Preparation
Travel Tips
&
Table of Contents
Preparation
Air Travel .................................................... 2
Passport ....................................................... 3
Documentation ............................................ 3
International Health Insurance .................... 3
Malaria Prophylaxis ................................. 3-4
Packing ..................................................... 4-5
Packing List.............................................. 5-9 Compiled by Beth E.
Gifts ............................................................. 9 Elness-Hanson for friends
Swahili/Kiswahili ........................................ 9 and family visiting Tanza-
Vaccinations .............................................. 0 nia. This is meant to be a
Visitors Visa for Tanzania ......................... 0 general reference to read
Preparation Timeline ............................ 0- sections as needed.
Some sections are specific to
In Tanzania volunteers going to MaaSae
If going to the MaaSae Girls School .... 2-3 Girls Lutheran Secondary
Arrival at the Kilimanjaro Airport ............ 3 School, so ignore these if
Arrival in Nairobi ...................................... 3 they do not pertain to you.
Money Changing ....................................... 4
Safari ......................................................... 4 Another great resource is
Shopping ................................................... 5 the Lonely Planet guide for
Traveler’s Diarrhea .............................. 5-6 Tanzania.
(Revised 0/2007)
General Information & Resources
Safety ........................................................ 6
Reading Recommendations....................... 6
Weather ................................................ 6-7
Web Site Resources .................................. 7
PREPARATION
mini bus to Arusha. Be prudent. There are more
Air Travel to Arusha airlines that fly into Nairobi and prices will be
The only international airline that flies into a little cheaper. However, you will also need to
Kilimanjaro International Airport from Europe either get a Kenyan visa with multiple entries
is KLM, the travel partner of Northwest Airlines (one for arriving and one for returning from Tz)
and Alaska Airlines (for frequent flier purposes). or a “Transit Permit” for $20. You can download
The airport is approximately 60 minutes East of the form in the US from the Tanzanian Embassy
Arusha. The girls school is approximately 60 web site, http://www.tanzaniaembassy-us.org.
minutes West of Arusha. Nairobi is a fascinating but dangerous city. Hotel
and bus trips may not prove to be cheaper overall.
KLM’s hub is in Amsterdam. If you check fares
on the web, don’t check out prices from your In Nairobi, you can take the Devanu or Riverside
airport to Kilimanjaro, instead, check from your shuttles from the airport to Arusha. Or take a taxi
airport to Amsterdam and then check a second from the Nairobi airport to the Norfolk Hotel to
flight from Amsterdam to Kilimanjaro. I shaved catch the Devanu or Riverside shuttle bus to the
$,000 per ticket off an estimate! Novotel Hotel (a.k.a. Mt. Meru Hotel) in Arusha.
The shuttle should not cost more than $5 per
Note: If you choose a layover in Amsterdam, you person (2004 rates). They will probably take US
probably will not be able to check your luggage cash.
all the way through to Kilimanjaro International
Airport. The Nairobi shuttles will probably leave twice
a day at either 8:00 a.m. or :00 p.m. from the
If the layover is approximately 26 hours, Norfolk Hotel and either 8:30 a.m. or :30 p.m.
you may have to get your baggage and lug it to (approximately) from the Nairobi airport and
the hotel. You probably will be able to check in arrive in Arusha at either :00 p.m. or 6:00 p.m.
everything that you checked in the USA. The border crossing lacks logical systems, so it is
good to have a Tanzanian visa ahead of time—so
If your layover is over 2 days, or if you are you don’t miss the bus!
connecting from another European country, you
will be limited to European international lug- I’ve seen super specials to Nairobi at $200
gage regulations. This means that you may be round trip. During the summer, rates were as high
limited to one piece of luggage at 45 pounds (in- as $2300 round trip.
stead of two pieces at 75 pounds.) Ask your travel
agent about weight limits and layover issues! Email your flight information/travel/shuttle plans
to your in-country host a few weeks before you
Peak rates (the most expensive) are approxi- depart, in order to arrange a pick up.
mately from Dec. 2 to Jan. 0 and sometime early
spring to Sept. 30.
If you are an experienced traveler, you may
consider flying into Nairobi, Kenya, and taking a
2
list of current medical conditions, medica-
Passport tions, and dosages; and a list of primary care
Start by getting a passport if you don’t have one physician, dentist, ophthalmologist, health
already. You can find out how to get one at insurance administrator, & travel insurance
http://travel.state.gov/passport_services.html. policy (name, address, phone, fax, & email)
You will need to provide two (2) passport type
photos. They usually cost about $6-0 at a pass- International Health Insurance
port place or Kinkos. You can make your own by
having someone take several photos of you (and Additional policies usually are purchased. First
whoever else that’s going) at various distances in start with your health insurance company and ask
front of a white, plain background. Don’t get too what they cover for international travel. I strongly
close, the final head size has to be between 1 to recommend purchasing a short-term international
and 3/8 inches. Get double prints and measure health insurance policy, which is used to deal-
the head size on the prints. Choose the ones with ing with medical services outside the US and
a head side of between to and 3/8 inches from includes “repatriation” of your body, in case of
the top of the head to the bottom of the chin. Cut improbable death. Travel agents can also be a
them out as a 2 x 2 inch square. Voila. Ink jetted source for international health insurance.
photos need to be on special paper with archival
A great contact is our international health insur-
quality inks. Check the website above.
ance broker, Jeff Gulleson, former missionary
kid.
Good Neighbor Insurance
Documentation 620 S Winthrop ST
Passport: Leave a photocopy of your pass-
Gilbert, AZ 85296
port (picture page) with someone accessible
Toll free tel. (866) 636-900
at home.
