High School Adventure Trip – Kilimanjaro / Tanzania

Serengeti Safari, Ngorongoro Crater, Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar… the names roll off the tongue like a roster call of Africa’s most alluring destinations, all packed into one country. Seven times larger than England and a little larger than Texas, Tanzania is a land of contrasts and majesty, and the largest of the Eastern African Countries (Kenya and Uganda). Located in central East Africa, it is bordered by Kenya and Uganda to the north, Rwanda, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west, and Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique to the south. The country’s eastern borders lie on the Indian Ocean.

With more land devoted to national parks and game reserves than any other wildlife destination in the world, Tanzania evokes the best Africa has to offer — wonder, adventure, challenge, and relaxation — which is why millions of visitors from around the globe travel to Tanzania every year to visit its famous and world-renowned destinations. Lake Victoria, Lake Manyara, and Lake Tanganyika are immense bodies of water and strong draws for tourists.

Those who want to say they’ve been to the roof of Africa — the highest and largest freestanding mountain in the world — can climb to the snow-capped summit of the “Natural Wonder of The World,” Mount Kilimanjaro. In addition, Tanzania prides itself on the huge numbers of wildlife spread all over the country, and each of these wildlife displays its own characteristics particular to the ecosystem. With Tanzania’s national parks and game reserves remotely located in places such as Selous and Mahale Mountains, visitors have the opportunity to view one of Africa’s few resources preserved by nature and almost untouched by mankind. Tanzania is home to the world-renowned Serengeti National Park and its annual wildebeest migration.

Tanzania offers an underwater paradise for marine enthusiasts visiting Pemba, Mafia, and Zanzibar with many interesting reefs featuring shallow rocky areas that suddenly drop off into deep, vertiginous crevasses. Tanzania’s varying tribes and cultures provide an excellent opportunity for guests to encounter other ways of life, rites, and rituals. Last but far from least, Tanzania’s multiple Indian Ocean Islands provide visitors the opportunity to select their beach spot just the way they prefer it. From its safaris and national parks to its little-known but spectacular Swahili ruins on the southern coast to the hunter-gatherer tribes of the northern highlands, Tanzania truly offers something for everyone.

Currency

In Tanzania, the unit of currency is the Tanzanian Shilling, which is divided into 100 Cents. Notes are issued in denominations of 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, and 10,000 Shillings. Coins are issued in denominations of 50, 100, and 200 Shillings.

Banking

Banks are open from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm Monday to Friday. Many banks are equipped with 24-hour ATM machines.

Credit cards and traveler's checks are not widely accepted in Tanzania. Where they are accepted, high service fees and poor exchange rates can be expected. Major foreign currencies—particularly US dollars—are accepted in Tanzania and are convertible at banks and bureau de changes in the main towns and tourist areas. If bringing cash in US dollars, please make sure banknotes are in good condition, with no cuts or damage, and are not older than 2006. Most banks offer higher exchange rates for US $100 / US $50 banknotes compared to US $20 / US $10 or US $5 banknotes.

Air:
Main airlines: Air Tanzania
International Airports: Julius Nyerere International Airport (Dar es Salaam), Kilimanjaro International Airport (Arusha), Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (Zanzibar)
Domestic Airports: Arusha Airport, Dodoma Airport

Road:
Driving on the: Left
Tar roads: Yes
Gravel roads: Yes
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes
Car hire available: Yes
Taxis: Yes
E-hailing services: Yes

Bus:
Inter-city bus services: Yes
Local city bus networks: Yes

Rail:
Railway system: Limited
Subway System: No

Water:
Ferries: Yes
Water taxis: Yes
Leisure cruises: Yes

Food and water safety:
Can you drink the tap water: No
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes, with strict precaution
Ice: No
Meat: Yes, when cooked thoroughly and served hot
Street food: No

Local cuisine: Tanzanian cuisine reflects its diverse cultural influences, offering a blend of Indian, Arab, and European flavors. Staple foods include ugali (maize porridge), nyamachoma (grilled meat), pilau (spiced rice), and chapati. Traditional dishes like mshikaki (marinated meat skewers) and samosas are popular street foods. Don't miss trying the Swahili cuisine with its rich seafood dishes.

Drinks: Notable local drinks include Tangawizi (ginger soda), Tembo (local beer), and Konyagi (a spirit).

Tipping: 10-15%

Annual rainfall: Varies by region, averaging around 1,000 mm 
Average temperature: 25°C 

Summer: 
Average highs: 30°C 
Average lows: 20°C 

Winter: 
Average highs: 25°C 
Average lows: 15°C 

Best time to visit: The best time to visit Tanzania is during the dry season, from June to October, when wildlife viewing in national parks like Serengeti and Ngorongoro is optimal. 

Spring and Summer 
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: No 

Winter and Autumn 
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: No 

General 
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: Yes 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes