Tanzania Volunteer Vacation FAQs
Global Volunteers began working in Tanzania in 1987. We work at the invitation and under the direction of the Evangelical Lutheran Chuch of Tanzania to supplement meager local resources. Global Volunteers' commitment is to support comprehensive community development under the direction of local leaders -- ensuring that volunteer teams serve the community-at-large. Working in partnership with local people on long-term service projects is foundational to our sustained relationship with host organizations worldwide. Our investments of volunteer service, program support and international recognition are hallmarks of our commitment to this partnership.GETTING THERE
When should I arrive in and depart from the host country?
Plan your flight to arrive at the Dar es Salaam, Tanzania airport (airport code DAR), before 4:00PM on the First day of your service program. Plan your departure from Dar es Salaam for anytime after 9:00AM on the final day of your service program. Global Volunteers official service program commences on the first Saturday of your service program with the evening meal. Any expenses that occur before the evening meal, other than airport pick-up within the window of arrival, are that of the volunteer.
Will someone meet me at the airport?
Yes, provided you send your flight itinerary to Global Volunteers at least two weeks in advance of the service program arrival date. A Global Volunteers staff person or representative holding a Global Volunteers sign will meet you in the public area outside Customs. You'll travel with your teammates to your lodging.
What should I do if my flight is delayed?
Please notify Global Volunteers as soon as you confirm your new arrival plans so your team leader can arrange your transportation to the host community. If you make last-minute changes to your itinerary, or if you don't inform us of your flight plans, you must arrange your own transportation to the hotel or host community.
How late can I arrive in the host community?
Our orientation sessions are a critical component of the preparation for your assignments. If circumstances beyond your control prevent you from reaching the program on the opening day of the program, we require that you arrive no later than 9:00 AM on the following day so you can join your team for these sessions.
What should I do if I arrive before the scheduled arrival date?
If you choose to spend time in-country before the service program begins, please plan to meet your team at the designated airport within the specified arrival window on the first day of the program in order to be transported to the host community. Do not travel to the host community without the team leader or Global Volunteers representative without prior authorization.
FOOD AND LODGING
What type of lodging is provided?
Tanzania Lodging:
In Dar es Salaam: You'll spend the first and last nights of the program at a comfortable hotel with four restaurants, a juice bar, an ice cream shop, and an internet cafe. We offer a single room option in Tanzania for the in-transit hotels only - Dar es Salaam & Iringa.
In Iringa: We spend the second and second-to-last nights of the program at a guesthouse in Iringa in double occupancy rooms.
In Pommern: We stay in a rustic mission house owned and operated by the ELCT. The accommodations are simple, dormitory-style (double to quadruple occupancy) on frame and/or bunk beds with mosquito netting. Some volunteers bring sleeping bags; however, clean sheets, pillows and blankets are provided for each volunteer. It is up to you which you prefer to use. Single rooms are not available. Three bathrooms with both American and Tanzanian style toilets are shared. Showers with tepid water are available most days. The house has two large common rooms, a wrap-around open-air veranda, and an attached kitchen.
In Ipalamwa: Life in this remote community is quite basic. The lodging is rustic - dormitory style with no indoor plumbing, such as running water or toilets.
What are the laundry arrangements?
In Dar es Salaam, laundry services are available at the hotel. In the villages, you either do your own laundry by hand or the team leader will hire a local person to do the washing for you for a small fee.
What is the electrical power?
If you bring any electrical appliances, you will need a converter (to 220V) and an adapter. Electricity is available at the lodging in Dar es Salaam, and Iringa.
What is the local cuisine?
A Meal in Tanzania: The diet in Tanzania consists mostly of rice, pasta, potatoes, beans, some fruits (depending on the time of year), vegetables, eggs, chicken, and corn meal (ugali). Not all meals contain protein. If your diet requires protein, please consider packing snacks to supplement meals. A local cook prepares the meals sometimes with the assistance of a member of the Global Volunteers team. The volunteers, along with the team leader, purchase most of the food at the market in Iringa.
Can special diets be accommodated?
No, it is not possible to accommodate low-fat, low-salt or strict vegetarian diets.
Will potable drinking water be provided?
Yes, bottled water is available. The team leader will also provide a water purification system for the team's use so plenty of clean water will be available.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
What are the principal health risks?
While health risks in Tanzania are many, you will not be in danger if you are cautious and follow good health protocol. The following is not intended to be an exhaustive list of potential concerns, so refer to the Centers for Disease Control for additional information.