Web http://gninsurance.com
Passport: Carry a photocopy of your pass-
Email jeff@gninsurance.com
port separate from your passport
Credit card: Have your international
customer service numbers and credit card
number accessible in case your credit card is
Malaria Prophylaxis
lost or stolen. Photocopy the front and back Check with your health insurance prescription
of each card. Carry a copy and leave a copy coverage. They may cover this.
with your contact at home.
Health insurance: Have a copy of your All malaria prophylaxis must be started prior
policy and give a copy to your contact at to departure (one week to two days, depending
home upon which one) and must be continued for two
Will: Take this opportunity to update your weeks after departure. Visit the Center for Dis-
will if it isn’t current. (You do not need to ease Control web site for travelers, http://www.
carry a copy!) cdc.gov/travel/regionalmalaria/eafrica.htm. For
Vaccination record (Yellow Card): carry a adults, medications available in the US require
copy of the yellow fever page (not required, a prescription and often a family physician will
though it was in the past) refer you to the travel clinic at your public health
One friend recommended bringing 2 lists: A department.
3
Common malaria medications: General Packing Tips
Pack lightly! You will probably have to carry
your luggage at sometime. (Yes, the trunks aren’t
Doxycyline light. There are luggage carts available for free at
Least expensive; a daily pill the airport when you pick up the trunks at the car-
Side effects: sun sensitivity, yeast infections ousel. These carts will help with getting luggage
for women (bring yeast infection treatment) to the parking lot.)
My pharmacist said that this was the antibiot-
ic that was given to teens for long-term acne International airlines may limit you to one carry
treatment, so it is relatively safe. on bag. Check with your airline. A daypack or
Note, antibiotics will decrease the effective- backpack is good and very functional when you
ness of birth control pills. have to walk quite a ways or go to the city. In the
This is what we used when we went to high- crowded areas in the city, wear your backpack
risk malaria areas. backwards—as a front pack—for extra security.
Carry on luggage maximum size regulations are 9
Larium/Mefloqine x 4 x 22 inches.
Moderate price; a pill taken once a week
The only medication acceptable for pregnant Keep in mind that wheeled suitcases work well
women in airports and most safari lodges but not much
Side effects: increased activity, metallic-taste beyond that in Tanzania (little pavement or
in mouth, restless sleep (or lack thereof), sidewalks). A smaller bag is good for going on a
wild dreams, and in some cases, hallucina- few days of safari, leaving bigger suitcases at a
tions and neurological side effects (If plan- safe place (some hotels and guest houses provide
ning on taking Larium, start 2 weeks early for this service). On safari, smaller bags take up
to experience any side effects when at home less room in the vehicle and make travel more
(ask for 2 additional weeks of pills from your comfortable.
travel doc). Then, if needed, you can still ar-
range for an alternative if the side effects are
too severe.) Many have little problems. Trunk Packing Tips
If you are planning on bringing things to leave as
Malarone gifts, packing in the molded plastic foot lockers,
Quite expensive, a daily $5 pill! If your in- Contico (brand), works very well. They com-
surance covers it, or if you have only a small ply with airline baggage regulations (62 linear
co-pay, I recommend this one! inches). Weigh them on a scale to be a maximum
A two-drug combination of paludrine/pro- of 70 pounds (in 2004, check your airline’s
guanil (not available separately in the US) weight limit). NSA padlocks or cable ties can
and atovaquone. “lock” them up. We duck tape around the open-
This is the med that has the fewest side af- ing, and then over the latches and encircling the
fects, except an empty wallet if insurance entire trunk, but then had to open every trunk for
doesn’t cover it. I heard of only one person a security inspection before leaving the States,
who had any significant side effects. reusing our duck tape as best we could. You may
want to carry a small roll of duck tape in your
4
carry-on for this and the 00 uses for duck tape. cards and a few folded bills, which hangs
Have your mailing address on each trunk (I rec- around the neck, keeping a little money
ommend covering it in clear packaging tape). handy.
Airplane tickets
Or you may consider collecting thrift store/garage Passport
sale suitcases to pack with gifts and leave. The Vaccination chart (rubber band into pass-
suitcases can be a gift too. port with the rubber band around the spine,
If you bring trunks or suitcases with gifts, it so that both can be accessed.)
would be good to have your local church par- Travelers checks and original receipt
ticipate enough to be able to provide an official (some places ask to see the receipt and photo
letter (on letterhead with a signature), with a ID, i.e. passport)
statement that these are gifts to decrease chances Visa (brand) debit card for ATM or credit
of having to pay any customs duty. Often, letters card for purchases (Check out international
may seem more official to a customs officer if currency exchange rates. I recommend one
they are embossed or have a rubber stamp seal just for international travel. If you lose it, you
upon them. A general description may work for don’t mess up all your accounts connected to
getting through customs. A detailed list might be this card.)
scrutinized. Customs officials are concerned with
pharmaceuticals and electronic equipment, which Carry On: Backpack or Fanny Pack
can demand duty of 40 percent! Note: liquids and gels should packed be in
checked luggage (in zip lock bags), accord-
Some groups bring only trunks, packing personal
ing to current TSA regulations!
things in pairs into one trunk and bringing 3
Prescription medication (both your meds
trunks with gifts and school supplies. You might
and malaria meds). Keep in original labeled
pack (inside the trunk) a small, soft-sided tote,
bottles. If you have a huge bottle, ask your
convertible carry-on (like Rick Steve’s) or larger
pharmacist to prepare and label a small bottle
backpack for safari.
for you
Antibiotic for traveler’s diarrhea: My sister,
a physician in Pakistan, recommends Septra
Packing List (brand). It’s cheaper than Cipro (brand) and
works in most cases. US health profession-
On your body als recommend Cipro most often, which is
Security “Wallet” (kept around your neck, overkill in most circumstances.
inside your shirt, or one inside your waist- Hand wipes (individual packets or 5-pack
band. Fanny packs are not secure! I travel of wet ones, which can be torn and saved/
with three sizes: shared for 30 uses)
) a silk passport-sized neck pouch for air Toiletries (Use travel size containers and
travel days, (silk cost about $20-22; non- tubes which get smaller.) No perfume/after-
silk are about $4, in 2004); shave; it may attract bugs!
2) a waist pouch (“money belt”) inside my Comb/brush
pants, keeping tickets, passport, and most Toothbrush and dental floss
money safe (in sweat-proof plastic); Spare glasses and prescription
3) Optional: a small silk pouch for credit sunglasses (if any)
5
Contacts (There is a significant risk of eye Other book for reading on the plane and
infections for contact wearers. Wearing relaxing
glasses is recommended.) Watch/clock with alarm (plastic cheapy, not
Travel sewing kit with a few safety pins and an expensive looking metallic watch)
extra buttons Optional: inflatable travel pillow
Feminine hygiene supplies (for air travel Flashlight (a one or 2 AA battery flashlight
duration) will do)
Travel medications (over the counter) and Camera & flash (keep camera in zip lock
vitamins (in original container) bag away from dust as much as possible)
Antihistamine (e.g. Benadryl ®) (I like Film, 00 ASA for bright sun and dark skin
Benadryl gel for stopping the itch on tones is recommended. Higher ASA is good
mosquito bites.) for safari. Film is available in Tz, but can be
Anti-motility medication (e.g. Imodi- expensive, especially at safari lodges. After
um ®, used only if limited access to a September , all checked baggage is X-
restroom, as on safari, otherwise, get the rayed, ruining film. Pack film in the carry on.
bugs out of your system!) Optional: lead film protective pouch
Bismuth subsalicylate (e.g. Pepto-Bis- (though be warned, it can cause a hassle at
bol ®) the security check!)
Pain relievers (e.g. aspirin, ibuprofen) Extra flash memory for your digital camera.
Water bottle (screw tops tend to leak less) There may not be opportunities for burn-
(Check current security requirements wheth- ing CDs. Bring your USB camera cable too.
er it must be empty prior to security check.) Make sure you know your camera. Practice
Ear plugs (your roommate may snore!) using new cameras before departure. Know
Shout wipes, one in your carry-on, extras in how to turn off the monitor and use the view-
your checked luggage finder. Monitors suck battery juice!
Optional: sweetened powdered drink mix Optional: Video camera (if bringing one)
(e.g. Tang, Crystal Lite) to add a little bit to with extra tapes and batteries. (You will need
your water bottle to take some of the wa- a 220-0 power converter for video camera
ter-kept-in-plastic-bottle taste away. (Note: battery charger. (I would not recommend
bottles will need to be rinsed regularly to bringing hair dryer, curling iron, etc. There is
keep mold from forming.) very limited access to electricity.)
Drinking straws, individually wrapped (I’ve Optional: binoculars for safari
never done this, but I see it recommended.) Optional: a portable tape recorder with a
Granola bars (no chocolate chips, which couple empty cassettes or digital sound
will melt,) or other commercial snack food recorder to record music, etc.
(no fresh produce) About $20 to $30 in US $1 bills—in case
Facial tissue travel packs (comes in handy you want to buy a cup of coffee in the airport
as TP) in Amsterdam and don’t want $7 or $47 of
Journal and pen (maybe a pen on a string). Euro’s in change. US $ bills are good tips if
A small journal that is easily packable in you use (or can’t discourage) a porter—be-
your day pack, that you are willing to carry. fore you have Tanzanian shillings.
Address list for sending postcards One change of underwear and T-shirt,
Bible (New Testament should do fine) incase your checked luggage is delayed.
6
Checked luggage
Pack liquids and gels (in heavy zip lock bags) Socks, 5 pair (help keep feet warm in June-
and sharp/cutting objects in your checked Aug. Grey bottom sweat socks and non-white
luggage, according to TSA regulations. socks help keep the dingy-look away.)
Clothing, wrinkle resistant (doesn’t need iron- Women:
ing) dark or earth-toned colors that can be Skirts/jumpers for the classroom.
mixed and matched and easily hand washed. Wrinkle resistant or lightweight denim.
Don’t bring anything nice. Shop at thrift (Skirts with comfy elastic waistband or
stores for your Africa clothes. Wearing white drawstring give easy access to money
indicates that you are a tourist and are more belt.) Fashion has a lower priority than
susceptible to street hawkers. Special travel practicality! Enjoy being fashion free!
clothes that are wrinkle-resistant, have secret Bras, 2 or 3 ( can be hand washed and
pouches, and UV protection are nice, but not dry overnight). A sports bra is good for
required. Safari vests make you look like a the bumpy roads!
quintessential tourist (unless you are a Maa- One nicer Sunday-dress outfit (i.e. dress
sai warrior). up skirt and blouse with scarf, a scarf can
Two pair of pants (a pair of jeans and a pair dress up a casual outfit)
of dark or earth-toned, wrinkle resistant Men:
Docker-like pants are great.) Convertible One nicer Sunday-dress outfit plan
pants with zip off legs are Beth’s personal (slacks and button down shirt; optional
preference. tie)
Optional: sweat pants (for the cold months Light water-repellant jacket with hood
of June to Aug.) (optional: rain poncho, which can go over
One or two pair of walking/cargo shorts, if backpack if walking in rain)
you don’t have convertible pants (for safari Bathing suit for pool at one lodge, packed in
and non-classroom time at the school); op- a plastic bag.
tional gym shorts for exercise Hat for the HOT sun; wide brim is good.
