The nearest major town is Moshi, good information about which can be found here: http://wikitravel.org/en/Moshi
As a very approximate guide, £1 buys 2000 Tanzanian shillings (Tsh), though in practice the rate changes frequently. The following table gives you an idea of how much you can expect to pay for things.
WHERE WILL I BE LIVING?
Village-to-Village has its own dedicated accommodation, which is where most volunteers stay. It is reasonably basic, but comfortable, offering 4 bedrooms, beds with mosquito nets and bedding (2 beds per room), bathroom with Western flush toilet, solar power providing electricity 24 hours a day (usually!) and hot water. The accommodation is about 1km from the V2V office, which is where volunteers will spend at least some of their time. Usual transport between the accommodation is on foot, though we can arrange transport if this presents a problem. The accommodation has a fantastic view over the plains, and, on a sunny day, offers a stunning view of Kilimanjaro. It is also at the site of the mini-site for our agriculture project, which provides freshly grown, organic vegetables for volunteers. Beatrice provides breakfast and evening meal for volunteers. Breakfast typically consists of bread, eggs or pancakes. Evening meal is typically rice, beans, Ugali (for those who have travelled in Eastern Europe, it’s a bit like polenta!) and chicken. Lunch is easily and cheaply available in the village. See the price guide (below?) for and indication of what this costs. If you wish to prepare your own food, that’s perfectly ok, but most volunteers choose the catered option (who wants to cook after a long day’s volunteering?!). As Beatrice deserves a day off, there is no catering on Sundays. If you just long for English meals, spicy curries or Pizza, don’t worry, these are all available in Moshi, 20km away. Most volunteers like to treat themselves (some more than others!), but generally Tanzanian food is wholesome and tasty enough to make it so you don’t crave Western food too much.
HOW WILL I CONTACT HOME?
Local sim cards are available for Tsh 1,000 (about 50p, depending on the exchange rate), and credit is available in various denominations up to Tsh 10,000 (about £5). Texts home cost about Tsh 250 and calls are about Tsh 500 per minute. If you can convince your loved ones to call you, it is free to receive incoming international calls! Family at home can call using cheap access numbers e.g. 09115013030 (calls to a anzanian mobile at 15p/min from a UK landline). Other cheap access numbers are available so check out the best deals on the internet. The internet is easily accessible in larger towns including Moshi at internet cafes and is very cheap, costing around 50p per hour.
WHAT WILL THE WEATHER BE LIKE?
During June, July and August and September it is the cool season in Kilimanjaro (fairly similar to a warm British summer). You may expect some light rain and some very hot days. So prepare for both: bring a light jacket but also sunscreen. You should note the popular safari location can be quite cold at this time of year. Bear his in mind if you plan to travel after the project. From October to February the weather is much hotter and largely dry. It is important to make sure you drink plenty of water during this time, stay hydrated and take time to acclimatise. Between March and mid-June it is rainy season. It is still possible to visit at this time, but it can rain frequently.
WILL I BE SAFE?
Tanzania is democratic and very politically stable. The last elections were on October 30th 2005 when the ruling party CCM (the party of government since independence) retained power. Tanzanians are generally very polite and welcoming to foreigners. Most first time visitors to Tanzania are struck by how many total strangers will try to strike up conversation. In the village, the most common thing you will probably here are “mambo”, which is a common informal way to say hello, and “karibu”, which means “you are welcome”. Crime does exist, but isn’t a serious problem, particularly when compared to South Africa and neighbouring Kenya. Crime rates are roughly on a par with the UK, so the usual precautions apply. Try not to ‘flaunt’ wealth by wearing expensive jewellery or clothes, as this may make you more of a target. When visiting the cities it is usually recommended that you don’t walk around at night.
