Climate: Hot and Humid in low lying areas such as Zanzibar Islands, Tanga and Dar es Salaam.  Hot days to cool nights in the north such as Arusha, Olirobi.

There are no discernable seasons such as fall and spring only wet and dry seasons. There are two rainy seasons: Short rains "Mango Rains" late October to December and the long rains March to May.  The very best times to be in Tanzania June to August except if you are looking for a great Safari. January and February are the best for the Serengeti for animals in great numbers like the famous wilderbeast migration, but it is the worst for heat. 

Government: Republic

Tanzania is a developing country and suffers from corruption.

Currency: Tanzanian Shilling TZS - there are 5 notes and 6 coins (10,000; 5,000; 2000; 1000; 500 notes)

There are ATM's available Be sure you have only a 4 digit code to use your card.

Language: Kiswahili  (Swahili)  English is used in business and many tourist locations. Arabic is used in Zanzibar Islands and there are many local languages; there are 120 tribes each having their own language. 

Mzungu is Swahili for "white" person or foreigner  Pole na kazi you will here if you are working it means; sorry you have to work. The answer; Asante - thank you Hapana means no- it should be used only when you need to make a point like shopping and vender will not leave you alone. Shikamoo a respectful greeting to an elder or superior (means; I hold your feet) Marahaba is the response meaning thank you for respecting me. On the Islands they use this response chei- chei. 

Religion:  30% Christian 35% Islamic 35% Indigenous - Zanzibar is 99% Islamic  Unguja has a growing number of Christians.

Time:  Africa time: "appointments are flexible and you can arrive as you please!"  Sunrise to Sunset all most year round 6AM 6PM

Time Zone: UTC + 3   Zanzibar- Coastal Islands use Arabic time: 3 PM is 9 AM  Subtract 6 hours from western time. 

Power: 230 V 50 htz   (the power is not always working)

Phone: TCC land lines.  Calling code +255 (country code) + number  Unlocked Quadband GSM mobile phones need a sim card about $2.00 then Prepaid phone cards are available through 5 different companies.  International calls: Tanzania to USA 0001+255+number  Internet Cafe's are common.

VISA's are required.  $100. best to apply in the US before arriving but it is possible to get a visa when you land.

Two Main Airlines:  Delta/KLM and Emirates

Tanzanians drive on the left side of the road. They drive fast and crazy.

Clothing:  Dress modest to respect the culture.  Kanga is a brightly colored cloth women wear and use for many things, it can be purchased easily to cover up.

Best Sites: National Parks:  North: Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Manyara and Terengire. South: Seleous, Mikumi, Ruaha.  Kilimanjaro Mountain highest free standing mountain in Africa. Zanzibar; Historical Stone Town, Slave Market, Scuba diving, Snorkeling, Swimming with dolphins, Swimming with whale sharks in Mafia, Spice tour, Jozani Forest red Colobus monkeys. 

Dangerous Insects and Animals:  Don't walk in tall grass. Don't walk barefeet. The greatest danger to you is the mosquito! from sunset to sunrise.  Other dangers possible but you will not likely encounter are; the black and green mambas, scorpians, spiders, lions, sharks, etc. NO tigers or bears!  Be careful in tall grass, moving rocks, going into dark holes and getting out of cars in the game reserves.

Best local Food: Mtori=cooked beef and banana's. Mchicha= vegetable stew with meat or fish; Ugali="the national food" a plenta or grit style dish made from corn flour or kasava flour ( a bit bland but a must try for Tanzanian style) Chai maziwa: tea with milk and lots of sugar; Mandazi= sweet donut like pastry; Chips= french fries; Chips Majai= french fries in egg omlet add pili pili (hot sauce like the locals)  BBQ Maize= roasted corn on the cob; coffee= most times Africa cafe a instant local coffee:  Stoney Tangawizi= ginger ale Swahili style-very stone-a favorite;  Asian food= a great variety including Nans= Indian bread

Warning:  Do not leave your bags, camera or anything alone...it will most likely disappear.  Police are pooly paid; about $40. per month. Stay safe; keep with at least one other person. Don't walk in the dark. Tanzania is a safe place but theft is common. Other crimes can happen, be careful.

MEDICAL:  AIDS infection rate is said to be 9% but that is also said to be low with a large number of AIDS infected people were not included. Malaria; is the greatest concern, you get it from the bite of an infected mosquito bitting in the dark hours: fever, flu like symptoms get a blood test in Tanzania before you leave. Cholera: sudden vomiting and uncontrolled bowels which can dehydrate and kill a person within 48 hours. Be careful what you eat and drink! this is not airborne. Typhoid; high fever headache, malaise, anorexia. Be careful what you eat and drink. Consuming anything unclean can cause these last two. Yellow Fever: acute viral disease from the bite of a particular mosquito they are rare in Tanzania now; it is reccomend to get a yellow fever shot prior to coming to Tanzania - caution: yellow fever shots can have serious side affects for some people.

CHaRA requires all team members to be on malaria prevention medicine alongside of any sprays to keep bugs away.  

dogwood farms - Daniel and Patricia Nunley have a great natural mosquito repellent check it out: www.dogwoodfarmsinc.com

Travelers Diarrhea: common; do not eat vegetable or fruit unless they are cooked or peeled andd rinsed in clean safe water. AVOID street restaurants. Eat fried or steamed food only, Bottled water even for brushing your teeth. Boiled water at least 10 minutes and filtered water are ok.

8lbs = 3.6kg

10lbs= 4.5kg

15lbs= 6.8kg

20lbs = 9.1kg

25lbs = 11.3kg   28lbs= 12.7

44lbs = 20 kg

People of Tanzania are beautiful and kind.  Come join us!
 

Any other questions about taking a mission trip contact us or  Contact your doctor for medical questions and answers.