About the Trip

Purpose of the Trip

This is not a "mission trip".  We don't go to do, but to learn and to build relationships.

There are two major goals: 

1. To learn about the culture of Tanzania and the ministry of the Northern Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania. 

2. To visit the famous natural areas of Northern Tanzania and view the beautiful scenery and wildlife.

Travel Documents 

• You need a passport valid at least 6 months AFTER the last day of the trip.  

• You will obtain your own Tanzania visa using the application process at Tanzania eVisa

Environment

Tanzania is a poor country with a limited infrastructure. Healthcare is not comparable to American standards. If you have health concerns, you will need to assess that risk. It is not very accessible for those with physical disabilities. This is not a trip for young children (must be 16 or over) or people unable to walk moderate distances on rough surfaces and climb stairs and into large vehicles. Power interruptions are not uncommon.

Health Care

• Your health is paramount and proper health preparations for the Tanzania trip are your responsibility.

  • Contact a traveler’s clinic (some CVS and Walgreen stores have “minute clinics” that do this) or your local physician about what kind of shots, etc… that you need. There are several things travelers can do to be well prepared:

    • Be up to date on shots to protect you from infectious diseases (COVID, flu, RSV)

    • Be up to date on routine immunizations. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.

    • CDC recommends Hepatitis A vaccine and typhoid vaccine. See the CDC.gov web site.  You do NOT need a Yellow Fever shot.

    • In addition to mosquito avoidance measures (like insect repellent), medicine to prevent malaria should be considered, although we are not in high risk areas. Discuss choices with your travel clinic. Bed nets are provided where needed in Tanzania.

• Bring loperamide (Imodium AD) to take in case someone gets mild diarrhea.

• Bring levofloxacin or cipro or azithromycin  to take in case of traveler's diarrhea. A prescription is required for this which you can obtain from the same place you get your travel shots.

• Travel medical and evacuation insurance is recommended.  Most regular health insurance (including Medicare) will NOT cover you in Tanzania.

Air Transport

We will fly on Delta Airlines to Amsterdam, then on KLM to Kilimanjaro International Airport near Moshi, Tanzania. Special arrangements can be made for people wishing to depart from another US city.  We recommend getting a Delta Skymiles account to accrue benefits from these flights.

Accommodations & Ground Transportation

During our time in Moshi we will stay at Lutheran Uhuru Hotel, operated by the Northern Diocese.  It provides modest facilities in a secure and very nice environment. Rooms are double occupancy, each with its own bathroom. On safari, we will spend several nights at very nice facilities. Single occupancy can be arranged for additional cost.  During the weekend village stay, you will spend two nights hosted by a parish, normally in the homes of members.

Our time around Kilimanjaro we will ride in air-conditioned (usually) small buses.  On safari we will be in rugged Toyota Land Cruisers designed for safari.

Money Matters

• The official currency is the Tanzanian Shilling.  We will have opportunities to exchange US dollars for Shillings on the first day in Tanzania and as needed.

• One American dollar is around 2,500 Tanzanian Shillings.

• You will get the best exchange rate for US $100 bills.  They must be the new style bills (2006 or newer) in good condition, no tears and no marks on them.

• ATM's are not reliable using US credit or debit cards.  Plan to bring cash.

• Credit Cards may be accepted by some merchants, but ensure you notify your credit card company of your travel plans.

Attitude

Tanzania is not the USA and this is not a commercial tour. Despite comprehensive planning, we know there will be surprises, breakdowns, delays, disconnects, and mysteries. That is just how Africa is…and really, who would want it any other way? But it does mean that trip participants need to understand and accept this and adopt the African attitude. If a monkey should take your hat, you are expected to say “hakuna matata”… no problem! We can’t have fun—if you are not fun!