Zoe Empowers Vision Trip

We partner with Zoe Empowers, an organization that walks alongside orphaned and vulnerable youth in the Kilimanjaro region of Tanzania as they work their way out of extreme poverty. This is a vision trip: our team will spend time visiting Zoe's youth empowerment groups, hearing their stories, and seeing firsthand how the empowerment model works, rather than completing a hands-on work project.

No. This is a relationship- and learning-focused vision trip. Expect visits with Zoe empowerment groups, worship with the local church, some tourism, and time to see the impact of Zoe's work — not physical labor.

The team will fly to Tanzania, then travel to a base hotel near the Kilimanjaro region once in-country. Zoe Empowers program staff will be there to meet the team after baggage claim.

Yes, you will need a passport that does not expire within six months from the date of your return. Tanzania requires a visa, which costs approximately $100.

The minimum age requirement is 18 by the date the trip leaves. A middle or high school student can join if a parent is traveling with the team.

Zoe Empowers only travels in areas they consider safe, and their in-country staff take the team's safety seriously. They know the local culture well and do everything possible to help us avoid difficult situations. It's important to follow the guidance of Zoe staff at all times. You can also review the U.S. State Department Travel Information and Advisories for Tanzania.

Vehicles will get the team as close as possible to each visit, but there is some walking involved - typically no more than a quarter mile, sometimes on unpaved or uneven terrain. If a particular site is difficult to access, you're always welcome to opt out of that visit.

A typical schedule looks something like this, though the itinerary may shift based on what's happening with Zoe's youth groups during our visit:

• Day 1: Depart USA
• Day 2: Arrive in Tanzania
• Day 3: Travel to base hotel
• Day 4–5: Visits with Zoe empowerment groups
• Day 6: Worship at a local church, free time
• Day 7: Visits with empowerment groups
• Day 8: Visit with an empowerment group, travel toward a tourism destination
• Day 9: Tourism activities, travel to airport
• Day 10: Arrive home

Yes. Trips typically include some tourism time, such as a safari, visits to local sites, or dining at area restaurants, in addition to the empowerment group visits.

Accommodations are hotels chosen by Zoe's in-country staff, generally comfortable, with WIFI and breakfast/dinner typically served at the hotel restaurant. In this region, hotels will likely provide mosquito netting. The goal is for each traveler to have their own room, though it's possible you could be paired with a roommate if a hotel is overbooked. Packing earplugs isn't a bad idea, just in case.

Breakfast and dinner are typically served at the hotel restaurant, with additional meals provided during the day as the schedule allows. Please let us know of any dietary needs when prompted on the trip registration form. Zoe staff will make sure bottled water is available throughout the trip. Staying well-hydrated is important.

Please contact your doctor or a travel clinic for guidance specific to your health history and this destination. They'll typically consult CDC recommendations for Tanzania. Anti-malarial medication is strongly recommended for this region; your doctor may also suggest a general antibiotic and an anti-diarrheal for the trip.

This is included as part of your TWMC trip fee; see the general Mission Trips FAQ for full coverage details.

Yes, the team will stop at several places throughout the trip to shop if you'd like, including items made by Zoe's youth (baskets, wood carvings, cards, and more). Bartering is part of the experience; Zoe staff can help you navigate it.

Beyond your trip fee and airfare, you should plan for personal spending money for shopping and tips.

Tanzania runs on 240-volt current, while the U.S. uses 110 volts. Many devices (phones, cameras, laptops) can handle either voltage. Check your specific appliance to confirm. Either way, you'll need a plug adapter for the outlet shape; if your appliance can't handle 240 volts, you'll need a power converter as well.

Pack comfortable, modest clothing and shoes (No shorts, low-cut, or tight clothing). Zoe program staff and the youth we visit will dress up for our meetings, while our team typically wears casual clothing day to day. Bring an extra pair of shoes in case one pair gets wet or muddy. Men tend to wear dress shirts for Sunday worship; women tend to wear nicer outfits as well.

A full packing list will be provided, including:

• Bible
• Journal
• Comfortable clothes
• Closed-toe shoes
• Extra pair of shoes
• Sunscreen
• Toiletries
• Reusable water bottle

The cost is $1,800 plus airfare.

• Attend the pre-team meeting
• A passport that doesn't expire within six months of the date of your return
• Notarized TWMC Medical and Liability Waiver, provided at your pre-trip meeting (TWMC Missions staff can notarize this for you free of charge)
• Complete the pre-trip training videos and discussion guide