Service
Through Mobile Clinics and Development Projects you help bring accessible medical care, health education and safer homes to the communities you visit.
Overview
Not charity — a service learning trip
Service Learning Trips are retreats where you disconnect from distraction, reconnect with purpose, and learn the mindset and skills required to serve ethically and sustainably. They are the beginning of a lifelong journey, not the end.
Environment
Service Learning Trips are created with sustainability in mind — in Tanzania you may take part in an environmentally friendly project such as an eco-bathroom.
Education
Learn the historical, political and economic factors shaping families' realities, and deepen your global-health knowledge by shadowing professionals.
Life-changing
Eye-opening experiences and human connection renew your passion for a world free from the constraints of poverty.
Flip the switch — same week, two very different mindsets
VoluntourismMEDLIFE Service Learning
MEDLIFE Service Learning
Listening to community needs and acting responsibly to support sustainable, culturally sensitive and community-led change.
- Communities define the project; we follow their lead
- Students support licensed local professionals, never replace them
- Follow-up visits, patient records and long-term projects
Voices from students
What students say about their HS SLT
Hear from students, teacher and parents who have already been in the field with MEDLIFE.
“Before coming on the educational trip with MEDLIFE I was excited but still scared — I had only ever experienced America, so coming to a new area I was skeptical, but it was a new experience. The highlight was visiting the Chagga tribe and learning how they make coffee; seeing a community come together with so much joy and pride in their tradition was very wholesome. I learned that I need to explore more — coming here I was exposed to different perspectives, cultures, traditions and value systems, and it made me open-minded and eager to travel. Just do it — there's a lot of hesitation, but once you get in you'll love it and you'll take away something.”
Ahad
Student, Drexel University
Quick check 1 of 3
What are the three pillars of every MEDLIFE Service Learning Trip?
About Kilimanjaro
Where you're going
Over one-third of all households in Tanzania live in poverty, on $1.00 a day or less, with children and rural populations disproportionately affected. Because the economy relies primarily on agriculture, about 75% of the population lives in rural areas, often without access to basic infrastructure or clean water. According to UNICEF, malnutrition is the single biggest contributor to child mortality in Tanzania, with malaria, anemia, pneumonia, diarrhea, HIV and AIDS also key causes. Access to education remains limited: the abolition of primary school fees increased attendance, but with no corresponding increase in teachers, infrastructure or resources.
Location
Moshi, in the Kilimanjaro region of northern Tanzania · near the Kenyan border, at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro · about a 40-minute drive from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).
Tanzania population: 57.31 million
Open larger mapCapital
Dodoma
Groups fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), near Moshi.
Language
Swahili & English
Swahili phrases for every clinic station are included below.
Currency
Tanzanian Shilling (TZS)
Approximate exchange rate: $1 = 2,460 TZS. Bring new USD bills (2013 or newer).
Visa
$100 US / $50 others
Payable on arrival in cash USD (exact change, bills from 2013+), or apply online in advance — recommended.
Climate
Hot & sunny ~84ºF (29ºC)
Rainy season March–June is ~60ºF (15ºC) — bring a raincoat and waterproof shoes. Strong UV: sun protection is a must.
Context
1 in 3 households in poverty
About 75% of Tanzanians live in rural areas, often without basic infrastructure or clean water.
Where we work around Moshi
We partner with rural communities around Moshi and the Kilimanjaro region, bringing Mobile Clinics and Development Projects — school constructions, library renovations and hygienic toilets — designed and led by local partners.
- Moshi Rural
- Hai
- Kilimanjaro Region
Common health issues we see
Poor diets in remote communities lead to nutritional deficiencies in children. Malnutrition is one of the major factors contributing to infant mortality and developmental deficiencies, like stunted growth, which hold children back from reaching their physical and cognitive potential.
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, increases a person's risk of heart disease and stroke. Blood pressure refers to the force of a person's blood flow against the walls of their arteries.
A degenerative, chronic disease resulting from the breakdown of joint cartilage and underlying bone. It is common among elderly people.
Parasites infect the gastrointestinal tract, living in the intestinal walls. This condition affects mostly children and is commonly caused by drinking unclean water, fecal-oral transmission, and skin absorption.
Malaria is a concern for all travelers going to Tanzania. MEDLIFE recommends consulting your doctor to determine whether malaria prophylaxis is right for you.
Quick check 1 of 3
Where do groups stay during a Kilimanjaro SLT?
