Tanzania: Safari & Service >
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.
Community Service Dress Code:
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 should have wear 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 12 teachers. Each class has approximately 30 to 50 students.
If you have tattoos it is suggested to cover them to be culturally respectful.
Men should wear pants and shirts that cover their elbows for teaching in the school, and women should wear long skirts or dresses that go below the knee and shirts that go below the elbow.
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. When volunteering it is culturally appropriate for women to wear skirts/dresses.
Insect repellent
Any medication, such as an anti-diarrhea medicine and any additional if you choose:
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/safari
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 3-5)
Long pants
Hat
One pair of flip flops or sandals
One pair of tennis shoes / shoes with a good grip (these are for hiking and service work and WILL get dirty) No need for hiking boots. The school grounds can be muddy.
Bathing suit (optional - could use at the pool at the Safari Lodge, time permitting)
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 before going to school 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 - contact solution is not available anywhere in Moshi town, please bring enough for the trip or bring extra if needed.
Personal toiletries (If you have certain items that you absolutely need, bring enough to last until you return home. Women - don't forget to bring feminine hygeine products)
Shampoo, conditioner, soap
Sunscreen
Other:
Light day bag or pack (small backpack would be ideal)
Sunglasses
Binoculars for safari (optional there will be a pair to share in safari jeep)
Discover Corps Provides:
Linens / blankets
Towels
Pillow
Hand soap
Mosquito net for over your bed
*Laundry service is available on the Home Base. We advise that you should bring enough lightweight clothes to avoid having to do laundry more than once during the trip. Please note that clothes will dry in the sun, so it may take a day or two to dry depending on weather.
*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.