tanzanian immersion welcome pack - ylead · things you require. items available at springlands are...

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TANZANIAN IMMERSION A ONCE IN A LIFETIME ADVENTURE Welcome Pack DEPARTING 27 DECEMBER 2017 INTRODUCING TANZANIA 1 Geography and demographics Education in Tanzania Language and culture A crash course in Swahili GETTING THERE 2 Flight information Domestic flight and bus connections Extended travel ALL THE FUN STUFF 3 - 4 Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro Pumzisha - a Kilimanjaro alternative Safari Teaching and coaching Local home-stay The School of St Jude Zanzibar MONEY MATTERS 5 Invoice and payment schedule Spending money Fundraising HEALTH MATTERS 6 Vaccinations Altitude sickness Coming back from Kilimanjaro early Diet and general well-being First aid PAPER PARAPHERNALIA 7 Passports Travel insurance Visas AND ALL THE REST... 8 Packing Cultural sensitivity Keeping in touch while you’re away Meet, greet and preparation walk WHAT’S NEXT? 9 - 10

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Page 1: TANZANIAN IMMERSION Welcome Pack - yLead · things you require. Items available at Springlands are outlined on the What To Pack List. Mount Kilimanjaro is the world’s highest free-standing,

TANZANIAN IMMERSIONA ONCE IN A LIFETIME ADVENTURE

Welcome Pack

DEPARTING 27 DECEMBER 2017INTRODUCING TANZANIA 1 Geography and demographics Education in Tanzania Language and culture A crash course in Swahili GETTING THERE 2 Flight information Domestic flight and bus connections Extended travel ALL THE FUN STUFF 3 - 4 Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro Pumzisha - a Kilimanjaro alternative Safari Teaching and coaching Local home-stay The School of St Jude Zanzibar MONEY MATTERS 5 Invoice and payment schedule Spending money Fundraising HEALTH MATTERS 6 Vaccinations Altitude sickness Coming back from Kilimanjaro early Diet and general well-being First aidPAPER PARAPHERNALIA 7 Passports Travel insurance Visas AND ALL THE REST... 8 Packing Cultural sensitivity Keeping in touch while you’re away Meet, greet and preparation walk WHAT’S NEXT? 9 - 10

Page 2: TANZANIAN IMMERSION Welcome Pack - yLead · things you require. Items available at Springlands are outlined on the What To Pack List. Mount Kilimanjaro is the world’s highest free-standing,

INTRODUCING TANZANIA

The United Republic of Tanzania is an East African country which shares borders with Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Congo, Malawi, Zambia and Mozambique. The name Tanzania is a combination of the two states that comprise the country, Tanganyika and Zanzibar, which united in 1964. The country now has a population of roughly 42 million people, over 80 percent of whom live in rural areas.

The capital of Tanzania, Dodoma, lies in the centre of the country, but the largest city is the port of Dar es Salaam which was the capital between independence and 1996. ‘Dars’, as the locals refer to it, is still the principal commercial city and the de-facto seat of many government institutions. The Tanzanian Immersion expedition is concentrated in the far north of the country, in the city of Arusha (roughly 1.3 million people) and the small town of Moshi (about 150,000). Moshi is on the lower slopes of Mt Kilimanjaro and the base for all treks up the mountain.

Education in Tanzania

Education in Tanzania is compulsory for seven years until children reach the age of 15. Primary school education has been free since 2002 but families still have to pay expenses such as uniforms, textbooks and supplies. Since tuition fees were abolished there has been a significant increase in primary enrolment. In 2000 approximately 57% of children aged 7-14 were at school, but in 2006 the net primary enrolment rate was closer to 98%. This, however, doesn’t necessarily equal the number attending, and there are still many barriers to quality education that benefits everyone, including a lack of resources for teacher training, classrooms and computers. But Tanzania, relative to its African neighbours, has quite high levels of child literacy and numeracy.

Many children, though, do not continue to secondary education. Although tuition itself in not too expensive in government schools, there are many other associated costs which become prohibitive, especially for large and single-parent families. Some parents don’t appreciate the value of education, especially for girls, which is often enough to keep them from agreeing to pay for schooling. Also, all secondary education by law is taught in English, but for students from rural areas, English is often their third language (after their local language and Swahili). This has been a controversial decision, with opponents arguing that not teaching in Swahili causes talented students to be left behind and detracts from students concentrating on the subject matter.

