Love to Travel? ✅ Love Dogs? ✅ Volunteer in Tanzania 😍

What Do I Have To Do?

"Mbwa wa Africa" ​​means "African dog" in Swahili, and is also the name of where you will spend for your stay.

The shelter employs full-time locals to work there and take care of sick animals and perform surgeries, etc. Which means the tasks given to volunteers are pretty easygoing, with the goal being to socialize the animals as much as possible to make them ready for adoption.

So, in a nutshell, your job is to play with the animals. SIGN. US. UP.

The criteria for being a volunteer:

• Must be over 18

• Speak a correct level of English or German

• Be available for at least 2 weeks

• Of course, you must love animals!

You usually work from 9am to 5pm and have 1 to 2 days off per week depending on the projects in progress. But, I promise, it's much nicer than a regular job! While the morning is mostly devoted to walking the dogs, in the afternoon, you help the staff and stay on site to cuddle the animals - among other things - pure bliss! And believe me, there's plenty to do!

Some of the tasks/missions you might be asked to do:

• Walking the dogs in the surrounding nature

• Participate in their socialization

• Help with their grooming

• Feed the animals

• Monitor animal health and identify any health problems or conditions

Of course, if you are a dog trainer, veterinarian, or if you have another role in this field, you may be given more advanced tasks!

My Personal Experience

I enjoyed this experience so much that I ended up adopting a dog! Be careful, you might end up doing the same!

But who goes to Tanzania to take care of dogs and cats, right? Well, in Tanzania, thousands of animals are on the streets, sometimes vulnerable, injured, or dying. These are the animals that the Mbwa Wa Africa shelter is trying to save as a priority. And without the invaluable help of its volunteers from all over the world, it would be difficult to save so many animals. This scheme is a great option for people who want to explore somewhere new, on a budget.

When I arrived, I was taken care of by the two founders: Sandra and Jens, two Germans who dedicate their lives to these animals. Very quickly, I was in charge of several walks. This is when I got to know the different dogs. Between the puppies, the new arrivals, and those who live at the shelter, I was struggling to recall all of their names, but loved every minute of it!

After a few days, I even started to have my favorites. And then, little by little, I started to have more and more missions and responsibilities. I spent my days outside, in the magnificent landscapes of Tanzania. I will always remember the day I saw a gazelle leaving the shelter… Just like that, in front of me!

In the evenings, I would take a piki (a motorbike taxi) and go meet other volunteers, do some shopping (I love the maxi avocados for 30 cents) or spend my evening in the incredible restaurants. On my days off, I took the opportunity to discover Tanzanian life and go on safaris.

Also, Arusha is not that far and you can see Mount Meru all the way. The getaways are very affordable and nearby, plus it is easy to have a social life. At the end of my volunteering I went by train to Dar Es Salaam, then I spent two weeks in Zanzibar, which allowed me to discover even more of the country. And, as a little bonus, the refuge has a special agreement so that volunteers can go on exceptional safaris with good service providers (the costs are the responsibility of the volunteer, but it is an incredible experience!).

Of course there are also some disadvantages, the first being that there's a chance you could completely fall for one of the survivors and return to Europe with them even if it was NOT AT ALL in your plans.

Then, the time required for your missions will have to fit into a daily life that also allows you to enjoy local life, this requires an ability to adapt and some organizational skills. And finally, you must not be afraid of being dirty, because with dozens of dogs, cats, goats, etc. You will not be spared in cuddles, even on rainy days!

How Do I Apply?

If you're interested go to this link below and fill out the form. You will then be put in contact with the team on site who will give you all the information you need to know!

Mbwa Wa Africa is a small shelter that is still growing, it now has a house for volunteers next to the shelter!

Two people can share a room and meals will be provided. As such, the program is paid with a weekly rate (decreasing according to the duration) and an entrance fee of $130. The money is used to house you, feed you, but also to participate in the life of the shelter. It is a small structure, so you will see the benefit of your contribution directly on site. Life on site is very affordable and you will not have any additional expenses to make on a daily basis.

The refuge comes to pick you up directly at the airport. It is located about 45 minutes from Kilimanjaro International Airport. Super simple!

And finally, if you would like to help, but are not yet available to travel to Tanzania, you can support them by donating directly to the shelter on their website.