Medical Volunteering in Tanzania: Programs, Requirements, & How to Apply

Posted By Hostel Hoff  
23/02/2026
10:09 am

Medical volunteer opportunities are vast and require people from all over the world to help those in need improve their lives. Tanzania is a very beautiful place, and you will enjoy your time here. Volunteering will not just help people in Tanzania; you will also gain a lot of life experience through this volunteering opportunity. 

What Is Medical Volunteering in Tanzania?

Any work related to medical care in Tanzania, including at hospitals and other healthcare facilities, can be considered medical volunteering. You can assist in educating patients, hygiene workshops, basic health screenings, and support local health workers in issues like Malaria, HIV/AIDS, and maternal healthcare. 

Anyone with a background in the medical sector, such as medical students, doctors, nurses, midwives, and laboratory technologists. The medical sector involves treating others, so some experience is required. 

Why Choose Tanzania for Medical Volunteering?

Volunteering in Tanzania is a very good opportunity to understand people, their lifestyles, and their cultures. Also, if you like to travel and explore new places, then Tanzania is for you. Tanzania is a hub of natural elements. 

With safaris, beaches, and hiking on Mt Kilimanjaro, Tanzania is a very beautiful place. You can go on these trips in small groups. In Serengeti forests, you will get to see the tree-climbing lions, huge elephant herds, and rhinos in Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s 8th natural wonder. You can choose a 4-6 day safari trip, which is the most common trip volunteers choose. 

Mt Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest mountain, is right at the foot of Tanzania. Generally, the mountain hike takes 6-8 days, and hiking on this mountain is one of the best experiences both seasoned trekkers and first-timers will enjoy. 

Zanzibar, an island off the coast of Africa, can be reached from Moshi in 1 hour by plane, by bus, or by a short ferry ride. You can try sunbathing, snorkelling, and diving on the island. Stone Town, a town rich in history and cultural diversity, is home to local shops and artisans.

At Hostel Hoff, we can help you find the best volunteering opportunities in Tanzania and also arrange short trips. Volunteering in Tanzania, exploring the nearby places, and all this for a small amount of money is just the opportunity you need. 

Types of Medical Volunteer Programs in Tanzania

The healthcare volunteering in Tanzania is primarily based in Moshi, Arusha, and Zanzibar. The medical volunteer programs offer hands-on experience in nursing, midwifery, dentistry, physiotherapy, paediatrics, and HIV/AIDS, in which both medical students and experienced individuals can participate.

  • The volunteers get to work in government and private hospitals, as well as other healthcare centres, assisting with tasks such as patient consultations, triage, and wound care. 
  • You can volunteer in the maternal wards, supporting the local staff. You will provide prenatal care, assist with deliveries, and provide postnatal care.
  • In nursing volunteer opportunities, you will assist in various departments, including paediatrics, emergency care, and surgery. 
  • You will find opportunities in specialised areas such as physiotherapy, orthopaedics, nutrition, and ophthalmology.
  • You will also work in educating, testing, and supporting the patients with HIV/AIDS. 
  • You will also explore volunteering in educating people about basic nutrition and hygiene. 
  • You will find many medical opportunities in Tanzania, and we can help you find the best one for you to volunteer

Eligibility and Requirements for Medical Volunteers

There are many roles in the medical sector in Tanzania. From observer positions to specialised roles, Tanzania has a place for everyone. You can start at 17-18 years old, and some other programs may require experienced professionals. It is mandatory to have experience in the medical sector to participate in medical volunteer opportunities in Tanzania. You need to be a nursing or medical student, a pre-med student, a nurse, or a qualified physician. 

Here is the list of required documents you need to have with you:

  • Resume or CV
  • Criminal Background Check
  • Passport Copy
  • Proof of your qualifications
  • Motivation letter

Roles and Responsibilities of Medical Volunteers

Healthcare volunteering in Tanzania generally works alongside local doctors, experts, nurses, and midwives in hospitals and healthcare facilities. The roles and responsibilities of a medical volunteer in Tanzania include the following:

  • Supporting the local staff with some daily tasks like recording the patient histories, checking the blood pressure, and managing the daily cases.
  • Working as a shadow to local doctors in Tanzania to understand healthcare facilities there. 
  • Conducting healthcare checkup camps in different regions and educating the community about the basics of healthcare and nutrition.
  • Assisting with administrative work, such as maintaining patient records.

How to Apply for Medical Volunteering in Tanzania

To apply for medical volunteering in Tanzania, contact the staff and fill out their Hostel Hoff online enquiry form. You can also email them and ask your query. 

Medical volunteer programs Tanzania are the best way to visit, and medical volunteering will add a lot of valuable experience to your profile. Hence, the best way to learn about Tanzania’s culture and traditions is to volunteer. This way, you can open the door to a lot of good things in the world.