We strongly recommend you consult your own physician, public health clinic and/or travel clinic for detailed travel health information.
HIV AIDS is prevalent. You can protect yourself by your own behavior.
Malaria is also prevalent throughout the country, especially at altitudes below 6,000 feet. There are medications that help protect against malaria and insect repellant and loose fitting cotton clothing also offer some protection.
Infectious tropical diseases can be largely prevented by vaccination. Proof of immunization against yellow fever is required to enter Tanzania if you are traveling through or coming from a country infected with yellow fever.
Travelers diarrhea is common among foreign visitors. Ask your physician about a prescription for Cipro or another antibiotic.
Poisonous snakes live in this region of Africa and you must be very careful to walk only on well-treaded paths in open areas.
Wild animals are one of the attractions of East Africa and they live throughout Tanzania. You must use caution, especially in rural villages.
Bees are found in rural villages. Be prepared if you are allergic to bee stings.
Traffic accidents are perhaps one of the most serious safety risks.
At higher elevations, you must take care to avoid altitude sickness indicated by headaches, dizzyness and low energy, which can become life-threatening if not treated.
What health precautions should I take?
For the most up-to-date health precautions and general recommendations, consult the following sources:
Centers for Disease Control
Health Canada Online
Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
Travel Health Online
Is the water safe to drink?
Tap water is contaminated. Global Volunteers provides bottled or purified drinking water throughout the service program for drinking and brushing teeth.
How can malaria and other travel-related illnesses be prevented?
Visit your health care provider 4-6 weeks before foreign travel for any necessary vaccinations and a prescription for an antimalarial drug. Take your antimalarial drug exactly on schedule without missing doses. Prevent mosquito and other insect bites. Use DEET insect repellent on exposed skin and flying insect spray in the room where you sleep. Wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts, especially from dusk to dawn. This is the time when mosquitoes that spread malaria bite. Sleep under a mosquito bednet that has been dipped in permethrin insecticide if you are not living in screened or air-conditioned housing.
Is it safe to eat food purchased from street vendors?
We strongly recommend that you do not purchase food from street vendors.
What type of insurance do you recommend?
We strongly recommend medical insurance that covers you while you are outside your home country, and trip cancellation insurance. Your travel agent can refer you to travel insurance providers. Global Volunteers will provide you with emergency medical evacuation insurance.
MONEY MATTERS
What is the local currency?
The local currency is the Tanzanian shilling (TSh).
What is the current exchange rate?
For currency conversion information, refer to the following website: FXConverter
It's important to note that different denominations return different rates in TSh. US$100 bills tend to get the best exchange rates.
Where do I exchange money?
At the airport: Upon your arrival, it is most convenient to exchange money at the airport.
In Dar es Salaam: Cash and traveler's checks can be exchanged at the banks in Dar es Salaam during business hours Monday through Saturday. Banks are closed on Sundays; so if you arrive late Saturday night, please exchange money at the airport.
In Iringa: You can exchange money in Iringa during business hours Monday through Saturday.
Can I use cash, credit cards or checks?
Credit Cards are generally not accepted as a form of payment in Iringa. However, in Dar es Salaam, you can use major credit cards in some gift shops and at some hotels. Traveler's Checks are not widely accepted outside the capital of Dar es Salaam. If you bring cash, it is generally easier to exchange clean, new US$50 bills or larger that are not worn or torn.
How much money should I bring with me?
The amount of money you bring depends on your personal spending and shopping habits. Global Volunteers service program fee covers all meals, lodging, transportation and work project expenses during the service program except free-time expenses and alcoholic beverages. During free time, a first class hotel can cost US$200 per evening and economy class is around US$100. Safari options run from U$350 upwards.
COMMUNICATIONS
How can my family contact me?
You will receive a contact sheet prior to your departure that lists numbers and directions for them to get in contact with you should the need arise. Please provide copies to all who may need to reach you.
Can I make phone calls?
You can make and receive local and long distance telephone calls from phones available in your room in Dar es Salaam and in Iringa. However, calls placed through the hotel operator are very expensive and service is sometime unavailable. Collect calls are not possible nor can calling cards be used.
Is internet service available?
Internet service is available throughout Dar es Salaam in local internet cafes and in the business office of most tourist class hotels. In Iringa, an internet café is available for many hours each day.