Kenya & Tanzania

The weather can vary from very hot equatorial climates on the coast to more mildly cool climates up in the higher altitudes in the savanna (some nights it can get as low as the high 40’s/4.4°C). Located at an altitude of 5,000 to 7,600 feet (1,524-2316 meters), Northern Tanzania and Southern Kenya’s dry, sunny climate is nothing like the steamy African jungle of Tarzan movies. The weather is spring-like year round, with daytime temperatures in the 70’s and 80’s (21°-26°C), evenings in the 60’s (15.5°). The coastal and lowland areas near Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar tend to be more tropical in temperature and actually will get into the 90’s (32°C).

Kenya and Tanzania are clean and safe places to travel. However, ARCC does recommend that you take some health precautions before your trip to East Africa. When you enroll in the program, you will receive more complete information on pertinent travel vaccinations and immunizations. Please also refer to the Traveler’s Health section of the CDC website. Additionally, our leaders carry a full first aid kit, and are all certified Wilderness First Responders (WFR).

Required Medication: ARCC strongly suggests that all students on the Tanzania and Kenya program take a prescription antimalarial drug. Although chances of contracting malaria are relatively slim, we still recommend that students protect themselves against the possibility of contracting malaria. As there can be side effects to the malaria medication, we suggest you consult your physician regarding treatment.

Suggested Medications: The recommended prophylaxes in risk areas are Doxycycline or Atovaquone/Proguanil otherwise known as Malarone.

Please consult your physician to determine which antimalarial drug may be most appropriate for you.

In-Country Prevention: Malaria is mosquito-borne and therefore anti-mosquito measures such as covering as much skin as possible with loose-fitting clothing and using insect repellent with DEET are highly recommended and strongly encouraged during the program.

Yes, you will need a visa to enter Tanzania and a visa to enter Kenya, but you don’t need it before departure. We will purchase them upon arrival in each country. A visa for Tanzania costs $100 and a visa for Kenya costs $60. You will be applying for both your Kenya and Tanzania visas prior to the program. Step-by-step directions will be provided.

Tanzania and Kenya are on the East Africa Time Zone (EAT), 10 hours ahead of San Francisco and 7 hours ahead of New York City.

Although you will not be doing traditional backpacking on this program, it is important that you bring a backpack as your main piece of luggage. During the program, the group will be navigating through airports, on and off buses, up and down stairways, and taking short hikes on unpaved paths. The group will be able to move much more efficiently if everyone is carrying their belongings on their back.

Tanzania was once a German colony and Kenya was formerly part of the British Empire. While we are not promoting colonization, one effect colonization had was that many modern conveniences you would find in the western world, such as air conditioning, large grocery stores, ATMs, and modern hospitals, are present in mid-size to major cities in each country. However, during our time in the villages and other rural areas, you can expect a much simpler lifestyle. Villages often can support themselves by growing their own vegetables and selling them at local markets for income. Agriculture is a big part of Tanzanian life. Few people can afford cars, so most travel by foot, bicycle, and public bus. Western food, bottled water, and Coca-Cola (for better or for worse) can all be found throughout Tanzania.

We have the chance to live amongst some people who have the very basics for survival. With education being a tool to better their lives, basic school supplies are welcomed with open arms. Pens, pencils, notepads, and books are widely accepted. Soccer balls are also an incredible way to cross the cultural border and share smiles. Because of limited space on our vehicles, ARCC would ask that every person bring no more than a gym bag of goods to donate.