Everything you need to know before travelling to Tanzania
How much does the program cost?
Your weekly accommodation cost decreases the longer you stay, encouraging longer-term participation and deeper impact:
- 1 week: €175
- 2 weeks: €350
- 3 weeks: €525
- 4 weeks: €700
- 5 weeks: €750
- 6 weeks: €840
- 7 weeks: €980
- 8 weeks: €1,120
- 9 weeks: €1,260
- 10 weeks: €1,400
- 11 weeks: €1,540
- 12 weeks: €1,680
- 13 weeks: €1,820
- 14 weeks: €1,940
- 15+ weeks: €120 per week
Costs include accommodation, breakfast and dinner
Are airport transfers included?
No. Airport transfers are a personal expense and cost €60 per transfer and car (arrival/departure).
We strongly recommend using our arranged pickup for safety and convenience.
Are visa costs included?
Visa costs are personal expenses:
- Charity visa: USD 50
- Multiple-entry charity visa (up to 12 months): USD 250
After registration and deposit, we provide:
- Charity invitation letter
- Charity status certificate
Applications are done online via: https://eservices.immigration.go.tz/
Do volunteers receive a stipend?
Yes. We provide a USD 50 monthly stipend.
It is modest, but equals approximately twice the national minimum wage in Tanzania, reflecting our commitment to supporting participants while keeping programs accessible.
Are meals included?
Breakfast & dinner are included in accommodation
Lunch is not included and typically eaten outside the compound while working on projects. Local meals are widely available for €1–€3.
How is WiFi at the compound?
We provide WiFi in the office area. However, it is shared by 20+ people, thus speed is limited.
We strongly recommend using a local SIM card with prepaid data for reliable internet access throughout Tanzania, which will be organized as part of your orientation.
Can I join safaris and tours?
Yes, we organize: Safaris, Zanzibar trips, Mount Kilimanjaro climbs, and cultural tours.
Important:
- You may only join approved program-related tours
- Third-party tours are not permitted during your program for safety reasons
- Free-time travel is allowed before or after your placement
How do payments and money handling work?
You can:
- Exchange EUR or USD locally
- Withdraw cash from ATMs close by the compound
- Use mobile money via local SIM cards
- Transfer money using services like WorldRemit or Remitly
This makes financial management easy and flexible during your stay.
What language is spoken?
- Swahili is the official language in Tanzania
- English is an official language and widely used in business. You will manage to communicate in English, though basic Swahili is helpful for daily life.
What is the food like?
- African and Western meals are provided
- Menu rotates every 1–2 weeks
- Vegetarian options are available
- Meals are simple, fresh, and locally sourced
How safe is Tanzania and the program?
Tanzania is generally considered safe for international visitors. The village community we mainly work with knows us well, as we have been around since 1996.
As with any international travel, normal precautions are advised.
Do I need vaccinations or malaria protection?
- No special vaccinations are strictly required if routine vaccines are up to date
- Hepatitis vaccination is recommended
- Yellow fever vaccination is not required for most travelers, however, you should consult your local travel doctor
- Malaria exists in Tanzania and preventive measures are recommended
What medical care is available?
There are two local dispensaries in the village close to the compound. While larger hospitals are 20–30 minutes away. Generally, there are affordable medical services available.
What should I wear?
- Light, tropical clothing is ideal
- More conservative clothing in Zanzibar
- Formal clothing covering knees and shoulders are required in classrooms/work settings
- Avoid black clothing at night (mosquito attraction)
- When going to the beach or exploring Dar es Salaam’s nightlife, less conservative and more Western clothes is acceptable
What is nightlife like?
Dar es Salaam is lively day and night with:
- Live music bars
- Social nightlife spots
- Active urban atmosphere
Interns usually like to do karaoke and go out on Wednesdays and the weekend.
How does the visa process work?
After payment and signing the internship agreement, you receive official invitation documents, with which you can apply online for your visa.
There are several Visa types:
- Interns (<13 weeks): C2 visa (USD 50)
- Volunteers (>13 weeks): C1 visa (USD 50)
- Long-term (<12 months): multiple-entry charity visa (USD 250)
Are airport transfers necessary?
We strongly recommend using our organized airport transfer due to local transport complexity. The airport transfer offers safe and direct arrival to the compound.
How are electricity and water handled?
Electricity and water are provided at the compound, however, due to the infrastructure:
- Occasional power outages may occur
- Backup generator is available
- Solar systems are being expanded
- Water-saving bucket showers are used
- Greywater is recycled for irrigation