Your week
What we'll do together
1Engaged Education Reality Tour
Learn directly from local leaders about the social, cultural and systemic factors shaping their communities.
2Mobile Clinics
Shadow licensed local professionals and gain real-world insight into community-centered healthcare.
3Development Project
Work alongside locals on a hands-on community project — installing fuel-efficient stoves, building safe homes, or renovations — then celebrate the results at an inauguration with the community.
4Building Bridges Across Cultures
Spend a day immersed in the local culture — share a meal, learn traditional customs, practice the local language, and build genuine connections with the community members you serve alongside.
5Reflect & Connect
Evening discussions that deepen understanding of global health, equity and ethical service.
6Cultural Excursion
Included full-day safari in Tarangire National Park — famous for its elephant herds, baobab trees and wildlife along the Tarangire River. During the week your group also tours Arusha, the Natural History Museum, the Cultural Heritage Centre, the Chagga caves and the Materuni Waterfalls coffee experience.
Sample itinerary
This itinerary is a sample and may change based on community needs, weather, and logistics.
Day 1 · Saturday
Arrival to Tanzania
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). A MEDLIFE staff member will greet you and transport the group from Kilimanjaro to the hotel. Settle in and recover from the long travel day.
- EveningAirport greeting & transfer to the hotel
Day 2 · Sunday
Welcome Meeting & Full Day in Arusha
After breakfast, gather for the official welcome meeting to prepare for the week ahead. Then embark on a panoramic tour of Arusha and visit the Natural History Museum in the Old German Boma — an intriguing blend of history, environment and culture tracing the development of humankind, German colonialism in Tanganyika and the region's diverse ethnic groups. After lunch at a local restaurant, spend the afternoon at the Cultural Heritage Centre, one of the largest collections of shops and galleries in East Africa, showcasing renowned artists from across the continent. Finally, drive back to your lodging in Moshi with a stop for dinner on the way (not included).
- MorningWelcome meeting & panoramic tour of Arusha
- MiddayNatural History Museum & lunch at a local restaurant
- AfternoonCultural Heritage Centre & drive to Moshi
Day 3 · Monday
Reality Tour
Embark on a Tanzania Reality Tour to become acquainted with the region's geographical, political and social reality. In the morning, visit the Chagga caves and learn about their historical significance and role in local culture. Throughout the tour, visit several Kilimanjaro districts and examine the relationship between poverty and education. Tonight, head out to dinner as a group — in the evening, a local artist guide comes to the hotel to lead a traditional painting activity. Be ready to get creative!
- MorningChagga caves visit
- AfternoonKilimanjaro districts: poverty & education tour
- EveningGroup dinner & traditional painting activity
Day 4-5 · Tuesday & Wednesday
MEDLIFE Mobile Clinic
Mobile Clinics are held in a different community each day. MEDLIFE works with Kikavu Chini, Rundagai, Kilimamswaki and Kirua — rural villages 45-60 minutes from the hotel, furthest from Mount Kilimanjaro and lacking access to running water or electricity. Upon arrival, participants set up each station by raising tents, helping doctors and nurses prepare their workspaces and stocking the pharmacy. Patients visit triage, where volunteers assist with vitals, listen to nurses at the education station, then see a primary care doctor and receive medicine from the pharmacy free of charge. After each clinic day, return to the hotel with 1-2 hours of free time before dinner; pre-dinner meetings and presentations are held some days. Following dinner, guest speakers and storytellers share the arts, folklore and legends of the Kilimanjaro region around the fireplace.
- MorningMobile Clinic set-up & volunteering
- AfternoonClinic stations & pharmacy support
- EveningDinner & guest speaker
- MorningMobile Clinic set-up & volunteering
- AfternoonClinic stations & pharmacy support
- EveningDinner & fireside storytelling
Day 6 · Thursday
Community Visit
This morning, after breakfast, start with the Materuni Waterfalls and Coffee Experience. Enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the waterfalls and participate in an immersive coffee-making session showcasing the local way of life and cultivation techniques. After a delicious lunch in the Chagga community, hold a discussion focused on community development. You'll then have the chance to purchase your own personally ground coffee as a souvenir while supporting the community! After a long day, relax after dinner at the hotel and enjoy a documentary movie night.