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Language and culture

The official language of Tanzania is Swahili, but many people will speak at least a bit of English as well and sometimes the language specific to their region. Swahili is seen as the unifying language of the country between different tribes who each have their own tribal language; English serves the purpose of providing Tanzanians with the ability to participate in the global economy and culture.

Tanzania is home to people from a diversity of cultures and backgrounds. While the majority of the population will have Bantu origins, the northern part of the country also has a lot of Maasai communities, who are among the most well-known of African ethnic groups due to their distinctive dress and traditional customs. Tanzania also includes people of Arab, Indian, and Pakistani origin, and smaller European and Chinese communities. The population has been estimated to comprise roughly equal proportions of Christians, Muslims and people with indigenous beliefs – however, the national census has not collected information on religious affiliation since 1967 as the religious balance is considered a sensitive topic. Tanzanians pride themselves on living with diversity and avoid rivalry by not identifying the majority.

Geography and demographics

Page 3: TANZANIAN IMMERSION Welcome Pack - yLead · things you require. Items available at Springlands are outlined on the What To Pack List. Mount Kilimanjaro is the world’s highest free-standing,

A crash course in Swahili

In most of Tanzania you will be able to communicate effectively in English, but when travelling to any country, it is always helpful to know a few words in the local language to enhance your experience of meeting the locals. Here are some basics to get you started. For help with pronunciation, there’s a short guide at http://www.kamusiproject.org/pronounce

General Phrases Counting PeopleHello Jambo One Moja I MimiGoodbye Kwa heri (one), Kwa herini (many) Two Mmbili We SisiWhat is your name? Jina lako nani? Wewe nani? Three Tatu You WeweMy name is... Jina langu ni... Four Nne They WaoNice to meet you Nafurahi kukuona Five Tano Wife MkeHow are you? Habari gani? Uhali gani? Six Sita Husband MumeGood, fine Njema, nzuri, salama Seven Saba Daughter Binti

Thank you Asante Eight Nane Son MwanaYou're welcome Karibu Nine Tisa Mother MamaPlease Tafadhali Ten Kumi Father Baba

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GETTING THERE

Flight information

In the past we have flown with both Emirates and Etihad ariways. A final decision is made based on direct routes, safety standards, transit times and flight path. International flight details will be confirmed and provided to you closer to our date of departure.

You will be allowed to check-in up to 23kg of luggage. Customers are also permitted one piece of carry-on baggage that may not exceed 55 x 38 x 20cm and must weigh no more than 7kg. If you exceed the allowed baggage limit you will need to pay excess charges at the airport.

Sometimes travellers opt to begin a gap year or do additional travel after they have been to Tanzania with us. Please let us know straight away if this applies to you as it will affect your airfare booking. We can then liaise with our travel agent and provide options if you are not returning to Australia with the group. Please note that if a different return ticket is requested there maybe a difference in fee.

Extended travel

You will need to arrive 3.5 HOURS BEFORE DEPARTURE TIME. This will allow enough time for the group to check in, say their goodbyes, clear customs and have a snack before we depart.

Domestic flights and bus connections

If you are coming from outside Brisbane then you will need to arrive in plenty of time to meet the group at the international terminal. As a group we need to check in approximately 3.5 hours before our scheduled flight. Once you have booked your connection to Brisbane you will need to let yLead know your flight/bus numbers and times so that we can collate your information for both departure and arrival connections. You must phone or email the office with these details. We will also provide you with a list of inexpensive accommodation close to the airport, however you are more than welcome to arrange to stay with family or friends.

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ALL THE FUN STUFF

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro

Commencing at the Marangu Gates our stops on the way are Night 1: Mandara Hut (2743m), Night 2 & 3: Horombo Hut (3760m), Night 4: Kibo Hut (4730m), and then finally you will proceed to Gilman’s Point (5680m) and Uhuru Peak (5895m) before descending back through the 5 ecology zones; crater rim and snow, desert, moorland and forest.

