Volunteering in Tanzania

History
Tanzania is home to some of the oldest human settlements unearthed by archaeologists, including fossils of early humans found in and around Olduvai Gorge in northern Tanzania, an area often referred to as "The Cradle of Mankind". These fossils include Paranthropus bones thought to be over 2 million years old, and the oldest known footprints of the immediate ancestors of humans, the Laetoli footprints, estimated to be about 3.6 million years old. Shortly after achieving independence from Britain in the early 1960s, Tanganyika and Zanzibar merged to form the nation of Tanzania in 1964. One-party rule came to an end in 1995 with the first democratic elections held in the country since the 1970s. Zanzibar's semi-autonomous status and popular opposition have led to two contentious elections since 1995, which the ruling party won despite international observers' claims of voting irregularities.

Politics
Tanzania's president and National Assembly members are elected concurrently by direct popular vote for five-year terms. The president appoints a prime minister who serves as the government's leader in the National Assembly. The president selects his cabinet from among National Assembly members. The Constitution also empowers him to nominate ten non-elected members of Parliament, who also are eligible to become cabinet members. Elections for president and all National Assembly seats were held in December 2005. The current president is Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete and Prime Mister Edward Lowassa

Climate
The climate in Tanzania is primarily tropical and with the constant heat, it's the ideal holiday destination. The hottest month tends to occur in January to March. Although you may wish to avoid Tanzania from March through to June, as their rainy season can make the unpaved roads difficult to drive across.

Natural resources
hydropower, tin, phosphates, iron ore, coal, diamonds, gemstones, gold, natural gas, nickel

People & Culture
Tanzania represents over 120 cultures, most popular would include the Swahili and Maasai. The Maasai tribe is recognised by the amount of jewellery they wear and the vast array of tattoos on their bodies With Tanzania's diverse cultures, the different groups choose to express themselves through a wide range of music and tribal dances. A large part of the Swahili 's social life is made up from Taarab music, which can be heard mostly in the coastal areas Also popular with the tourists is the vast amount of bold patterened fabric which can be found in most markets.

• Ngorongoro CraterTourist Attraction
• Serengeti National ParkTourist Attraction