- MorningMateruni Waterfalls & coffee experience
- MiddayLunch in the Chagga community & development discussion
- EveningDinner & documentary movie night
Day 7 · Friday
Project Day
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 — projects vary depending on community needs. Return to the hotel after the project for quick showers and getting ready to go out to dinner in Moshi. You'll have some reflection time to share experiences from the week and what you're taking home with you!
- MorningDevelopment project with the community
- EveningDinner in Moshi & week reflection
Day 8 · Saturday
Full Day Tarangire National Park
Enjoy a full-day safari in Tarangire National Park, famous for its large elephant herds, ancient baobab trees and diverse wildlife along the Tarangire River. Following your immersive tour of the park, you'll be comfortably transported back to either Moshi or Arusha in the afternoon, where dinner will await you at the hotel.
- MorningSafari in Tarangire National Park
- AfternoonReturn to Moshi or Arusha
- EveningDinner at the hotel
Day 9 · Sunday
Departure Day
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. 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.
- MorningAirport transfer & departure
Quick check 1 of 3
Which activity happens on Day 2, before the mobile clinics start?
Mobile clinic
Clinic stations
Stations may vary with community needs and group size. Patients return to Education between specialists, and Pharmacy is always last.
Tr
Triage
The Triage Station is where we obtain the patients' contact information, basic medical history, and other data for the physicians to use during their consultations.
What will I be doing?
- Fill out the vital-signs section on each patient's medical history form.
- Measure height (HT), weight (WT), blood pressure (BP), heart rate (FC/HR) and temperature (TC/Temp).
- BP does NOT need to be taken for kids. For BP, the systolic pressure goes above the diastolic pressure.
- Star the patient's information if diastolic pressure is higher than 90, or temperature is higher than 38°C (100°F).
- Guide patients to the waiting area — medical history forms stay with the patient.
Recommendations
- Divide tasks so the line keeps moving: one person measures, one records, one organizes patients.
Useful phrases
| English | Swahili |
|---|---|
| Open your mouth wide | Fungua mdomo |
| Stand up straight | Simama sawa |
| I'm going to measure your height | Nina kupima urefu wako |
| I'm going to take your blood pressure | Nina kupima presha |
| I'm going to take/measure your weight | Nina kupima uzito wako |
| Take off your shoes/sweater | Vua viatu vyako/sweta |
| Lift the sleeve of your sweater | Nyanyua nguo yako |
| You're going to feel a bit of pressure on your arm | Utasikia presha kwenye mkono wako |
| Get on the scale with/without your baby | Panda juu ya mizani na/ bila mtoto wako |
Ed
Education
The Education Station is a space to provide health education to everyone before the clinic begins. Education is given on topics such as clean drinking water, diabetes, high blood pressure, cervical & breast cancer, and nutrition.
What will I be doing?
- Distribute informational brochures.
- Assist the education nurse by keeping the patients and their history forms in order of arrival.
- Determine which participant will monitor each station for openings. When a station is open, inform the education nurse and direct patients to the station.
- Your assistance may be required to set up other stations while education is being carried out.
Recommendations
- Maintain the order of patients by number of arrival — the number is written at the top of each patient history form.
- Do not send patients to the Pharmacy Station until they have visited every consultation circled on their history form. Pharmacy is always last.
- Families are treated as a single unit: everyone must see the providers circled on their forms before proceeding to Pharmacy.
Useful phrases
| English | Swahili |
|---|---|
| Have a leaflet | Chukua kipeperushi |
| We will start with an information session | Tuta anza na dondo za habari |
| This one is about… (water, nutrition, diabetes, cancer) | Hii ni kuhusu… (maji, lishe, kisukari na saratani) |
| The nurse will start talking soon | Muuguzi ata anza hivi karibuni |
Dr
General Medicine
The General Medicine Station is the major station where doctors address individual medical issues and identify patients who require follow-up care.
What will I be doing?
- Listen and be observant to the patient's needs. Most doctors speak English and will explain the diagnosis and treatment plan — ask questions once the consultation is over.
- Remain attentive to the waiting areas until there is a doctor available for a consultation.
- Guide patients to the Pharmacy Station ONLY if they have visited all medical consultations circled on their medical history form.
Recommendations
- Be patient and wait until the doctor finishes the consultation to ask questions.
- Be cordial and polite with every patient, and avoid side conversations with other students.
- These patients are receiving a private medical consultation — no photos allowed.
