Let’s Make a Difference!
Volunteer Program to Tanzania, Africa
Bringing Life-Saving Basic Care to Thousands in Need
Volunteer – Safari – Jungle Hikes – Unique Cultural Experiences
“Africa is magical. No sooner has the name rolled off of one’s tongue than we start to conjure images up in our mind from tales of lore. Tribal warriors stalking iconic beasts, the invigorating sound of distant drums, vast plains awash with a flowing mass of biodiversity that makes our eyes pop out on stalks. Whether it is the red clay I don’t know, but here’s definitely ‘something’ about Africa that is severely addictive. I liken it to a severe heartbreak as it comes back to haunt you every six months or so, tugging on the soul to head back to its vast plains, towering escarpments and meandering rivers. Its sights, sounds, earthy vibe and palpable breeze that only Africa can evoke. It is an amazing place.”
~Mark Thorpe
Volunteering in Africa is a life-changing experience – even for the volunteer! Yes, your energy, enthusiasm, time and skills truly have the power to change, even save, many lives – and at the same time you’re helping accomplish a vital, meaningful project where you are likely to find that the experience is changing you too. You’ll be giving much of yourself, but you’ll receive much in return!
We have put together an incredible group of people and call on you to volunteer with them to make a life-saving difference for many thousands of rural Tanzanians. The goal is to complete the work that already been doing at the Endallah Village Medical Clinic and school, which serves over 10,000 persons that desperately needs basic assistance.
Once you’re in Africa and you meet the locals and see the clinic and local school that needs help, and you’ll understand fully the role this project will play in many wonderful people’s lives. Children, mothers, sick persons and the elderly, will all be helped with your volunteering. The work done here will do much to help them receive what is considered basic life survival. For example, to put it into perspective, estimates indicate that Tanzania loses one woman every hour to pregnancy related complications (National Alliance of Global White Ribbon Survey, 2007.) What we can accomplish will go a long-ways towards changing cold statistics such as this.
TOUR INCLUDES
- Round trip air from JFK to Tanzania
- Arrival & Departure transfers
- 5 Nights Pumziko Safari & Wellness Lodge at Lake Manyara
- 2 Nights at the Ahadi Lodge, Arusha
- Breakfast throughout
- Five lunches
- Six dinners
- Transportation throughout
- Expert Safari Driver/Guides
- All park fees and taxes
- Locally hosted
ADDED FEATURES
- Tarangire National Park Safari
- Ngorongoro Crater Safari (one of the 7 Natural Wonders of Africa)
- Lake Manyara National Park Safari
- Masai Bush hike- with a traditional Masai BBQ dinner
- Hyena Caves Jungle hike
- Overnight with a local family (optional)
Volunteer Project Includes
- Volunteer Program with Locals at the Endallah Village
- A visit to the Malaika Orphanage in Arusha
ITINERARY
Day 1- Depart USA
Depart today for Tanzania
Day 2- In Arusha (D)
Arrive in Arusha, capital of Tanzania. After clearing Immigration and Customs, transfer to the local Ahadi Lodge for our overnight and welcome dinner.
Day 3- Introductory Safari (B/L/D)
Depart early this morning for a full day safari in Tarangire National Park. Tarangire is the 6th largest park in Tanzania, famous for its elephant population and spectacular scenery. Late this afternoon we arrive at the Pumziko Safari Lodge where we’ll be staying in African style accommodations during our volunteer stay. Pumziko is located in the heart of the Iraqw tribal land, adjacent to Lake Manyara National park and close to the local village of Endallah, where our volunteer experience takes place. Time to relax and enjoy our beautiful surroundings. Dinner and Overnight at Pumziko.
Day 4- In Pumziko (B/L/D)
After breakfast we’ll have a cultural tour of the Endallah village and Iraqw tribal land, and then get started on our volunteer building at the medical clinic and adjacent school. Late this afternoon we return to Pumziko for a unique cultural hike around the jungle with our Masai Warriors escorts and learn from them some of their tribal traditions. Dinner and Overnight at Pumziko.
