Journey to captivating East Africa's Tanzania. Work hand in hand with local community leaders teaching school and building much needed village structures. Encounter an extraordinary array of wildlife on safari in the celebrated animal parks of the region. Live alongside the Masai people and view life from their unique perspective. Experience the stunning scenery of the Serengeti. Wake up in the shadow of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Learn to SCUBA dive in the stunning turquoise waters of the Island of Zanzibar.
Acclimatization & Community Service
We begin our adventure in New York and fly together to East Africa where we start our orientation in culture and customs. After acclimating ourselves to life in Africa, we board our private vehicles and head to the bush to begin our series of service projects. In cooperation with community leaders, we work in schools and community centers. We assist teachers with their class lessons and build and paint classrooms and community centers. There is nothing more rewarding nor is there a better way to become part of a village community than to work, side by side, with the local people and to share our respective cultures.
Plains of the Serengeti & the Ngorongoro Crater
Our journey continues through Tanzania where the famed plains of the Serengeti beckon us. Classified as a World Heritage Site, Serengeti National Park is world renowned for its abundant wildlife and for the indigenous Masai people that live there. Widely known for their brilliant red clothing and semi-nomadic lifestyle, we overnight in a Masai village witness their unique customs and way of life. We continue into the Ngorongoro Crater, a haven along the path of migration for millions of animals. It is here where we again have an opportunity to see the Big Five as well as countless zebra, giraffe and gazelle. For three days we journey through these geographic masterpieces.
Community Service in the Usambara Mountains
Our final project takes place in the Usambara Mountains, where we travel to rural communities in the picturesque mountain region separating the Indian Ocean and Mt. Kilimanjaro. Armed with resources and supplies we journey to these remote communities to bring our service. To build a soccer field or paint and refurbish a classroom, the rewards are infinite. This unique cultural experience ends with a festive ceremony and an international soccer tournament.
The White Sands of Zanzibar & SCUBA
Our overland travel comes to a close as we depart for the tropical Island of Zanzibar, known for its fragrant spices, emerald waters, and pristine beaches. We have the once in a lifetime chance to become PADI Open Water certified divers off the coast of Africa. Journeying into the turquoise jewels of the Indian Ocean, a profusion of life and a riot of color and activity are cause for constant wonder. (All students wishing to SCUBA dive must pass a thorough diving physical and cannot have used an inhaler or suffered from asthma in the past three years. For those not wishing to dive alternative water activities are available). Three weeks of hard work earn us a well deserved few days of relaxation on the beach and is the perfect way to end this epic adventure. After many red dirt miles, high fives, nails pounded, passports stamped, wildlife sightings and stunning sunsets, we say goodbye to our newfound friends and board our flight home, Africa now within us.
