Make a lasting impact in local Tanzanian communities
Fill the Gap Years Travel Foundation
At FIGY Travel, we are rethinking what travel can be. Our programmes in Tanzania offer a sustainable and affordable way to experience life beyond the tourist trail, supporting local businesses and engaging with communities on their terms. By combining cultural immersion with ethical travel, we create opportunities for meaningful connection, shared stories, and positive change within the travel industry.
Travel alongside others who share your values, while supporting communities and experiencing Tanzania in a way few travellers do.
Experience rural life firsthand by joining local farming communities and sharing in their traditions. Work alongside smallholders, exchanging knowledge and ideas on crop growing and livestock care. Collaborate with schools on agricultural projects that support student meals and generate income for education. Take part in open conversations with community groups about the benefits of sustainable land use.
Support schools in ways that add to children’s learning. Work with teachers on subject programmes, share ideas and exchange skills. When classes allow, bring creativity into the school day by organising games, sports or small events. Take part in music, dance and lively debates with students, joining as a guest and gaining new perspectives from their energy and ideas.
Gain practical experience in healthcare while working alongside local professionals. Support dispensaries and exchange knowledge with staff. Join community visits in rural areas to assist with patient care. Contribute to the work of nearby hospitals or take part in wellbeing activities in schools.
Our partner Stichting Support Schoolfees has already funded 2,754 projects led and run by local communities.
We believe the most lasting change comes through partnership. Our work is about connecting people across cultures and supporting ideas that can grow into something sustainable within local communities. When you join as a volunteer or intern, you become part of that exchange, learning as much as you contribute. Together we create opportunities for growth, understanding and shared progress.
Some of the work we have already done:
"I spent 5 weeks volunteering in schools in the Mwanza area. I helped with teaching, including English classes. The teachers and students are super nice and sweet and very grateful for the volunteers' help. Every day I enjoyed going back to school! Besides going to school, there is also room for other activities such as a safari or visiting villages. All in all, this is an experience never to forget!"
Our volunteers often return with amazing stories of personal growth and meaningful connections with the communities they serve.
This section showcases the voices of our volunteers, offering a glimpse into their experiences on our trips. Read on to see what one volunteer had to say about their time in Tanzania with us!
Stay at our stunning Mwanza Lake View Farm, a small-scale eco lodge with breathtaking views of Lake Victoria and Saanane National Park.
Find answers to your questions about FIGY Travel and our volunteer programmes in Mwanza, Tanzania.
FIGY Travel Foundation is a volunteer travel foundation that provides opportunities for people to volunteer in Mwanza, Tanzania through volunteer programmes.
For now, FIGY Travel only offers Teaching volunteer programmes. We will soon expand with our Medical and Agriculture volunteer program.
The length of a FIGY Travel program depends on the specific program, but they typically last from a few weeks to several months.
You can apply for a FIGY Travel program on our website through the "Apply Now" page.
Excluded in the program are: flight ticket, VISA costs and application, vaccination(s), malaria medication, tips, souvenirs, alcoholic beverages in our bar, add-ons such as safari.
The purpose of FIGY Travel Foundation is to make a difference in Tanzania by getting more people involved in volunteering and helping to shape the future of the community through one of our programmes.
Anyone who is interested in volunteering and making a difference in Tanzania can participate in FIGY Travel programmes. We also offer internship programmes for Universities. Contact us through the application form.
A FIGY Travel program typically includes accommodation, meals, transportation, and support from our team in Mwanza, Tanzania.
A FIGY Travel program typically includes delicious meals, beautiful accommodation at our Mwanza Lake View Farm, most of the transport during your travel, Wi-fi, in-country support, an English speaking guide, room cleaning and certain activities.
Prior teaching experience is not required for the teaching volunteer program, but some experience or affinity may be helpful.
Get involved and make a difference: join our team and volunteer abroad.
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