Maasai Tribe Community Support
Coordinator | Lauren
Coordinator | Lauren
Book with Flex Option!
Choose new departure dates or change to a different volunteer program at no extra costs.
Highlights
Truly unique experience living as one of the Maasai tribes people
Interact and share your stories and ideas with the local community
Gain valuable insight into local culture & traditions in a beautiful landscape
Help the locals milk the cows and walk to the river with donkeys to fetch the water.
Gain an insight into a real African tribe during your traditional homestay and participate in the many daily activities.
Enjoy this unforgettable and authentic volunteering experience with an African Maasai tribe, immersing yourself in their daily routines and customs.
This volunteer program is especially suitable for:
Age 16+
Singles
Couples
Families
Groups
50+
Instead of just learning about Maasai culture on a tour group- why not be part of it?! This is an incredible opportunity to learn, hands on in a real Maasai village. You can view the Maasai way of life up close, participating in the many daily activities that are typical of the tribe.
During your Maasai Village Homestay, you will be welcomed to stay within their village, gain an understanding of their culture, and participate in the usual daily tasks. Tasks are divided between men and women. The men taking care of and/or selling the tribe’s cattle, while women will be milking the animals, cooking, searching for firewood and looking after the babies. Sometimes they will even construct the houses in the boma (traditional hut).
By living with the Maasai tribe there will be plenty of opportunities to explore Maasai culture in-depth, by interacting and communicating exchanges of ideas and experiences. You will get the chance to try making beadwork with the women in the village or learn how to make Maasai sandals from the men. You could even teach the children in the village some basic English and teach them sports.
The Maasai are proud people, who are trying to preserve their unique culture. African tribes have very distinct characteristics and customs, the Maasai tribe being one of the most symbolic. They live in the Northern and Southern regions in Tanzania and Kenya. The Maasai are known for their nomadic lifestyle (nowadays they settle in a single place after government legislations took over in the 1990’s). Their colourful dress code remains the same though, as does their colourful beaded jewellery, and ancient traditions.
The Maasai people are very traditional in their way of living, with all generations living in under the same roof, which is traditionally known as a boma. They traditionally used to move with their cattle from one grazing ground to another. They still make their income from the animals today, through sales of their cattle and cattle products. The NGO, Oxfam, states that the lifestyle of the Maasai should be considered as a response to climate change because of their ability to farm in deserts and scrublands.
Maasai culture can seem quite different to Westerners. Men can be married to several women depending on how wealthy he is- and this is usually judged by how many cattle he owns! Financially, it makes sense for a Maasai family to have many wives, as a large family means more people to take care of their cattle, cows, goats, sheep, and donkeys.
Due to this project’s remote location and limited local transportation, volunteers may need to stay the first night in Monduli and travel to the village the following morning. Volunteer placements are available in a Maasai village in Arusha, but to increase immersion you may volunteer across various villages.
Location
You will stay in a very simple, traditional, family home in a Maasai Village in Arusha (or surrounding villages). Moita is quite a bit off the beaten path. Located several kilometres away from the main roads near Arusha, there are many smaller towns along the way to this small village. The terrain is rough with patches of grass, bushes, and trees. In the dry season the community of Moita village must walk several kilometres to gather water for cooking, drinking and sometimes for bathing.
Typical day
Volunteering is generally 4-6 hours each day.
Monday
You will receive an introduction to the village, as well as Maasai culture. Get taught useful phrases in Maasai language, that you can practice throughout the week. Moreover, you’ll learn about the lifestyle and customs of the Maasai people with an introduction to their cultural rules and the do’s and don’ts, etc.
After lunch, we will go on a trek through the nearby wilderness that surrounds the village. During this trek, you will be able to see Tanzania’s stunning natural scenery. Visit a local caldera (volcanic crater) and enjoy the lovely views.
