How did you discover and get involved with Best Supports Link Limited?
I was invited by its director to join Best Supports Link Limited due to my qualification on public works at Arusha District Council and my professional background.
On site
Where are you currently based? What is your favorite part of living there?
We are based at Sanawari, Arusha Tanzania (northern region, postal address 23100 Arusha Tanzania). Our favorite part of living here is good environment, climate, and security.
What is the most fulfilling aspect of your job?
We have a very good working relationship with staff and volunteers, interns, visitors, and community. This, to me, is the most fulfilling aspect of my job. I also protect others and looking out for others’ well-being. This makes me feel comfortable with my responsibilities and duties, as I love caring for others. Our organization not only works on improving social welfare in the community, but also protecting and looking out for volunteers and other visitors during their time in Tanzania.
Can you tell us a little bit about Best Supports Link Limited and what kind of programs they offer to volunteers and interns?
Best Supports Link Limited is a nonprofit organization duly registered company by guarantee in Tanzania that works to improve social welfare through individuals and entities from all over the world.
We offer programs to volunteers and interns in Tanzania. We meet them at the airport or bus station upon their arrival, help them get a visa, and escort them to the airport after their program.
Upon arrival, we provide our volunteers and interns with an orientation to familiarize them with our environment and culture. We also provide them with activities, and assign them tasks and other things they can do for the community.
Of course, we also give them time for rest and relaxation. We give them sound advice on where they can go shopping and have fun — national parks like the Serengeti and Ngorongoro.
What kind of support does Best Supports Link Limited offer to participants, both pre-departure and in-country?
Best Supports Link Limited provides all information or answer all questions from those who show interest to come to Tanzania via Best Supports Link Limited. We provide an invitation letter to participants who confirmed their plans to join the program so that they can use it during their preparation to come to Tanzania. While participants are in Tanzania, Best Supports Link Limited provides them with orientation, guides, language translation, advice, and all other support so that they can stay secure and enjoy life in Tanzania.
With students
What advice do you have for first-time travelers to Tanzania?
I advise first-time travelers to Tanzania to come in January to February or June to August because these are the best months to stay in Tanzania than any other time of the year.
Climate varies greatly across Tanzania. January to February is the best time for wildlife viewing, animals gather around waterholes in the middle of the dry season and it’s likely to be very hot in some areas, but still in northern region of Tanzania have favorable climate. June to August is another good time for a Tanzania visit as it's not hot, safaris and fun work best. October to December and February to May are the rainy seasons, which may make going on a safari difficult.
I advise travelers to wear casual clothes in light colors and natural fabrics in the daytime and carry jackets and scarves for early morning game drives and late night outings during their time in Tanzania.
Why should future participants be excited to get involved with Best Supports Link Limited?
Best Supports Link limited has very good and passionate staff who loves everyone. We offer very affordable packages compared to other organizations. Participants are supported every step of the way, from pre-departure to during their time in Tanzania, and when they return to their country.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel means the traveler travels to fully enjoy and explore different experiences and cultures.