FAQs about Our Programs
Are there fixed start dates for the project in Tanzania, which I must adhere to?
For our programs in Moshi, you should arrive on a Monday, Wednesday, or Friday (possible throughout the year). The Mother Nature Program in Mweka/Kilimanjaro starts every Wednesday. For other locations, arrival is possible on any day. Please book a flight scheduled to arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) between 4 am and 11 pm. Arriving on other days of outside of this time frame is also possible, but we would in this case charge an extra.Few readersDuring my stay, can I travel around in Tanzania?
Certainly, you can travel around, and in fact, most of our participants do. There are many worthwhile destinations in Tanzania, and often you can plan this locally with other participants. Most participants go on a safari to the northern national parks of Tanzania, climb Kilimanjaro, and take day trips from Moshi. Participants in World Unite! programs receive a 15% discount on safaris, Kilimanjaro climbs, and day trips from Budget Safari Tanzania and 15Few readersWill I be the only volunteer/intern in the project in Tanzania?
In Moshi Town, we collaborate with a large number of organizations that we place volunteers and interns with. In this context, you might be the only foreign person at your particular placement. However, we typically have between 20 and 40 participants in all our programs in Moshi Town at any given time, some of whom share accommodations with you in case of shared housing. Additionally, there is a weekly meeting for all participants with our coordinators, and we have a Whatsapp group where you caFew readersWhat language skills do I need in Tanzania?
Our programs in Tanzania are provided in English. You should be able to make yourself understood in English. The national language of Tanzania is Swahili, but knowledge of English is widespread, especially among individuals with a better education or those working in tourism. In everyday life, there is usually no problem communicating in English. If you happen to encounter someone who cannot speak English, you can usually easily find someone willing to translate to English. If you're involvedFew readersAs an intern in Tanzania, why do I not get paid or at least free accommodation and meals?
Non-profit organizations in Tanzania do not have the financial means to pay you or provide such material benefits. This would make little sense even for private companies when considering the income levels in Tanzania. A nurse earns for instance only around 250 USD per month, which only allows for a modest living. Accommodation and meals at the standard most foreign volunteers/interns expect cost more than this, making it more expensive for the NGO than hiring locals and creating jobs. Foreign vFew readers
FAQs about Safety
Is it safe to travel in Tanzania alone as a single female traveller?
Approximately 80% of our participants are female, with many of them around 20 years old. Not a single instance of a serious security issue has occurred. Our local team will advise you on how to conduct yourself to avoid problems, including guidance on your dressing style, handling valuables, and interacting with local men. Further details on this matter can be found in our preparation materials. By adhering to these basic rules, which are applicable in many other places, the risk in Zanzibar isFew readersWhat vaccinations do I need in Tanzania?
In the password-protected participant area, which you will gain access to after your booking, you will find comprehensive information on health precautions and vaccinations. We provide the vaccination recommendations of the Berlin Tropical Institute. The health authorities of your country may also provide recommendations for worldwide travel destinations.Few readers
FAQs about Accommodation
Can I stay longer at my accommodation in Tanzania after my volunteering/internship or arrive earlier?
Yes, this is possible and we will give you our best rates. Just let us know when you arrive and leave and we will let you know the costs.Few readersWhere will I stay in Tanzania?
On our Tanzania country overview page, you will find details about our accommodations in Tanzania. You can also find this information in the respective program descriptions.Few readersCan I choose my accommodation in Tanzania myself?
You can choose the accommodation category (e.g., shared apartment single room, shared apartment double/twin room, shared apartment dorm room, host family, tent, etc.) when doing the booking. We will then select accommodation within the chosen category for you, taking into consideration the accessibility of your placement and availability, and provide you with the details. If you expect accommodation of a higher standard, you can independently book a hotel. Please contact us in this case.Few readersHow much freedom do I have if I live with a host family in Tanzania?
With the the host family, you have the freedom to manage your own schedule and are not obligated to join them during meal times or fulfill any other specific duties. If you plan to return late at night, it's essential to inform them in advance, as the doors are locked at night for security reasons, and they can make arrangements to unlock them for you. It is considered inappropriate to bring home casual acquaintances. While the host family aims to integrate our participants into their family lFew readersHow can I do my laundry in Tanzania?
In general, laundry is washed by hand in Tanzania. You can ask your landlord or host family if they have someone who can wash your clothes. Usually, someone offers that to you for a small fee. Please ask your local supervisor, what the appropriate thing to do is.Some readersDoes my accommodation in Tanzania have internet facilities?
Our accommodation in mainland Tanzania does not offer wifi internet, but you will receive a Tanzanian SIM card for your mobile phone and a one-time voucher worth 10,000 TSH to top up mobile data for internet access. If you have used up the mobile data from your initial voucher, you can easily and inexpensively recharge airtime/mobile data. Our coordinators will show you how to do this. The mobile network is reliable and relatively fast at most locations in Tanzania.Few readersCan I get vegetarian food in Tanzania?
Tanzania is a predominantly meat-eating country, and Tanzanians may not easily comprehend someone voluntarily giving up meat, especially if they can afford it and are in good health. Meat is considered a status symbol. However, host families are familiar with participants and understand that some may prefer a vegetarian diet, and they are willing to prepare vegetarian food. Local restaurants typically offer limited vegetarian options, so you may need to choose vegetarian side dishes. In Moshi,Some readers