Useful phrases
| English | Swahili |
|---|---|
| Open your mouth and stick out your tongue | Fungua mdomo wako na utoe ulimi nje |
| Follow me please | Nifuate tafadhali |
| Go to the pharmacy for your medicine | Nenda kachukue dawa zako duka la dawa |
| Go back to the education tent for the next station | Rudi kwenye hema la elimu na subiri maelekezo |
| The doctor will choose the best treatment | Daktari atakuchagulia tiba bora |
| Wait a moment | Subiri kidogo |
De
Eye Doctor
The Eye Doctor Station gives patients an opportunity to have their vision tested and, if needed, to obtain glasses.
What will I be doing?
- Support and shadow the optometrist as they test patients' vision.
- Call out the names of patients when it's time for their consultation and show them where to go.
- Point to the shapes and letters on the wall as the patient reads them out, and turn the lights on/off when required.
- Assist with collecting paperwork and completing forms as instructed by the optometrist.
- Help the optometrist distribute glasses according to the needs of each patient.
Recommendations
- Always follow the instructions of the optometrist.
- Wait until the optometrist finishes the consultation to ask questions.
- Be cordial and polite with every patient.
Useful phrases
| English | Swahili |
|---|---|
| The Eye Doctor will see you now | Daktari wa macho atakuona hivi karibuni |
| Take a seat | Keti hapa |
| Here are your glasses | Chukua miwani |
| Put them in a case so they don't get broken | Weka kwenye kipochi isivunjike |
Ph
Pharmacy
After the patient has visited every station indicated on their medical history form, they are directed to the Pharmacy Station to fill their prescription(s). We collect data here on the quantity prescribed and received, and collect the history forms to enroll patients into MEDLIFE's follow-up program.
What will I be doing?
- Maintain the line so only one patient is seen by the nurse at any given time.
- Collect the patients' medical history forms in the order received.
- Following the pharmacy nurse's instructions, record the medicine distribution.
- If a medication is prescribed in a different dose than is being given, alert the nurse immediately.
- Make sure the patients take the hand-written prescription with them.
Recommendations
- Listen attentively to the data collection process as soon as you arrive at this station.
- Have one person writing down the data, one managing patients, and another organizing the medicine.
Useful phrases
| English | Swahili |
|---|---|
| Give me your prescription and form | Nipe karatasi yako ya dawa na fomu |
| I'm going to prepare your medicine | Nakuandalia dawa zako |
| Take your medicine | Kuchukua dawa zako |
| Take with food/water | Tumia na chakula/maji |
| We will keep the forms | Tunabaki na fomu |
Tb
Toothbrushing
The goal of this station is to educate children about dental hygiene. It is for children only, and children do not need a medical history form to participate. This is the only station without a medical professional, so be proactive about setting up and running it.
What will I be doing?
- Request a table and a bucket filled with water from a MEDLIFE staff member.
- Set up the table with toothbrushes, water cups, and toothpaste.
- Register all kids including name and age — don't worry about correct spelling.
- Hand each child a toothbrush with toothpaste and a water cup.
- Demonstrate how to properly brush teeth with the giant mouth and toothbrush props.
Recommendations
- This station runs on your initiative — keep the energy up and the kids engaged.
Useful phrases
| English | Swahili |
|---|---|
| Everyone take a toothbrush and cup | Kila mtu achukue mswaki na kikombe |
| Now copy what I do | Sasa fanya kama mimi |
| Brush all of your teeth in a circular motion | Sugua meno yako katika mzunguko |
| Don't eat or drink anything for an hour | Usile au kunywa kitu chochote kwa muda wa lisaa |
| Rinse your mouth | Sukutua |
| Spit out here / there | Tema hapa |
| Wash your toothbrush | Safisha mswaki wako |
Quick check 1 of 3
Where does a patient go first when they arrive at the mobile clinic?
Conduct & health
Rules and recommendations
Face masks
Beyond local laws and regulations, masks must be worn during Mobile Clinics.
Compulsory safety briefing
Upon arrival, all students attend an extensive safety briefing.
Illness during the trip
If you feel unwell or show symptoms of any illness, advise your Trip Leader immediately so you can get medical care.
Wash and sanitize hands
Hand-washing stations and hand sanitizer are available at every Mobile Clinic.
Respectful behavior in communities
- No photos during medical care or inside the clinic — patients are receiving medical attention.
- Do not leave your station. Alert your Trip Leader if you need a break so your spot is covered.
- The Trip Leader announces lunch and station rotations. Lunch is approximately 20 minutes long.
- Report missing utensils or materials from your station to the Trip Leader.
