Are you looking for an adventurous trip combined with volunteer work? Join us on the Youth Trip to Tanzania & Zanzibar with Volunteer Worldwide. Together with a group of like-minded peers (aged 16 to 20), you’ll embark on an exciting journey through two incredible regions of Africa. The trip kicks off in Tanzania, a country famous for its abundant national parks and safari adventures. From there, we’ll head to the tropical island of Zanzibar, known for its white beaches and crystal clear waters. Ready for an unforgettable adventure? Keep reading!
Trip Highlights:
The adventure begins in Tanzania. After a long flight, we arrive at our first destination, Dar es Salaam, located on the east coast of Tanzania and the country’s main port. After a day of rest and relaxation on the beach, we continue the journey to Ilula, where the Ilula Orphan Program (IOP) is based. Over the next few days, we’ll dive into volunteer work. After a long bus ride, we’re warmly welcomed at the project.
The following days are all about volunteering with IOP. You’ll get to know the different projects and help with the daily activities alongside the local staff and permanent volunteers. You’ll also assist in organising sports and games. Got a great idea or a special skill? We love seeing initiative. A key part of the volunteering experience will be organising a local market. All the young participants will gather items to sell at the local market in Ilula. The profits will go to the IOP orphanage, supporting girls who are affected by HIV/AIDS.
In between volunteer activities, we’ll visit the Isimila Stone Age Site, a unique landscape formed by erosion. In 1950, archaeologists discovered remarkable Stone Age artefacts here, with tools estimated to be between 60,000 and 100,000 years old. With a guide, we’ll take a walk through this extraordinary park and visit the museum displaying these ancient finds.
After a few days of volunteering, the trip continues. On the final evening, we’ll have a special farewell party with singing, dancing, and a campfire. We’ll say our goodbyes to the project and the orphan girls before heading off to Mikumi National Park. But before we go on safari, we’ll make a stop at a Maasai tribe. This nomadic tribe is famous for their ancient traditions and colourful clothing, and they’ll offer us a rare glimpse into their rich culture and way of life.
Tanzania is renowned for its national parks and incredible wildlife. A safari is an absolute must on this trip. Once at Mikumi National Park, we’ll spend the entire day on a guided jeep safari, spotting animals such as giraffes, elephants, crocodiles, buffalo, lions, zebras, and much more.
It’s time to leave Tanzania behind, and we’ll travel by ferry from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar. We’ll arrive at Stone Town, the capital of Zanzibar, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its narrow streets, shops, and restaurants. After exploring the town, we’ll head straight to the island’s eastern coast, where we’ll relax on the beach at Paje for the rest of the day.
During our stay in Zanzibar, we’ll take part in a variety of activities. We’ll visit Prison Island, where slaves were once imprisoned in 1860. Today, the island is home to giant tortoises, a gift from the British Governor of the Seychelles. With a guide, we’ll get up close to these fascinating creatures and even feed them. We’ll also go snorkelling in the crystal-clear waters of Zanzibar, famous for its vibrant coral reefs and tropical fish.
Sadly, every adventure has to come to an end, including the Youth Trip to Tanzania & Zanzibar. On the final evening, we’ll share a lovely farewell dinner, reflecting on our unforgettable experiences in Tanzania and Zanzibar. After a long flight, we’ll return to Australia, where we’ll be greeted by our friends and family. With a backpack full of new experiences and friendships, you’ll look back on this trip as a memory of a lifetime.
During the Youth Trip to Tanzania & Zanzibar, you’ll volunteer with the Ilula Orphan Program (IOP) in Tanzania. This organisation is dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty and HIV/AIDS through education and by supporting families in eight villages around Ilula. The programme was founded in 1998 by five students with the help of sponsors, and it has since grown into a large network of local volunteers and staff, assisting thousands of vulnerable children and their caregivers.
The IOP includes:
Throughout the trip, you’ll work at different IOP projects. Got great ideas or something you’re good at? We love initiative! We’ll stay in comfortable accommodation specially built for volunteers on the IOP grounds.
Your volunteer work will mainly involve assisting with the daily activities and tasks of the local staff and volunteers. You’ll also help organise sports and recreational activities. A key component of the volunteer work will be organising the local market. All the young participants will collect clothing and/or toys to sell at the market, with the proceeds going to the orphanage. Have your own ideas or skills? Your input is always appreciated!