The best training you can do for Kilimanjaro is walking up hills. You don’t need to be an athlete but the more preparation you can do in terms of walking and climbing stairs and hills, the more likely you are to reach the summit. In the lead up to departure, make sure you regularly going for long walks with approximately 8kgs on your back.

The walk itself is a slow, 6-7 day trek, in hope to minimise the likelihood of altitude sickness (see the section below on health matters). You should be able to comfortably jog for half an hour without stopping before attempting the climb.

In terms of equipment, there are a number clothing items you should make sure you have (see the enclosed What to Pack list), but several items can be hired inexpensively at Springlands where we stay in Moshi. Obviously one of the main things you will need is a comfortable, waterproof pair of hiking boots that are well worn in by the time you depart for Africa. For clothing, it might be worth seeing if you could borrow from friends or family if you don’t wish to buy everything – anyone who goes skiing regularly may have things you require. Items available at Springlands are outlined on the What To Pack List.

Mount Kilimanjaro is the world’s highest free-standing, walkable mountain. And what a walk it is! At 5895AMSL, there’s a reason why it’s one of the world’s most adventurous and rewarding treks.

There are several routes to the summit and yLead uses the Marangu route. Nicknamed the ‘Coca Cola’ route as once a upon a time you could purchase coke at the tea houses on the way up the mountain. This route has a reputation for being the ‘easiest route’ however don’t let the name fool you! We love it because it has comfortable cabin accommodation for large groups.

Pumzisha - a Kilimanjaro alternative

We understand that some traveller’s prefer not to take on the challenge of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. If you would rather yLead arrange an alternative for climbing Kilimanjaro, please notify us as soon as possible. We maybe able to contact our local suppliers to arrange alternative activities for you.

Forget the National Geographic channel. Forget the zoo. Seeing African wildlife up close (but not too close!) is an unforgettable experience. Here you will visit the world famous Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro Crater (the Garden of Eden). These habitats swarm with wildlife - elephants, water buffalo, wildebeest, lions, flamingos, giraffes, rhinos, hippos, leopards, and impala... the lot! You will spend two days out on the African plains, cruising in the safari jeeps. Our specially requested Safari Guides are experts at finding the animals and will also keep you safe! Safari accommodation is provided in a luxury lodge which is run by the tour operators.

Safari

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Teaching and coaching

As part of our service to the primary schools of Moshi, you will also run the annual Pasua District Athletics Carnival. This comprises of activities such as sprints, relays, over and under, tunnel ball and captain ball. This is the first call for people to help out by seeing if you can get equipment donated for us to take over there. Items we need include: soccer/netballs (deflated), markers or cones, prize ribbons and equipment bags. Last year the group did a great job sourcing heaps of equipment from local shops, schools, clubs or youth groups. Get to it, team – let’s make this carnival extraordinary!

In Moshi, you will be involved in teaching a short lesson to a classroom of primary students. You and your fellow travellers will be assigned to a group of two or three (prior to departure) and together you will need to design a simple lesson plan. But it’s not too early to start coming up with some ideas now. Think about your interests and skills and have a brainstorm! It could be something about Australia, teaching a song/dance/craft/game etc. Or it could be something like teaching children about good dental hygiene (with toothbrushes and floss!). The structure of your lesson will be up to your group but each lesson will last for about 45 minutes and you will teach it 3 times to classes of up to 40 students. Bear in mind that you will need to bring whatever materials you need as these schools do not have the luxury of ready supplies of stationery etc. And it’s a good idea to bring along some prizes so that in every lesson the kids can take something home. Balloons, stickers, stationery and wristbands are things that have worked well in the past and don’t take up much room in your luggage

The School of St Jude

One of the most incredible organisations we have had the pleasure of partnering with. If you don’t already know much about St Jude’s, you can find out plenty by going to their website: http://www.schoolofstjude.org You can also ‘like’ them on Facebook (search School of St Jude) to get a taste of what your visit might encompass. We know you will have an amazing time meeting Gemma, interacting with her beautiful students and enjoying being a part of the ‘youth of Australia’ who have helped build yLead House, a boarding house for eighty rural students who would otherwise not be able to attend the school.