- Do not pet or feed animals — we cannot know if they carry disease or have a poor temperament.
General recommendations
- Do not drink tap water — it can make you sick.
- Be cautious with street food, especially meat; make sure it is boiled or cooked. Avoid street-sold juices, the water is not safe.
- Throw toilet paper in the trashcan provided. Local plumbing cannot handle paper and will clog and flood.
Chaperone Accompaniment Policy
Students participating in a High School SLT are required to remain with their assigned chaperone or Trip Leader at all times throughout the program. This applies to all circumstances, including leaving the hotel or separating from the group during fieldwork, regardless of the reason.
This policy exists to ensure student safety and reflects the expectations agreed upon with parents/guardians prior to departure.
Non-compliance with this policy may result in modified participation in program activities, as determined necessary to protect the safety and wellbeing of the student and the broader group.
Quick check 1 of 3
Before taking a photo of a patient or community member, you should:
Chaperones
Chaperone guide
A quick reference for the adults who travel with our student groups. Tap any card to expand the details. Please refer to your MEDLIFE HQ Rep for a detailed version of the ‘Revised HS Chaperone Summary of Requirements & Participation Agreement 2026-2027.
Joining a Service Learning Trip with MEDLIFE is both an educational and rewarding experience. As a Chaperone, you support both MEDLIFE and the student experience while on the trip. Chaperones act as a familiar face to students as they explore a new country and culture — your presence provides support and reassurance during international travel. For every 6 students, one Chaperone's Service Learning Trip donation goal is free (additional/optional tour activities not included). One Chaperone may be responsible for up to 10 students. All chaperones are determined well in advance of the trip. Please note there is a required application, interview, criminal record background check, and approval by MEDLIFE HQ prior to proceeding with involvement in Chaperone meetings, assigned responsibilities, and discount codes provided. Adult trip participants choosing to travel alongside their children - and not having competed the process above - are welcome to enjoy the trip, but must be noted as “Parent Participants” or “Teacher Participants” and are not referred to as official chaperones of the trip. In this case, the adult participant is required to reach the full donation goal to attend the trip, and a room upgrade is mandatory.
Flight reimbursement: Teacher Chaperones may also be reimbursed for their flight cost up to $1000 USD. Any fees associated with receiving the PayPal reimbursement for flights will be deducted from the amount being reimbursed.
Good to know: We may require Chaperones of a certain gender, depending on the makeup of the SLT (for example, an all-female student trip would require a female chaperone and vice versa). If you are bringing a smaller group of students, MEDLIFE may require your support to add students from other schools to your chaperone-group that may be travelling to destination on their own.
Preparing
Get ready for Kilimanjaro
A short checklist so you arrive confident, covered and connected before the clinic doors open.
Documents, visas & vaccinations
- Passport requirements
- Passport must be valid for at least 7 months after your arrival date (some destinations require this for entry)
- Visa requirements
- If you are not traveling with a U.S. or Canadian passport, you may need a visa to enter certain countries. It is your responsibility to determine whether a visa is required and make the appropriate arrangements before traveling.
- Vaccinations
- MEDLIFE follows CDC recommendations. No specific vaccinations are required, but you should follow all CDC guidance and consult your doctor. View CDC travel recommendations
Be sure to confirm any required visas or fees involved in your flight layover based on airport as well.
Flight information and timeframes
The attendees of the SLT are responsible for buying their own airfare. However, our team can help you in this process by providing a flight quote for your group. You can request a flight quote by emailing info@medlifemovement.org. Once your flight is booked, please make sure to add your arrival and departure information to your booking.
Airport: Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), Tanzania
Kilimanjaro, Tanzania — recommended timeframes
Arrival: Saturday, into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).
Departure: Saturday, Sunday, or Monday between 12:00 PM and 6:00 PM — depending on whether you take an optional full-day or 2-day safari extension.
If attendees arrive outside of the set time frames, they will be responsible for covering the cost of transportation to their site. If your flight arrives outside the timeframes listed please email info@medlifemovement.org. Remember that any additional nights and transfers that are added before/after your trip because of early or late arrival are not included in the Service Learning Trip donation goal, and will be at the cost of the student.
We highly recommend purchasing trip cancellation insurance, which will allow you to cancel for any reason. You can contact info@medlifemovement.org for more information about our insurance options.
Note that this type of insurance must be purchased within a short number of days of your initial registration, and cannot be added in the days leading up to your departure — reach out as soon as possible to access this opportunity.
