At MEDLIFE, we're dedicated to building a global movement that empowers disadvantaged communities in their quest for equality in healthcare, education, and access to a safe home. As a volunteer in the Service Learning Trip (SLT) program in Tanzania, you'll contribute to development projects, participate in educational workshops, and provide free medical care to those in need. Additionally, you'll have the invaluable opportunity to immerse yourself in a new culture and understand other realities.

By signing up for a Service Learning Trip with MEDLIFE, you agree to the following terms and conditions.

Please wait to book your flight until the trip has at least 14 confirmed participants. For updates or questions, please contact your Chapter Manager or email info@medlifemovement.org.

The Tanzanian Government requires international travelers to have a visa for various purposes, such as tourism, conferences, and humanitarian activities. The visa can be obtained online or upon arrival, with a fee of $100. It's advisable to pay in cash to avoid connectivity issues. Find the Tanzania visa guidelines here.

The World Health Organization advises specific vaccinations and antimalarial medication for Tanzania. Consult a medical professional well in advance to determine necessary vaccinations. Allocate ample time for vaccinations as malaria exposure levels vary across regions.

IMPORTANT: When entering Tanzania, you may need to present a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Failure to do so could result in denial of entry or require obtaining the vaccination on arrival, incurring extra costs.

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). Participants will be greeted by a MEDLIFE staff member who will transport all participants from Kilimanjaro to the hotel. Participants will arrive at the Hotel and have the night to settle in at the hotel and recover from the long travel day. 

After breakfast, we will gather for our official welcome meeting to get ourselves prepared for the exciting week ahead. Then, we’ll embark on a panoramic tour of Arusha, giving you a chance to take in the bustling city life. Next, we will visit the Natural History Museum. Located in the Old German Boma, this museum presents an intriguing blend of history, environment, and culture. The exhibitions trace the development of humankind, the nature of the region, German colonialism in Tanganyika, and the diverse ethnic groups that inhabit this territory.

Followed by lunch at a local restaurant, we will spend the afternoon visiting the Cultural Heritage Centre, a privately owned collection of shops and galleries that showcases art from renowned artists around the African continent. It is one of the largest in east Africa.

Finally, you will be driven back to your lodging in Moshi, surrounded by lush landscapes, this charming accommodation promises a serene and restful night's stay.

Embark on a Tanzania Reality Tour to become acquainted with the region's geographical, political, and social reality. In the morning, you will visit the Chagga caves, where you will learn about the historical significance and the role these caves have played in the local culture. Throughout the tour, you will visit several Kilimanjaro districts and examine the relationship between poverty and education. A fireplace is the perfect setting for sharing captivating stories and legends, and the Kilimanjaro Region in Tanzania is rich in folklore and myth. Gather around as we delve into the enchanting legends that have been passed down through generations in this region, where the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro looms, and the culture is as diverse as it is fascinating.

Mobile Clinics are held in a different community each day of the week. Currently, MEDLIFE works with Kikavu Chini, Rundagai, Kilimamswaki, and Kirua, most of which are rural villages that are 45-60 minutes from the hotel. These villages have the highest need for medical attention as they are furthest away from Mount Kilimanjaro and lack access to life-enhancing resources, such as running water or electricity. MEDLIFE is one of few NGOs that ventures into these areas. Upon arrival, participants set up each station by raising tents, helping doctors and nurses prepare their workspaces, stocking the pharmacy, etc. The clinic will typically operate from 9am until 3-5pm, depending on the number of patients waiting to be seen. These numbers can range from 50 to over 200. Due to the incredible need in these communities, there may be upwards of 30-40 patients waiting to be seen - even in the early morning! Participants will be divided into groups of 3-5 to help the local health professionals manage various clinic stations. Groups are divided so that participants have a chance to participate in each of the stations over the course of the week. MEDLIFE volunteers will assist in each of these stations by being a helping hand to all locally licensed medical professionals, thus enhancing each participant’s understanding of local health issues. Though MEDLIFE staff and local medical staff will function as translators as needed, “cheat sheets” with important translations will be available at each station. Additionally, English is spoken by most professionals and is a requirement for high school and university education so most staff and some patients will have a basic understanding of English. Patients will visit the triage station, where volunteers will assist in taking each patient’s vitals. From there, patients will listen to nurses in the education station and receive educational pamphlets from MEDLIFE participants. Patients will then be seen by a primary care doctor and receive proper medicines from our pharmacy free of charge. MEDLIFE staff and nurses are on-hand during mobile clinics to note any patients that may require follow-up care after the end of the Mobile Clinic week. After each day’s clinic, the group will return to the hotel with 1-2 hours of free time before dinner. Pre-dinner meetings and presentations will be held some days to discuss education and development. Following dinner, we will also have different guest artists and storytellers to join and share their skills and stories with us to learn more of the beautiful arts and stories of the people of Tanzania. Be ready to paint, dance, and/or stargaze!

This morning, after breakfast, we will start with the Materuni Waterfalls and Coffee Experience. Enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the waterfalls and participate in an immersive coffee-making session that showcases the local way of life and coffee cultivation techniques. After a delicious lunch in the Chagga community, here we will hold a discussion focusing on community development. You’ll then have the chance to purchase your own personally ground coffee as a souvenir for your loved ones, while supporting the community! After a long day, you will have the chance to relax after dinner at the hotel and enjoy a documentary movie night.

During the week, you may have the opportunity to assist in the construction of a community Development Project such as a library, school bathroom renovations or school painting projects. Development Projects will vary, depending on community needs. Continue to connect with local culture in the evening with an Afro Music and Dance Workshop. Be sure to bring your dancing shoes and get ready to boogie!

At 0600 hrs, you will be conveniently picked up from your hotel in either Moshi or Arusha and transported to the breathtaking Tarangire National Park for your safari adventure. Spanning a vast area of 1,600 square miles, Tarangire National Park proudly holds the title as the fifth largest park in Tanzania. The park derives its name from the Tarangire River, a life-giving force that sustains wildlife in the region with its permanent water source. During the dry season, this remarkable river becomes a focal point as it attracts an incredible gathering of elephants, buffalos, wildebeests, and zebras along its banks. Tarangire's most significant feature is its role as a haven for the largest elephant population in northern Tanzania. Following your immersive tour of the park, you will be comfortably transported back to either Moshi or Arusha in the afternoon.

As you bid farewell to the Kilimanjaro region, carry with you not only the souvenirs you've collected but also the intangible treasures of newfound friendships and a deeper appreciation for the natural and cultural wonders of Tanzania. The memories you've created will serve as a source of inspiration and a reminder of the beauty and warmth that await your return. Step onto your return flight with a heart full of gratitude for the experiences you've had, the people you've met, and the memories you've made.