In December 2002 the International Mountain Explorer's Connection (then named Himalayan Explorers Connection) opened an office in Moshi, Tanzania at the base of Mt. Kilimanjaro, the tallest mountain in Africa. Soon after the Kilimanjaro Porter Assistance Project (KPAP) opened, it became clear that the Kilimanjaro region needed a handbook similar to our successful guide to volunteering in Nepal.

As a result, we are proud to present the Kilimanjaro Volunteer Handbook. With the Kilimanjaro Handbook, IMEC will now be able offer insight into the volunteer environment in Tanzania. Tanzania is one of the fastest-growing and most stable countries in Africa. With a large network of local and internationally based aid organizations, it is an ideal country in which to seek out a volunteer opportunity.

Because IMEC's work involves mountain communities, we have chosen to focus on organizations that operate in the Kilimanjaro region. Therefore, you will notice that the different NGOs listed in this handbook work primarily in the northern region of Tanzania, around the towns of Moshi and Arusha.

The Handbook offers potential volunteers everything they will need to know about volunteering in Tanzania, including a personal skills assessment, background on the history of foreign assistance in Tanzania, tips for ensuring a worthwhile experience, and information on over 50 volunteer leads.

The Handbook is available for download in MS Word at no cost to IMEC members (please contact us if you need a text version). A printed version is also available for IMEC members for $10 (to cover printing and shipping/handling expenses). Nonmembers of the IMEC can join by calling (303)998-0101 or by joining online.

Note: This download is available for IMEC members only.