Tanzania & Zanzibar – The Ultimate Gap Year Adventure for 17-21 Year Olds!
Are you ready for an unforgettable adventure? A trip where you’ll make a real difference in the world, forge new friendships, and discover the most breathtaking parts of Africa? Then the 'Travel Maniac' Youth Trip to Tanzania & Zanzibar with Volunteer Worldwide is just for you!
Join a group of like-minded peers (17-21 years) as you journey from Tanzania to Zanzibar, from wild nature reserves to tropical beaches. And the best part? You'll also get to do meaningful volunteer work in Tanzania, making a real impact!
Highlights of the trip:
Tanzania & Zanzibar: The Adventure of a Lifetime
The adventure kicks off in Tanzania. After a long flight, we arrive in Dar es Salaam, the key port city on the east coast. After a relaxing day on the beach, we head by bus to Ilula, where we’re welcomed by the Ilula Orphan Program (IOP). Here, we’ll dive into volunteer work, meet the local staff, and learn about the various projects.
You’ll assist with daily activities and organise sports and play activities for the children. Got some cool ideas or are you good at something? Show us what you’ve got, your initiative will be appreciated! You'll also team up with fellow travellers to organise a local market. You and your group will gather items to sell and raise money for IOP, which supports girls living with HIV/AIDS.
Between your volunteer work, we’ll head to the Isimila Stone Age Site. This remarkable spot was shaped by erosion and where archaeologists found ancient tools thousands of years old. Take a walk through this impressive landscape and uncover the region’s fascinating history.
After several days of hard work, it’s time to say goodbye to IOP, and we continue the journey. We’ll wrap up the volunteer work with an unforgettable farewell party with music, dancing, and a campfire. Then, we head to Mikumi National Park, with a stop to visit a Maasai tribe. This nomadic group will share their ancient traditions and offer a glimpse into their colourful culture.
In Mikumi, we’ll go on a safari! A full day in a jeep with a guide spotting Tanzania’s incredible wildlife: giraffes, elephants, crocodiles, lions, zebras and much more.
And then… it’s time for Zanzibar! We’ll hop on a ferry and cruise over to this paradise island. We arrive in Stone Town, a city so unique it’s on the UNESCO World Heritage list. After exploring the narrow streets and bustling markets, we’ll spend the rest of the day unwinding on Paje Beach. Sunbathe, chill out, and do absolutely nothing.
But wait, there’s more! Zanzibar isn’t just about beaches and palm trees (though that’s certainly a highlight). We’ll visit the famous Prison Island, where we’ll feed giant tortoises and learn about the island’s fascinating history. After that, it’s snorkelling time! Dive into the crystal-clear waters surrounded by vibrant coral reefs and tropical fish. This is the kind of place you’ll never want to leave.
Oh, and did I mention? We’re going kite surfing! Yes, you read that right! Feel the adrenaline as you glide over the water, with the wind in your hair and the sun on your face. This could very well be the highlight of the trip!
Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. We’ll close the trip with an unforgettable farewell dinner, sharing laughs, memories, and bidding farewell to new friends. Then, it’s time to head home, where friends and family are waiting for us. But don’t worry, with countless new experiences and several unforgettable memories, you’ll look back on this adventure for years to come!
During the Youth Trip to Tanzania & Zanzibar, you’ll be working with the Ilula Orphan Program (IOP), an organisation dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty and HIV/AIDS through education and supporting families in the villages around Ilula. Founded in 1998 by five students, IOP has grown into a network of local volunteers and staff who are helping thousands of vulnerable children.
At IOP, you’ll have the opportunity to get involved with various projects: from the Sponsor Program and the Foster Family Project to the orphanage, the kindergarten, and the library. There’s always something new to get involved in, and if you have a brilliant idea or talent, it’s more than welcome! You’ll truly have the chance to make a difference. You'll stay in comfortable cottages specially built for volunteers, located on the IOP grounds.
Your volunteer work will primarily involve supporting daily activities and helping local staff and volunteers. But that’s not all! You’ll also contribute to organising sports and play activities for the children. One of the highlights: you’ll get to organise a local market! The youth involved in the trip will collect items like clothing and toys and sell them at the market. The proceeds go to IOP, supporting girls living with HIV/AIDS. Have more ideas or want to organise something else? Let your creativity flow! Initiative is always a plus.
Ides jongerenreis Sri Lanka
Ik ben altijd erg kritisch, dus ik had graag wat verbeter punten gegeven, maar ik weet het echt niet. Een dikke 10
Stanzen
De volgende dag was het alweer onze éen na laatste dag op Zanzibar maar tevens ook wel een van de mooiste. We hebben namelijk die dag met wilde dolfijnen gezwommen.
Esmée op jongerenreis
Ga mee met de jongerenreis van Vrijwillig Wereldwijd, het is de beste reis van m’n leven geweest; goed georganiseerd, lekker relaxt en ze laten je de mooiste plekken van Ghana zien.