Three or four T-shirts or polo shirts (cot- Some like a neck strap. Something that can
ton poly blend is good, dries quicker but still be crushed.
breathes); polo shirts are nice for access to Sunglasses with optional neck strap
neck pouches. Women may wear sleeveless Sandals (Teva-type sandals are great, com-
shirts, like golf shirts (polo shirts without fortable to walk in and no problem getting
the sleeves). You may buy T-shirts there, so them wet and muddy—mud is copious dur-
perhaps pack less. ing rainy seasons (March-May, Oct.-Nov.)!!!
One long-sleeved, wrinkle-resistant shirt Flip flops for use like slippers for in the
(Lightweight denim is good) classroom on muddy days when you leave
Sweatshirt or cardigan sweater (that can be muddy shoes outside or by the pool on safari.
dressed up or down) for layering, especially (Or they can be purchased at the Monduli
in June to Aug. market on Sundays for about US $.)
Tank top (for safari) Comfortable water-repellant or treated walk-
Sleepwear ing shoes (broken in) or tennis shoes (yes,
Underwear, at least 5 pair (Cotton blend or tennis shoes with skirts). Lightweight hiking
non-cotton dry faster than 00% cotton, but boots are fine but in wet seasons the tread
don’t buy new undies!) traps the mud. Smooth soles are easier to
scrape mud off.
7
Non-carry-on toiletries (in zip lock bag) in Latex gloves (I have some in every bag,
toiletry kit school bag and back pack)
Conditioning shampoo (saves on Adhesive bandages or gauze with tape
space—no separate conditioner needed) Alcohol swabs, individual packets
Contact solutions (There is a significant Triple antibiotic ointment
risk of eye infections for contact wearers. Tweezers
Wearing glasses is recommended.) Eye drops for moisturizing on dry days.
Lotion Ace® wrap/compression bandage
Waterless hand wash gel (Purell) Antifungal ointment
Lip balm with sunscreen Blister kit/moleskin
Razor or shaving supplies. Cough drops
Nail clipper/nail file Hydrocortizone ointment (it also in-
Travel sized toothpaste creases the effectiveness of Benadryl gel
Hair care products (have a low-mainte- when mixed together on insect bites)
nance hairdo) Oral rehydration salts
Small roll of duct tape Thermometer (non-breakable)
Extra hand wipes NSA approved padlock (also used for lock-
Extra facial tissue packs ing tent, if staying in one at the girls school)
If volunteering at the school—Eating uten- Towel and a couple washcloths, if going
sils: plate, bowl, knife, fork, spoon, light to MGLSS. (Thin ones dry more quickly)
travel mug (things you could leave) Optional: a camp/hand towel.
Optional: single-serving coffee bags to brew String for clothes line (optional: clothes
while at the girls school pins)
Sunscreen (I bring at least one 45 and per- Extra batteries (Or try rechargeable NiMH
haps one lower—at least SPF 5) batteries with a compact international voltage
Insect repellent with DEET (Ultrathon® is recharger, 0-220 V, with socket adapter:
one recommended brand). Skintastic (I use British large three-prong is predominant.
this one, because I don’t mind the smell!) However, electrical surges are a problem. It
Permethrin insect repellent for pre-treat- may get fried.)
ing clothing (the best deal I found was the Laundry soap (I double zip locked bagged
Sawyer (brand) 15 oz “refill” spray bottles at about cup for 3 weeks and labeled it well.)
REI). Spray clothes with permethrin and let Rick Steves recommends camp soap, a multi-
them dry. They will repel insects for 2 weeks purpose liquid.
or until washed or longer if packed in air- Extra ziplock bags always come in handy
tight bags. This is highly recommended. It is Optional: Small scissors and/or multi-pur-
safe for the skin, but the skin breaks down its pose tool (e.g. Leatherman—do not pack
effectiveness within minutes. That’s why it’s these in your carry-on.)
applied to clothes instead. Optional: Mini tripod for your camera
Additional feminine hygiene supplies Optional: “Swahili” pocket dictionary and
Vitamins in original container phrase book
First aid kit (If in a group, there can be one Optional: sleeping bag liner or single flat
large first aid kit, and just keep a few band- sheet and a few safety pins (At MGLSS
aids handy.) sleeping bags are provided for volunteers, but
8
you may sleep better in a clean sheet.) lock bags (from craft shops) with an assortment
Optional: Bandana (I always seem to find of colors and a couple clasps would make an easy
a use for one. During dry season safaris, we distribution method. Students can trade colors
become cowboy-like with them over our and clasps.
noses while driving down the dusty roads!) Cash gifts: If you give a cash gift, perhaps to a
Optional: FRS band two-way radios (It
school or hospital in support of their work,
helps to communicate if you have a group.) here are my recommendations:
with extra batteries ) Give it in the presence of more than one
You might keep in mind watching for sales. Give person;
or request them as gifts—if appropriate. Don’t 2) Clearly explain the purpose of the gift (so no
spend a lot of money for things that might be lost, one can assume it is a personal tip for host-
broken, or stolen. For those hiking Kili, outfit- ing), and
ters will be able to rent you everything you need. 3) Ask for a receipt. I use gift money this way,
However, your own hiking boots and expedition- modeling my accountability to my church/
quality (moisture wicking long underwear) may group. As Tanzania is one of the ten poorest
be appreciated. country in the world, it is not wise to put any-
one into unnecessary temptation. One group
bought tires for a school vehicle so they did
not leave cash. Some schools and hospitals
have associations with non-profit organiza-
Gifts tions in America, so you can designate a gift
and get a tax receipt.
If you are a guest at a school, it would be ap- 4) I recommend a gift of $0-20 per person for a
propriate to leave gifts (school supplies) with the half-day visit to a non-profit organization.
Head of School. Gifts given to children on the
side of the road does contribute to the expectation
that tourists give things, so begging is reinforced.