Tuesday
The Maasai tribe are well known for their traditional herding so today, it will be all about grazing the livestock! Join a Maasai warrior on his herding activities through the bush (this will involve several hours of walking).
During the dry season (June to October), grazing involves even more work: the closest river to the village gets completely dried up, so the villagers are forced to walk further or dig holes to enable them to get to water that is underground, so their animals can drink – You might be invited to participate in this!
Wednesday
During the morning we will join the local women in the boma and take part in their traditional activities. You can expect get involved in milking cows and walking to the river with donkeys to fetch water.
After lunch, we join a unique workshop where you will be taught how to make your own beaded Maasai jewellery – this is the traditional jewellery the Maasai are symbolic of.
We will end the day with a traditional Tanzanian cooking class lead by one of our hosts. Then enjoy your home cooked dinner afterwards.
Thursday
Today is another day of grazing the animals! Walking through the African bush during grazing can be a real adventure- really get off the beaten path and enjoy this once in a lifetime experience.
Friday
We will take another beautiful hike through the African wilderness and after a few hours of adventure, we will enjoy a picnic with a view over the valley.
In the evening, we will enjoy a bonfire with the villagers, where you will get the chance to hear stories and ancient legends about the Maasai and other local villages.
Free-time activities
Serengeti National Park
Another one for your bucket list and a perfect way to spend your weekend off. The Serengeti is home to an abundance of wildlife, including the big 5 (lion, rhino, leopard, buffalo & elephant). You will also find zebra, wildebeest, giraffes, hippos, baboons, hyenas, ostriches and many more incredible animals. The best way to explore is by camping out in the open or in one of the many lodges. The area is huge, and we recommend at least 2 days here.
Moshi and Mount Kilimanjaro
Moshi is about a two and half hour drive from Monduli and can be easily reached using a “dala dala” or taxi to Arusha and then changing again onto Moshi from there. Moshi is a quiet town with several Western cafes and coffee shops. It is also the closest town to the starting point of the Mount Kilimanjaro trek. On a clear day, you can get excellent views of Kilimanjaro right from the roadside (Tip: Moshi Train Station, which is no longer is use, has fantastic views of Africa’s highest mountain, with locals selling drinks and snacks up the top).
Arusha National Park and Mount Meru
Mount Meru is located in Arusha National Park and is the second largest mountain in Tanzania. If you’re looking to Climb Kilimanjaro ,then Mt Meru can be a great acclimatisation trek, taking you through various types of vegetation. There are also scenic trails around the mountain at ground level. Other attractions include Meru Crater, the Jekukumia River, Ngurdoto Crater and the Momelia Lakes which are known to change colour! You might even find wildlife here including giraffes, warthogs, cape buffaloes, lions, elephants, flamingos and more.
Lake Manyara National Park
If you love bird watching, then head to Lake Manyara during the dry season where pink flamingos flock to the vast lake. During wet season see if you can spot the lions, leopards, hippos, giraffes, zebras, elephants, blue monkeys, gazelles and cheetahs roaming the park.
Kikuletwa Hot Springs
A somewhat ‘secret’ pool of clear blue water, situated in between Arusha and Moshi is the Kikuletwa Hot Springs. The water isn’t actually hot but totally refreshing after the dusty drive getting there. Enjoyed by tourists and locals, this is a beautiful spot for relaxing and swimming in the crystal clear water, surrounded by jungle. There’s even a rope swing into the water for more fun and games. If this wasn’t on your list before, it should be now.
Arusha
Just over an hour’s drive from Monduli, Arusha is a large city in Tanzania which has many Western style eateries, a cinema, Maasai markets, shopping malls, supermarkets and a cultural centre. There are a lot of things to do here and a great way to spend your weekend. Close to the Serengeti, Arusha is a popular starting destination for wildlife safari tours.
Swimming
Sightseeing
Shopping/
Souvenirs
Souvenirs
Climbing
Hiking
Museum/
Opera
Opera
Requirements
In order to join the program you need to be at least 16 years old on the program start date.
