Name: AMANI HOSTEL
Brand: AMANI HOSTEL
SKU: 31846
Rating: 9.33 (15 reviews)

<h3>What inspired you to work for <a href=https://www.goabroad.com/providers/amani-hostel-1 rel="" target="_self" class="link"><ins>Amani Hostel</ins></a>?</h3>
<p>The intercultural interaction with different travelers is my main inspiration as we can engage with different ideas and opinions with open minds.</p>
<p>Through providing volunteer opportunities in both rural and urban communities, we offer a wealth of expertise and skills, in turn, empowering women, children, and men to discover their talents to strive towards a brighter and more prosperous future.</p>
<h3>Describe a typical day at work.</h3>
<p>One of my favorite parts of my job and what drew me to work with Amani Hostel is that there is no true ‘typical’ day. Generally on a day when there are no big meetings or presentations, I try to start my morning by catching up reading and, if necessary, responding to my email and direct messages and checking in with my direct reports.</p>
<p>I try to do any creative work mid-morning when I can, whether that’s brainstorming new campaigns or helping someone on my team come up with content or copy ideas since that’s when I’m most energized.</p>
<p>Generally, my company clusters routine meetings in the middle of the day from 10 AM to 1 PM to account for our remote workers across the country, and I usually spend most of that time in meetings and use any breaks to grab lunch.</p>
<p>My team knows that 1 PM is usually when I help them with anything that’s come up during the day and then respond to any requests from other departments or people outside the company.</p>
<p>Depending on what time I’m done with that, I usually spend the remainder of my day on focused work, whether that’s doing analyses of ongoing or completed campaigns or putting together presentations.</p>
<div class="awesome-image centered " ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1710751627/images2/interviews/Ay3JX3OwByc2OMETV83KCKjAdeOwp2VfBrV07XxE.png" alt="Iddi, a Black man, standing with three women, two lighter skinned and one Black woman
"><div class="caption"><p>We are one</p></div></div>
<h3>Why do you do what you do?</h3>
<p>As a volunteer coordinator, I help organize all aspects of volunteering—from recruiting new volunteers to promoting opportunities for people who want more hours in their schedule. I am also responsible for keeping volunteers informed on administrative changes, schedule changes, and continued volunteering requirements.</p>
<h3>What advice would you give for people thinking about traveling?</h3>
<p>People become anxious regarding travel for any number of reasons. In some cases, you may worry about bringing the “right” clothes or forgetting something that you’ll need on your trip. So here is some of my advice:</p>
<p>Try to figure out what it is about travel that is making you anxious. What are you saying to yourself? Once you’re able to understand what you’re afraid of, ask yourself if the fear is realistic. Even if your worst-case scenario is something catastrophic, does the very small likelihood of its occurrence outweigh the severity.<br><br>If you have traveled before, what has your experience been? Did any of the things you’re worrying about happen? If they did, how did you manage? There’s a good chance you’re not giving yourself credit for being an effective and resilient problem solver.</p>
<p>Is the over-planning, list-making, or other strategies really helping? Everyone has their own way of preparing for travel. Making others conform to your way may cause arguments with your traveling companions and more stress.<br><br>Do you have strategies to help you to relax? Slow-paced breathing is one strategy that many people find to be effective. Try an app for your smartphone to begin developing your relaxation practices.<br><br>Don’t skip the self-care activities. Just because you may think you’re in a time crunch the week before a trip, build in time for exercise. Physical activity is a great way to manage stress. Pamper yourself. A haircut or a manicure may be an important part of your pre-travel preparation to help you de-stress.</p>
<div class="awesome-image left-aligned wrap-mobile" ><img src="https://images2.goabroad.com/image/upload/images2/interviews/tsImVrBoUQxHV2J6b621Xfmixz7quyFa6k8W0qWf.jpg" alt="Iddi smiling in front of a group of smiling students while taking a selfie"><div class="caption"><p>We are part of changes</p></div></div>
<h3>Why should someone choose your organization over competitors?</h3>
<p>It is not always about what you have to say, but what your potential client thinks and has to say. We address their concerns, making them feel more comfortable. As we build contacts, we would make lists regarding our next step.</p>
<p>We would color code contacts regarding the response we received. This helped us organize our thoughts and provided us with our next action for the volunteer. Persistence is key, and we have always displayed that crucial skill.<br><br>I would say my organization is focused more on a balance of giving back to the community and remaining an effective institution.That's the main reason why I chose to work with this organization. I wanted to continue working in such a positive and challenging work environment.</p>
<h3>What is your organization's mission and how do you continue to work toward it?</h3>
<p>To provide affordable hostel accommodations to all travelers in Tanzania, as well as providing affordable volunteer, gap year, and safaris programs, as well as trekking adventures in Tanzania.</p>
<p>This is all in an effort to help to boost and impact our community's economy and help our community get better services like healthcare, education, water, and accessible roads and transportation within the country.</p>
<div class="awesome-image right-aligned wrap-mobile" ><img src="https://images2.goabroad.com/image/upload/images2/interviews/TQKyTfYV2yDCCAZYX8H2UQot88mDzpxmR0hlr9GS.jpg" alt="Iddi helping friend while walking across a river"><div class="caption"><p>It’s better to make a difference for the future</p></div></div>
<h3>What do you hope participants take away from your programs?</h3>
<p>In our program, volunteers make a difference—every person counts. Community service and volunteerism are an investment in our community and the people who live in it. Through this, they get a chance to give back to the community resources that benefit the people they care about.</p>
<p>Volunteers learn things, like discovering hidden talents, that may change their view and their self worth. Through working with local non-profit agencies, volunteers learn about the functions and operation of our government. This means it promotes personal growth and self esteem.</p>
<h3>Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?</h3>
<p>They can contribute to changing the world little by little. They can gain new skills and work experience while traveling abroad. Traveling allows travelers to experience new cultures and perspectives while creating lasting bonds. They get a better idea of their personal and professional path.</p>
<p>It teaches us compassion and helps us put ourselves in other people’s shoes. This helps open your eyes, mind, and heart to the world around you.</p>
<h3>What does meaningful travel mean to you?</h3>
<p>To me, meaningful travel is when travel enriches your life in some way. That could be done by focusing on making your own life better by discovering and learning new things about the world and yourself.</p>
<p>Meaningful travel is an opportunity to get involved but also to evolve yourself. When we go away, it’s so easy to pick up and move on. But when the trip is planned around meaningful travel, there will be countless opportunities to participate and learn. These are the things you will bring back home with you.</p>