After an action-packed and life-changing three weeks, this is the perfect way to relax and reflect on your journey before flying home. Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous island off the coast of mainland Tanzania. It is just a 75-minute flight from Kilimanjaro International Airport and a two hour water taxi journey from Dar es Salaam. Zanzibar is a wonderful community combining ancient Arabic ruins with pristine sandy beaches. While you are on Zanzibar you will take a guided walking tour through the spice farm and Stone Town which will educate you about the lucrative 19th century slave trade. You will also have a day of relaxation on the beach or swimming with the dolphins or sea turtles. It is the perfect way to unwind before returning home.

Zanzibar

Local home-stay

Having been travelling to Tanzania for many years we are able to offer a local home-stay with the teachers of Pasua district. These teachers open their homes and their hearts to the yLead travellers every year and ensure you get an authentic feel for how they live in their local town.

After a delicious home cooked lunch served by the teachers at the schools, you will head home in pairs with one of the teachers. From here your local home-stay begins. Take the time to get to know your host family, learn how to prepare and cook a traditional african dinner, get your hands dirty and learn how to wash your clothes ‘african style’ and head to the markets in the local dala-dala with over 20 other locals and their chickens! This is a once in a lifetime experience, make sure you learn the local way of life!

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Invoice and payment schedule

An invoice for the balance of Tanzanian Immersion is enclosed with this information pack. It shows the payment amount you have currently paid toward your trip fee. Please note the Payment Schedule (provided on the right) for your future payments. Please contact yLead if you have any concerns about meeting these deadlines.

Spending money

We recommend approximately US $700 spending money for your three weeks in Tanzania. Whilst in Zanzibar you will also be offered the opportunity to participate in two unique experiences - The Safari Blue Sea Adventure and The Rock Restaurant. If these experiences interest you we suggest bringing an additional $100 for each. Your tour price already includes all scheduled activities, transport, accommodation and nearly all meals, but there will obviously be things you wish to buy over there as a reminder of your trip. You will also need to purchase bottled water throughout the trip, especially before you climb Kilimanjaro.

Approximately US $200 of your spending money will go towards a tips pool which allows for your leaders tipping all the staff who will help you along the way. This includes national park staff, your porters during the trek, your drivers and hosts during the safari, and various others who host or arrange some portion of your visit.

The cash you bring should be a mix of denominations, and larger notes will get you the best exchange rate to the Tanzanian shilling. Our recommendation is 3 x $100, 6 x $50 and the rest in $20 and $10 US notes. When you are staying at Springlands your tour leaders will look after everyone’s cash so that $100 is the most you have on you at any one time. This greatly minimizes the chance of losing large amounts of money.

Please don’t bring traveller’s cheques as there are very few places to exchange them. Visa, Mastercards and ATM cards are a handy safety backup but please do not rely on having regular access to banks or ATMs. There are few opportunities for withdrawing extra cash and in developing East Africa you cannot guarantee your card will always work.

Please note: Around 1996 there were various issues with counterfeit US notes, and most places in Tanzania and Zanzibar will refuse to exchange bills from this year. It is best to get the newest, crispest US notes you can (definitely post 2000), to avoid potential problems with being able to use them.

MONEY MATTERSPAYMENT SCHEDULE

2017 Expedition Fee: $7900 (Ex. Brisbane)

Payment Amount DueDeposit $1,000 NowFirst Payment $1,500 Saturday, 29 AprilSecond Payment $1,500 Saturday, 24 JuneBalance $3,900 Saturday, 26 August TOTAL $7,900

Fundraising

All participants on the Tanzanian Immersion expedition commit to fundraising a minimum of $500, which will contribute towards our current target of $400,000 to build yLead House. This is a new boarding facility at the School of St Jude which now accommodates 80 rural students who would otherwise not be able to attend the school due to distance. However, yLead and the youth of Australia have so far only contributed about a quarter of the total amount it cost to build, so with your help we will continue to work towards our target and ensure that the school always has the resources it needs.

The money you fundraise must not come from your parent’s pockets! So get creative and come up with some fun ideas for raising money that also raises awareness. If you need suggestions, contact us and we can give you ideas based on what past traveller’s have done. There are also the ‘tried and tested’ ways to raise funds, like holding a Saturday morning sausage sizzle at Bunnings or selling Cadbury fundraising chocolate. You could even turn your Kilimanjaro climb into a ‘walkathon’ and collect sponsors. But the earlier you start the more you will raise!