Doe mee met de jongerenreis naar Tanzania en Zanzibar voor een onvergetelijk avontuur! Bezoek de prachtige natuurparken van Tanzania, ga op safari, ontmoet de Masaï stam, en ontspan op de idyllische stranden van Zanzibar.
Neem deel aan betekenisvol vrijwilligerswerk waar je bijdraagt aan de lokale gemeenschap. Deze reis biedt de perfecte mix van avontuur, cultuur, en persoonlijke groei. Maak vrienden voor het leven en creëer blijvende herinneringen. Sluit je aan en maak het verschil!
Volunteer Worldwide believes it's important to keep both young travellers and their parents as well informed as possible. We understand that you may have a lot of questions before departure, and we’re here to help. What can you expect from Volunteering Worldwide? How is safety managed? And how are all the costs handled? Read on to find out more!
Support before and during your trip:
During youth trips, groups are supported by a local guide and one or more english speaking group leaders. You'll meet your trip leader beforehand at one of our pre-departure meetups. They will stay with your group for the entire journey. Our leaders are experienced travellers who understand what it’s like to be immersed in a completely different culture. Once you arrive in your destination country, you'll also meet your local guide, who is used to working with international volunteers and speaks good English. Volunteer Worldwide will stay in contact with the group leaders throughout the trip.
A detailed information pack:
Before you go, you’ll receive a brochure packed with information about your trip, your volunteering placement, the local culture, and practical tips. You’ll also find a checklist of important preparations you need to make before departure, including how and when to arrange them. Our team in Australia are always available by phone or email if you have any questions.
Pre-departure meetup:
A few weeks before departure, we host a group meetup for all the young volunteers who are joining the trip. This is a great opportunity to meet your fellow travellers and the trip leaders. Each group will include at least one or two english speaking leaders, along with a local guide. During the meetup, we’ll go over the full day-to-day itinerary and cover any important info to make sure everyone is ready to go. Friends and family are welcome to come along too.
We book your flight:
That way we can make sure everyone is on the same outbound and return flight. Volunteer Worldwide works with an experienced independent travel consultant, your point of contact for all flight matters, who monitors up-to-date travel info daily.
After registering for a youth trip and submitting your confirmation form, you’ll need to make a deposit within three weeks. The deposit is $275. You don’t need to pay the full amount right away, you’ll have time to save up the rest. The final payment is due around 8 weeks before departure.
Safety is a top priority. We’re in daily contact with our local partners in every country where Volunteer Worldwide operates, so we’re always aware of the latest developments. Each country has its own local customs and behavioural expectations, which we’ll go through in detail with both travellers and parents before the trip begins.
We completely understand that sending your child off on a volunteer trip overseas is a big step, for them and for you. That’s why we make it a priority to keep parents informed and involved from the very beginning. Whether you’re just starting to explore the idea or your child is already booked in, we’re here to support you through every stage.
From the moment you enquire, through to sign-up, preparation, and even while your child is overseas, we make sure you’re kept in the loop. You’ll receive regular updates before and during the trip, and we welcome all parents to attend our pre-departure meet-and-greet sessions. These give you the chance to meet the team, the group leaders, and other parents, and get a clear idea of what the experience will involve.
During the trip, our team sends regular updates with how the group is going, what activities they’ve done, and where they’re based at the time. It’s important to us that you feel confident your child is safe, supported, and well looked after.
With over 20 years of experience in volunteer travel and youth programs, Volunteer Worldwide takes every measure to ensure that each trip is well organised, culturally enriching, and, above all, safe.
*All prices are in AUD.
You’ll pay a $899 deposit when signing up. The remaining balance is due around 6 weeks before departure, or sooner if the trip becomes fully booked. Prefer a different payment arrangement? Just get in touch with us to chat about the options.
Before departure
Online welcome session for the traveller and their family/friends
Information brochure with trip details, volunteering info, useful tips, and more
Pre-departure support from Volunteer Worldwide (help with preparations)
WhatsApp group for everyone signed up
During your trip
Support from our local team in Tanzania
Daily parent updates from our team during the trip
Accommodation in hotels/lodges
All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Local transport (e.g. taxis and buses)
All scheduled activities and sightseeing as outlined in the itinerary
After your return
Reflection and feedback session
Certificate (available upon request)
Option to stay involved through our WhatsApp community
Memories for life!
Flights (approx. $1600-$2700)
Vaccinations and medications (often covered by insurance)
Travel and cancellation insurance (required)
Parental consent documents including birth certificate (only for minors)
Visa
Personal spending money (e.g. souvenirs)
July 2025:
Departure on Monday 7th July and return on Wednesday 23rd July.
August 2025:
Departure on Monday 4th August and return on Wednesday 20th August.
December 2025:
Departure on Monday 8th December and return on Wednesday 24th December.
January 2026:
Departure on Monday 5th January and return on Wednesday 21st January.
June 2026:
Departure on Monday 1st June and return on Wednesday 17th June.
July 2026:
Departure on Monday 6th July and return on Wednesday 22nd July.
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