Accommodation and WiFi
During their time in Arusha, Maasai Immersion volunteers are accommodated in dorm-style volunteer houses located in Sakina, Arusha. In the volunteer houses, you can expect to share a room with one to ten other volunteers of the same gender; however, the majority of rooms accommodate 4-6 people. Living conditions are basic, but the volunteer houses have running water and electricity. It’s important to note that there are often power outages, which can affect the availability of hot water and electricity. There are cooks who prepare meals for the volunteers, and volunteer houses have security guards.
At Makuyuni Village, volunteers will be accommodated in their own Maasai Bomas and gather around the campfire every evening for dinner under the stars. You can expect to share a boma with one or two volunteers of the same gender. These bomas are purpose built accommodations to host volunteers in a way that is very similar to the design of a Maasai boma.
A boma consists of a collection of simple crafted traditional Maasai earth huts, typically made of mud, sticks, grass and cow dung. Each hut offers solar power, comfortable beds, and basic washroom/shower facilities. Volunteers can expect to share a boma with only one other volunteer of the same gender. Living is rustic but comfortable.
Bedding is provided in Arusha and Makuyuni, however you will need to bring your own towel and toiletries. It is also recommended to bring a sleeping bag for cooler months.
During the busy months of June, July, and August 2024, our volunteer houses in Arusha may reach full capacity due to the high number of volunteers joining us. To ensure that everyone is comfortably accommodated, part of our volunteers may be hosted in a nearby hotel, in dormitory style rooms separated by gender. Don’t worry, this arrangement is carefully coordinated to ensure your comfort and convenience. Those staying in the hotel will receive their meals - breakfast, lunch, and dinner - directly at the hotel.
If you would like to keep connected during your stay in Arusha, we recommend bringing an unlocked mobile phone and purchasing a local SIM card when you arrive in Tanzania. The local team can assist you with purchasing a SIM card during your program orientation. You can also access WiFi from cafes and restaurants in Arusha.
At your Maasai accommodation, wifi is widely available.
If you would like to arrive a day earlier than your recommended arrival date, or wish to spend a few extra nights after finishing your program, we can arrange extra nights of accommodation in Arusha for £28 per person, per night, meals included, subject to availability. Please note, extra nights are not available in Maasailand.
If you would like to arrange extra nights of accommodation, you will be able to request these via the website after you register.
Please be aware that private room upgrades are currently not available in Tanzania.
Meals
Tanzanian cuisine varies across the country due to differences in produce found inland and along the coast. The immigration of Khoja Indians has influenced local dishes with Indian flavors. Staple foods in Tanzania include rice, ugali (maize porridge), chapatti, and beans. Please keep in mind that rice and beans are significant components of meals in Tanzania, so you can expect to be served these quite often.
Volunteers are provided with three meals a day at the volunteer houses and homestays. Breakfast typically consists of eggs served with pancakes, mandazzi (deep-fried dough balls), or cake, along with plenty of fresh fruit, bread, and a selection of jams and other spreads for toast.
Lunch and dinner usually feature a traditional meat dish (chicken or beef) alongside a vegetable dish, beans, lentils, or cooked vegetables served with rice, pasta, chips, or chapatti.
Meals are served at the accommodations, but lunch boxes with fruits and sandwiches can be provided upon request if your placement is scheduled to finish after lunchtime.
Bottled water is readily available in Tanzania, and volunteers should budget approximately $5 per week for 2 liters a day. Filtered water is also available at the accommodations, and you can choose between purchasing bottled water or using the free filtered water provided in the houses.
If you have any special dietary requirements, please inform us so that the local team can make arrangements for you. They can provide vegetarian meals and options that are dairy and gluten-free; however, please note that vegan, halal, and kosher options are not available. Keep in mind that your eating experience may differ from what you’re accustomed to at home. The local team will do their best to accommodate your needs and ensure volunteers are well taken care of, but it’s essential for volunteers to remain flexible.