In due course we will give you details of how to transfer this money to the yLead fundraising account, but if you’re already off to a flying start then please let us know. We regularly make donations out of this account to St Jude’s with money being raised by other yLead activities.

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HEALTH MATTERSVaccinations

Travelling to East Africa will require you to get a number of vaccinations, not just for your own health and safety but to meet entrance and visa requirements to Tanzania and returning into Australia. We recommend visiting your travel doctor for up to date information on travelling to Tanzania. A great time to do this is during your school or uni holidays prior to the trip (i.e. September), as you then have time to recover from any minor reactions to the vaccinations. This is rare but can affect some people.

Your travel doctor is likely to recommend the following:

The doctor will subscribe anti-malarial medication and give you advice on meningococcal, cholera and rabies. Please also arrange a ‘gastro pack’, containing prescription medication for diarrhea and stomach bugs etc. http://www.traveldoctor.com.au/ is the best place to go to read up on immunisations and to find your nearest clinic. You can also get your own Travel Health Advisory report for Tanzania to keep yourself in the know.

Altitude sickness

Spending time at altitudes where the air is very thin can have possible side effects. The most common altitude-related syndrome is Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), most commonly experienced at altitudes above 3000m, which happens after Day 2/3 on Mt Kilimanjaro. The prevention of AMS comes from slow adjustment to the decreasing oxygen levels, and therefore our trip always includes an extra acclimatisation day before continuing to the summit. Since individuals vary in their ability to acclimatise, trekkers need to recognise symptoms of altitude sickness and know how to deal with them, although your head guides are extremely experienced and are likely to spot these conditions before you do:

To give yourself the best chance of preventing AMS consider these steps:

Some climbers decide not to continue to the summit and instead choose to return to the comfort of Springlands Hotel early. In this instance you will be escorted back to the park gates by a guide from Zara Adventures and transported back to the hotel. Please be aware that the Tour Leaders’ responsibility in this instance will be to stay with the group on the mountain, however the Springlands staff are well prepared to look after you and make sure you are safe and comfortable. The tour leader will have regular contact with the hotel while on the mountain.

Coming back early from Kilimanjaro

• Headaches• Mild shortness of breath• Nausea• Dizziness, lightheadedness or disorientation

1. Aim to be the last to arrive at the end of each day. This way you give your body the best chance to acclimatise to the changing environment.

2. Ask your doctor to prescribe Diamox and altitude sickness prevention treatment. If you are allergic to sulphur, ask your doctor to recommend an alternative herbal treatment. There are many websites explaining the value of Diamox and how it works.

3. Carry your water bottle in your dominant hand and sip, and sip, and sip! Dehydration worsens altitude sickness. Water is H2O and the ‘O’ stands for oxygen, the missing ingredient!

4. Prepare for the sun! As you ascend, the atmosphere thins, allowing more potent UV rays to penetrate. Zinc cream, 30+ sun protection, wide-brimmed hat and eye shades covering your temples are essential.

5. Descending to a lower altitude and the associated increase in the oxygen content is the best solution to combat AMS. The guides will get you down quickly if necessary.

• Hepatitis A and B• Typhoid• Tetanus-Diptheria

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PAPER PARAPHERNALIA

Passports

If you haven’t already provided your passport details to yLead, please do so as soon as possible, especially if you are yet to obtain one or renew your old one. Your passport must have an expiry date at least six (6) months after your date of return to Australia. Please send yLead a copy of the photo page of your passport once you obtain it.

Travel insurance

Enclosed with your information pack is a separate document that outlines your comprehensive Covermore Insurance policy. This is part of a group policy that we have negotiated with Covermore and has been identified by yLead as the most suitable for the Tanzanian Immersion expedition. In particular, it recognises that climbing Kilimanjaro is a trekking experience, and not mountaineering (which requires special equipment such as ropes, harnesses, etc.). We ask that you read the summary of benefits carefully so you know what the policy covers. Then you will need to return the form to us as soon as possible in order for your policy to be valid. See the enclosed sheet that outlines how to complete the form.