Iddi Kisimbo

Get to know the people behind AMANI HOSTEL! Check out this GoAbroad Staff Interview with Iddi Kisimbo.

Iddi Kisimbo | AMANI HOSTEL Staff Interview

AMANI HOSTEL Staff Interview with Iddi Kisimbo

<h3>What inspired you to work for <a href=https://www.goabroad.com/providers/amani-hostel-1 rel="" target="_self" class="link"><ins>Amani Hostel</ins></a>?</h3>
<p>Meeting new people and building communities has always been in my blood. Becoming aware of the Amani Hostel was awesome and an opportunity for me to accomplish my mission and vision. Before choosing Amani, I worked with many other organizations, but Amani Hostel was the one that aligns with my personal codes and ethics.</p>
<h3>Describe a typical day at work.</h3>
<p>I typically spend time briefing the new volunteer arrivals, meeting the guest clients, as well as scouting for new projects that the volunteers can contribute to during their time here. I also work as a representative of the organization in government offices, and coordinate with local people as well as other grassroots organizations.</p>
<div class="awesome-image centered " ><img src="https://images2.goabroad.com/image/upload/images2/interviews/Zjto5cehAgu2fh6UuGhGMROJYbWyCAYVreHVraN7.jpg" alt="Nelson smiling with colleague over lunch"><div class="caption"><p>Me and my work mate</p></div></div>
<h3>Why do you do what you do?</h3>
<p>Love and passion with people has steered me to get involved with this organization. The organization’s central core is to help local communities and create job opportunities.</p>
<p>This is a perfect match with my interest in supporting the local people and the marginalized communities. It's a job where I am able to apply all my passion, emotions, and knowledge.</p>
<h3>What is your favorite part of your job?</h3>
<p>Meeting new people has been an interesting part of my job. You often meet people with a big smile—their arrival smiles carry lots of hope and energy. These ambitious new arrivals encourage me to push on with my mission and vision.</p>
<p>It's so inspiring to meet these new volunteers and guests. It's actually, or might as well be, a beginning of a new friendship.</p>
<h3>How do you use your education and international background in your current role?</h3>
<p>My experience helps me in making a positive impact on less privileged communities and assisting people with the same vision as mine to achieve their goals. I have always devoted my knowledge, my time, and experience in bringing changes into communities and to determined individuals.</p>
<p>I am obsessed with channeling young people into better futures and contemplating how they can use their energy and professionalism to bring about the changes they desire—finding ways to help them accomplish their dreams.</p>
<h3>What challenges do you often face and how do you overcome them?</h3>
<p>Cultural differences and how we integrate and adjust with people from different backgrounds and cultures can be a challenge that requires flexibility and patience in order to reach the goal.</p>
<p>Life in Africa is very different from life in the Western world and other continents. Since I was born and raised in East Africa, I had to learn how to cope with the culture shock.</p>
<div class="awesome-image right-aligned " ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1710750061/images2/interviews/fnfvtioQGOvNz086jmZJZHAtuO4mt7husFgGZfRZ.png" alt="Nelson smiling with colleague while traveling"><div class="caption"><p>Me and my travel partner</p></div></div>
<h3>What are some current projects you are working on?</h3>
<p>Currently, I am building classes in the local schools, organizing our new project called Music &amp; Arts, as well as Sports and Athletics. These projects aim at bringing our volunteers much closer to the local communities and culture.</p>
<p>These projects will take tourists and volunteers deeply into the heart of the people of the land they will be visiting here in Africa.</p>
<h3>What advice would you tell travelers?</h3>
<p>Don't hold certain expectations, you need to be flexible and patient. Despite the fact that Africa is a very different continent in terms of its cultural diversity, Africa has lots to offer.</p>
<p>There is lots of love in Africa, and very good people. If you’re flexible and patient there is always good time in Africa</p>
<h3>What makes your organization special?</h3>
<p>We are formed out of committed and responsible team work. We are a well determined team of local staff with love for new people and passion for our jobs.</p>
<p>Our staff includes a mixture of gender—we have respect for everyone, and believe everyone has the right to love and to be loved by anyone, anywhere. Unlike many other organizations, our organization is not focused on profit but rather our focus is on investing what we get into communities in need.</p>
<h3>Why should someone choose your organization over competitors?</h3>
<p>Simply, we are the best and most affordable. We are unique because we were founded and are run by local, native Africans with deep knowledge of the country and the continent in general.</p>
<p>Our programs are very affordable because we are a non-profit organization focusing on the community rather than profit. Our organization will help you achieve your mission here with less obstacles.</p>
