Free Time and Travel
As a volunteer, you are expected to adhere to your daily commitment to the Universal Initiative Volunteer Program, without exception. However, free time is your time to enjoy the Tanzanian countryside, its treasures, its people, its culture. Evenings and weekends are free at your discretion.
Occasionally, the Archdiocese vehicle, while being dispatched for work detail, can accompany you to nearby sites. Transportation services by bus, bicycles, motorcycles and taxis are readily available and inexpensive.
Upon completion of your volunteer service, Tanzania and Africa offer many interesting destinations within the backpackers and economy budgets. The Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Selous Game Reserve, Lake Tanganyika, Lake Manyara National Park, Gombe Stream Chimpanzee Reserve founded by Jane Goodall and hundreds of other top attractions wait for your discovery.
For the adventurous and young at heart, Mount Kilimanjaro beckons. Arusha, an upcoming Tanzanian city, is nearby; outfitters and hotels are plentiful and reasonably priced. Make sure you are fit and able before starting a climb, as many, young and old, turn back before reaching the top.
The islands of Zanzibar and Pemba are places of legends. Before going to Zanzibar or Pemba, visit Bagamoyo, 70 km north of Dar es Salaam, a historic site of importance during the nefarious slave trade. Stay at the Catholic Hostel of Bagamoyo with its private beach and enjoy superb local dishes and hospitality at advantageous prices.
Kigoma and Ujiji, where Stanley met Livingstone during his quest to find the source of the Nile, are located on beautiful Lake Tanganyika. Gombe Stream Chimpanzee Reserve, founded by Jane Goodall, is a boat ride away. The Kigoma Diocese Hostel offers comfortable, safe accommodations and good meals at budget prices. Other Diocese Hostels are located in Morogoro, Singida and Mwanza on Lake Victoria with similar accommodations and meals.
Free information, guidance and in many cases reservations at Catholic facilities can be made for you prior to your departure or during your service in Tanzania.
On the way home, you have the opportunity to visit Paris, London, Rome and other European destinations. While Universal Initiative does not act as a travel agency, we will help in the selection of a reputable local travel agency to assist you in your travel plans, should you so desire.
Arrival, Departure, and While You Are There
Dar es Salaam (House of Peace), the main port city of Tanzania situated on the Indian Ocean, is the transport hub where you will arrive and be greeted by a Universal Initiative representative.
After customs and immigration formalities, our representative will accompany you to the Tanzanian Episcopal Centre (TEC), located 20 minutes from the airport for one overnight stay. Your accommodations will be clean, comfortable and secure. After breakfast, you will be on your way, by plane or car, to your volunteer assignment destination.
The following day, after rest and recuperation from a long trip, you will be briefed on your assignment duties by Universal Initiative representative and meet and will be greeted by one or more Tabora Archdiocese personnel. Work and free time schedules will be discussed and from that point on strictly adhered to.
The day of your departure will include your Departure and Award Ceremony.
Universal Initiative representatives will assist in your departure to your home country or chosen vacation destination.