Volunteer Program with Tanzanian Elephant Foundation

Tanzanian Elephant Foundation (TEF) is a small non-profit founded in 2019 and based in Moshi (Kilimanjaro region, about 1 hour from Arusha). TEF focuses on elephant conservation and human-elephant coexistence through research, community-based mitigation (like beehive fences), and education.

Their work directly involves areas near Mkomazi National Park — perfect if you're connecting this to your earlier interest in Mkomazi Rhino Sanctuary.

Main Areas of Work Elephant Research & Monitoring:

Camera trapping
demographic studies (building elephant ID databases)
GPS collaring to track movements
surveys of how elephants interact with communities

They work in Mkomazi National Park, Arusha National Park, Enduimet WMA, Tarangire, and the Mkomazi-Tsavo ecosystem.

Human-Elephant Conflict Mitigation: Building and maintaining beehive fences to protect crops, beekeeping training, honey harvesting, and non-lethal methods to reduce crop raiding and conflicts.

Conservation Education & Outreach: School programs, community talks, park visits, and fun activities like "soccer for conservation." Field sites include Kisiwani village (right next to Mkomazi National Park) for beehive fences, plus other villages near protected areas.

Duration 2 - 12 weeks, flexible

Volunteer Program Details TEF runs an active, hands-on volunteer program for people passionate about wildlife. No prior experience is required — just dedication and enthusiasm.

Age: 18–65 years.

Cost: $700 per week.

What you'll do (mix of office and field work):

Orientation in the first week. Camera trap deployment/checks, image analysis, elephant ID work, GPS collaring support (e.g., helping during procedures). Building/repairing/maintaining beehive fences, beekeeping tasks, honey processing. Assisting with school education sessions, community outreach, and awareness events. Office support in Moshi when not in the field.

Schedule: Typically, 8 am–5 pm, 5 days a week (office), but field work can include weekends/holidays depending on the project.

Location base: Moshi town (office), with field trips to project sites including Mkomazi area.

Volunteers often share exciting stories like participating in elephant collaring in Mkomazi or setting up camera traps. 83527a Volunteers must follow a code of conduct (respect, equipment care, privacy, etc.).

How to Apply Visit the official volunteer page: https://www.tef.or.tz/volunteer-program/

Go to the application form:

https://www.tef.or.tz/tanzanian-elephant-foundation-volunteer-program-application/

Fill in your details (name, contact, why you want to join, etc.) and submit.

Once placement is confirmed, book your flight to Kilimanjaro Airport — TEF will pick you up.

Included services:

Airport pickup/drop-off (Kilimanjaro International Airport)
Field accommodation & meals
Field transportation
Lectures
Internet during field/office time
Certificate of appreciation

Recommended travel period:

January - March, June to December

Excluded services:

International flightstr
Travel insurance
Meals/accommodation while based in Moshi town (they'll advise on affordable options)
Personal expenses

Image source: LCC The Rickshaw Travels
Image source: LCC The Rickshaw Travels
Image source: LCC The Rickshaw Travels
Image source: LCC The Rickshaw Travels
Image source: LCC The Rickshaw Travels
Image source: LCC The Rickshaw Travels
Image source: LCC The Rickshaw Travels
Image source: LCC The Rickshaw Travels