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FAQ
Q: Where is LOFATA based?
A: LOFATA is based in the Arusha region in northern Tanzania. The UPENDO school project lies 11km north of the Arusha town centre in the Mateves village.
Q: Is LOFATA a registered charity?
A: At present, LOFATA is a registered charity in Tanzania and we are working towards becoming a registered charity in Canada and the United States.
Q: What is the best way to get to Arusha?
A: There are three ways to reach Arusha: (1) Fly to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and take a shuttle to Arusha. (2) Fly to Nairobi (Kenya), and from Nairobi there is daily bus service to Arusha, which takes 4-5 hours to reach Arusha. Bookings for the bus service can be easily made on arrival in Nairobi. You can also opt to take another flight from Nairobi to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and then take a shuttle to Arusha. (3) Fly to Dar Es Salaam (Tanzania) and then continue with a flight to either Kilimajaro International Airport (JRO) or the Arusha Airport. There is also a bus option from Dar Es Salaam to Arusha which takes 8-12 hours.
Although you can find many flight providers, KLM, Ethiopian Airlines and the Emirates fly to Kilimanjaro Airport. To both Nairobi and Dar Es Salaam you can also find flights on British Airways, Air France, and Swissair to name a few. From Nairobi it is possible to fly to Arusha with Kenyan Air or Precision Air. From Dar Es Salaam, it is possible to fly to Arusha with Air Tanzania or Precision Air. Dar Express, Royal Coach, Mtei Coach, Scandinavian Coach and Kilimanjaro Express are bus companies offering bus transport services from Dar Es Salaam to Arusha daily.
Whatever way you choose to travel, you are encouraged to shop around to find the most competitive air or bus fare. Bear in mind that the high tourist season is from June to early September, so prices can be much higher.
Volunteers should inform LOFATA through email of all travel plans to ensure there is someone waiting at the prearranged place to meet the volunteers. Volunteers are met at either Kilimanjaro Airport or the Arusha drop-off point for shuttles or buses.
Q: What travel documents do I need to obtain beforehand?
A: PASSPORT:
You should obtain your passport as early as possible in your country of nationality.
VISA:
Visas are required by all entrants into Tanzania and can be obtained without problems at Dar Es Salaam Airport, Kilimanjaro international Airport or at the Kenyan border post of Namanga if you are traveling from Nairobi by bus. The fee for a 90-day visa usually costs $50, though costs may vary depending on nationality.
It is difficult to obtain a visa for longer than 90 days; however, obtaining a renewal is relatively easy once in the country. If you think you may require a longer-term residents visa or have any inquiries regarding visa applications, please contact us.
INSURANCE:
Volunteers are not insured by LOFATA against illness, accident, theft, etc. It is recommended that anyone traveling internationally should take out a personal travel insurance policy, which can usually be done easily when booking flights at your travel agent. Many credit card companies offer free travel insurance when cardholders purchase flight tickets. Please check your policy thoroughly to make sure it provides coverage for any activities you may undertake while in Tanzania. Should you need medical treatment during your stay, you will most likely be asked to pay yourself and bill your insurance company later. There are medical facilities in Arusha.
Q: What is Arusha like?
A: Lying on the slope of the beautiful Mount Meru, the area of Arusha is cool and green. Being the main country tourist portal, it is a gateway to the Serengeti, Ngorogoro, Manyara, Tarangire, Arusha and Kilimanjaro National Parks. It is also a place where many NGOs are based due to its western-like weather. Arusha is also the world's only producer of the Tanzanite gem, which is found in the Mirerani area, about 60km south east of Arusha. Arusha is a commercial hub for the region and is a fast growing town that contains very poor areas lying close to more developed western-like areas. Arusha is also home to many Tanzanian festivals.
Q: Is Arusha safe?
A: Arusha is generally safe, but caution is advised at all times since some acts of thief do occur. It is safe enough to walk around alone during the day, but taxis are strongly advised at night.
Q: How do you get around the area?
A: Dala dalas are the local form of transport and frequently run along all the main roads. Dala dalas are minibuses that are extremely cheap. Taxis are also widely available and very affordable.
Q: What is the weather like?
A: Arusha lies at around 1300m above sea level, so it is noticeably cooler and less humid than the rest of Tanzania. In June through September, you will need trousers, sweaters and long sleeves much of the time because it is the coldest season. The main rainy season is from March to May. In the dry season from October to February it is sunny and hot without rains.
Q: When is the best time to travel in Tanzania?
A: The best time to travel to Tanzania is from June to February, although some of the western and southern parts of Tanzania experience rains from November to February and should be avoided at these times if possible.
Q: What else can I do while I am in Tanzania?
A: Arusha is the central tourist hub in Tanzania and is a gateway to many sites including: the world's tallest free standing mountain Mt. Kilimanjaro, the Serengeti National Park that showcases the migration of over 1.5 million wildebeest and 250,000 zebras between Serengeti National Park (Tanzania) and Masai Mara (Kenya), the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, which is one of the eight natural travel wonders of the world, the Manyara National Park with tree climbing lions and many flamingos, the Tarangire, and the Arusha National Park. Many volunteers visit one or more of these areas and other nearby sites of interest during their time of stay with LOFATA.
Zanzibar is also a must visit place while in Tanzania. Zanzibar, also known as the Spice Islands, contains a quarter known as Stone Town, which is a World Heritage Site. Zanzibar is famous for spices such as cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, cardamom, pepper and others. Spice tours are a popular excursion. Zanzibar has narrow winding old streets, vivid markets and colorful bazaars that make it an ideal stop for anyone.
Q: Where can I find more information on Tanzania?
A: Try the following links:
www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/tz.html
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations/africa/tanzania
www.tanzania-web.com/home2.htm
www.traveleye.com/africa/southern/tanzania/index.shtml
Other information about Tanzania can be obtained from any Tanzanian Embassy abroad.