Flights to Tanzania

The project start and finish dates can be found on the programme dates page.

You need to arrive in Dar es Salaam before the start date. All programmes start in Dar es Salaam at 8am on a Monday morning.

Please try and arrive, if at all possible, on the Sunday before - failing that the Saturday before. You will be met at the airport. If you wish to fly with other volunteers, please contact Volunteer Africa and we will try to facilitate this.

DO NOT arrive more than 1-2 days earlier than your start date. This is because volunteers are issued with Visa-Exemption Certificates (see Visa page) from the Tanzanian Immigration department which last for the duration of volunteering plus 4 weeks of travel time after volunteering.

We strongly encourage volunteers to travel in Tanzania but recommend doing so only after volunteering. Your Kiswahili language skills and knowledge of local traditions and customs will make travelling much smoother.

Return Flight

You are responsible for arranging, and purchasing, your own onward journey from Singida at the end of your project time - this is not included in your programme fee as volunteers choose to do different things at the end of their project time.  Your return date to your home country is up to you, but note that when booking your return flight to allow at least 48 hours to get back to Dar Es Salaam from Singida due to the condition of roads and public transport in Tanzania. In general, do not book a return flight out of Dar before the Tuesday after the weekend you finish volunteering.

If you are going to travel afterwards then you should be aware that Volunteer Africa’s responsibility for you finishes at the end of your time at the project. After this time you are responsible for obtaining a tourist visa (if your exemption certificate will expire) and reconfirming your flight home.

Volunteer Africa strongly recommends that volunteers on the 4-week programme allow at least one extra week for travelling, whilst volunteers on the longer programmes allow at least two extra weeks.

If you have any questions regarding flights please contact Moya.

Sometimes a ‘round-the-world’ ticket is cheaper. Shop around to get some quotes too. Volunteer Africa would suggest you try: www.kayak.com,  www.studentflights.co.uk, www.travelcuts.com, www.statravel.com, www.flynow.com, www.b-t-w.co.uk, www.trailfinders.com, www.cheapticketscanada.com or www.flightcentre.com (check their 'Lowest Airfare Guarantee' policy).

Insurance can usually be arranged when you are booking your flight but you must ensure it is a comprehensive policy that covers medical repatriation to your country of residence.

Your main baggage allowance is normally 20 kg. Please check the allowance on your ticket. Keep the weight to a minimum as you have to be able to carry it all yourself. You are allowed one piece of hand luggage, which should not weigh more than 5 kg. Although it may not seem like it while you are packing but 15-20 kg is sufficient. On the day of departure be at the airport absolutely no later than two hours before the departure time.When you have arranged your insurance and flight please complete the online forms on the website for the Volunteer Coordinator by going to INFORMATION CENTRE.