Looking for a gap year experience that goes beyond adventure, where you can make a real impact and still tick off those bucket-list dreams? Tanzania might just be calling your name. From supporting our local charity in vibrant Arusha to watching lions roam the Serengeti and sipping fresh coconut on the beaches of Zanzibar, Tanzania offers a once-in-a-lifetime mix of culture, connection, and contribution.
Here’s everything you need to know about planning your gap year in Tanzania with GapGuru.
Why Choose Tanzania for Your Gap Year?
Tanzania isn’t just another destination, it’s an experience. Here’s why it stands out:
A Culture That Welcomes You In – From the moment you arrive in Arusha, you’ll be swept up in the warmth and friendliness of Tanzanian culture. Learn Swahili basics during your orientation, visit bustling local markets, and get to know the rhythms of daily life.
Bucket-List Wildlife Encounters – Tanzania is home to some of the most iconic wildlife experiences in the world. Think elephants in the Ngorongoro Crater, lions in the Serengeti, and flamingos at Lake Manyara. Spend your weekends on safari and get up close to the “Big Five” in their natural habitat, it’s the kind of thing you’ll tell stories about for years.
White-Sand Beaches & Island Vibes – After your project, reward yourself with a trip to Zanzibar, Tanzania’s jewel in the Indian Ocean. Picture-perfect turquoise water, powdery beaches, and the ancient alleys of Stone Town await. It’s the ultimate chill-out spot after weeks of meaningful work.
Up for an Adventure? – If you’re seeking a true challenge, hiking Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest peak, is right on your doorstep. Not ready for the summit? Mount Meru offers a stunning (and slightly less intense) alternative.
Volunteering in Tanzania with GapGuru
At GapGuru, we believe your gap year should be about meaningful travel and making an impact. That’s why on a GapGuru Tanzania programme we work hand-in-hand with our charity the FutureSense Foundation, to create ethical, sustainable programs that tackle real challenges and support the local community.
Where You’ll Be Based: Arusha
Your journey begins in Arusha, our GapGuru hub nestled between Mount Meru and the plains of the Serengeti. During your induction, you’ll dive into the local culture with walking tours, Swahili lessons, and a welcome dinner where you’ll bond with fellow travelers and meet your in-country mentors.
Choose Your Impact Area
In Tanzania, you can make a difference in areas that match your skills and interests:
- Conversational English – Support local students in improving their language skills, building confidence and opening up future opportunities.
- STEM Education – Inspire curiosity through science, technology, engineering, and maths activities that make learning fun.
- Sports – Empower young people through teamwork, health, and confidence-building games.
- Social Enterprise – Support local entrepreneurs and help kickstart sustainable business ideas.
- Health and Wellbeing – Promote hygiene, nutrition, and mental health awareness through workshops and activities.
- Climate Action – Join tree-planting efforts and environmental education to help communities build climate resilience.
And remember, your impact doesn’t vanish when you leave, you’re building on the work of past participants and helping to create lasting change which will continue long after your time with us.
What You’ll Gain
Aside from the difference you’ll make, you’ll also develop vital life skills: leadership, cross-cultural communication, resilience, and adaptability. You’ll grow personally and professionally—all while experiencing one of the world’s most beautiful countries.
Where to Visit During Your Gap Year in Tanzania
When you’re not volunteering, Tanzania offers bucket list weekend escapes and once-in-a-lifetime post-project adventures:
Serengeti National Park – This world-famous park is the stage for the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest and zebra thunder across the plains. Whether you’re on a game drive at sunrise or watching predators stalk their prey, the Serengeti is the ultimate safari destination.
Ngorongoro Crater – A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Ngorongoro Crater is the largest intact volcanic caldera on Earth. It’s home to an incredible concentration of wildlife, including rhinos, elephants, and lions, all set against a dramatic backdrop of steep crater walls.
Zanzibar – After your project, unwind in Zanzibar where white sand beaches and turquoise waters feel like paradise. You can snorkel vibrant coral reefs, sail on a traditional dhow boat, and wander the maze-like streets of historic Stone Town, rich with Swahili and Arabic influences.
Mount Kilimanjaro – Towering over Tanzania, Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest peak and a bucket-list hike for adventurers. Even if you don’t summit, there are shorter treks and scenic viewpoints where you can soak in the majesty of this iconic mountain.
Lake Manyara – This often-overlooked gem offers a serene safari experience with flamingo-filled lakes and lush groundwater forests. Keep an eye out for elephants and the park’s famously elusive tree-climbing lions.
Tarangire National Park – Known for its ancient baobab trees and huge herds of elephants, Tarangire is a wildlife-lover’s dream. It’s especially vibrant during the dry season, when animals flock to the Tarangire River for water.
Moshi – Nestled at the foot of Kilimanjaro, Moshi is a laid-back town with cool mountain air and a strong coffee culture. Visit a local coffee farm, learn how beans go from plant to cup, or take a dip in the nearby Chemka hot springs.
Safety & Support While You’re Abroad
Spending your gap year abroad is exciting but it can also feel a little daunting at first. That’s why safety and support are central to every GapGuru experience.
