and although volunteer houses have wifi, it is slow and unreliable. To stay connected, we recommend purchasing an e-SIM before arrival or bringing an unlocked mobile phone and buying a local SIM card in Tanzania. The local team can assist you with purchasing a SIM card and data during your program orientation. Complimentary wifi is available at the hotel.

If you wish to arrive before your recommended arrival date or extend your stay, extra nights at the standard accommodation can be arranged for CA$58 per person, per night. Extra nights include three meals a day, are subject to availability, and bookings can be requested by registered volunteers via their profiles.

Meals

Tanzanian cuisine varies across the country due to differences in produce found inland and along the coast. The immigration of Khoja Indians has introduced Indian flavors to local dishes. Staple foods in Tanzania include rice, ugali (maize porridge), chapatti, and beans. Rice and beans are significant components of meals, so expect to be served these often.

Volunteers are provided with three meals a day. Breakfast typically consists of eggs served with pancakes, mandazzi (deep-fried dough balls), or cake, along with plenty of fresh fruit, bread, and a selection of jams and other spreads for toast. Lunch and dinner usually feature a traditional meat dish (chicken or beef) alongside a vegetable dish, beans, lentils, or cooked vegetables served with rice, pasta, chips, or chapatti.

In Arusha, meals are prepared by host families for those staying in homestays, and by cooks at the volunteer houses. During the busy season, volunteers accommodated in the hotel will receive their meals on-site. In Makuyuni Village, meals are also prepared by cooks for all volunteers.

Bottled water is readily available in Tanzania, and volunteers should budget approximately CA$7 per week for 2 liters a day. Filtered water is also available at the accommodations, and you can choose between purchasing bottled water or using the free filtered water provided in the houses and bomas.

If you have any special dietary requirements, please inform us so that the local team can make arrangements for you. They can provide vegetarian meals and options that are dairy-free, gluten-free, and nut-free. However, vegan, halal, and kosher options are not available.

Keep in mind that your eating experience may differ from what you’re accustomed to at home. The local team will do their best to accommodate your needs and ensure volunteers are well taken care of, but it’s essential to remain flexible.

Pricing

  • USD

Spots are limited. For a Registration Fee of just US$299 (approximately CA$439) you secure your spot and unlock all our preparation and training tools.

You don't need to worry about paying your Program Fee until you get closer to your start date.

Duration
Program Fee
Due 30 days before you start, or within 48 hours if you register inside of 30 days. Covers the cost of hosting you.
  • USD
2 weeks $720 Equivalent to $51/day
  • All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$299 (approximately CA$439) in addition to the Program Fee. This covers all pre-departure support services.
  • A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.
  • Independent volunteers under the age of 18 will have an additional cost of US$80 per week added to their program fee to cover extra logistical support provided by the local team, including transportation to and from placement each day and airport drop-off.
  • Additional things to budget for include: Visa, flights, travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check, transport to and from your placement each day and return to the airport when your program finishes.
  • Recommended spending money: Volunteers in Tanzania generally find US$75-100 per week to be sufficient for expenses.
  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Airport pick-up
  • US$100 per week for transportation, logistics involved and other costs for hosting you at the Maasai village
  • Accommodation
  • 24/7 in-country support
  • In-country program orientation
  • Pre-departure support from your Program Manager
  • Personalized preparation tools, guides and check lists
  • Access to IVHQ’s preferred insurance and flights partners
  • Discounts on travel and tour add-ons
  • Certificate of International Volunteer Service

Learn more about what's included in your IVHQ Registration Fee and Program Fee.

  • Return to the airport when your program finishes
  • Transport to and from your placement each day
  • Flights
  • Visa (if required), travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check.
  • Personal spending money for snacks, laundry, public transportation, drinks and leisure activities during your free time.

Popular add-ons & experiences in Arusha

Take your volunteer experience to the next level with these popular add-ons and experiences. Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto the IVHQ Arusha program.

Kifaru Safari
Kifaru Safari

A 2 day safari in Tarangire National Park and Ngorongoro Crater where you will have the opportunity to see amazing wildlife in their natural habitat.

CA$518
Maasai Village Tour
Maasai Village Tour

Gain an authentic insight into the Maasai way of life on a full day tour to Maasailand.

CA$176
Moshi Weekend Escape
Moshi Weekend Escape

A weekend getaway to Moshi Town, the last village before the Kilimanjaro National Park, and and its surroundings.

CA$176

Check what's required to visit Tanzania

Safety and support

Safety and support with IVHQ

Safety and support

IVHQ follows best practice and industry-leading health and safety procedures, which are regularly reviewed and optimized as part of the B Corporation recertification.

  • All volunteers encouraged to complete our interactive pre-departure training.
  • All local teams trained on best practice volunteer management & First Aid.
  • All IVHQ programs are required to adhere to IVHQ's Risk Management Policy.
  • All volunteers have access to 24/7 in-country support from our local team.
Learn more about IVHQ's safety

Essential country information

Essential country information

Capital Dodoma
Population 58 million
Languages Swahili and English
Currency Tanzanian Shilling (TZS)
Time zone UTC+03:00

Weather and climate

Tanzania is hot throughout the year and is humid on the coast and dry on the central plateau. The heavy rains last from March to June and can make unsealed road travel difficult. The hot, dry weather in January and February attracts the most tourists. The best time to visit the Serengeti is from January to March, when the grazers are calving and there are plenty of lions around. Or witness the wildebeest migration to and from Kenya, which occurs at the onset of the dry season and again with the first rains, usually around the beginning of June and mid-November.

Apply to check if you're eligible!

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How to get started

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Pay the Registration Fee to secure your place and upgrade your MyIVHQ account
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