Student Travelers & Families

FAQ

What is the temperature in Tanzania during June (when our group frequently travel)? The temperature ranges from about 80-90 with nice breezes off the ocean. It is quite humid but June is the cooler time of year over there.

Where does our group stay? We stay in what is called the German Boarding House, which is located directly behind Haven of Peace Academy (where we worked and went to school when living there). The GBH is part of a large property up on a hill overlooking the Indian Ocean. During the school year the GBH is used as a boarding house for students whose parents are ministering in a more remote part of the country. It is run by a German family who have lived in Tanzania for many years and do a wonderful job preparing meals and helping make our stay as comfortable as possible. The large property is gated and guarded by members of the Maasai tribe. It is a safe place to walk, run, and be outside. At the GBH there are laundry facilities available most days as well as a basic basketball hoop and gym. Students share a room with the same gender (girls with girls and boys with boys). In the room are beds with mosquito nets as well as a full bathroom and living space with couches and desks. During the two nights on safari, we stay at a place called TanSwiss. We rent the bungalows, which are free standing rooms with beds and bathrooms. It is a nice place with a pool, restaurant, and air conditioning.

What will our group be eating while we are in Tanzania? We eat a variety of foods while in Tanzania including local rice, beans, ugali, and chicken as well as more western foods such as pasta, burgers, fish, and potatoes. The produce is always fresh and delicious (the best we’ve ever had) since it is grown right there and not processed so much. Many meals are served at the GBH but we do go to restaurants occasionally and our friends’ homes (our friend from India is gracious enough to cook for us, which is usually a favorite).

Are vaccines required to travel to Tanzania? We recommend you make an appointment with your health care provider to discuss what your individual needs. Often times, they are able to handle the vaccines and other medicines from their office but families have the option of choosing to visit a special travel doctor prior to leaving the country. We highly suggest your child take malaria medication because once you get malaria, you don’t ever get rid of it. While in Tanzania, we are careful to not hang out outside after dark as that is when the malaria mosquitoes are most present. We also wear bug spray a lot so as to prevent bites.

What is the health care like in Tanzania in case of injury or sickness? We have access to a great hospital nearby where we stay and are in continual contact with our missionary friend who is an American doctor practicing there in Tanzania. Your health insurance probably will not cover treatment over there but the care is usually not very expensive. The care is more limited than it is here as far as emergencies go but it is available and while living there, we were always taken very good care of.

What time zone is Tanzania in? Tanzania is in the East African Time Zone, which puts them 10 hours ahead of us here in the Pacific Time Zone

 What is the money situation in Tanzania? It is more of a cash society because the use of credit cards and debit cards is unreliable. The currency is Shillings and the exchange is approximately 2250 shillings for every $1. We exchange money in country apon arrival. 

 Is the water safe to drink? The tap water is not safe to drink so we drink only filtered water and bottled water. It is readily available always.

 What religion is dominant in Tanzania? The country is basically half Christian and half Muslim.

 What route do you take to get to Dar es Salaam? We fly from Seattle to Dubai, which is a 14 hours flight, and then have an overnight layover. In the morning we take a 5 hour flight to Dar es Salaam.  

 What language do they speak in Tanzania? Swahili is the official language and we work together as a group to learn basic greetings, foods, counting. It is fun for everyone if travelers know some of the local language.