Discover Tanzania your way — travel, volunteer, or combine both.
Whether you’re looking for volunteering in Arusha or an unforgettable travel experience in Tanzania, we’re here to make your journey meaningful. As a Swiss-Tanzanian organization, we offer personalized support and a dedicated team to ensure a smooth and rewarding stay. Discover Tanzanian culture, explore its breathtaking landscapes and wildlife and/or gain valuable hands-on experience through a meaningful volunteer experience that makes a real impact. Make your time in Tanzania truly special!
What Makes Us Special
Connecting Cultures
As a Tanzanian–Swiss team living and working in Tanzania, we combine local knowledge with international standards, for a smooth and authentic experience.
Personal & Flexible
Whether you travel, volunteer, or combine both, we help you find what fits you best. We work closely with local projects and personally support you throughout your stay.
Real Experiences
We focus on genuine connections and meaningful moments. You engage with local people, culture, and everyday life, beyond typical tourist experiences.
What we Offer
Volunteering
We offer you the opportunity to volunteer in meaningful projects, gain insight into how things work in Tanzania, and exchange knowledge and experiences.
Travelling
Opengate helps you create a personalized trip that matches your wishes and expectations. Experience Tanzania up close - its culture, nature, and people - and make unforgettable memories.
Accommodation
Stay with us at Open Gate House and enjoy a comfortable and welcoming stay in our cozy home with a beautiful garden, located in a safe and peaceful neighborhood.
Experiences from our Travellers & Volunteers
Der beste Weg um Tansania und seine Kultur kennenzulernen
Für 6 Wochen war ich als Volunteer in Arusha tätig.
Mit Michelle und ihrer Organisation habe ich jemand gefunden, der mir vorab, als ich die Reise nach Tansania plante, immer zur Seite stand, meine Fragen innert kurzer Zeit beantwortete und mir beim Planen half. Ich fühlte mich zu jeder Zeit in Arusha gut aufgehoben und sicher. Michelle und Nelson empfingen mich herzlich und schon nach kurzer Zeit fühlte ich mich in Arusha zu Hause. Durch meine Arbeit in der Ladder Yetu Fondation, einer Daycare, war ich schnell mit Locals in Kontakt und konnte viel vom Leben in Tansania/Arusha lernen. Michelle begleitete mich am ersten Tag in die Daycare und erkundigte sich während meines ganzen Aufenthalt immer wieder wie es in der Daycare geht. Dadurch fühlte ich mich nie alleine. Durch die Daytrips welche von Michelle organisiert und von Prince geführt wurden, konnte ich an meinen freien Tagen viel von Arusha und der Umgebung sehen. Ebenfalls Michelle und Nelson zeigten mir viel von Arusha und lokale Restaurants. Das ist nicht selbstverständlich und schätzte ich sehr.
Um Tansania, seine Kultur und das Leben dort kennenzulernen würde ich immer wieder OGV weiterempfehlen, da es eine kleine und persönliche Organisation ist und Michelle ihre Arbeit mit Herzblut macht.
Danke für die unvergessliche Zeit und die Freundschaften die dadurch entstanden sind. Bis Bald in Arusha!
Volunteering in Arusha for six month as a cuple
We were a couple in Arusha for six months with Open Gate. We worked on two different projects. For the first three months we stayed with a host family. This time gave us a lot of deep insights into the culture and life in Tanzania. The organization was very good and we felt in good hands right from the start. Working on the Avurefa project was a good experience, even if not everything went well. This is certainly one of the circumstances that you have to deal with in Tanzania. For the next three months we lived in the guesthouse and worked at the Peace School. Michelle and Nicole supported us well the whole time. All of our questions were always answered very quickly and if there were any problems, Michelle took care of them immediately. The excursions and safari were well organized.
All in all it was a very good experience and we thank you for accompanying us on this trip.
Volunteer Stay at OpenGate
I had a wonderful and very memorable time in arusha at the opengate volunteer hostel. Nicole and Michelle welcomed me with open arms and they both made me feel at home immediately. Everything was organized perfectly by Michelle and i could always contact her whenever i had questions. I really enjoyed volunteering at Peace School, especially playing and doing craft projects with the younger students. The neighborhood of the opengate hostel was also very safe and the people so nice and kind. Michelle also organized several trips for me and especially the safari was an exceptional experience. I will never forget this amazing time in Arusha and i am so grateful to Michelle and Nicole.
10/10 can recommend😊💯
Volunteering in Arusha
Volunteering with children at the local school was an incredibly rewarding and truly unforgettable experience. Spending time with them, supporting their daily activities, and sharing simple yet meaningful moments allowed me to connect deeply with their reality. Experiencing the local culture so closely makes you feel not just like a tourist, but part of something much more genuine and authentic. Being able to contribute, even in a small way, and seeing the children’s smiles was truly heartwarming and something I will always cherish.