Join us for this extraordinary adventure that combines adventure and making a real impact! Sign up today and be part of an unforgettable journey to Tanzania & Zanzibar.
At Volunteer Worldwide, we believe it’s important to keep both young people and their parents fully informed. We understand you’ll have plenty of questions before departure, and we’re here to help you every step of the way. What can you expect from Volunteer Worldwide? What about safety? And how are the costs handled? Read on to find out!
Comprehensive guidance before and during your trip
All youth trips are supervised by a local guide and one or more Dutch or Belgian team leaders. You’ll meet your team leaders in advance at one of our pre-departure meetups. They will accompany and support the group throughout the entire trip. Our team leaders are experienced travellers and understand what it’s like to adapt to a completely different culture.
Upon arrival in the destination country, your group will be introduced to the local guide. These guides are used to working with international volunteers and speak English well.
Your main contacts in the Netherlands are Patricia and Daan, who stay in daily contact with the trip leaders throughout your journey.
An information brochure full of useful details and tips
You’ll receive a detailed brochure to help you prepare for your journey. It includes information about your itinerary, volunteering tasks, the country and culture, as well as handy travel tips.
It also outlines which preparations you’ll need to make and how to go about them.
Of course, if you have questions at any time, our Netherlands-based contacts, Patricia and Lotte, are always available via phone or email.
Pre-departure meetup
A few weeks before departure, we’ll organise a meetup for all participants. This gives you a chance to meet your fellow travellers and the accompanying leaders in person.
The team includes at least one or two Dutch and/or Belgian supervisors (alongside a local guide).
We’ll also go through the day-to-day itinerary and cover important topics to ensure everyone is well prepared. Friends and family are more than welcome to join you on the day.
We book your flight
We arrange all flights to ensure that everyone travels together on the same outbound and return flights. Volunteer Worldwide works closely with an independent travel agent who monitors all flight details and will act as your point of contact regarding flights.
Once you’ve registered for a youth trip with Volunteer Worldwide and submitted your signed confirmation form, you’ll be asked to make a deposit within three weeks.
This deposit is $299, which gives you plenty of time to save for the remaining amount. The balance is due approximately 8 weeks before departure.
Safety is our top priority. We’re in daily contact with our local partners in each country where Volunteer Worldwide operates, so we’re always aware of the latest developments. Every country has its own customs and behavioural expectations, which we’ll discuss in advance with both participants and parents to ensure everyone is well-informed and respectful while abroad.
We’re happy to take the time to answer any questions from parents. We understand that youth trips can be an exciting and nerve-wracking experience for both the participants and their families. That’s why parents are closely involved throughout the entire process. From the initial information request to the official registration, the preparations, and the departure. Naturally, parents are also kept informed during the trip itself.
The team leaders stay in regular contact with the parents to provide updates on how the group is doing, what activities they’ve done, and where they are. We recognise how important it is for parents to feel confident that their son or daughter is well-prepared and well-supported throughout the journey. That’s why parents are also welcome to attend the pre-departure meetup, where they can get to know the organisation, the supervisors, and other parents.
Volunteer Worldwide has over 20 years of experience in international volunteering and guiding young people abroad. We are fully committed to making sure every trip runs smoothly and safely.
The 17-day trip costs $2779
You pay a $299 deposit upon registration.
Around April/May, you’ll pay for the flight ticket that we book for you.
The final payment is due about six weeks before departure or once the trip is fully booked.
Would you prefer a different payment arrangement? Just get in touch with us to discuss the options.
*All prices are in AUD.
Introduction day for participants and their family/friends
An information brochure with details about the itinerary, volunteer work, handy tips, etc.
Pre-departure support from Volunteer Worldwide (help with your preparations)
Communication from the organisation to parents (to assist with preparations)
Supervision by Dutch/Belgian and local team leaders
Ongoing communication with parents during the trip
Accommodation in hotels/lodges
Meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
All on-site transport (e.g. taxis and buses)
All activities and sightseeing listed in the program
Evaluation session
Certificate (on request)
The option to stay active in our WhatsApp community
Memories for life!
Flight ticket (typically between $1,600- $2,700
Vaccinations and medications (often reimbursed by insurance)
Travel and cancellation insurance (mandatory)
Parental consent form and supporting documents (e.g. birth certificate. Only required for underage participants)
Visa
Personal expenses on location (e.g. souvenirs)
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