Tanzania: Safari & Service‎ > ‎

Packing List

The climate in Moshi is quite unique compared to the rest of Tanzania largely due to the presence of Mount Kilimanjaro. Temperatures are warmer in October through March reaching upwards of 90 °. It cools down into the high 70’s the rest of the year. Average lows are pretty consistent year-round in the low 60’s. Moshi does get rain year round, but the wettest months are March through May.

Suggested Packing List: 

Must - Haves:

• Visa - "Other Business"  - Please review the Travel Document section for more details.  

• Passport must be valid for up to 6 months after your scheduled departure date from Tanzania

• One refillable water bottle

• Work gloves, safety glasses, and extra mask for sanding/painting 

• Flashlight / headlamp (the electricity often fails in Tanzania)

• Women: Long Skirts (knee length or longer) with shirts that go down to your elbows. Or dresses that have elbow-length sleeves. If you have tattoos it is suggested to cover them to be culturally respectful.  When volunteering it is culturally appropriate for women to wear skirts/dresses.

• Insect repellent (with at least 30% DEET)

• Any medication, such as an anti-diarrhea medicine and any additional if you choose:

  • anti-malarial medicine

  • travel antibiotics (such as Cipro or Z-Pack)

• Anti-bacterial hand gel/wipes

Clothing:

*Please note tattoos should be covered to be culturally sensitive to norms in Tanzania

• One light-weight wind breaker / rain coat

• One light-weight sweatshirt

• One thick/warm sweatshirt or fleece for colder nights

• Light-weight long sleeve shirts

• Shirts with sleeves to the elbows (tank tops not recommended, culturally shirts typically go down to the elbows)

• Gym / sportswear (for hiking / working)

• Under garments, socks

• Shorts (knee length or longer)

• Dresses or long skirts - that go below the knee ( recommended to bring 5)

• Jeans / long pants (jeans are not recommended to work in)

• Hat

• One pair of flip flops / sandals / water shoes

• One pair of tennis shoes / shoes with a good grip  (these are for hiking and WILL get dirty) No need for hiking boots. 

• Travelers need to be mindful of mosquitoes while in Tanzania.  Malarial mosquitoes fly only between dusk and dawn and travelers are encouraged to cover up during these hours.  Lightweight pants and long sleeve shirts are recommended, as they offer both protection and warmth during the cool nights.

For Community Service:

• For community service in Tanzania, travelers will work hands on with young children, and restore facilities at local schools.  Travelers are encouraged to bring clothes suitable for both teaching in a classroom and also working outside with paint, cement, etc.  Female travelers need to have ~ 5 knee length skirts or long dresses with elbow length sleeves for teaching in the classroom.  Due to cultural differences, women are not allowed to wear pants in professional settings.  All travelers are encouraged to dress modestly. The school has about 500 students and around 15 teachers. Each class has approximately 50 to 60 students.

Donations:

• Teaching materials 

• inflatable soccer balls

• Educational Flashcards

•  You can also purchase books, notebooks, pens, pencils and teaching materials, jump ropes, in Tanzania at a very reasonable price.  Travelers can stop at a bookstore on day two of their teaching and purchase any donations they would like to bring with them to the school. It is cheaper to purchase in Tanzania and the money helps support the local economy.

Bath / Personal:

• Personal medication

• Glasses / contacts / contact solution 

• Personal toiletries (If you have certain items that you absolutely need, bring enough to last until you return home. Don't forget to bring gender specific products)

• Shampoo, conditioner, soap 

• Sunscreen

Other:

• Books and/or magazines

• Watch or small alarm clock

• Light day bag or pack (small backpack would be ideal)

• Sunglasses

• Personal snacks that you may need or crave (such as granola bars or power bars).  We provide 3 full meals a day, however, some have particular dietary/health needs.

• Binoculars for safari 

Discover Corps Provides:

• Linens / blankets

• Towels

• Pillow

• Hand soap

• Mosquito net for over your bed

*Laundry service is available on the Home Base for a nominal charge. We advise that you should bring enough lightweight clothes to avoid having to do laundry more than once during the trip.

*Electrical outlets are Type G (with flat prongs, similar to the type used in the UK). Voltage is 220 volts. You will need and voltage converter and plug adapter to use U.S. appliances.