You decide. Swahili/Kiswahili and Greetings
Some gift ideas: pens (blue and black ink), “Ki” means “language of.” So, Kiswahili means
children’s stickers, beads, guest soaps, pocket language of the Swahili, the coastal people. Tech-
calendars, key chains, and other small things. A nically, the language is Kiswahili, but Swahili
special gift would be a watch (men or women) or is often used and understood to be the language.
a necklace (women) (A $20 or so watch in gold Kiswahili is the 2th most spoken language in the
or silver tone would be cherished.) world. It is not a tribal language, and thus, has
been a unifier of the people—especially in Tanza-
If you are bringing beads, you may want to bring nia—where it is an official language along with
an assortment some small clasps, pierced ear and English. Picking up a “Swahili” pocket dictionary
jewelry/keychain hardware too. Bring lots of and phrase book will be helpful to begin to learn
white beads—the current trend; then black. The some greeting and phrases that can help make
other colors are yellow, dark royal blue, red, and you a good guest. Greetings are very important
pumpkin orange. I’ve seen some gold and some and begin each interaction! Learning Kiswahili
Kelly green (Tanzanian flag color). Mixing all greetings will be well received.
your beads in a big bowl and packing small zip
9
There is also a “2-point” hug beginning with left As needed, booster doses for tetanus-diph-
cheeks coming close, then right cheeks, like the theria, measles, and a one-time dose of polio
French. Sometimes you will experience a “three- vaccine for adults. Hepatitis B vaccine is
point” handshake all with the right hand: ) now recommended for all infants and for
handshake, 2) grasp thumbs, 3) handshake. children ages –2 years who did not re-
ceive the series as infants.
In preparation for our visit in 999, Eric got 6
shots—at one time!
Vaccinations
Yellow fever is no longer required for entry to
Tz see (http://www.tanzaniaembassy-us.org/
Visitors Visa for Tanzania
visa/visa.html, accessed Sept. 2006). It may still Visit the embassy web site for visitor’s visa
be recommended by the travel clinic. In Seattle information and a downloadable application
(2000), the yellow fever vaccination was $72 plus form. Send in your application with your passport
a $20 administrative fee. by certified mail with a certified mail stamped
return envelope. The standard process takes ap-
CDC recommends the following proximately 4 weeks.
vaccines (as appropriate for age); see
http://www.cdc.gov/travel/eafrica.htm: Recently groups have been successful getting
visas upon arrival in Tanzania in the airport.
See your travel clinic at the public health
It requires $50 cash with each passport (single
department at least 4–6 weeks before your entry).
trip to allow time for shots to take effect.
Hepatitis A or immune globulin (IG), a series Tanzanian Embassy—Washington DC
of 2 shots with the second dose given 6 to 2 239 R ST NW
months after the first Washington, DC 20008
Hepatitis B, if you might be exposed to blood
(for example, health-care workers), stay http://www.tanzaniaembassy-us.org
longer than 6 months, or be exposed through Email balozi@tanzaniaembassy-us.org
medical treatment. (Note from Beth, this is Tel. 202-884-080
optional. Hep B is a series of 3 shots that are
administered on a 0, , and 6-month sched-
ule.) Preparation Timeline
Meningococcal (meningitis) vaccine, if you
plan to visit the western half of Ethiopia (see Here is a suggested minimum time frame to help
meningitis map) from Dec. through June. you plan your preparation. These are rough esti-
Rabies, if you might be exposed to wild or mates. All can be done earlier. Only the Tanza-
domestic animals through your work or rec- nian Visitor’s Visa can be acquired too early—if
reation. (Not Beth’s recommendation) more than six months prior to
Typhoid, particularly if you are visiting de- departure. Your Deadline
veloping countries in this region.
Yellow fever, if you travel anywhere outside
urban areas (which almost all will do in Tz).
0
Time Prior Project Done Your Deadline
6 months prior Optional: Start Hepatitis A and B series ___________
(if you want complete coverage.
See vaccinations section above.)
Review packing items list and watch for sales __________
Begin suggested reading and web surfing __________
Begin learning Kiswahili phrases __________
5 months prior If you don’t have a valid passport:
Get 2 passport photos ____________
Apply for or renew passport ____________
Optional: Hepatitis B #2 ____________
4 months prior If volunteering as an individual, ____________
write the organization to offer your services.
List skills. An invitation is important.
Make travel and safari plans ____________
Book tickets ____________
3 months prior Apply for Tanzanian visitor’s visa (or at Tz airport) ____________
Passport and proof of round-trip tickets required
Must be within 6 months of departure
2 months prior Visit travel clinic for vaccinations ___________
(if not done above)
Accumulate packing list items __________
1 month prior Acquire international health insurance ___________
1-2 weeks prior Start malaria meds ___________
(different meds have different start times)
Hepatitis A #2 __________
Hepatitis B #3 __________
Final packing __________
2 days prior Confirm flight ____________
3 hours prior Arrive at airport for international check in ____________
Food/Beverages
IN TANZANIA Volunteers at the girls’ school may eat with the
girls. Bring your own utensils. Breakfast is a
Cream-of-Wheat-like corn porridge, ugi. Lunch
and dinner may be a very thick corn porridge,
ugali, or a thick bean stew, makonde, or some-
If going to MaaSae Girls’ School time a rice dish, pilau. The monotony may get to
you, so you may want to bring some granola bars,
Accommodations dried fruit, beef jerky, peanut butter. Some like
A guest house/duplex is available on a reservation to add ketchup to makande. Ketchup, bread, ba-
basis. Each side comfortably holds four (a double nanas and other snacks can be purchased locally.
bed 4 feet wide, and a bunk bed). A kitchen is
provided on each side. In Arusha, some Western-style restaurants and
grocery stores can be found. Toblerone Swiss
Huts with bunk beds are available too for those chocolate is available! Other eating places can be
who don’t mind using an outhouse. found in Monduli and The Snake Park (a cross
between Reptile Gardens and a KOA camp-
Some may prefer to rent a room at the Dutch ground, is a place where college kids stay on low-
guesthouse with foam mattress beds and an on- budget tent safaris. Only 4 miles from the school,
demand hot water heater. It is an approximate it’s a place to get a burger or a good dinner).
