Which airport should I use? The nearest airport is Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). We can only do airport pickup and drop-off from JRO. If you plan to fly to Nairobi or Dar E Salaam you will have to take a bus to Arusha. It is very important that you communicate this information with us so that we can accommodate and advice you accordingly.
What happens when I arrive at the airport? Once your plane lands you will stand in line for a Visa and then go through security. Our representative will be waiting for you at arrivals with a sign that has your name on it. The representative will take you to your accommodation.
Which vaccinations should I get? Yellow Fever vaccination is legally required to enter the country. Malaria pills are highly recommended. Polio, Hep A, Hep B, Diphtheria/Tetanus, Typhoid, Tuberculosis and Cholera vaccinations are a good idea. Discuss with your local travel clinic for the most up to date list of required vaccinations.
Do I need a Visa or Work Permit? Yes. FYI: A Visa can be obtained upon arrival Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). The process takes a few minutes and is quite hassling free. The cost is $100 for US nationals and $50 for other nationalities. Check with the Tanzanian high commission in your own country for more details. Please note that a work permit is required to volunteer in Tanzania. The cost of the work permit is $200 USD for every 3 months. The first day after your arrival, we will go to the immigration office to get your work permit. We can be fined up to $400 USD for having volunteers without work permits.
How much money will I need? Can I use a credit card? Credit cards can be used in most major towns, but volunteers must take caution with the safety of their valuables. We will always give volunteers the opportunity to get cash out in safe surroundings. Spending money will vary depending on the extra excursions and trips a volunteer would like to be involved in.
What is the national currency in Tanzania? National Currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS). While U.S. dollars are accepted in Tanzania, local currency is often preferable. Volunteers may either exchange money through available bureau de change or use the ATM upon their arrival. 1$ is approximate to 2,650 Tanzanian Shilings.
Do I need to know the host country language? You do not need to know the local language to volunteer. Our team and most of the children speak English. You will probably pick up some of the local language during your trip – children love to teach volunteers new words!
What is the weather like in Tanzania? Arusha is located in the slopes of Mt. Meru. Temperature ranges from 16°C to 36°C depending on the current season.
Will I be able to contact home? Yes, You will be able t contact home, On your arrival we recommend to buy a GSM SIM card that you can use to make calls and connect to 3G or 4G cellular network.
What happens in case of a medical emergency? Our team will ensure that you receive immediate medical assistance. In the event of a serious illness or accident, each volunteer will be covered by their insurance policy, which is why we require all volunteers to have adequate insurance which includes repatriation.
Is there any risk of contracting HIV, yellow fever or malaria? We advise volunteers to take all precautions necessary to ensure they don’t get sick. This includes frequent hand washing, applying mosquito-repellent, and being careful about what you eat and drink. We recommend that volunteers travel with:
Pain killers – Paracetamol /Ibuprofen (also known as Tylenol/Advil)
Hand sanitizes (a few small ones, keep one in your day pack,)