Accommodation
A MEDLIFE Representative stays at your accommodation for the duration of the trip. Accommodation details are shared with your group in the WhatsApp group before departure.
What's included
- Materials & ResourcesFor the Mobile Clinic & Project.
- Accommodation8-nights dorm room accommodation for 6 to 9 people, exclusively with MEDLIFE participants.
- Meals3 meals a day are provided Monday–Friday, along with breakfast provided on the weekends.
- TransportationTo and from the airport (within the established schedule), and to SLT activities.
- English-speaking Leader
- Safety equipment
- Travel health insuranceThe insurance requires a $250 payment as a deductible for coverage.
What's not included
- Flights
- Tips
- Pre-Post accommodation
- Any excursions not listed on the High School SLT itinerary for your location
- Weekend meals
- Cancellation insurance
- Room upgrades for anyone that is not an official MEDLIFE-Approved Volunteer Chaperone having completed the interview, background check, application process, and onboarding
- Transportation outside provided timeframes
What to pack
Summer weather is hot and sunny at about 84ºF (29ºC); the rainy season (March–June) is cloudy and around 60ºF (15ºC) with heavy rains, so pack a raincoat and waterproof shoes. Tanzania is close to the equator — strong UV protection is recommended. Women are asked to wear clothing that does not reveal knees or shoulders, and to avoid tight clothes, to respect the local culture. During the dry season Moshi can be very dusty — anyone with respiratory issues should bring a scarf or buff. Bring warm clothes for chilly nights, books and games (**the hotel is isolated** and wifi can be unreliable), and cash, as **many establishments do not accept credit cards** — US bills must be printed in 2013 or newer.
- Clothing
- Layers for cold mornings & warm days — jacket, fleece, breathable shirts, long pants, a hat, and comfortable walking shoes. Modest clothing for community visits.
- Clinic wear
- Closed-toe shoes (required for clinic stations), a lanyard for your badge, and clothes you don't mind getting dirty.
- Altitude & health
- Coca tea or altitude-sickness medication if advised by your doctor, reusable water bottle, sunscreen (SPF 50+), lip balm, and basic personal medications.
- Documents & money
- Passport (7+ months validity), travel insurance info, $250 USD cash for the deductible, a credit card, and copies of key documents.
- Extras
- Power adapter (Peru uses Type A/B), portable charger, headlamp for early clinic days, a towel, and a small backpack.
What to donate
Many families travel hours to reach our clinics. Donations are handed directly to community members and stations — bring what you can, packed in your checked luggage.
- Vitamins and nutritional supplements for children and adults — new, unopened, and within their expiration date.
- Dental supplies: floss, fluoride, and child-sized toothbrushes for the Toothbrushing station.
- Hygiene kits: toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, and feminine hygiene products.
- Over-the-counter medicines (in original, sealed packaging): pain relievers, antacids, and oral rehydration salts.
- If you’re unsure what to bring or have items you’d like to donate that aren’t listed, please email info@medlifemovement.org and we’ll be happy to help.
Join the WhatsApp group
About 3–4 weeks before your trip, MEDLIFE adds you to a WhatsApp group with your Trip Leader and fellow students. It's where we share daily logistics, meeting points, weather notes, and reminders.
If you have not received a WhatsApp invitation at least 2 weeks before your departure, email info@medlifemovement.org with your name and trip dates so we can add you right away.
info@medlifemovement.orgImportant considerations
- Safety for LGBTI students
- Students should be aware of Tanzania's travel warning in place due to “crime, terrorism, and targeting of LGBTI persons” (US State Department). We encourage concerned participants to reach out to their own governments or other agencies for further information.
- Health concerns
- Ebola: MEDLIFE is aware of Ebola's presence in East Africa and will cancel or postpone trips if the risk is unacceptable.
- Yellow Fever: proof of vaccination is required upon entry if traveling from a yellow fever endemic country.
- Malaria: a concern for all travelers to Tanzania — consult your doctor about whether malaria prophylaxis is right for you.
- Money & payments
- Many establishments do not accept credit cards, so bring cash. You will need new USD bills — US currency printed before 2013 may not be accepted by merchants.
- Entry visa
- The visa can be paid on arrival at the first port of entry in Tanzania, in cash USD with exact change (bills from 2013 or newer): $100 for US passport holders, $50 for European/Canadian passport holders. MEDLIFE recommends applying for an online visa in advance — fill in the form, pay, and submit your application online.