2-mile walk to the girls’ school. The cost is an es-
timated US $5 per night per single and $20 per Beverages: You can find carbonated beverages,
couple, including breakfast! Dinners with limited like Coke, 7-Up, and Orange Fanta. Don’t expect
selection can be scheduled at a cost of about $5 to find diet versions except in tourist places.
plus beverages each. Bottled water is available for purchase. Drinking
water at the girls’ school is provided for volun-
teers. Chai is the hot black tea with milk and
Altitude sugar served at the school and most places. If you
The girl’ school is over 4,000 feet above sea level want coffee while at the girls’ school, bring some
and is on a moderate slope. The better shape you single-serving coffee bags to brew.
are in, the better you will adjust to the decreased
oxygen at this altitude. The good news is that the Laundry
altitude means less malaria risk.
Laundry is done by hand and line dried. It may be
possible to hire wash women, but be prepared to
Electricity do your own laundry. At safari lodges, next-day
Being near the equator means 2 hours of day- (sun dried) laundry services may be available, but
light and 2 hours of darkness year-round, about you may not return the next day.
6 am to 6 pm, with little twilight. Have a flash-
light handy. Electricity works sporadically and it Official Invitation
was available in the volunteer tents in the past.
Volunteers working in an official function, like
MGLSS classrooms are open in the evening for teaching the Pre-Form students, need to contact
study and coordinated gatherings. the Head of School, directly and offer your ser-
2 vices. You must have an official invitation from
the school administration. The Head of School Porters may assertively try to help you and expect
can be contacted by email at mglss@habari.co.tz a tip. If you choose to allow their service, tip
(put “Head of School” name in the subject line) them per bag. The going rate is $.00 to $.50 per
or via mail at: bag. (This is where the $’s come in handy.) A
MGLSS daily wage in Tz is US $-2! For groups coming
PO Box 98 with many trunks that draws many porters, keep
Monduli/Arusha, Tanzania, East Africa track who helped and give a tip to each individu-
Volunteers have served in the following func- al. (We had a guy run off with the whole wad of
tions (that I know of). Your gifts will probably be ones leaving the others empty handed!)
plugged in…
• Pre-form teachers (helping to assess the At Kilimanjaro International Airport, if you aren’t
English and math skills of the newly arriving being picked up, take a shuttle to the Novotel Ho-
students in late Nov. and into Dec. Sessions tel (a.k.a. Mt. Meru Hotel) in Arusha, a standard
have included English, math, geography, pick up and drop off spot. This trip should cost
singing, physical education, a trip to the mar- about 0,000 Tz shillings or US$0. There is taxi
ket, conversational English) service from the Novotel.
• Health professionals giving HIV/AIDS pre-
vention talks or basic clinics in partnership
with the local providers Arrival in Nairobi
• Tutors • Computer work
• Welding • Cleaning If your flight arrives on or before 11 a.m. or so,
• Sewing • Library work you could just take the :30 (or so) Riverside or
• Painting • Inventory Davenu shuttle from the airport to Arusha and be
• Typing • Construction there by 6:30 or 7:00 p.m.
• Repairs • Plumbing If you arrive later, then a guesthouse stay will
• Labeling • Demolition be needed. There are 2 recommended shuttles
• Electrical work • Preaching from Nairobi to Arusha, the Riverside or Davenu.
Riverside leaves twice a day (at 8:00 a.m. and
:00 p.m.) from the Norfolk Hotel in downtown
Arrival at the Kilimanjaro Airport Nairobi, then stop by the airport and pick up
Always state that your purpose is to be a tourist— more passengers. It costs about $5 for one way.
even if you are going to volunteer at a school. If
you state that you’ll be teaching, it might cause The shuttle busses drop of at the Novotel (a.k.a.
problems as they might be looking for a work Mt. Meru Hotel) in Arusha. For our guests stay-
visa. You will have a tourist visa. ing the night in Arusha, we recommend the Spiri-
tan Guest House for a very affordable ($ about 5
If you’ll be visiting the school. Your contact per person), clean and simple (shared bathroom)
and address may be Jean Wahlstrom, MaaSae bed and breakfast. Reservations should be made
Girls Lutheran Secondary School, PO Box 85, through your in-country host or travel agency.
Monduli.
Taxis can be hired for local travel—even to Mon-
Carts are available to use for free to haul your duli for $5-20 for the 45 km (in 2004), however
luggage from the carousel to the parking lot. gas prices have jumped since then.
3
Money Changing bribes and fair wages. We can help you make
connections and make recommendations.
The best exchange rate is for US dollars in
denominations of 50 or 00. Get new, crisp bills. Nature’ Gift Safaris: naturesgiftsafaris@bol.
Keep them in your money belt. co.tz (pay by check prior to departure)
Dorobo Tours and Safaris: dorobo@habari.co.tz
Traveler’s checks can be exchanged at banks
Serengeti Select: sss@habari.co.tz
in Arusha, but have the worst exchange rates.
