Bring hope to rural Africa  
Donate

Country

BEAUTIFUL TANZANIA
“Like a jewel in the lap of Africa”
Tanzania is the largest country in East Africa. It borders; Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, D.R Congo, Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique. It is a land of geographical extremes. The highest peak is Mount Kilimanjaro, while the lowest point is Lake Tanganyika and a portion of Lake Victoria. The Zanzibar Coastal Islands are located on the Indian Ocean and include Unguja, Pemba, and Tumbatu. The people of Tanzania are beautiful and kind. Prayerfully consider joining us! If you have any other questions about taking a mission trip, please contact us. If you have medical questions not addressed below, please contact your local physician.
VISA
VISA’s are required ($100). It is best to apply in the US before arriving, but it is possible to get a VISA when you land.
Airlines

The primary airlines that fly in and out of Tanzania are Delta/KLM & Qatar/Ethiopian.

Government
The form of government in Tanzania is a Republic. Tanzania is a developing country and suffers from corruption on every level.
Currency
The form of currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS). There are 5 notes and 6 coins (10,000; 5,000; 2000; 1000; 500 notes). There are ATM’s available; however, be sure you have only a 4 digit code to use your card.
Language
The spoken language is Kiswahili (Swahili); however, English is used in business and many tourist locations. Arabic is used in the Zanzibar Islands and there are many local languages; there are 120 tribes – each have their own language. “Mzungu” is Swahili for “white” person or foreigner. If you are working, you will often hear “Pole na kazi” which means, “Sorry, you have to work.” The answer should be either “Asante” (“thank you”) or “Hapana” (“no”). These should be used only when you need to make a point as when you are shopping and a local vendor will not leave you alone. “Shikamoo” is a respectful greeting to an elder or superior (“I hold your feet”). “Marahaba” is a response meaning, “thank you for respecting me.” On the Islands they use this response: “chei- chei.”
Religion

27% Protestant/31% Catholic, 36%Islamic, 2% Animist. Zanzibar is 98% Islamic and 2% Christian.

Time
Africa Time: “appointments are flexible and you can arrive as you please!” Sunrise to Sunset almost year round (6AM-6PM).

Time Zone: UTC + 3. The Zanzibar Coastal Islands use Arabic time: 3PM is 9AM (subtract 6 hours from western time).

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.
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.
Power
230 V 50 hertz (the power is not always working)
Phone
TCC land lines. The calling code +255 (country code) + number. Unlocked Quadband GSM mobile phones need a SIM card which about $2.00. Prepaid phone cards are available through 5 different companies. International calls from Tanzania to the USA: 0001+255+number. Internet Cafe’s are common.
Traffic
Tanzanians drive on the left side of the road. They drive fast and crazy.
Tourism
National Parks (North): Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Manyara and Terengire.
National Parks (South): Seleous, Mikumi, Ruaha.
Must See: Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest free standing mountain in Africa.
Bucket List: historical stone town, slave market, scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming with dolphins, swimming with whale sharks in Mafia, spice tour, Jozani forest, Red Colobus monkeys.
Dining
Mtori = cooked beef and banana’s.
Mchicha = vegetable stew with meat or fish.
Ugali = “the national food” – 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 an egg omlet add pili pili (hot sauce like the locals).
BBQ Maize = roasted corn on the cob.
Coffee = Africa cafes us an instant local coffee.
Stoney Tangawizi = ginger ale Swahili style-very stone-a favorite.
Asian Food = a great variety of Asian food.
Nans = Indian bread.
Medical

The AIDS infection rate is said to be 9% but that is also said to be low as 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 biting in the dark hours: fever, flu like symptoms get a blood test in Tanzania before you leave. CHaRA requires all team members to be on malaria prevention medicine alongside of any sprays to keep bugs away.

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. Caution: yellow fever shots can have serious side effects for some people.

Travelers Diarrhea: common; do not eat vegetable or fruit unless they are cooked or peeled and 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
Warning
Do not leave your bags, camera or anything alone as it will most likely disappear. Police are poorly paid (about $40 per month). Stay safe and keep with at least one other person with you at all times. Don’t walk in the dark. Tanzania is a safe place but theft is common. Other crimes can happen, be careful.
Danger
Be careful in tall grass and don’t walk with bare feet. Be wary of moving rocks, going into dark holes and getting out of cars in the game reserves. The greatest danger to you is the mosquito from sunset to sunrise. Other dangers that are possible but which are unlikely: the black and green mambas, scorpions, spiders, lions, sharks, etc. NO tigers or bears!