What to bring 
This list is a basic idea of clothing and important things to bring with you to Tanzania. The items listed are those most suitable for the environment in Kisiwani.

• T-shirts (you will need to cover your shoulders in town & at projects)
• Shorts/skirts (need to be at least knee length in village & at projects)
• Sweater
• Nice clothes for going out at night (nothing too revealing)
• Sneakers/running shoes
• Umbrella/raincoat if coming during the rainy season
• Swimming costume
• Sunscreen/hat/sunglasses/mosquito repellent
• Toiletries
• Medical kit/supplies
• Towel
• Padlock to use on the lockable draws at the hostel.
• Torch (power cuts do occasionally happen in Tanzania!)
• Sleeping bag if planning overnight/weekend trips

Medical facilities 
Whilst pharmacies are generally well stocked, many products you are used to from home may not be available here.  It is therefore a good idea to bring a small supply from home.  Suggestions include tablets for nausea, diarrhoea, headaches, an anti-inflammatory and any personal medication you require.

Insurance 
We strongly advise you to take out travel insurance before you travel.  This will cover lost luggage, medical costs and emergencies.

Immunization 
Before travelling to Tanzania you need to contact your doctor.  Yellow fever vaccination is no longer mandatory when travelling from a developed country, unless you are coming from a yellow fever infected country or have passed through a yellow fever infect country and stopped for more than 12 hours. 
 
Whilst the malaria risk in Kisiwani is low, it is advised to take preventative medication.  Your doctor can advise which is most suitable to you.  We also advise volunteers to cover up in the evening and use mosquito repellant.  We provide mosquito nets at the hostel. 
Your doctor may also suggest polio, hepatitis and others.

Safety and solo traveling 
Tanzania is a relatively safe country however, as with all developing countries, there are some precautions you should take.  Upon arrival we will give you a safety briefing, however below are the most important precautions to be aware of;
a) Dressing conservatively is encouraged as this will reduce unwanted attention and show respect to the local culture.  This is especially important when at projects.
b) Limit how much cash you carry around with you and keep it well, along with other valuables.  We provide everyone with a lockable drawer at the hostel for storing valuables. Please bring a small padlock from home.
c) Do not walk around the streets after dark, call a taxi or your hostel driver..
d) Do not accept drinks from strangers at the local bars.
e) If going out at night, stick together with your fellow crew.

Living experiences 
This obviously varies from person to person, however expect to spend USD$50-$100 per week on lunches, internet access, transport, day trips, spending money etc.  You need to allow more if you plan to undertake activities such as safari, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro or travelling to Zanzibar.

Money
Tanzanian Shillings is a soft currency, which means it is only available in Tanzania.  There are ATM's around you can use these to withdraw cash.  Please ensure you notify your bank that you are travelling as sometimes they can block your account when they see unusual transactions in a foreign country.  Alternatively, you can bring US Dollars or Euros and exchange these in one of the banks.  Please ensure that any USD notes are printed on or after 2009, because notes printed before this are not accepted anywhere in Tanzania. Large denominations 50 & 100 are better to bring than smaller denominations.

Mobile phones and internet.
The hostel has WIFI service but it has limited access due to data traffic congestion and thus we encourage volunteers to use their mobile data packages which we can help organize.
Mobile phone SIM cards are easily available.  This is much cheaper than using your number from home. If you are bringing a phone from home, please ensure it is unlocked.  Alternatively, it is easy to buy one in Moshi.

Weather
As Tanzania lies so close to the equator the year round temperature is not too variable.  Being in the Southern hemisphere our seasons are Dec-Feb (summer) and Jun-Aug (winter).  During summer you can expect temperatures up to 32 degrees Celsius and during winter up to 19 degrees Celsius.  
 
The main rainy season is April/May and short rains in November.  During the rainy season, most rain is during the night.  At this time, you also have the advantage of less tourists and dust!

Food
Breakfast and dinner is served daily.  Meals consist of good quality western style food and local dishes.  Vegetarians and other dietary requirements are catered for.
 
Getting here
The closest international airport is Kilimanjaro International airport (KIA/JRO) and the most common airlines flying into JRO are Ethiopian, Kenya Airways, KLM, Qatar & Turkish Airlines.  Pamoja Afrika will organize your pickup and drop off at the airport.

Visas 
A visa is required to volunteer in Tanzania and please see visa instructions on the Rates/Visa Costs page.