Banks have ATMs where a Visa (brand) debit The economy of scale for pricing is to fill a land
card can extract an equivalent of up to US $400 rover and spread this biggest expense between all
in Tz’n shillings per day (approximately US $ the riders; five adults is ideal. Other configura-
= 200 Tz Shillings). Check http://coinmill.com/ tions can work, but it might be a little crowded—
for current rates. The exchange rate is better for or more expensive per person. With food, lodging
Visa card transactions. Recent changes in debit (at safari lodges), park entrance fees, and driver
cards have added fees for international currency (also your animal spotter and guide), you can
exchanges, perhaps up to 3%. Check with your estimate $200-400 a day per person with 5 people
credit card company. You may want to get a per vehicle, for a middle of the road safari. Park
credit card with lower international currency ex- fees are per 24-hour period, so plan to maximize
changes for the trip. (Also, if you lose it, it won’t your stay, but don’t go over 24 hours!
affect your standard credit card account.)
A safari might include the Ngorongoro Crater and
Most of the purchases will be while shopping in Tarangire National Park, two of the most famous
Arusha. An ATM is close to most tourist shop- national parks. You might check out information
ping. from you library in preparation for your visit. It is
said that ideal safari times are June and Decem-
For groups at MGLSS: While at the girls school, ber, both at peak travel airfare rates. However,
one or more designated person(s) can get a little great safaris can happen throughout the year.
bit of shillings for everyone, perhaps $20 worth If you don’t mind dust, a dry-season safari at
for each, and then get reimbursed. Only a small Tarangire National Park in Oct. (after peak rates
amount of cash is needed while at the girls go down) is great.
school.
Safari lodges range from good to excellent with
Safari superb service and wonderful food. There are
ways to cut costs on safari by avoiding the top
Safari is the Kiswahili word for journey. It has of the line lodges (where Hillary and Chelsea
come to be known in the west as an exotic land- Clinton stayed) at the Ngorongoro Crater and
rover adventure to see the big game animals. choosing a 2-occupancy tent (approx. 8 x 20 ft.,
Cameras do the shooting now that many big including private bath/shower facility in the back)
animals are endangered and protected in national at the Tarangire Safari Lodge instead of a bunga-
parks. low, or not lodging within park boundaries.
We have connections with several safari com- Payment usually can be made in traveler’s
panies, two that are run by Lutheran missionary checks, US dollars, or by Visa credit card (with
kids. They do business on the up and up—no an additional 5% fee). Check with your company.
4
Shopping It’s a good experience to visit the local mar-
kets—away from the tourist traps—wherever you
In Arusha travel. Prices vary from about $5-6 for a kanga
(4 meters or about 2 feet; a 6-foot pattern with a
This is where we did most of our shopping for saying repeats) or kitenge (4 meters of repeating
gifts. Be aware that you will be bombarded by pattern); about $8-2 for a kikoi (2 meters of a
street hawkers offering special deals for you or finished edge “wrap”); or batiks will be more ex-
pleading for you to buy so they can eat. Bargain pensive as they are more labor intensive. Shukas
hard with the street hawkers. Start at ½ the price (Maasai blankets) should be about $5-6.
they offer.
Downtown Arusha is where you can find most Safari Lodges
everything. I had to psyche myself up to deal Many quality and beautiful items can be pur-
with the vendors, but I was able to find some chased at safari lodge gift shops. They will be
good drums here. (Good drums are made out more expensive than in Arusha, but they know
of wood, taper at the bottom, and make a rattle how to cater to the distinctive tastes of those with
when turned over. The creator has a signature pel- means.
let inside.) Ask your host for fair prices on typical
things, like Maasai blankets, kanga cloth, etc. Film can be purchased here, but plan on spending
at least $6 a roll.
There are some shops that have many tourist
items. Prices are marked here, and they may Most safari lodges will take Tz shillings, US dol-
not barter. The owner of the Cutbie shop by the lars, traveler’s checks, and Visa credit cards. The
clock tower has a good relationship with people exchange rate will not be as good as at banks.
from the girls school. He may even let you stash
your load there while you do other shopping. His
services keep us coming back.
Traveler’s Diarrhea
Bookstores in Arusha offer good prices on Your travel clinic will probably write you a pre-
postcards and other gifts, and a good selection of scription for the expensive antibiotic Ciprofloxa-
drums. Again, no bartering, but you are getting a cin. All missionary doctors I’ve talked with say
fair price. this is overkill! However, you are free to buy it
and leave any extras with missionaries to pass on
The bead women…At the Snake Park, there is a if you’d like. It is available in Tz over the coun-
small economic development project for women’s ter. I requested a prescription for Septra instead.
handi-crafts run by the aunt of one of the MGLSS It is much cheaper and leaves the future open for
students. This is probably the best place to get using Cipro with maximum effectiveness in your
Maasai beads. Also, in the tourist section of Aru- body when you really need it.
sha, you will find a group of Maasai women sell-
ing their bead work. These places directly support When to take antibiotics? Do not take antibiot-
the artisans and the widest selection you’ll find. ics for 3 days—5 if you can stand it—of having
diarrhea. Your body usually will heal itself. If
Cloth…beautiful cloth can be found in the tourist it becomes black and tarry, you may start your
section of Arusha. We went to the market to look antibiotics and take them for a minimum of 5
for kangas, the cloth that every woman wears. days—even after diarrhea leaves—to avoid build-
5
ing up an immunity to that antibiotic. You may keeps the bugs inside you. You want to get them
want to take a dose of Pepto-Bismol before each out. Take Immodium only when you are going to
meal during the runs. Make sure you drink lots of travel for a long stretch and won’t have access to
water to avoid dehydration. a bathroom on demand, like on safari or on a bus
ride to Nairobi.