<h3>What hopes do you have for the future for your organization?</h3>
<p>We focus on the future of the continent—we are paving the way for many. We make it easy for the people with the time and interest to reach communities in need.</p>
<p>We are going to stand as an example and an opportunity for many to learn from us. There’s a Chinese proverb that says “a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step”—if we keep moving, we will get somewhere together when we all take the initiative.</p>
<div class="awesome-image left-aligned wrap-mobile" ><img src="https://images2.goabroad.com/image/upload/images2/interviews/RPgdKq0nUvUJ8874mIcd5ZVAOEojolpEcRWN3pMw.jpg" alt="Nelson smiling with his two children while sitting at a counter"><div class="caption"><p>An outing with my kids</p></div></div>
<h3>What makes your organization easy to market to potential participants?</h3>
<p>Our policies and costs for placements are easy and accessible. Our programs are cost effective, but are run with great expertise by the professionals who are involved.</p>
<p>We are based here in Arusha, Tanzania and we are locally owned. Placement fees and costs for accommodation are paid directly upon arrival here in the country, and it benefits the people of this country directly.</p>
<h3>What is your organization's mission and how do you continue to work toward it?</h3>
<p>We are focused on bringing positive changes to the local people here, creating an everlasting impact on less privileged communities with the support of international volunteers.</p>
<p>How do we continue to move forward? We keep working in order to pass through the barriers for us—the sky's the limit.</p>
<h3>What do you hope participants take away from your programs?</h3>
<p>A great experience, new knowledge, and a sense of accomplishment. They are going to be different individuals compared to before they came.</p>
<p>Our programs are an eye-opener to see the world in a different way. We fill their minds and hearts with great experience for the communities they met here. We hope our programs change their lives forever.</p>
<h3>How do you help support participants?</h3>
<p>We brief the new arrivals with a lesson on the history and culture of the country and the city of Arusha. We also introduce the participants to our other staff including the coordinators of our projects.</p>
<p>Participants complete a short orientation course and introduction to the project where they will be working. Our team is always available at the office and through our 24/7 support by phone.</p>
<h3>What qualities in program &amp; host community relations are important to you? (And your organization?)</h3>
<p>We look for commitment, determination, creativity, and expertise. These are the main qualities we are focusing on. Our staff is comprised of these qualities. We are a team of committed and experienced professionals focused on our mission.</p>
<div class="awesome-image right-aligned wrap-mobile" ><img src="https://images2.goabroad.com/image/upload/images2/interviews/Nq4fnYC6fodCkmVbpKV4QwgYAD0a7FmOl1nBCeDV.jpg" alt="Nelson smiling in front of Amani Hostel"><div class="caption"><p>Me at the Amani Hostel</p></div></div>
<h3>How is your company handling Covid protocols? What should participants know about your Covid readiness? How are you assisting participants with navigating the new travel landscape?</h3>
<p>We are based in Arusha, Tanzania, so the country has its own policy and rules and regulations that we are all obligated to obey and to follow. The participants will need to read the government health policy that is displayed online. Mostly our country only asks for vaccination. They only require Covid test taken 48 hours before arrival here.</p>
<h3>If you could participate on one of your organization's programs, where would you go and what would you do?</h3>
<p>I would go for one of our teaching programs. I have love for kids and I think supporting them is the best way to achieve our mission. The future generation starts with kids—working with them is the only way that the changes we are working towards can be achieved.</p>
<p>There are so many schools here that we support since we prefer to work where there is higher demand.</p>
<h3>Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?</h3>
<p>The world was created this big for a reason. As a result, we need to travel and find out why we are living on this planet. You get to know your purpose better if you travel and meet new communities.</p>
<p>Traveling is an easy and fun way of learning. You will gain knowledge and surpass the limits of your patience, endurance, and stamina. It's pretty difficult to achieve these in a concrete way.</p>
<h3>What advice do you have for individuals thinking about going abroad?</h3>
<p>Find the right project, get your flight ticket, and get all the required vaccinations. You can ask us as many questions as possible to make sure that we provide you with adequate information prior to your arrival here.</p>
<h3>What does meaningful travel mean to you?</h3>
<p>Meaningful travel means traveling for a reason or traveling with purpose—travel that will benefit the local communities, like what we do with the Amani Hostel. We help bring meaning into your travel.</p>


