Trip Details

Women’s Empowerment Volunteer

As women in the western world, we might take our right to equality for granted. However, life is very different for Maasai women. And on this Women Empowerment Volunteer program, you will gain deep personal insights into a community where the education of girls is not prioritised.  Primarily, you will be supporting local women to learn financial literacy skills, and helping them to generate their own income. However, you will also discuss with these women, the importance of education, encouraging them to enrol their children in school, and discouraging early marriage.

Support Trail-Blazing Maasai Women towards Independence!

Maasai Tribe communities are traditionally patriarchal, so the importance of this programme is tremendous, as these amazing women enter unknown territory! As a Women’s Empowerment Volunteer, you will help women and young girls to understand what it means to be an equal member of society. That includes gaining an education, and achieving financial independence with their traditional beaded jewellery. Importantly, as most of the women don’t speak English, you’ll have someone with you who will translate for you, as you support these women to build a future for themselves and their children. Aside from the rewarding work of this programme, you will also learn what it means to have equality, and who knows? …this may ignite a life-long passion for empowerment work!

Enjoy your Freedom to Explore the stunning Country of Tanzania

Whether you’re an animal lover, a culture fiend or an intrepid explorer, Tanzania has it all – in bucket-loads!  Go on a safari, get your hiking boots on for some incredible mountains (perhaps not Kilimanjaro, but the area is definitely worth visiting!) or simply sit in the blissful surroundings of one of Tanzania’s vast Nature Reserves. Further, for the shoppers amongst you, there are markets, towns and cities – all with their own unique character, history and culture. And finally, don’t forget Zanzibar’s famous pristine beaches and buzzing nightlife for your exciting weekend outings!

Why be a Women’s Empowerment Volunteer in Tanzania?

  • Take part in a hugely rewarding programme that can change the lives of Tanzanian women
  • Learn about your own values and freedoms, and gain a fresh perspective on equality
  • Take to Tanzania’s wilderness and explore its varied terrain and vibrant culture
  • Make new friends with other volunteers at your accommodation or on your project
  • Discover authentic African cuisine, with meals and beverages* included

* drinking water

Get in touch to find out more or browse through our many other volunteer experiences.

Trip Itinerary

 

You will arrive on Sunday and have plenty of time to relax and be refreshed ahead of your exciting week as a Women’s Empowerment Volunteer!

Mandatory Orientation Day

On the Monday of your first week at this location, you will join our orientation day to get accustomed to your surroundings. Your Women’s Empowerment Volunteer programme will continue as usual from Tuesday onward throughout the rest of the week.

Orientation Day Schedule (Monday)

  • Introduction meeting, House rules, Setting Expectations, Health and Safety Advice and handling of documents.
  • Tanzanian Do’s and Don’ts, Culture introduction and country history and Intensive Swahili Language Lessons.
  • Tour around the compound and local area; where to find local shops, and arrange a sim-card if necessary.
  • Lunch
  • Excursion to local area sites (may include a local crater or nature walk)

Weekly Schedule

Tuesday to Friday

  • 7.00 am -8.00 am Breakfast at the volunteer accommodation
  • 8.00 am Volunteering at the Women’s Empowerment project
  • 12.00 pm Lunch
  • 13.00-15.00 pm Volunteering at the Women’s Empowerment project
  • 16.00 pm Evaluation
  • 17.00-18.00 pm Dinner

Please note:

Cost of transport to locations is not included, but will usually be around £1.50 per day.

This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions, and unforeseen circumstances.

Please also keep in mind that in the village things are done on an as-needed basis. This is just an example of what your week as a volunteer might look like during your homestay, but activities may change depending on weather, community needs, ceremonies, or other circumstances. Your flexibility and ability to adapt to changes in your new surroundings will be of great benefit during this amazing experience.

Evenings and Weekends

Once your day as a Women’s Empowerment Volunteer is over, you can choose to explore the area or simply relax with new friends back at your accommodation. Many of our volunteers enjoy mixing with their new volunteer friends during the week and plan their weekend adventures together!

Places to Visit

Tanzania is a truly incredible place to visit, and you will need to plan ahead to fit in as much as you can! Here are our favourite areas …

Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Expanding over plains, forests, and savannahs, you will find the world’s largest crater here, where incredible wildlife coexists with the Maasai. This area is a must-see when in Tanzania.

Tarangire National Park

Tarangire is famous for its population of elephants and the symbolic Baobab tree. During the dry season, you will find zebras, giraffes, buffaloes, elephants, wildebeests and more! While not as common, you might be able to find a lion here as well if you are lucky!

Serengeti National Park

Serengeti is probably the most worldwide known National Park in the world. It is believed to hold the largest population of lions in the world! Aside from that, cheetahs, buffaloes, zebras, giraffes, rhinos, hippos live here. Make sure you allow yourself at least two days to visit and stay overnight in either a campsite or a lodge. Serengeti cannot be done in just one day!

Arusha National Park and Mount Meru

This is the home of Mount Meru, the second largest peak in Tanzania after Kilimanjaro, and the home of many species including giraffes, warthogs, Cape buffaloes, lions, elephants, flamingos and more! However, the main attractions here are the landscapes that line the park, including the Momelia Lakes, which vary in colour due to algae and are made even brighter by many different species of birds who love to swim in the water!

Lake Manyara National Park

During the wet season, pink flamingos brighten up the lake, which make it the go-to place for bird watchers. They do leave during the wet season, but Maasai Lions, Leopards, hippos, giraffes, zebras, elephants, blue monkeys, gazelles and cheetahs are here year-round!

