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| Q. |
How is the climate in Tanzania? |
| Ans. |
Tanzania lies directly on the equator and elevations vary from sea level at the coast to 7,000+ ft. Generally, the days are warm and pleasant and the nights are cool. Summer clothes are worn throughout the year. In some areas, nights can be chilly. In the northern region, days are quite hot. The coast is hot and humid.
There are two rainy seasons; the long rains in April and May and the short rains in November and December. The hottest periods are from January to March and August to November. The coldest months are in July and the beginning of August. Average temperatures in Tanzania range from10 Celsius to 35 Celsius. |
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| Q. |
What vaccinations/immunizations are required? |
| Ans. |
where yellow fever is present you will need to take a yellow fever vaccination. Several vaccinations are highly recommended, they include:
• Yellow Fever
• Typhoid
• Hepatitis A & B
• Polio
• Diphtheria
• Tetanus
• Rabies
• Meningitis
• Cholera
• Tuberculosis
Contact your doctor several weeks before you travel and seek advice regarding the vaccinations to take. |
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| Q. |
What about malaria in Tanzania? |
| Ans. |
Make sure your doctor knows you are traveling to Tanzania (don't just say Africa) so she can prescribe the right anti-malarial medication. Malaria prevention medication should be taken according to your doctor’s instructions before, during and after a visit to affected areas. Malaria is a serious tropical disease, which is spread by night-biting mosquitoes which transmit a parasite. Avoiding getting bitten is important and usually the most effective means to prevent the disease.
Long sleeved shirts and trousers should be worn in the evenings and insect repellent can be used in areas with mosquitoes. If the area you are volunteering has mosquitoes, use a mosquito net at night. The most effective are those treated with an insect repellent.
It is important to treat malaria as soon as symptoms arise. Its symptoms include chills, fevers, headache, nausea and vomiting. If you suspect you have malaria, see a doctor as soon as possible even if you have the treatment for malaria with you so that a correct diagnosis can be made.
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| Q. |
How is the Tanzanian food? |
| Ans. |
Foods served during your volunteer period include traditional Tanzania foods like ugali and sukuma wiki (corn meal and greens), githeri (maize and beans), irio as well as chapatis. Tanzanian meals also consist of other universal dishes such as beef, fish, rice and pasta.
French fries, burgers, sandwiches etc are available in restaurants and hotels. Breakfast usually consists of bread, eggs and at times bacon, sausage, and baked beans. Fruits and vegetables are plenty in Tanzania and feature frequently in menu preparations. Tanzanian-grown coffee and tea are common beverages. Dessert is generally not served in homes.
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| Q. |
Is it safe to drink the tap water in Tanzania? |
| Ans. |
It is generally recommended that you drink bottled water during your volunteer stay in Tanzania both in Arusha/Dar es Salam and whilst upcountry or on a safari. You can buy bottled water from any supermarket and most shops in Tanzania.
The most common water-borne diseases in Tanzania are typhoid, cholera and dysentery. Other less common ones include gastroenteritis, amoebiasis and dysentery. |
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| Q. |
Is it safe to volunteer in Tanzania? |
| Ans. |
Tanzania is one of the safest countries in Africa. We ensure you are placed in safe environment and you will be very well looked after while volunteering in Tanzania. The Tanzanian people are very warm and friendly towards foreigners. |
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| Q. |
What other safety issues should I be aware of? |
| Ans. |
There is real poverty in Tanzania and you are likely to be more fortunate than most local people you meet. You will probably attract souvenir hawkers as well as street children and beggars in smaller towns. Be sure to take some precautions such as:
• Have a copy of your passport and keep it in your luggage.
• Do not walk on your own at night in the major cities.
• Do not wear jewelery.
• Do not carry a lot of cash with you.
• Do not carry a lot of camera equipment.
• Wear a money belt that fits under your clothes.
More safety issues will be discussed at your orientation.
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| Q. |
What clothing is appropriate? Any cultural restrictions? |
| Ans. |
Bring along some comfortable, casual and semi-casual clothing: sweat shirts, shorts, jeans, skirts and any other clothing that you would ordinarily wear. Include warm clothing for nights, especially if you volunteer in July and August. Avoid flashy items.
When out in the community, it is good to follow local etiquette. Female volunteers need to wear pants and/or long skirts. Dressing in Arusha/Dar es Salam is quite liberal. However, approach it with cultural sensitivity in mind and you will be fine. Please ask when you are not sure what is and is not appropriate.
Footwear can be hiking boots, old sports shoes or open-toed sandals. |
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| Q. |
What do I need to pack? |
| Ans. |
Volunteers need to bring their own towels, face towels and other personal effects. Volunteers are responsible for their own laundry.
It is safe to bring your laptop, cameras, video cameras, hair dryers, shavers and other electrical products.
Other suggested items:
• Malaria tablets; consult your doctor for suggestions
• Adapter plugs and converters for electrical appliances
• Good walking shoes (running/tennis shoes are fine) and sandals
• Moisturizing cream and suntan lotion
• Insect repellent (e.g. Tabard, Rid, Jungle Juice, OFF, etc.)
• Basic medical kit (e.g. aspirins, plasters, Immodium, antiseptic cream, and Anti-histamine cream, etc.)
• Remember your visas, tickets, passports, money, etc. |
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| Q. |
What about the electricity supply for laptops, hairdryers etc? |
| Ans. |
Before traveling to Tanzania, you need to know the type of electric plug and socket in your destination and also the voltage of the electric power, the frequency (Hertz) and any special requirements like fuses or earth connections that may interfere with the use of your equipment.
The electricity supply in Tanzania is 220/240 volts/50 Hz (240V 50 Hz D & G). The electric sockets are three-pin square (British-type).
Remember that simple adapters do not convert voltage or frequency. Incorrect use may keep you from using your equipment, damage it and even cause personal injuries. Using a plug adapter just changes the shape of the prongs. Countries with different voltages and frequencies may use similar plugs. Check to need if you need a power converter and not simply a plug adapter. |
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| Q. |
Do I need a visa to enter Tanzania? |
| Ans. |
Most visitors to Tanzania need to obtain a visa including Europeans, Americans and nationals from Commonwealth countries such as New Zealand, Canada, Australia, and the UK. Volunteers need to obtain a tourist visa to enter Tanzania. Visas are valid for three months from the date of entry and can be purchased upon arrival at Dar es Salam International Airport for $50.
You can also get a visa before you travel from Tanzanian diplomatic missions overseas. You should apply well in advance, especially if you are doing it by mail.
A single-entry Tanzania visa costs USD50 for 3 months.
If you are planning on visiting just Tanzania, a single-entry visa is all you need. If your travel plans include visiting Uganda or Tanzania to climb Mount Kilimanjaro or visit the Serengeti, then you will need a multiple-entry visa if you wish to re-enter Tanzania again. |
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| Q. |
Are credit cards accepted in Tanzania? |
| Ans. |
Major credit cards such as MasterCard and Visa are accepted. American Express, Discover, Solo, Switch and Diners Club are often not accepted. ATMs will mostly accept MasterCard, Visa and Visa Electron cards.
Major credit cards are accepted at supermarkets and expensive restaurants and hotels. However, it is advisable to carry some cash. |
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| Q. |
How do I pay for my program? |
| Ans. |
You can pay for your program online by going to
you can also make payments by wire transfer to our bank account. Ask us for more details.
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