Nelson Mbise

Get to know the people behind AMANI HOSTEL! Check out this GoAbroad Staff Interview with Nelson Mbise.

Nelson Mbise | AMANI HOSTEL Staff Interview

AMANI HOSTEL Staff Interview with Nelson Mbise

<h3>What inspired you to work for <a href=https://www.goabroad.com/providers/amani-hostel-1 rel="" target="_self" className="link"><ins>Amani Hostel</ins></a>?</h3>
<p>I come from a developing country and my goal was to create or provide something good that can help my fellow Africans. When I joined the team at Amani Hostel, I liked the ideas and goals they set because it was my vision to help others in my country and continent be known by others, through traveling and volunteering.</p>
<h3>What is your favorite part of your job?</h3>
<p>My favorite part of my job is when I am trying to increase online traffic by using SEO techniques because this may increase people’s understanding and trust of our organization, which helps us to convert our site visitors into real clients. It is exciting when I see our website ranking highly on Google.</p>
<div class="awesome-image centered " ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1674694966/images2/interviews/eBJEV855SJOk3dsCoqDDK6iFmS7U3NckIocBSq7k.jpg" alt="Large group of Tanzanian children in school uniforms"><div class="caption"><p>One of our school that we helped the to get volunteers</p></div></div>
<h3>What challenges do you often face and how do you overcome them?</h3>
<p>In our developing country, there are a bunch of challenges that are inevitable to face—one of the biggest problems in our country is availability of and access to electricity. This is one of the main challenges I always face as an IT guy.</p>
<p>Most of the time my computer shuts down, so I can't continue doing my job right at that time. I decided to get a backup generator so it helps when there is no electricity at all.</p>
<h3>What advice would you give to people who are about to travel?</h3>
<p>My advice to travelers is to make sure you get your health checked out before traveling. In particular, due to the on-going pandemic, I would advise getting vaccinated.</p>
<h3>What makes your organization special?</h3>
<p>For over 10 years, our operation as a volunteer in Africa service provider has managed to lead others in responsible volunteering, gap year programs, study abroad service-learning, African Safari excursions, internships in Africa, and other volunteer services.<br><br>Volunteering in Africa with us will offer you a place that connects cultures, mindsets, and ideas from different societies. Volunteer in Africa, a continent that leaves us all inspired and able to do more, discover more, and, most of all, know that we can make a real impact on those who are in need.</p>
<div class="awesome-image centered " ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1674694967/images2/interviews/WwkXJ4QFYxZ3WJUOUNQ1RcIa182Nbe9WfAuJOvW6.jpg" alt="Two twin beds with mosquito nets hanging above"><div class="caption"><p>Amani Hostel bedroom</p></div></div>
<h3>Why should someone choose your organization over competitors?</h3>
<p>Our team of travel advisors is able to guide you when deciding which of our projects best matches the experience you are looking for. For certain programs, your skills will also be expertly assessed to ensure that you are able to make the most out of your time on a project, and utilize your abilities and life experiences to the fullest.<br><br>We have seven types of offerings for our participants:</p>
<ul>
<li dir = "auto">Community service</li>
<li dir = "auto">Affordable hostel accommodation for volunteers</li>
<li dir = "auto">Volunteer programs</li>
<li dir = "auto">Conservation programs</li>
<li dir = "auto">Internships</li>
<li dir = "auto">Group travel programs</li>
<li dir = "auto">Safari programs in Tanzania</li>
</ul>
<p>No matter which category your chosen program falls into, we make every effort to ensure that it will provide you with worthwhile experiences and meet all of the specifications outlined in the program description.</p>
<div class="awesome-image centered " ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1674694967/images2/interviews/EPOUsdrD5Jdrm7g3nIJ97cGOTP4pBEHyzyTqK9uB.jpg" alt="Outdoor hallway at Amani Hostel"><div class="caption"><p>Amani Hostel outdoor views</p></div></div>
<h3>What makes your organization easy to market to potential participants?</h3>
<p>For all volunteers in Africa who will be stationed in Arusha, Amani hostel offers the best affordable hostel accommodation. Visitors can enjoy having a bedroom and three meals in a day for only $12 USD per person for one night, including bottled water for each room.<br><br>Conveniently, Arusha Central Market is 0.8 km from Arusha Hostel. The nearest airport is Arusha Airport which is about 2 km away.<br><br>Amani Hostel offers project placements as well as internships in Tanzania, based in and around the city of Arusha in the northern part of Tanzania. Also, Amani Hostel offers safari trips for volunteers in Africa at affordable rates.</p>
<h3>How do you prioritize the safety of your participants?</h3>
<p>Our top priority is to ensure that our participants are in a safe environment while on their programs. With this firmly in mind, we only receive volunteers into Tanzania and to other countries because we are politically stable and safe. There is peace in each destination where our programs are located.</p>
<p>If a situation changes, our local staff is prepared to monitor the situation. If we think that safety may be compromised, we immediately take steps to remove our participants from the unsafe environment.</p>
<h3>What is your organization's mission and how do you continue to work toward it?</h3>
<p>One of the main motivations behind the formation of Amani Hostel was to provide volunteers with high-quality, safe, and extremely affordable volunteering opportunities in developing countries, so you have money to spend on other things while you are abroad.</p>


Dean Garlus

Get to know the people behind AMANI HOSTEL! Check out this GoAbroad Staff Interview with Dean Garlus.

Dean Garlus | AMANI HOSTEL Staff Interview

AMANI HOSTEL Staff Interview with Dean Garlus

Do you have a talent for arts and crafts? Are you knowledgeable about income generation activities? No matter your skills and expertise, you would be a big help to this project. We welcome both volunteers and interns.

The HBC program provides care to individuals and families living with HIV/AIDS. It operates in 3 regions across Tanzania and currently supports an average of 730 patients. Trained HBC workers visit beneficiaries regularly to provide all types of support – relevant information (such as HIV/AIDS education and nutritional advice), finances, and cleaning. This care program has seen a significant improvement in the health of many patients.

Our placements are based in Arusha and surrounding Maasai villages. Volunteers arrive on either the first or third Sunday of each month and stay for 2 weeks up to a year.

We don’t ask for specific requirements and qualifications to join this program. But any skills in artwork, beading, and crafts are highly appreciated. It helps to learn some basic Kiswahili/Maasai language to communicate effectively with the locals. A volunteer coordinator assists you with this upon arrival.

Home-Based Care (HBC) Project in Arusha, Tanzania

AMANI HOSTEL

Corporate Pirates

Amani Hostel offers projects placement as well as internships in Tanzania, based in and around the town of Arusha in the north of Tanzania. Also Amani Hostel offer in Arusha, Arusha is a popular place for tourists to arrange their arrange their Safari trips as tourism plays a large role in town’s economy. 

All Amani Hostel volunteers in Tanzania will live local host families. This allows you to experience Tanzania from a local’s perspective, a very different world from the often luxurious hotels of the safari industry.

AMANI HOSTEL and its partner company offer different private custom safaris Wildlife Photographic safaris, Beach Holidays and Cultural tour, mountain climbing. We are well experienced and cooperate to our guests to arrange their holiday. We are patient and attentive to...

Amani Hostel offers projects placement as well as internships in Tanzania, based in and around the town of Arusha in the north of Tanzania. Also Amani Hostel offer in Arusha, Arusha is a popular place for tourists to arrange their arrange their Safari trips as tourism plays a large role in town’s economy. 

All Amani Hostel volunteers in Tanzania will live local host families. This allows you to experience Tanzania from a local’s perspective, a very different world from the often luxurious hotels of the safari industry.

AMANI HOSTEL and its partner company offer different private custom safaris Wildlife Photographic safaris, Beach Holidays and Cultural tour, mountain climbing. We are well experienced and cooperate to our guests to arrange their holiday. We are patient and attentive to all your requests. We concentrate on every individual request and work closer with you to finalize your program. Our range of services is wide, from standard to luxury. We offer adventures camping safari, standard lodge Safari, luxury tented camps safaris and Luxury lodge Safaris. 

The right people with the right skills who are committed to ensuring lasting, sustainable improvements where they are most needed. Amani Hostel works in education, health, natural resources, business, social work, librarianship, media, law the technical trades and engineering.

Amani Hostel offers projects placement as well as internships in Tanzania, based in and around the town of Arusha in the north of Tanzania. Also Amani Hostel offer in Arusha, Arusha is a popular place for tourists to arrange their arrange their Safari trips as tourism plays a large role in town’s economy. 

All Amani Hostel volunteers in Tanzania will live local host families. This allows you to...

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Incredible medical elective in Arusha

I am a final year student from England and struggled to find contacts for an elective in Tanzania who would respond within the uni deadlines, were helpful and affordable. Kivolex offered all and Innocent was incredibly helpful, responded rapidly at all times of the day (I am fairly sure he messaged me on his literal wedding day about an admin question I had). He was able to get all required university forms signed off and has contacts across a range of hospitals in Tanzania and subcontracted the local supervision and organisation of our elective to Eduu from Amaani volunteers. 
I certainly wish I had known about the informal nature of arrangements in Tanzania before going. Online it appeared that lots of things were not possible (for example certain hospital placements or climbing Kilimanjaro) but it turns out that all these things are possible with local contacts. Eduu was  invaluable. He was there from day 1 with him and his team being instantly welcoming, helping us orientate ourselves around the city, guiding us on how to get around (and how much to pay the Bhijajia) as well as helping us to organise big trips to experience the non-placement side of Tanzania. He was able to be very flexible helping us organise a 4-day Safari on 2 days notice, a 5-day Kilimanjaro climb which we had thought wouldn’t be possible due to the rainy season and a day trip to the Moshi hot springs and water-falls. He was able to explain the tipping system to us, find good local prices for rental of hiking gear and helped us withdraw money so we could avoid our bank exchange fees and was able to sort any issues that arose with placement. 
Our placement was at St Elizabeth Hospital Arusha (SEHA) and is a small regional hospital with an internal medicine ward, outpatient department with a two bed acute A and E (normal beds just in a side room closer to the Drs office), paediatrics, obstetrics and gynaecology, surgery on certain days and other outpatient/nurse clinics. There are around 3-5 doctors on site in the day and they tend to do a bit of everything. There were other volunteers/health care workers from abroad who were all very friendly and at levels of training varying from secondary school to final year of medical school. 
SEHA is extremely resource poor compared to the UK and this is exacerbated by patients being unable to afford investigations or treatments. It was common to see saturations in the 70s with nasal  cannula only due to the cost of oxygen, antibiotics courses curtailed due to lack of funds or referrals refused by patients due to the cost. The cases included a variety of conditions but a large amount of HIV related disease (including TB so I would bring PPE), upper GI bleed, heart failure, paediatric sepsis and burns and DKA/HHS. Having completed finals the doctor on my ward largely treated me as an extra pair of hands and I was able to discuss cases with her, examine patients, help interpret investigations and formulate managements. However, there was never a point I felt left unsupervised and expected to act beyond my abilities. It is certainly a place you will see the extreme end of conditions often only presenting after reduced GCS or very significant symptoms. It was at times frustrating to see how little could be done to establish the cause and then manage a condition within the constraints of the system but it was also very rewarding to see and play a part in the care SEHA could offer. 
The language was a barrier when communicating with patients. A small minority spoke English but the staff all speak excellent English and in the afternoon (ward round and jobs are usually done by 1:30 or earlier) would be happy to translate for me. The staff are very happy to teach and explain their thinking behind cases which was especially helpful as, although they document in English, the histories and many discussions about care happen in Swahili and it can feel that there is a lot happening not documented.
The staff are wonderful and welcoming (especially on internal medicine) and were an absolute delight to work with. They taught us Swahili, we did team socials playing pool at the nearby pub and I learned a great deal of medicine from them, especially about managing patients in the presence of huge diagnostic uncertainty. 
Our week with the Flying Doctors fell through due to weather which was disappointing especially as it had initially been declined but Innocent had reversed this assuring that it would be possible. I would certainly always trust the Flying Doctors about their timetables, it is one part of Arusha organisation that is not endlessly flexible. However, Eduu and Innocent were able to arrange a placement at Mount Meru the regional referral centre. There were some issues from the Meru side which meant we started late, but I would highly recommend a week or two there in A and E or other departments you are interested in and wouldn’t let these small organisational issues put you off. It is the regional referral and offers a very different experience of Tanzanian medicine. They have specialist doctors and what seems an abundance of resource compared to smaller hospitals such as St Elizabeth which are largely staffed by generalists. However, you will still see the issue of extreme poverty with patients being unable to afford full investigation or managements and resource scarcity (basics such as ECG stickers were missing rendering lots of expensive equipment useless and meaning there wasn’t continuous cardiac monitors of functional defibrillators even in A and E or on ITU). Additionally, specialists are often very scarce and you will see doctors managing unstable and chronic patients unable to access specialist care (at St Elizabeth the only surgeon has been on call since he started work there).
Even as the regional referral centre expect it to be miles apart from the medicine in more developed health care systems both in presentations often being in more critical conditions than the UK, work ups and managements. The Doctors were largely friendly but very busy. The documentation and clerking are briefer than in the UK and it was often hard to understand what the Doctor’s diagnoses and plans were. I found it could often feel not very supervised and I had to be continually proactive in seeking support and input from the Drs and nurses which was then forthcoming. During my stint there were other medical/nursing students and qualified doctors/nurses from abroad there which can be great when it comes to learning and working together.
I routinely helped with A to E assessments for most patients under the supervision of the Doctors or reporting back to them and in clinical skills I felt confident in. I had the chance to discuss diagnosis and management with Doctors. Whilst I was only able to join for 3 days I had the opportunity to see (and in most cases be involved in the assessments or managements) of Cardiac arrest, DKA, HIV AIDS PCP, asthma exacerbations, airway emergency from oropharyngeal cancer, pneumoconiosis, ACS, low GCS, RTA, hypoglycaemia, PUD, upper GI bleed, sickle cell crisis and extradural haematoma. 
Non-medically Tanzania was incredible. I would recommend staying at Amani hostel in Sombitini which Eduu works closely with. It is a very affordable, welcoming and comfortable hostel 20-30 minutes from the city centre and hospital with lots of fellow travellers to meet but also really lovely staff who are willing to show you local spots. Plus, Swaumu cooks a banging dinner and Poppati and Amir do a great night out. Get ready to hand wash your clothes (or pay someone to), we didn’t meet anyone with a washing machine. I would definitely bring lots of scrubs to throw away any ones that get really mucky instead of wash them. Arusha had great food with BBQ meats, rice dishes, street food, plenty of restaurants to try and was cheap (we could get a basic rice and meat lunch with extra samosas and skewers for £1.50 at St Elizabeth). The beers have great names, taste good and are cheap. 
The excursions we did were incredible and a great break from placements. The locals at the hostel and hospitals were really, friendly and welcoming and happy to show us round and socialise. The hostel team were happy to take us to a good local spot, make sure we didn’t get ripped off and get us home safe in exchange for paying for their food. There were also lots of other travellers and elective students to meet up with. Clubbing was great fun and cheap (I would go as a group or with a local). In terms of safety, we followed the advice given not to walk around after dark but to take the Bhijaji’s instead and had no problems. I did hear of some cases of muggings, but these were always tourists walking around at night against the advice, during the day it was just a case of declining sales offers which most sellers accepted first time. I would recommend trying to learn a bit of Swahili while you are on elective (the nurses taught me) as it can help with patients, but the locals also seemed to appreciate it and be more inviting if you knew anything more than mambo, poa. 
In summary, I would 100% go it was incredible and I learned and saw so much (medical and beyond). Do it with a local contact as lots of websites were out of date and having someone you could call or text to sort things was much, much easier. Try figure out a bit about different hospitals you want to attend whilst there and I found even the little time the second site hugely enriched the elective. Be prepared to see loads of diagnostic uncertainty, resource and financial poverty impacting care, fulminant diseases, really sad cases but also incredibly hard-working doctors who are keen to have you involved if you’re a little proactive, wonderfully fun and welcoming people, great food, great weather and loads of non-medical stuff to do. I also think it’s a place you can make a difference while you are there even if it’s just being another helpful set of hands on the ward.