From the moment you land in Tanzania, our friendly in-country team is there to welcome you with open arms. You’ll be picked up at the airport and guided through a comprehensive orientation that covers everything from local customs and health & safety tips to how to get around Arusha.
Throughout your placement, you’ll be supported by our local mentors and the team at the FutureSense Foundation hub. They’re not just there for emergencies—they’re your go-to people for everything from lesson planning help to weekend trip ideas and food recs. You’ll also have access to 24/7 emergency support, and our teams are trained in first aid and risk management.
Your safety is our priority, so you can focus on making a difference and soaking up the adventure.
What You Need to Know Before You Go: Tanzania Essentials
Planning your gap year adventure in Tanzania? Here’s a quick guide to help you prepare like a pro so you can focus on the experience, not the logistics.
Language – The official language of Tanzania is Swahili, but English is widely spoken—especially in cities, tourist hubs, and schools. During your induction with GapGuru, you’ll take part in a Swahili language session to help you get started with the basics. A few phrases go a long way and are always appreciated by locals! Quick Tip: Learn a few essentials before you go—like “Asante” (Thank you), “Karibu” (Welcome), and “Habari?” (How are you?).
Currency – Tanzania uses the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS). Cash is king in most places, especially smaller shops and markets, although larger hotels and some tourist venues may accept cards or US dollars.
- £1 = approx. 3,100–3,300 TZS (check up-to-date rates before you travel)
ATMs are available in Arusha and other major towns, and your GapGuru team can guide you to the safest spots to withdraw money.
How Much Things Cost – Day-to-day life in Tanzania is generally very affordable, especially when you’re living like a local. However travel in Tanzania is usually more expensive than other places you might visit on a gap year, due to the cost of protecting local nature and wildlife and these excursions not being tailored towards budget travel. Here’s a rough idea of what you might spend:
- Street food (like chips mayai) – 2,000–4,000 TZS (~£1–2)
- Local bus fare (dala dala) – 400–1,000 TZS
- Coffee at a café – 3,000–5,000 TZS
- Safari weekend (shared group rate) – starts around £250–£400
- Tailored outfit from local fabric – around £10–15
Your accommodation and most meals are included during your volunteering, so your main costs will be snacks, souvenirs, and weekend travel. For more information on budgeting for you gap year check out our guide here.
Getting Around – In Arusha, most locals get around using dala dalas – shared minibuses that are super cheap and very frequent. For more comfort, you can hop on a boda boda (motorbike taxi) or tuk-tuk, but always wear a helmet and agree on a price beforehand. For weekend trips or longer distances, your GapGuru mentor can help organise safe, reliable transport with trusted providers.
Unique Tanzanian Experiences You Can’t Miss
Beyond safaris and volunteering, Tanzania offers some truly unique experiences you can’t miss:
- Get Tailored Clothes – Choose your favorite kitenge fabric at a local market and have a custom outfit made by a tailor.
- Try Chips Mayai – Tanzania’s beloved street food: French fries cooked into an omelet. Yes, it’s as good as it sounds.
- Taste Fresh Tropical Fruit – Pineapples, passionfruit, and mangos that actually taste like sunshine.
- Shop Local Markets – Arusha’s markets are filled with handmade crafts, spices, and souvenirs to take home.
Pre-Departure Checklist
Before you head off on your Tanzanian adventure, here’s a quick checklist to help you feel prepared and confident:
Travel Essentials
- Valid passport (with at least 6 months validity)
- Tourist visa (check current requirements before departure)
- Return flight tickets or proof of onward travel
Travel insurance (including medical cover)
Packing Must-Haves
- Modest, lightweight clothing for volunteering
- Warmer layers for cooler evenings
- Comfortable walking shoes and flip-flops
- Reusable water bottle and daypack
- Mosquito repellent and sunscreen
- Personal medication and basic first aid
- Notebook/journal and pens
- Power adapter (UK-style plugs)
Digital Prep
- Download offline maps of Arusha and translation apps
- Back up key documents (passport, insurance, flight info)
- Inform your bank of your travel dates
- Join any group chats or orientation Zooms
Tick these off, and you’re all set for an incredible journey!
How A Gap Year in Tanzania Can Help Your Future
Your gap year is a way for you to define and work towards your future goals.
Spending time volunteering in Tanzania with GapGuru builds invaluable life skills: cross-cultural communication, independence, resilience, and creative problem-solving. You’ll learn to adapt, lead, and collaborate in the real-world, something universities and employers love to see.
Beyond the practical skills, you’ll come home with a deeper understanding of global issues, social impact, and your own ability to drive change. Whether you’re applying to university, launching your career, or just figuring out what’s next, your experience in Tanzania will set you apart and stay with you for life.
Be Part of Something Bigger
When you choose to spend your gap year in Tanzania with GapGuru you’re becoming part of a movement. You’ll be welcomed into a global network of changemakers who’ve chosen to do something extraordinary with their time away from school or uni. You’ll work side by side with local communities and leave knowing you’ve helped build something lasting.
So, if you’re dreaming of lions and learning, adventure and impact, Tanzania is waiting.
Ready to start your journey? Learn more and Apply Now.
