Overview
This exciting and diverse placement gives you a true insight into Africa and the incredible people and environments that make her so special. Join this team if you want to go beyond the tourist experience and become part of a real Tanzanian family, who welcome you with open arms and will ensure you make a huge impact on local lives.
Experience African beach life on the fabulous Indian Ocean from our base in the cool hills outside the port of Dar es Salaam, the capital. Your project work will see you teaching English and sport to local school children, whilst making vital improvements to crumbling classrooms. Get stuck into environmental conservation projects, assisting the Roots and Shoots NGO with their reforestation of Mangroves swamps and indigenous species, roping local kids into tree planting initiatives and spreading the word about renewable fuels.
You’ll also go behind the scenes of a cultural heritage centre where you will help to preserve Tanzania’s proud tribal traditions by restoring ancestral homes and learning ancient dances and crafts.
At weekends, relax on spectacular white sandy beaches and scuba dive pristine coral reefs, hopping on a boat to Zanzibar to soak up the famous chilled atmosphere and epic full moon parties. If you fancy venturing further afield then you can head to the bush to try your hand at camel riding and mountain biking through National Parks, climb to the top of Africa and safari to your hearts content!
How you help
Helping Who
The local tribes at the coast, the marine life, mangrove swamps.
Helping How
Community projects
Teaching English in the Makuburi primary schools, based in the city about 20 minutes drive from the house (in good traffic!). In the primary schools you will also be taught traditional dances by the students and teachers.
Eco-tourism projects
Work at Makumbusho village in Dar es Salaam and learn about the cultures of the various tribes in Tanzania. Work with various craftsmen and assist in the restoration of traditional houses and other artefacts.
Conservation Projects
Assist groups of local volunteers to organise the planting of mangroves and trees along the beaches, helping to prevent soil erosion. This project will be run by a local man called Alex, and was founded by the famous British researcher Dr. Jane Goodall. Whilst doing this you will meet students from schools around Dar es Salaam and help in their environmental education.
Your base
Your Team
There is a maximum of 18 volunteers per departure.
Accommodation and Meals
The accommodation is located in Mbezi Luis, a quiet residential area in Dar es Salaam and about 15kms from the beach. It is a brand new five bedroom house with a kitchen and two bathrooms, electricity and running water, within walking distance of nearby bars and local amenities. It is very safe, being fully fenced and the house also has a professional security guard 24 hrs a day.
Due to early starts basic breakfast of bread and butter or cereal/porridge, juices, fruit, tea and coffee. The main meal will be taken in the evening. This will be a typical Tanzanian food such as: rice, matoki, beans, chapatti, chicken, fish or European meat dish with pasta, rice, vegetables, salads, fruit, bread etc.
Local Towns
You will be based in Dar es Salaam the business capital city of Tanzania and have access to all this vibrant city has to offer. The city centre is about 20 minutes drive from the house but do note the traffic is awful in Dar.
Wildlife
Tanzania has numerous animals and incredibly diverse bird life. Rhinos, lions, cheetahs, elephants, buffalos, impalas, zebras, antelopes, giraffes, baboons and a myriad of other wildlife birds and animals.
Weather and Seasons
It is warm and dry 25 - 40 degrees with sunny days and cool nights. The long rains in Tanzania are in April – June and short rains (if they arrive) in November.
Time In/Out
Time In
You will all be met at Dar es Salaam International Airport. On arrival you’ll receive a short induction course covering all aspects of the projects and general safety.
You will generally work Monday to Friday for 6 - 8 hours, but we do ask you to be flexible. You’ll spend five weeks on community and conservation and one working in eco-tourism.
Time Out
You‘re weekends are free to travel. There are daily buses or matatus (minibus taxis) to Dar es Salaam which cost very little.
If you wished to visit a particular place of interest this can easily be arranged and you’ll need to pay the project host or local supplier directly on the ground. You’ll need to bring spending money for your free time and for any activities or excursions you choose to do.
Top Trips
At the coast you can do tours around the city and nearby historical and cultural sites. These include the Museum, botanical gardens and Mwenge Art Market to see art and crafts by local tribes. Or you may also choose to spend time at beautiful beaches along the Dar es Salaam coast or the adjacent Kigamboni.
Zanzibar Excursion
We can organise a 10 day trip to Zanzibar island at the end of your trip. Costs £275 per person, B & B, (excluding transfers), includes a snorkelling trip and spice tour. Please let us know if this is of interest. Camp Zanzibar is an awesome location and is essentially a chance for you to chill out and live it up on the beaches at Paje. Highlights: Explore and shop in the alleyways and night markets of Stone Town, snorkel in the Indian Ocean and search for wild dolphins to swim with, Spice Tour, Scuba Dive in the Indian Ocean (optional).
Costs/Dates
Dates
2011 6 weeks
July 4th
2012 6 weeks
July 2nd
Costs
Up until 31st August 2011
6 weeks £1797
Up until 31st August 2012
6 weeks £1804
Includes:
Donation to the project of £80 and you choose how you want this spent.
Selection and briefing on all aspects of the scheme
24 hour emergency back-up, management and support by UK team and in-country Placement Manager, with reliable communications and infrastructure.
Safety and induction course on arrival.
Airport pick up and transfer to and from the placement and transport to projects sites throughout.
Food and Accommodation throughout.
National Park Fees only whilst carrying out project work.
Not included:
International flights, internal flights (if applicable), visas, travel insurance, medical expenses (reclaimable through travel insurance), soft drinks/beer etc and independent/weekend travel. We are happy to arrange flights through STA Travel (ABTA 99209 and IATA 9122411) who are well known for offering good value.
Donation To The Community
Included in the cost of the scheme is a donation set at the level indicated above. We have agreed with the Project Leader that you can choose how, as a group or individually, you want this donation to be spent. Given the average monthly wage is approximately £35 per month the donations go far and in the past Leapers have paid for a child’s school fees, bought materials to build medical clinics etc or playground equipment.