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Visas

Our bodies can react in different ways when presented with unusual circumstances such as different foods, being away from home and family, and simply travelling and being on the move for most days of your trip. To minimise the chances of becoming unwell while you’re away, it’s imperative to only drink bottled water and to consider a predominantly hot vegetarian diet, although meat is likely to be safe in places like Springlands. We recommend only eating cooked foods, and only eat raw fruit and vegetables if the outer skin has been removed. If you feel sick or experience any symptoms like nausea, headaches or diarrhea, tell your tour leaders immediately.

First aid

The Travel Doctor website sells a Gastro Kit which is specifically designed for short-term travel into less-developed parts of the world. It is made up of various prescription and non-prescription medications to help manage common traveller illnesses while you are away. All kits come with detailed instructions and an authority document for travelling through customs. yLead requires every participant to have one of these kits with prescription medication for traveller’s diarrhoea and stomach bugs so that potential gastro problems can be dealt with quickly and not spread through the group.

Diet and general well-being

You should also make sure you have any regular medication you need (tour leaders must be notified of this before you depart), as well as your altitude sickness prevention medication and any other prescriptions your travel doctor has recommended. Your first aid kit should contain some kind of antiseptic wipes or anti-bacterial wash and you may wish to include Bandaids (for blisters) and a mild painkiller such as Panadol for headaches or aches and pains. Tour leaders will have a first aid kit with them for minor injuries and illness, but everyone should have a few basic supplies with them as well.

Your first aid kit should always be accessible in your hand luggage rather than buried in your main pack. Naturally we hope everyone stays healthy, but if you feel unwell you will enjoy your trip much more if you can treat minor ailments straight away.

Australians visiting Tanzania require a single entry tourist visa (AU$95) to be permitted to enter the country. This is a simple process that must be done prior to departure. Because we are a large group it makes things easier for everyone to do this process from Australia. It allows for a quicker trip through customs and doesn’t give customs the opportunity to play ‘money games’ with us.

We will notify you when you need to apply for a visa. This happens about two months prior to departure. We will send you the forms (via email to the address you have nominated) as well as instructions on how to apply. You don’t need to worry about it just yet.

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... AND ALL THE REST

Packing

You will need to have a large 60-75 litre backpack as your main luggage. In addition, you will need a smaller 25-30 litre day pack for hand luggage and for climbing Kilimanjaro. Both backpacks should be sturdy and sit comfortably on your body, with a waist harness that places the weight of the pack on your hips rather than your back and shoulders. You will be glad of these extra comforts! Remember, you will be carrying this day pack for 6-8 hours a day as you trek on Kilimanjaro – it’s worth spending a bit extra to get a good one!

Enclosed in this package is your Tanzanian Immersion Packing List. Note that there are several items which you may prefer to hire at Springlands rather than purchase yourself. Contact us if you need any specific advice on equipment to buy. Don’t forget that you will need to carry your large pack during transit, so try keep it on the side of less, not more!

Cultural sensitivity and dress code

While Tanzania is a friendly and relaxed country, it is also a reasonably conservative one with the majority of the population being either Christian or Muslim. When considering what clothing to pack, please bear in mind that shoulders and knees must always remain covered (both men and women). This means t-shirts, not singlets, and knee-length or longer shorts and skirts. For girls, a sarong is useful to wrap around your waist to keep your knees covered. While spending time around Springlands or swimming at Zanzibar, it is acceptable to wear swimsuits and bikinis, but this type of clothing is restricted to these occasions. yLead believes in culturally sensitive travel and observing local customs out of respect to the wonderful people whose country we are visiting.

You will meet lots of wonderful local people on this trip and naturally will want to capture your memories in photographs. But please observe the same respect with regard to taking pictures and ask permission when taking shots of individuals. Your tour leaders will give more guidelines about what is acceptable and appropriate while in Tanzania.

Keeping in touch while you’re away

A mobile phone that you can switch to global roaming is the easiest way to keep in touch with your family (and make them insanely jealous!). You will probably want to text rather than phone, as call rates are quite expensive even for short conversations. Alternatively, you can purchase a local SIM card (providing your phone is not locked to any network) but the opportunity to do this is not usually until you are in Moshi (about Day 5). There is internet access at Springlands if you need to send a quick email, but don’t rely on being able to do this frequently.