When to take Immodium? Avoid taking Im-
modium if possible. It is a “chemical plug” and Source Dr. Elenn’ Elness, missionary doctor
GENERAL INFORMATION & RESOURCES
Safety The Maasai, by Sankan; or Being Maasai, by
General note about safety. The greatest risk to Sutton; or Maasai by Ole Saitoti
your health is car accidents, not malaria or snake The Cross Under the Acacia Tree: The Story
bites! Road conditions are improving, though it of David and Eunice Simonson’s Epic Mis-
is good to avoid travel at night, as there are no sion in Africa by Jim Klobuchar
streetlights. Pick-pocketing is common, espe- Lonely Planet’s travel guide to Tanzania
cially in the larger cities, but not wide-spread. Be Check out a tourist/travel book for Tanzania
prudent. at your local library or thumb through one at
a bookstore. You probably don’t need to buy
Do not share your lodging information with one unless you want to.
people you just met—relative strangers, to avoid
hanger-ons. If you share your email or snail mail
address, you may but just know that you will Weather
probably get a request for school sponsorship. At three degrees below the equator, the weather
(Secondary school is not government funded for is tropical with two rainy seasons. The first rainy
most.) season, the “long rains,” run from approximately
March through April. The “short rains” come
usually in Nov. and Dec. The rainy seasons are
Reading Recommendations known for mud!
Christianity Rediscovered by Vincent J.
Donovan (Mission work among the Maasai) The hottest months are Jan. and Feb. with highs
Highly recommended! in the mid 90’s and lows in the mid 60’s. The
Maasai Women: Life in a Patriarchal Society coolest months are May through August with
(Field Research Among the Parakuyo, Tanza- temperatures ranging from the low 60’s to the
nia), by Ulrike von Mitzlaff, Copyright 988, mid 70’s to low 80’s. Below are Temperatures
Tanzania Publishing House (out of print, so for Arusha. Monduli is about 6 to 10 degrees
try used books online) cooler during the daytime!
Maasai Warrior, by Tepilit Ole Saitoti
6
Month Average Average Average Web Site Resources
High (º F) Low (º F) Precip. (in.)
http://travel.state.gov/passport_services.html
January 90/94 62/65 2.5/2.6 Information to apply for a passport.
http://www.tripprep.com/
February 91/95 62/66 3.0/3.1 A great site for medical informa-
tion, immunizations, and they have a
March 88/92 64/67 5.4/5.5
beginning packing list.
http://www.tanzaniaembassy-us.org/
April 83/87 64/68 8.7/8.8
Here’s where to get information
May 78/81 63/66 3.2/3.3 about a visitor’s visa with down-
loadable application forms. The first
June 76/80 60/64 0.6/0.7 step is to get a passport (if you don’t
have one) which will be valid until
July 76/80 58/62 0.3/0.4 the end of your trip. You will have
to send your passport to the Tanza-
August 78/81 58/62 0.2/0.3 nian embassy (certified mail recom-
mended).
September 82/86 58/62 0.3/0.4 http://www.cdc.gov/travel/eafrica.htm
The travel section has the best health
October 86/89 60/64 0.8/0.9 information and a plethora of infor-
mation about malaria prophylaxis,
November 88/91 62/65 4.7/4.8 vaccinations, etc.
http://www.tanzania-web.com/parks/tarangir.
December 88/91 62/65 4.0/4.1 htm
Source: http://weather.yahoo.com/almanac/Arusha_TN_f.html on
Tarangire National Park
/2/0 (no longer posted)
http://www.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbk99.pdf
“Health Information for Internation-
al Travel” is a 283-page document
in pdf format (downloadable) with
lots of information for international
travel prepared by the US Depart-
ment of Health and Human Services.
http://osotua.org
Father Ned Marchessaults’s web site: His
“Endulen Mission Journal” newsletters have
insights into the customs and culture of the
Maasai.
7
Internet Exploration for Tanzania
This is only a beginning!
International School Moshi: Tanzania: Information and Links
• Great Portal of TZ links http://www.ismoshi.com/Links.php
Tanzania Information
• Official website of the United Republic of Tanzania http://www.tanzania.go.tz/
• CIA facts https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/tz.html
• Economist Country Outlook http://www.viewswire.com/index.asp?layout=VWCountryVW3
®ion_id=&country_id=350000335&rf=0
• Converter with current exchange rate http://coinmill.com/TZS_calculator.html
Maasai
• Wikipedia (with links) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maasai
• Father Ned’s Enews (great Maasai cultural insights) http://nedmarch.googlepages.com/
Safari and Wildlife
• Birds & wildlife pictures (created by an ELCA volunteer missionary) http://www.birdingaf-
rica.net/
• National Geographic http://www.nationalgeographic.com/ search for:
o Tanzania, Ngorongoro Crater, Olduvai Gorge, Maasai, Tarangire National Park
o Ol Doinyo Lengai, Serengeti National Park, Lake Natron TSh (Tanzanian Shilling) Con-
version
Arusha weather
• 5-day forecast http://www.accuweather.com/world-forecast.asp?partner=accuweather&locC
ode=AFR|TZ|TZ000|ARUSHA&metric=0
Tanzanian News
• IPP Media http://www.ippmedia.com/ipp/english/index.html
• Arusha Times http://www.arushatimes.co.tz/
Kiswahili
• English-Swahili/Swahili-English Dictionary http://research.yale.edu/cgi-bin/swahili/main.
cgi?right_frame_src=http%3A//www.yale.edu/swahili/home.html
• Swahili sayings on khangas (cloth for multiple uses, from clothing to wraping) http://www.
utamaduni.dk/fakta/khangasaying.htm
• Rosetta Stone Swahili Online Course (Free to do at home computer with King County library
card) http://www.kcls.org/cgi-bin/validate.pl
Optional Extensions
• Zanzibar http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zanzibar
• Loding: Clove Hotel http://www.zanzibarhotel.nl/; Kendwa Rocks http://kendwarocks.com/
• Mout Kilimanjaro http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kilimanjaro
• Climbing http://www.maranguhotel.com/ie4/800x600/
Check out Google Earth
• Monduli, Arusha, and all placed listed on Safari/National Geographic above
8
Notes_________________________________________________________________
9
Notes_________________________________________________________________
20