Moshi and Mount Kilimanjaro

Moshi is about two and a half hours away from Monduli, easily reached from Monduli by taking a “dala dala” to Arusha and then another one to Moshi from there. This is a sleepy town with a Western vibe as it is the starting point of the Mount Kilimanjaro climb! On a clear day, you can get excellent views of the highest mountain in Africa (tip: head over to Moshi Train Station for a top-notch view.

Kikuletwa Hot Springs

A lesser-known but still amazing attraction! Located between Arusha and Moshi are Kikuletwa Hot Springs. The water isn’t actually hot, but its temperature is perfect for swimming and relaxing. Known as an oasis, the water here is so blue that you have to see it to believe it! It is a favourite go-to place for locals and ex-pats alike, and there is even a rope you can use to dive into the water with style!

Arusha

Arusha is one of the main cities of Tanzania and is easy to reach from Monduli in less than an hour and a half. From here, most safari companies depart to many of the national parks surrounding it, so it is your go-to place for wildlife! In Arusha, you find a myriad of things to do – from Maasai markets selling crafts to bring back home, to cinemas, shopping malls, Western food, and more!

Hiking Around Monduli

Monduli is set amidst lush mountains that are a great opportunity for hiking off-the-beaten-path. There are numerous trails, one of which leads to a gorgeous waterfall. Speak to our coordinator to arrange, as the government needs to grant you permission (for a fee) to visit beyond certain spots in order to conserve the area.

Iringa and Ruaha National Park

A great place to visit if you have the time after finishing our programme! Ruaha National Park is the largest National Park in Tanzania and boasts cheetahs, the second largest population of Leopards in Africa, buffalos, hippos, and more!

Zanzibar

Whilst a bit of a journey, it is possible to fly to Zanzibar for a weekend from Arusha airstrip, a small airport that operates domestic flights and is not too far from our centre!  Don’t miss Stone Town, a place that is emblematic for its mazes and spices (take a spice tour for sure!). Another must is a visit to Prison Island, where you can spot dolphins and marine life. Travel north or east of the island for some of the best and cleanest beaches in the world and enjoy the Indian Ocean at its best!

Trip Accommodation

You will be staying in a very simple, traditional, family home in a Maasai Village in Arusha. Moita is quite a bit off the beaten path, and the terrain is rough and scantily covered by grass, bushes, and trees. In the dry season inhabitants of Moita village must walk several kilometres to fetch water for cooking, drinking and occasionally for bathing.

About your Accommodation

Expect a very ‘back to nature’ approach during your stay here! You will live as a visitor in a home-stay residence which may include the traditional house made from wood, sticks, cow dung and clay soil. The Maasai generally live without any electricity, and though some houses have recently acquired solar cells, you should not expect it. There is no running tap water and no western toilets, so prepare for squatting toilets! You will need to be environmentally aware, using all resources with extreme restraint – especially water, paper, and electricity. This accommodation is in a Maasai village in Arusha, but you may also stay in other locations to broaden your experience.

Food Arrangements

The local cuisine consists of a lot of corn, rice and bananas. Also, beef, goat meat, beans, and green leafy vegetables will help to add nutrients to your daily meals. You will have 3 meals on weekdays, and 2 on the weekends, so bring a little extra food if you’re a snacker! There are no shops within walking distance, so if you are a picky eater, please feel free to bring supplemental food items with you from Monduli or Arusha. However, be mindful that there is no refrigeration available.

Facilities

For stays in the Maasai villages, there are no ATM facilities, banks, post offices, or local shops nearby. These are around 60-150 minutes away depending on your mode of transportation. (driving in a car, riding on a motorbike, or walking).

Transportation

From this location we provide free transport to your next program at Monduli.

Trip Country Info

Tanzania

Population: 55 million
Capital: Dodoma
Language: Swahili, English
Currency: Tanzanian Shilling (TZS)
Time zone: EAT (UTC +3)

Parts of the country are in Southern Africa and it is bordered by Kenya and Uganda to the north; Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west; Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique to the south; and by the Indian Ocean to the east. It is home to Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain, in its northeastern region and is considered the Safari capital of the world!

Tanzania is a presidential constitutional republic, and since 1996, its official capital city has been Dodoma, where the President’s Office, the National Assembly, and some government ministries are located. Dar es Salaam, the former capital and its largest city, retains most government offices and is the country’s principal port and leading commercial centre.

Volunteer holidays to Tanzania are enjoyed in a land of spectacular beauty, and one of the largest countries in Africa. It lies on the east coast of Africa and is bordered to the north by Kenya and Uganda, to the west is Zaire, Rwanda, Burundi and Zambia and to the south are Malawi and Mozambique. Tanzania comprises of coastal lowland, volcanic highlands, the Great Rift Valley and the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro. We have a selection of volunteering programs in Tanzania with placements at orphanages, teaching & medical placements.

Tanzania is the only country in the world which has allocated at least 25 per cent of its total area to wildlife national parks and protected areas, including the world famous Serengeti National Park. We provide exciting gap adventures to Tanzania, backpacking holidays and volunteering work experience programs.  If you are interested in volunteering in Tanzania or trekking up Mount Kilimanjaro have a look at our latest programs below or give us a call for more information.

Participant Criteria & Requirements

Standard Requirements

DBS, Criminal Background Check
Travel Insurance
Under 18, Parental Consent

Additional Requirements

Recommended Vaccinations

What's included

  • 24/7 support in case of emergencies
  • Accommodation
  • Airport Pick up
  • English speaking coordinator
  • Meals
  • Orientation

What's not included

  • Airport drop off
  • Flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Vaccination
  • Visa