Before we go any further how volunteering abroad,we will start with a little intro about the Tanzania. Tanzania is a country located in East Africa is famous wildlife, friendly people, fascinating cultures, Agricultural activities, mining, fishing, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Mt Kilimanjaro, and Zanzibar beaches  – Tanzania has all these and more wrapped up in one adventurous. Tanzania borders Kenya , Uganda , Rwanda , Burundi , Democratic Republic of Congo , Zambia , Malawi and Mozambique as well as to the Indian Ocean .

In 1996, the capital of Tanzania was moved from the country’s largest city Dar es-Salaam to Dodoma , but Dar es-Salaam is still the country’s most important city, both because the city is the center of trade and because many government offices continue to be located in Dar es-Salaam .

The Country it is totally safe for all the travelers, it’s population is consists of more than 130 different tribes. Some tribes are very large and widespread across the country, while others are very small and can consist of less than 1,000 people. The largest tribe is “Sukuma” which has more than 5.5 million members. This means 95 percent of the population is Bantu.

Despite each tribe having their own culture, traditions and totally different language from other tribe however, it has not triggered any major tensions as seen in other African countries with many tribes. All the tribes are connect by one language known as “Kiswahili”. Kiswahili (or simply “Swahili”) is the official language of the country. English is the official language of commerce as well as in the public administration and in higher education. It is normal to learn your native language at home and learn kiswahili when you start school. English is widespread in cities where a larger proportion of the population has gone to higher education, as opposed to the country where English is very little widespread.

Tanzania is a secular country and Islam and Christianity are just as widespread. There are about 30 percent Christians, 35 percent Muslims and about 35 percent professing to traditional African religions. However, a combination of these and either Islam or Christianity is also very common. In Zanzibar, however, 99 percent profess to Islam. Islam is also particularly widespread along the coasts and along the caravan roads, because in the past it was especially the Muslims who were traders. However, Muslims and Christians also live side by side and marriages across religion are frequent. The country has also had both Muslim and Christian presidents and religion generally does not trigger any tensions so volunteering here will be safe.

Why you should know about Arusha?

Our volunteering programs in Tanzania are located in and around Arusha, this is in the northern part of the country. Arusha is one of the biggest cities in Tanzania, and it is increasing all the time. With its big expat- and volunteering community, Arusha offers a big variety of cafes and restaurants as well as local markets. And it’s home of advantages that the city is located perfectly compared to safari-adventures, waterfall-hiking, hot springs, Hike either to Mount Meru or the highest mountain in Africa Mount Kilimanjaro, cultural tour, wheew! and much much more. Its even gets much better since the city have two airport that are very useful for the travelers. One is the international airport known as Kilimanjaro and for those who are planning to go to end there travel with a little relaxation on one of the beach in Zanzibar, then you can easily find a domestic flight from Arusha airport.

Spread around the town you will find various little supermarkets, where all things for everyday use can be purchased. A lot of these supermarkets are located around a central roundabout in Arusha, which we call the clock tower (in the roundabout there is a tall clock, hence the name). Here you will also find multiple ATM’s, where money can be withdrawn 24 hours a day. Besides the supermarkets, you will also find pharmacies, bookstores, printing facilities and shops for purchasing sim-card in this area of town. In the outskirts of town you will find the newly opened AIM-mall with stores for clothing, food, electronics and much more. Here is also a cinema, where you can go to watch the latest movies at affordable prices.

If you wish to visit the more authentic markets, Arusha has plenty if these too. Only 15 minutes walk from the White House is a big food-market where you can buy everything from beef and alive chickens to avocados at the size of a coconut. Even though we serve 3 meals in our hostel, which is included in the price, you shouldn’t miss out on the experience of visiting the market and maybe buying some few fresh fruits or what else you might be craving. Just be aware of the mamas selling the food, they can be tough on their prices!

Just next to this food paradise you will find a thrift shop heaven, where you can purchase almost everything you would desire. From Air Jordans to adidas tracksuits to Puma slippers to wedding dresses to Louis Vuitton suitcases – you can find it in Krokon, which is the name of this clothing mekka. As in any second hand market, you must be patient to find the real treasures as the amount of small shops and the hustle of the salesmen can be quite overwhelming. But we promise you, that once you walk home with your unique item, it will be worth the struggle.

As for souvenirs, we have our big crafts market also called Masai market. This is also located about 15 minutes from the White House on the way to town and is definitely worth a visit. Here you can purchase beautiful pantings and jewelry, sculptures, everyday items and clothes all handmade by the local craftsmen. So when you remember all the souvenirs that you forgot to buy on the last day of your travel, this is definitely the place to go, and remember not to be shy since having this walk is one of the favorite of most of our volunteers and at the end of the day, you come back home with a little company from new cute friends you made, Yeah HAKUNA  M A T A T A!

​FOOD AND DRINKS

​Arusha has TONS of cafes, restaurants and bars spread around all over town. So depending on your mood and cravings, you have many options for dining out. If you are looking for a place to relax with a delicious juice in the afternoon, our favorites are Fifi’s restaurant and Africafe, which are both located around clock tower, 15 minutes walking from the White House.

​On the contrary, if you are looking to go out for dinner (even though we serve delicious food included in the price), we have a few personal favorites. Georges Tavern is a delicious Greek restaurant with meals almost at the size if a buffet. From delicious pizzas, Greek salads with feta cheese and pita-bread with falafel – you will find it all here. Are you on the other hand in the mood for barbecue, there’s only one place to go and that is Khan’s Barbecue. This buffet with Indian food located just on the street is definitely worth a visit with their spicy lamb, delicious sides and always friendly service. And finally, if you are in the mood for pizza, you should visit Bravo Pizza – they even deliver, which makes them lifesavers on a warm day with hangover!

​Besides the few choices we mention above, Arusha offers a variety of food such as Mexican, Chinese, sushi, burgers and of course there are plenty of small street kitchens that serves delicious Tanzanian food too.

​AFTERNOONS IN ARUSHA

​When you are volunteering in Arusha, the workday usually ends around lunch-time or early afternoon, which means that you are free to do what you wish. Besides visiting the markets mentioned earlier, we here give you a few suggestions of things to do after work.

​In the warm weather here in Tanzania, it can be well needed to cool down in a cold swimming pool. Most of the hotels in town offers guests from outside the hotel to use the pool for a small fee. This way you and your friends can get to relax after a day of work.

​If you are more adventurous and in the mood for an activity, we recommend you to go to Lake Duluti or Hot springs  just outside of Arusha. On the lake you can rent a canoe and paddle around the lake for some hours while watching the birds and monkeys along the shore. For Hot springs this is for you relax with your friends, this will help you gain energy for the rest of your work-week.

​In the weekends you could go on safari and enjoy the nature and the wildlife. Most of our volunteer have this organize with us here through Safari Njema Adventures, where you will get a lot cheaper since you will be doing a group safari with other volunteers. See MORE in case you will like to sign up for group tour.