Volunteer Teaching in Tanzania

You will arrive on Sunday, and so will have plenty of time to relax and prepare for your exciting week ahead. Firstly, your coordinators will show you around the project to meet the people you will be working with. Usually, Teaching Assistant Volunteers will spend 4-6 hours each day assisting at the school with a lunch break in between.

Weekly Schedule

Here’s what a typical week will look like:

Monday to Friday

06.30-07.30 Breakfast
09.00-12.00 Volunteer as a Teaching Assistant
12.00-13.00 Lunch
13.00-15.00 Volunteering as a Teaching Assistant
17.30-18.30 Dinner

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

This schedule can be changed depending on weather conditions and unforeseen circumstances.

Evenings and Weekends

Of course, your evenings and weekends are free to do as you please, and you can choose to explore the area or simply kick back with your new-found friends back at your accommodation. In fact, many of our volunteers enjoy mixing with their friends during the week and plan their weekend adventures as they go!

Places to Visit

Zanzibar is known for its sandy white beaches and unique culture. Whilst here, don’t miss Stone Town itself, a place known 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. Additionally, you can 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!

About the Accommodation

You will be staying in a traditional and comfortable guesthouse with multiple bedrooms (single gender) in Stone Town, with communal bathrooms, and a kitchen for you to prepare your own meals in (although all meals are included in the programme). There is also a sizable lounge –  perfect for socialising in alongside your new-found friends!

Food Arrangements

Zanzibar is known as the Spice Island, and, as you can imagine, the food here is incredibly aromatic, full of delicious spices and flavours! These are what make the Zanzibari food so unique. The food here is influenced by a combination of Swahili, Indian and Arabian foods. Breakfasts usually consist of chai (tea), toast, fruit, and fried dough, and lunch and dinner can include meat, vegetables, rice, Chapatis, and fruit.

Facilities

There are a few small local stores that sell snacks, drinks, and any basic supplies you might need during your stay. Nearby, there are also ATM’s, banks, shops, and a local pharmacy should you need it, during your culture week or volunteering project.

Transportation

From this location, we do not provide free transport to other locations. However, our staff will support you with arranging transport if you are planning a weekend away outwith your planned cultural holiday events.

Wifi

The volunteer accommodation does not have Wifi, so if you would like to stay connected with your families and friends whilst in Tanzania, we recommend bringing an unlocked mobile phone. Thereafter, the local team will assist you with purchasing a local SIM card when you arrive in Tanzania. Additionally, you can access WiFi from cafes and restaurants in Zanzibar.

Volunteering in Tanzania with TRU combines meaningful volunteer work with unforgettable adventure travel in one of East Africa’s most iconic destinations. Designed for gap year volunteers, solo travellers, students, and anyone looking for ethical volunteering abroad, TRU’s Tanzania volunteer programmes focus on sustainable community projects, cultural immersion, and responsible tourism.

Volunteers have the opportunity to support local education programmes, youth development initiatives, community outreach projects, and conservation volunteering experiences while working alongside local communities. Every volunteer project is designed to create a positive impact while giving volunteers hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of Tanzanian culture and daily life. TRU promotes ethical volunteering and sustainable travel, ensuring projects are community-led and focused on long-term support.

Beyond volunteering, Tanzania offers world-famous safari experiences, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant local culture. Volunteers can explore national parks, discover tropical beaches, experience traditional food and markets, and visit destinations like Zanzibar City. From wildlife conservation and community volunteering to adventure travel and cultural experiences, TRU creates the perfect balance of purpose, exploration, and authentic travel in Tanzania.