- Register with your embassy
- MEDLIFE recommends that all students register their travel with their country's embassy prior to their trip.
- Day-to-day in Moshi
- Do not drink tap water — it can make you sick. The hotel is isolated, so bring books and games, and keep in mind the wifi may be unreliable. Bring warm clothes for the evenings, as the temperature can drop significantly.
Watch the summary video
A short message from the MEDLIFE team to wrap up your pre-departure training.
Quick check 1 of 3
You haven't received your trip WhatsApp group invite two weeks before departure. What do you do?
Optional extras
Explore immersion add-ons
Extend your trip before or after your SLT with your friends, chapter, or family, or add a SUNDAY experience on DAY 9, in the event of Sunday night flight departures. These trips are offered through Good Life Expeditions, a MEDLIFE partner travel agency whose profits support MEDLIFE projects in the communities we work alongside.
Pre/Post SLT bundle4 days / 3 nights
Rundugai Hot Springs & Ngorongoro Safari Experience
Enjoy a peaceful swim in Rundugai Hot Springs, and visit the majestic Ngorongoro Crater, one of Africa's “7 Natural Wonders”.
Starts at $795.00 per participant. Available before or after your SLT.
Interested? Email info@medlifemovement.org or meet with a Good Life Expeditions advisor to add one of these to your trip.
High school students, families:
Book a meetingOUR PROTOCOLS
In case of emergencies
Save these numbers before you fly. If MEDLIFE staff aren't nearby, call or WhatsApp the Tanzania emergency line.
In destination or in transit
+255 685 574 680 (WhatsApp, call, or SMS)
Tanzania Emergency Phone · WhatsApp, call or SMS
Calling from North America
1-844-633-5433
MEDLIFE HQ Phone
What to do, step by step, if something goes wrong
- Contact your local emergency authorities.
- For non-urgent matters contact your Chapter, MEDLIFE HQ, or info@medlifemovement.org.
- Contact the Tanzania Emergency Phone.
- Find your Trip Leader or the MEDLIFE Representative at your hotel.
- Speak to reception.
- Contact the Tanzania Emergency Phone.
- Find your Trip Leader.
- Clinic nurses and doctors are available to attend to you.
- Find your Trip Leader.
- Contact the Tanzania Emergency Phone.
National emergency numbers
Police / Fire / Medical Emergency
112Police (Moshi)
+255 27 2755055Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre
+255 27 2750748
Clinics & police
Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre
Main referral hospital for the Moshi area
+255 27 2750748Police Station (Moshi)
Moshi, Kilimanjaro Region
+255 27 2755055Trawick International (insurance)
Inside USA: 833-425-5101 · MEDLIFE staff can assist with claims in-destination
+1 603 952 2686
Nearest embassies
Embassy of the United States (Dar es Salaam)
686 Old Bagamoyo Road, Msasani, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
+255 22 229 4000Canadian Embassy (Dar es Salaam)
26 Garden Avenue / 38 Mirambo Street, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
+255 22 216 3300British High Commission (Dar es Salaam)
Umoja House, Hamburg Avenue, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
+255 22 229 0000
Insurance & cash
Emergency medical and evacuation insurance up to $250,000 USD with a $250 USD deductible once on a trip.
A doctor's visit to your hotel can be arranged if you feel unwell — typically $50–$100 USD, usually less than the $250 deductible. Staff or hotel reception can coordinate.
Bring $250 USD in cash beyond your spending money to cover the deductible, plus a credit card for emergencies if you have one.
Trawick International · 833-425-5101 (inside USA) · 603-952-2686 (outside USA)
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In an emergency during the trip, who do you contact first?
After your trip
Keep the momentum going
Take your experiences from the field and put them into action at home through MEDLIFE activities all year round.
Moving Mountains
Our fundraising campaign supporting day-to-day work in medicine, education and development. MEDLIFErs run Power Hours inviting contacts to donate — often with wild fundraising challenges.
Grow the Movement
Refer friends at other schools to start a MEDLIFE Chapter, encourage others to travel on a Service Learning Trip, and recruit new members for your Chapter.
Leadership activities
Volunteer locally with your Chapter, run for an E-Board position, or become a MEDLIFE Ambassador or Active Member to unlock discounts on your next trip.
Keep in touch
Follow us on social media and the blog, send photos and stories to media@medlifemovement.org, and tag us when you share what you saw.
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