Overview
Experience living and working in both Arusha, the safari mecca of Tanzania, and at the exotic Indian Ocean coast. Live with a local Tanzanian family, immersing yourself in their Swahili culture and make an impact on life changing community and conservation projects.
Change the lives of orphaned kids living on the streets of Arusha, look after the rescued boys with the widest smiles and best break dancing moves, building them new homes and a safer future. Help teach deaf children on the slopes of the mighty Kilimanjaro and coach English and Sport in schools at the coast, while renovating their crumbling classrooms.
Get stuck into environmental conservation projects in each location, help with the reforestation of Mountain forests and Mangroves swamps, roping in the local kids to spread the word about the benefits of renewable fuels.
Go behind the scenes in a safari camp, working alongside the Maasai staff to learn about life in the African bush. Help the ranges out on safari and view the ‘big five’ in their unspoilt natural habitat.
Finally, help to preserve Tanzania’s proud tribal traditions by restoring ancestral homes and learning ancient dances and crafts in a cultural heritage centre.
Our aim is that you take in everything Africa has to offer by experiencing life in the wildlife-rich bush, the lush slopes of Mt Kilimanjaro and the historic Swahili culture at the coast. 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. Up country, 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
You’ll become closely involved with communities in Arusha, Moshi and at the coast, the wildlife in Northern Tanzania and help out in a safari lodge.
Helping How
First 6 weeks in the African Bush
Based close to Arusha and Moshi in Northern Tanzania - ‘the safari capital’ close to the slopes of Mt Kilimanjaro and a short distance from some of the world’s best game parks – the Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara and Serengeti.
Community projects
- Care for children in orphanages in Arusha. Have a look at this documentary all about CCF the orphanage for street children that you'll work at.
- Play and coach sports, teach English and Art to children.
- Help with constructing and improving classrooms at a deaf school.
Conservation projects
- Help primary schools near Moshi with a reforestation initiative by planting trees on the slopes of Kilimanjaro.
Eco-Tourism projects
- Help to run an eco-lodge by Lake Manyara, training the Maasai staff and developing the camp.
- Build bird feeding platforms, work with rangers and help with animal and bird identification.
Last 4 weeks based The Coast
You'll be based in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s bustling coastal port. The beaches are wonderful with great opportunities to dive, snorkel and explore the coral reefs.
Community projects
- Teach English in primary schools
Conservation projects
- Plant mangroves along the coast and teach environmental studies with the Roots and Shoots club.
Eco-Tourism Projects
- Help staff at Makumbusho cultural village in Dar es Salaam. Work with their various craftsmen, taking part in the traditional dances and assist in the restoration work of their traditional houses.
Your base
Your Team
There is a maximum of 12 volunteers per departure, minimum size of 2, aged 18-27yrs.
Accommodation
Bush Phase
The whole team will be accommodated in nice houses in quiet residential areas of Arusha and Moshi. There is electricity,TV and internet connection in the house. There are showers with cold running water and a bucket of hot water will be provided daily for washing.
Camping In The Bush – safari phase
In the bush you’ll camp in comfortable safari style tents. It is recommended to bring a sleeping bag. Tents are mosquito proof. Shower and loos while camping are basic but running water is provided.
Coast Phase
The accommodation is located in Mbezi Luis, a quiet residential area in Dar es Salaam and about 15kms from the beach. It is a newly built five bedroom house with a kitchen and two bathrooms. There are flushing toilets and electricity.
Food
Three meals per day and clean drinking water are provided. Due to early starts basic breakfast of bread and butter or cereal/porridge, juices, fruit, tea and coffee. The main meal will be in the evening. This will be typical Tanzanian food such as: rice, matoki, beans, chapatti, chicken, fish or European meat dish with pasta, rice, vegetables, salads, fruit, bread etc. We will cater specifically for any vegetarians. Lunch will be a light meal or a packed lunch – sandwiches, fruit etc. Drinks – water, squash, tea, coffee will be provided. Drinking water will be boiled and filtered and safe to drink.
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 are in April – June and short rains (if they arrive) in November. At this time of year you are likely to get the traditional African thunderstorm lasting about an hour or two, clearing the air, then it's hot. Or you may get a downpour at night and not get rain again for a few days. The coast is hot and humid during the months of September through to March.
Time In/Out
Time In
Those choosing a 6 week placement will fly out along with others who have chosen the 10 week option, then fly back out of Kilimanjaro International Airport and those doing 10 weeks will travel to the coast for another 4 weeks of project work. You will generally work Monday to Friday for 6 - 8 hours, but we do ask you to be flexible.
Time Out
The weekends are your time to explore the local area and have fun! The project team will happily help you arrange transport at weekends to visit local areas of interest.
Top Trips
Safari in world renowned National Parks such as Tarangire, the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, visit Maasai Bomas and tribal villages, take hikes on the slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro or climb the mighty Mountain herself, camel ride, bike through Lake Manyara, shop for art and crafts made by local tribes, enjoy the beautiful beaches of Zanzibar, explore the alleyways and spice-filled night markets of Stone Town, snorkel and scuba dive in the Indian Ocean and search for wild dolphins to swim with.
Costs/Dates
Departure Dates
2010 for 10 or 6 weeks
January 4th, March 30th, July 5th (6 weeks only), September 2nd
2011 for 10 or 6 weeks
January 4th, March 31st, July 4th (6 weeks only), September 1st
Once on the placement it is possible to switch from 6 to 10 weeks.
Costs
Up until 31st August 2010 Up until 31st August 2011
6 weeks £1797 6 weeks £1797
10 weeks £2682 10 weeks £2682
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 including transfer from Arusha to Dar es Salaam.
Food and Accommodation throughout.
National Park Fees only whilst carrying out project work.
A one day game drive safari to either Tarangire or Lake Manyara National Park which includes park fees.
Not included:
International flights, internal flights (not applicable), visas, travel insurance, medical expenses (reclaimable through travel insurance), soft drinks/beer etc and independent/weekend travel e.g. food and accommodation whilst away from the placement location and any excursions not listed above. If you wish to visit a National Park in your spare time the fees are - $50-$30 per 24 hrs payable directly to the parks authorities. We are happy to arrange flights through STA Travel 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 possible even individually, you want this donation to be spent ensuring you leave a lasting legacy. Given the average monthly wage is approximately £35 per month the donations do actually 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.
