We visited a very worthy cause, Mbwa wa Africa (Translated: Dogs of Africa), the only rescue shelter for dogs (and cats) in Arusha. We call it “worthy” because stray dogs roaming the streets is a problem, as everyone can attest when driving through town, and the response is destroying the animals. Jens (who we met) and his wife Sandra are the founders of the Mbwa wa Africa shelter and rescue foundation. They run it with the financial aid from fundraisers and the goodwill of private citizens. The money is used for animal care and shelter, vaccine campaigns (in particular rabies, still remains a major problem in Tanzania) as well as neuter and spay drives.  They have also started an education campaign where they visit local schools to educate the general public, starting with the children, about the importance and proper way to take care of dogs (and cats). The shelter currently has about 30-35 dogs with some truly heartbreaking stories for individual animals. Some have been rescued after being  hit by cars and left to die, others have been shot at. At Mbwa wa Africa these animals get the love and care they never experienced before. Aside from financial aid  the organization relies on volunteers, some with veterinary background, which come from Tanzania or other parts of the world. Tanuga safaris is proud to support this cause and welcomes inquiries from like minded people interested in placement as volunteers or in providing donations directly to the shelter: Visit them at www.mbwa-wa-africa.org.