Gap year ideas: volunteering in Tanzania

Maasai International Challenge Africa is a non-profit organization specializing in arranging volunteering in Tanzania. Working with local nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) participants in a volunteering program have a unique opportunity to learn about the culture, people and language of the country while making great use of their skills in a worthwhile capacity.
Participants from many different countries are adults aged 18 years plus. Their genuine desire to be effective volunteers, friendly and sociable attitudes and independence enable them to undertake meaningful jobs that make a real difference in Tanzanian society.
Skills / Qualifications 
There are no specific qualifications needed to join the English-teaching project in Tanzania. However, interns are expected to be fluent in English. Teaching experience will be helpful (but not required).
About Tanzania
Tanzania was formed in 1964 when the newly independent countries of Zanzibar and Tanganyika merged. Bordered by Uganda and Kenya to the north, Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia lie to the south. Burundi, Rwanda and the Congo are to the west. Among the east coast islands, which include Pemba and Mafia, the island of Zanzibar is a popular tourist destination.
With a total surface area of 886,037 square kilometers, Tanzania&#8217;s landscape is diverse and its people are warm, friendly and welcoming. Visitors can enjoy the picturesque and peaceful beaches around Zanzibar and find that, in a matter of hours, they can be exploring ancient ruins, climbing the misty slopes in the Southern Highlands or trekking through barren landscapes with a Masai warrior guide.
Travelers have many options here and the northern safari circuit, which has many restaurants and hotels, has sealed main roads, so Global Adventure Safaris are worth exploring.
About the volunteering program
On the first and third Monday of every month a new program begins. Participants arrive at Dar es Salaam or Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA) the previous Sunday and are driven either to the coordinator&#8217;s house or to volunteer quarters. The first few days are spent getting to know the area and being briefed about Tanzania&#8217;s local customs and way of life. Information about the Swahili language and the country&#8217;s religions and cultures helps volunteers to get a clear picture of their new environment.
Work options
There are many different kinds of volunteer work available, depending on participants&#8217; interests and areas of expertise. With a focus on healthcare, volunteers can take on a medical or healthcare internship, or work with a HIV/AIDS Project. Those interested in education can opt for teaching English in a women&#8217;s project or work at the English boarding school. Orphanages always have need of voluntary help and the Pamoja Project and the Legal Aid Project specialize in raising awareness of HIV/AIDS and the legal and international human rights issues pertaining to widows and orphans of men who have died from AIDS/HIV.
Food and accommodation
Volunteers in Tanzania are placed in accommodation in shared rooms in volunteer houses, and sometimes with host families. Sanitary facilities tend to be shared with other volunteers and it is worth noting that the showers are not always hot. Tanzanian food is delicious and includes seafood and vegetarian dishes, as well as chicken and other meats.
Program costs
Volunteering costs depend on the length of the program and range from 400 dollars for two weeks up to 900 dollars for 12 weeks. This fee includes the airport pick-up and introduction days (although not for the boarding school), accommodation and board during the entire stay. Volunteers are supplied with a manual and have the assistance of a locally based coordinator.

[http://www.micatz.org/  gorilla safaris and Cultural Safaris & Holidays in Maasai Mara]