Why should I volunteer with Volunteer Kilimanjaro?
Local impact, affordability and flexibility. Volunteer Kilimanjaro (VK) hosts volunteers in one location: Tarakea, Tanzania. All of our Tanzania-based employees are from the area and possess significant local knowledge. Our US-based employees and board members have volunteered in or visited Tarakea. At VK, we are dedicated to creating a large, sustainable local impact through targeted volunteer efforts and investment. In addition to the unique local nature of the program, VK offers volunteers a very affordable volunteer tourism opportunity. With costs starting as low as $300 per week or $800 per month, program fees cover operating costs and include a modest donation to the local community. Unlike many volunteer tourism organizations, VK is a humanitarian organization and invests in the local community. In recognition of the benefits of participation in VK, local organizations have agreed to offer volunteers flexibility in their volunteer placements. These are examples of volunteer placements, but VK is willing to work with volunteers to match their interests with community needs. The program is also flexible with start dates and program lengths; participants can volunteer for a week, or for a year.
Why should I pay to volunteer?
As discussed above, your program fee supports the local community you are visiting and serving. Community-based organizations in developing countries are often underfunded and understaffed, and can rarely afford to pay volunteers or interns for their work. Your program fee includes a donation to local community organizations, and covers the operating costs for your time with Volunteer Kilimanjaro. These costs include in-country transportation, 24/7 pre-departure and in-country staff support, meals, accommodations, cultural activities, and language and cultural translation services. Because VK almost exclusively employs local community members, you can be confident that your program fee is not only supporting local Tarakea organizations, but also local community members and their families.
Where will I stay?
Tarakea is a rural community in northeast Tanzania. It sits at the base of Mt. Kilimanjaro and is about 5 miles from the Kenyan border. The nearest city is Moshi, about a 2.5 hour drive through the foothills of Kilimanjaro. The village of Tarakea has churches, medical clinics, schools, places to purchase basic necessities, bars and pool halls, a market, tailors, farms and industry. VK volunteers stay in fully furnished cabins or with a host family. All meals are provided with the accommodations.
Is experience required for the volunteer placements?
No! Your placement responsibilities will depend on your level of experience and expertise, but no experience is required. Volunteers without experience in their placement field will receive on-the-job training and will be able to gain responsibility as they gain experience. Volunteers who possess relevant certifications or significant experience are valued and especially encouraged to apply.
I don’t speak Swahili. Is that OK?
Of course! Tanzania’s English speaking population is growing daily. Many Tanzanian secondary schools are taught in English, including two of Volunteer Kilimanjaro’s partner schools. When necessary, we provide our volunteers with guides who are proficient in English. While there will be times when people you interact with speak only basic English or no English at all, our past volunteers have not found this to be a problem; laughter and a smile are understood in any language.
Is Tanzania safe?
Yes! Since it’s independence in 1964, Tanzania has been one of the more politically stable countries in Africa. There are always dangers when traveling, but travel for foreigners is particularly secure in more rural areas. In small villages, it is easier for communities to look out for each other and petty crime is less of a problem. The village of Tarakea welcomes visitors, and community members watch over volunteers like they would their neighbors. Additionally, volunteers will always be under the supervision of cabin staff, volunteer placement supervisors, local guides and community members, or in the company of a group of volunteers.
This sounds great! How can I get started?
Fill out the Volunteer Kilimanjaro Individual Application or the Volunteer Kilimanjaro Group Application and email it to Cate Elander at volunteerkilimanjaro@gmail.com. We look forward to hearing from you!