You need to speak English (basic level)
No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.
Your helping hand will be required on
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
What's Included
Accommodation
3 meals p/day weekdays / 2 meals p/day weekends
Arrival airport transfer (Sat/Sun arrivals)
Filtered drinking water, coffee & tea
1 day orientation
Daily transportation to project
In country 24/7 support & emergency assistance
Fundraising support
University course credits (where applicable)
Certificate of Completion
Programs begin every Monday, and volunteers are required to arrive the day prior, for orientation before the project. Your accommodation on the Sunday is included in the program fees.
A free airport pickup is included when arriving to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). You must arrive outside the main arrival hall by the following times:
· Saturday: 10:00
· Saturday: 14:00
· Sunday: 10:00
· Sunday: 14:00
If arriving during the pickup times on the Saturday, we charge US$50 for the extra night’s accommodation.
If arriving outside the pickup times on Sunday, you can book a private transfer for US$50.
If arriving during the week, or on Saturday outside of pickup times, we charge US$50 for any extra night’s accommodation before your program, and another US$50 fee for a private transfer.
Alternatively, if arriving early you could wait at the arrival’s terminal for the pickup time, book accommodation at the airport and meet us during the pickup times or make your own way to the project (we will advise on how to do this).
From the airport to the accommodation, it takes 2-2.5 hours by car.
For Maasai projects: Due to the remote location of this program and limited local transportation, volunteers may need to stay the first night in Monduli and travel the next morning to the village. Additionally, placements are in a Maasai village in Arusha, but to increase immersion you may get spread across various villages.
Expect a ‘back to nature’ and very simple accommodation during your stay here. You will sleep in a local homestay which may include a traditional house made from wood, sticks, cow dung and clay-soil. The Maasai mostly live without any electricity, and although some houses have recently put up solar cells, it should not be something to expect. There is no running tap water and no western toilets. Expect squat toilets and the occasional showering is only done by using a bucket. All volunteers are asked to be environmentally considerate and to use all resources with extreme restraint, particularly water, paper, and electricity. This accommodation is located in a Maasai village in Arusha, but for more cultural immersion you may be placed in various surrounding villages.
There are no ATM machines nearby. The village is about 45 minutes from an ATM, bank and post office and there are local shops around one and a half to two hours away.
You will be provided 3 meals per day on the weekdays, and 2 meals per day on weekends.
Meals are usually in the local cuisine and consist of a lot of corn, rice, potatoes, and bananas. Beef, goat meat, beans, and a few green leafy vegetables make up your daily nutritional meals. There are no shops within walking distance, so if you are a picky eater or have certain food requirements then we advise you to pick up supplies from Monduli or Arusha. Just be aware that there is no refrigeration available.
Sorry, no access at the project site
Visa, flights, travel insurance or vaccinations are NOT included in the program fees.
The nearest airport is Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) in Kilimanjaro. We assist you to find cheap flights to Tanzania.
Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Tanzania provides security and is a plus to have.
If you are intending to volunteer in Tanzania you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Tanzania.
Dates & Fees
NO CREDIT CARD FEES
Details on arrival
Program starts every Monday. Arrivals on Sat/ Sun. If arriving on Sat, an extra night is charged.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
1 - 20 weeks
Program fees
1 week
(min. stay)
$670
2 weeks
$720
3 weeks
$940
4 weeks
$1,150
8 weeks
$2,050
12 weeks
$2,975
20 weeks
(max. stay)
$4,295
Average fees
$442
/week
Please note that the above shown program fees are estimated.
Involvement Volunteers IVI
will let you know about the final price during your application process.
The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.
Your final payment will be agreed with Involvement Volunteers IVI during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.
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Maasai Tribe Community Support
Enjoy this unforgettable and authentic volunteering experience with an African Maasai tribe, immersing yourself in their daily routines and customs.
$442/week
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