Tanzania

We're based in Iringa, a wonderfully friendly town in set in the stunning landscape of the southern highlands, the very heart of safari country. Colourful indigenous cultures still thrive here as they have done for centuries - even the security staff at our houses are Masai warriors!

The country's largest National Park, Ruaha, is just a couple of hours from town, which means you can finish work on Friday and be spotting big game in a safari camp before sunset! Closer to the house there are fantastic opportunities for horse riding or volunteering at a local orphanage.

Programme Director Baptista Filipatali has worked with us since 2007 and overseen more than 800 healthcare student placements. Hugely respected in the hospitals and always with a beaming smile, Baptista and his team are there to make your stay as safe, rewarding and enjoyable as possible.

Being one of the safest regions in Tanzania, yet well off the beaten track, Iringa is great for first-time visitors to Africa who want to be more than just casual tourists. Our long-standing hospital partnerships offer fantastic work experience opportunities and traditional tribal practices add very interesting cultural and ethical dimensions to the learning experience.

Facilities in the town are fairly basic, but there are a few Internet cafes, ATMs and a coffee shop that does amazing banana cake! More than anything though, what stands about about Iringa is the warmth and openness of its people... until you put them on the football pitch that is, Gap Medics staff vs students matches can get quite competitive!