All tour leaders have phones with them and are in regular communication with the yLead Office in Brisbane. We endeavour to send out email updates to parents throughout the trip. Your emergency contact person outlined on your registration form will be notified in the event of an emergency.

Meet, greet and preparation walk

We usually have a meet and greet prior to the trip so you can meet the people you’ll be travelling with for three weeks. This will be in Brisbane, for those based locally, although depending on the number of participants from other states, we will try to hold events in other major cities as well.

Closer to your departure there will also be a bushwalk of 2-3 hours to help you prepare for Mt Kilimanjaro. This is part social event, part training and part information session for any questions you might still have about your trip. Again, this is likely to be held in Brisbane, with possible events in other states depending on numbers.

We’ll give you more information about both of these events closer to the time.

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WHAT’S NEXT?

Passports

Renew or apply for your passport through Australia Post (if applicable). Email, fax or post yLead a copy of the photo page from your valid passport. If your passport is not Australian, please contact the yLead office.

26 June

Finalise your trip payments (after paying your $1,000 deposit)

Make your first and second payment of $1,500 eachMake your final payment of $3,900

29 April / 24 June 26 August

Travel doctor

Make an appointment with a travel doctor to get all your up to date medical advice on travelling to Tanzania and get any necessary vaccinations. Be sure to ask about Altitude sickness if you have concerns.

1 September

Flights and accommodation

Book any connecting flights, buses or accommodation you will need if you live outside of Brisbane. Send yLead the details so we can record your connection information.

1 September

Packing

Purchase or borrow a suitable 60-75 litre backpack that will fit all your packing materials and has a waist strap to fit your body shape.

1 December

Purchase or borrow a high quality 25-30 litre day pack for on the mountain and everyday use. Having a waist and chest strap is highly recommended.

1 December

Do a trial pack to make sure everything fits (including all your teaching materials and donation items!)

12 December

Mount Kilimanjaro

Start improving your fitness by beginning a regular program of walking and running. Aim to be able to run continuously for 30 minutes by November.

Start NOW

Buy or borrow any clothing or equipment you will need for the mountain. 1 November

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WHAT’S NEXT?

Teaching and coaching preparation

Begin thinking of lesson ideas. From now onwards

You will receive an email with your teaching partner’s details and more info for the lesson closer to departure. With your teaching partner, plan your 45 minutes lesson.

30 September

Purchase or collect any materials you will need for your lesson. 30 September

Ask around for donations of items to bring with you (sporting equipment, stationary, etc). Please note that you will need to carry it with you in your own luggage until you get to Moshi.

30 September

Spending money

Purchase your US$700 in a mix of note denominations. Please request the newest notes possible (explain you are travelling to Africa and they will understand).

Anytime - keep an eye on exchange rates to get the best deal

Fundraising

Plan a fundraising event or activity which will enable you to raise the minimum of $500. If you’re going well, don’t stop just stop at $500 as some of our past travellers have raised over $3000 for The School of St Jude.

From now onwards

Deposit your fundraising money into the yLead fundraising account. BSB: 034 050 A/C: 207 304 Name: yLead Fundraising

1 December

We hope this welcome pack gives you a comprehensive overview of the adventure you are soon to embark on. We know there is a lot to take note of and you may think of more questions in the lead up to departure. If you want clarification on any aspect of the trip, please give us a call in the office or send an email. We are happy to help!

Questions

Phone

Talk to your mobile phone service provider to make sure global roaming will work on your phone. Alternatively make arrangements to purchase an appropriate prepaid sim or ensure your phone is unlocked.

1 December

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Visas

Apply for your visa by completing your application form we send you and follow all steps outlined by us. Allow up to 14 working days for this to be processed after the consulate receives the application.

1 October

Page 12: TANZANIAN IMMERSION Welcome Pack - yLead · things you require. Items available at Springlands are outlined on the What To Pack List. Mount Kilimanjaro is the world’s highest free-standing,

The yLead Office is located at

9 Wood StNundah, QLD 4012

PO Box 781 | Nundah | QLD 4012

Phone: 07 3266 2828

Fax: 07 3266 8810

Email: [email protected]

Office hours are Monday to Friday 8am to 4pm