Mudita Kenya & Tanzania 2020

OUR PARTNER COMMUNITY & VOLUNTEERING IN TANZANIA

For this GiveBack trip, we will be working with a community in Arusha, Tanzania. The local school, where we will be assisting, is under the supervision of the local governments of Kiranyiward and Siwandeti ward. They manage three primary schools, Ilkiurei Primary School, Olchoki Primary school and Natema Primary school. The Ilkiurei primary school is the local government school, built solely through the villager’s self-funding and work ethic, it has since been helped partly through donations from foreign individuals. Currently, the school has a total number of 667 students, 316 boys and 351 girls. The school maintenance costs are funded by the Government but the upkeep is left to the local Maasai community. Struggling for funding, you will see that the classrooms are falling apart. Additionally, their equipment is lacking and despite the hard work by the teachers, they’re constantly fighting a losing battle. We’ve been able to pledge a newly refurbished classroom for the community. This will allow the hiring of local engineers and laborers to take ownership of the project, and begin construction 4 months before we arrive, stimulating the local micro-economy but also ensuring engagement within the school and community. With the addition of our on-site labor during the trip, that will allow us to add the final touches to these classrooms. A luxury appreciated so much by the kids and locals alike, but a touch that wouldn’t otherwise be added. We will assist with painting the project, tidying up the area, landscaping and donating much needed additional supplies that will allow the classroom to truly feel like a place of learning.

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS:

NAIROBI

Welcome to the capital and largest city of Kenya, Nairobi – a bustling city that situates among the great African nature and wildlife. Nairobi is a great start for both experienced travelers and beginners in the region as there is a wide range of activities you can do around from hiking, safari, to some casual walks along the streets and markets. Our team will be spending the first two days adjusting ourselves to the rhythm of East Africa. We will pay a visit to the David Sheldrick elephant orphanage, one of Africa’s oldest charities and wildlife conservation organizations, to learn about the situation of wildlife habitats and how the locals and international volunteers have been working to protect and support the ecosystem and threatened species here.

SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK

Right after we finish our project in Arusha, the team will head out for the once-in-a-lifetime safari adventure! Of course, you cannot visit and volunteer in Tanzania without embarking on a big game safari ride in the famous Serengeti National Park where you get to spot the BIG 5 – the lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo. It is safe to say that Serengeti is one of the seven natural wonders of Africa as this is where the second largest terrestrial mammal migration in the world takes place. With its diverse ecosystem, there are 70 mammals and more than 500 bird species you can spot here. In the evening, we will be sleeping in tents amidst the wildlife that evening, keep your eyes peeled for those hyenas who love to enter the camp.

NGORONGORO CRATER

The Ngorongoro crater is a large volcanic conservation area that was formed from a volcano eruption 2.5 million years ago. There are around 40,000 people habituating in the area with other 30,000 amazing wildlife from elephants, cheetahs, impalas, to leopards. This is also where you can spot the endangered black rhino, finger crossed! The crater is an incredible prehistoric area where archeologists have found an impressive amount of fossils dating back even before human species existed. Once again, we will spend the night near the crater rim so you can soak up the atmosphere of pure African nature under the starry night.

ZANZIBAR

Time to relax and enjoy the paradise off the coast of East Africa – Zanzibar. It’s an archipelago of Tanzania where you can enjoy the white sand beach and warm turquoise sea. We will do a city tour around Stone Town, a UNESCO historic trade hub with Islamic and Swahili influences, then hop on a transport North to Nungwi for a couple days off. Wake up to the sound of the waves crashing, Maasai warriors wondering the village of Nungwi on their days off, local villagers selling trinkets at every corner. You can explore the north of Zanzibar, or sit by the pool and read a book. Be ready to meet for the late afternoon Dhow cruise though, we have a local band joining us on our sunset Dhow boat trip. Grab a drink and let’s watch the sunset over Africa.

Apply HERE to secure your spot and welcome to the East African Explorer team!