General Information For All Volunteers

Welcome to Tanzania! For those of you who have never traveled to an emerging country, you will find it a life changing experience. There is a condition known as "Tanzaphilia" characterized by "once you have been there, you will always return".

Language Most Tanzanians speak several languages: English (amount varies), Swahili, and their mother tongue. Whether you are here for a long or short time, it is important to at least learn common greetings.

In Tanzania, greetings are very important, and before business is started, it is always expected to exchange greetings and to inquire about the state of things at home and work. There are small handbooks which will help you acquire basic greetings and words.

Air Travel There are two international airports: Kilimanjaro International Airport located about halfway between Arusha and Moshi, and Mwalimu Julius Nyerere International Airport located in Dar es Salaam.

Most of you will be coming into Kilimanjaro if you are volunteering in Mwanza. From Kilimanjaro, there is a local flight to the city of Mwanza. This involves staying overnight in Arusha (Naaz Hotel recommended). If you need help with the transfer, we have people in Arusha that will pick you up and bring you to the hotel and make sure you catch the flight to Mwanza the next day. For details, contact Paula at paulalofstrom@yahoo.com. Another way to get to Mwanza is by having Paula come to pick you up at the airport. Keep in mind that this is a 7 hour drive through the Serengetti and although animal viewing is magnificent, special arrangements have to be made.

If you will be working in Dodoma, you can land at either airport, but Dar es Salaam is recommended. From Dar es Salaam, it is a 6 hour drive to Dodoma. There are no local flights.

Room and Board In Mwanza, room and board are arranged for by Paula. The cost of room, board and laundry per day is $10.00. There is a lovely group dining room and kitchen, or (if staying in one of the houses) private dining.

Seasons There are fours seasons: Long rains (usually starting in March), Long dry season, June-November, Short rains ( November) and the short dry season. These seasons are not always predictable and famine often occurs if the rains are not adequate or long enough to plant and harvest. Tanzania looks dramatically different in the rainy seasons and the dry seasons. Travel is adventuresome in the rainy season but rewarding to see the green landscape and wild flowers. Travel is easier in the dry season, but the landscape is dry and dusty.

Clothing If you are in the game parks, shorts and sportswear are acceptable. But if you are in towns or upcountry, modest clothing is necessary. Skirts at or below the knees are good, no minishirts.