5 day Marangu route

My friend and I booked a trip to climb Kilimanjaro short notice. We had originally thought that we wouldn't be able to due to online information about the rainy season but found out that it was possible when we arrived. Eduu was able to quickly organise a climb that fit into our elective plans and was amazing at helping us find affordable quality rental gear (I had almost nothing as I was not expecting to climb). 
The route itself was day 1 to Mandara, day 2 to Horombo, day 3 to Kibu, midnight of day 3 summit with descent on day 4 to Horombo after a short nap and descent to the gate on day 5.  Walking through the different terrains is wonderful and I have to recommend watching the stars at night as they were incredible. 
For me I found it physically doable despite the fact my last real exercise was 3 years ago and I have no real mountaineering experience. The style was "pole pole" which means slowly slowly. You walk at a glacial pace, slowing for any steep sections, which eats up the miles but leaving you feeling like you are always only slightly exerting. The altitude was a struggle for me especially on summit day where we had ascended 2000m in about 24 hours. Even with the retching and feeling generally terrible for the summit it was incredibly worth it. 
Our guides Mrope and Richie were amazing and I would definitely recommend them! I would also recommend asking Eduu for help understanding the tipping conventions.  The whole team were lovely and I think the only thing I would change is that the food was variable, although the altitude didn't help my appetite.

4 day safari

I had a 4 day safari arranged by Eduu. It was incredibly easy and flexible to arrange and done on 2 days notice. 
The first day was tirengire which was stunning and possibly my favourite. It has such a unique landscape and loads of safari routes which cross the park meaning you can often get closer to the animals than other parks. This place is a must see for elephant fans!! 
The accomodation on night one was a comfortable lodge style place with simple rooms and very nice warm showers! 
Serengheti was much more open and animals perhaps less frequently seen but with its unique landscape, migrating Wildebeast and zebras and leopards was still an incredible destination! The sunrise is a must!! 
Camping in serengheti and ngororo was comfortable and fun but I would say bring a jumper as the mornings can be chilly especially ngororo which is higher up. 
Ngororo was stunnign with amazingly close lions that were literally under the car. 
Food throughout was basic but tasty.
Make sure to plan tips! Eduu was very helpful in helping to understand amounts normally tipped! 
I would definitely go again if I had the chance!

Loads of wildlife

4 day Safari, 1st night was a stay at a lodge 
Teregeri was full of close up mammals. Lots of elephants, giraffs and some lions. 
Knowledgeable driver, but quite reserved, he would answer any questions asked. Food was always interesting, an odd mix of western and African cuisine.
2nd and 3rd nights were camping, it was a bit chilly so bring some warmer clothes. The night skies were beautiful. A wonderful experience. Serengeti days were quieter in general, but this was were we saw 2 leopards. Our favourite day was the ngorogoro crater loads and loads of wildlife. Some very far away and some literally under the car. Beautiful scenery and lunch spot.

My proudest achievement! 

I climbed Mt Kilimanjaro in 6 days and I successfully made it to the summit! My trip was an amazing experience. All the guides and the porters were great and so kind. We couldn’t have done it without them. The trip was so well planned and everything including airport transfers and accommodation was sorted for us. I would recommend this company to anyone! 

One of my adventure history

I visited when i was 17 years old for the first time in tansania, After 8 years i decide to back again, I was welcomedby amani hostel, frankly speaking I enjoyed the safari with them they made client satification and safety for 100 percent. wish t visit again in 2023, See you soon

Great stay at Amani hostel

I enjoyed my time in Haydom. The first night when I arrived in Arusha I was picked up bij Edward who brought me to Amani hostel. The stay at Amani-hostel was really good. I arrived very late that day and even then I could have dinner after a long flight. The room was clean.

I had a good stay at Amani Hostel

In november 2022 I stayed at Amani Hostel for one night. The communication before hand regarding my trip was very clear and Elia was waiting for me at the airport to pick me up. When we arrived at Amani late at night, they had still prepared food for me! The room was clean and tidy and the breakfast was good. I had a good stay at Amani hostel and would definitely recommend it.

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