Day 5- In Pumziko (B/L/D)
Today we’ll continue our volunteer work at the medical facility. Some volunteers will help at the building site, and some will go the local school reading to children. Everything helps so much! Tonight we will enjoy a special tribal dance performance after a delicious Maasai BBQ. Dinner and Overnight in Pumziko.
Day 6- In Pumziko – Optional overnight stay with a local family (B/L/D)
After breakfast, we return to the Endallah village to continue with our volunteer work. This afternoon after returning to Pumziko Lodge, we’ll take a special hike through the jungle following the dried-up riverbed, to view the unique local hyena caves. The walk will also give us a chance to see and meet some local farmers. Tonight we have arranged an Optional special overnight stay with a local villager’s family. This is a great opportunity for those that want to experience more about how traditional African life really is about. We will learn how to milk cows, make traditional food, fetch firewood and just see what it’s like to be a “Local African” – a truly unique and rewarding experience. For those who do not want to participate in the local stay, there will be dinner and relaxing at the lodge this evening.
Day 7- Day – Safari Ngorongoro Crater – One of the 7 Natural Wonders of Africa (B/L/D)
Our safari today is to the World Famous Ngorongoro Crater. The Ngorongoro is the largest intact caldera in the world and shelters one of the most beautiful wildlife havens anywhere. A permanent population of more than 30,000 animals inhabit a mere 100 square miles in the 2,000 ft deep crater, making this one of the few places in Africa where you stand a great chance of seeing the entire Big Five in the course of a single game drive. It’s one of the last remaining places in Tanzania where you can still see the endangered Black Rhino. Late this afternoon return to Pumziko for dinner and overnight Pumziko.
Day 8 – Full Day Safari Lake Manyara National Park and onto Arusha (B/L/D)
After breakfast, we head to Lake Manyara National Park for another exciting safari at the setting made famous by the Ernest Hemingway quote: “…the loveliest lake in Africa.” Lake Manyara is famous for its tree climbing lions, elephants, hippo pools, black giraffe stunning scenery and so much more. Later this afternoon we head back to Arusha for dinner and overnight Ahadi Lodge.
Day 9- In Arusha. Morning Volunteer Program and afternoon to relax. Return Flights to US (B)
After breakfast, we will head over to the Malaika Orphanage and visit with the children. The children will leave a lasting impression on us, as there is a great need for this kind of facility since there are many children in Arusha whose parents died of AIDS. Two local Arusha women, Francesca Aimone and Jutta Kassam founded this orphanage to give love and care to the children who very sadly have been orphaned. Time to interact with the children before returning to our Lodge. A bit of time to relax by the pool before heading to the airport for our return flights back to the US.
Day 10- Arrival in New York
Early morning arrival in New York
Your Accommodations
Ngorongoro Oldeani Mountain Lodge
The Ahadi Lodge is a family run boutique hotel located in the little authentic African Village of Morovian about a mile from the capital, Arusha, Each of the simply decorated rooms have private bath and with earthy tones to local rusty reds, TV, Wi-fi and tea & coffee making facilities.
A Note about Tanzania
Tanzania is one of the safest African countries to travel to. Tanzania is one of the most unique tourist destinations in the world, endowed with a vast and spectacular range of tourist attractions. It is a land of many natural wonders, unparalleled diversity of fauna and flora. Tanzania is the only country on the African continent with the largest concentration of a whole diversity of wild game, with spectacular scenic natural beauties. Kilimanjaro, the highest permanently snow-capped free standing mountain in Africa, the exotic Islands of Zanzibar, the finest game sanctuaries such as Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater and the Tarangire National Park.
Tanzania is free of ideological confrontations, ethnic problems and labor disputes. Tanzania has always been a very peaceful country. It is a center of economic and political stability for Sub Saharan Africa. The multi party democracy adopted in 1992 has not disturbed the peaceful political climate of the country. Because of the political stability Tanzanians have enjoyed peaceful lives, which shows by their genuine friendliness towards foreign travelers.
Because of the warm locals, Tanzania is considered to be one of the friendliest nations in the world. Tanzanian culture is a delightful mix of influences with over 120 tribes. Tanzania is one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world. From the tall graceful Masai warriors, the ancient ways of the Hadza Bushmen, the resourceful agricultural practices of the Wameru, the artistic talents of the Makonde to the Chaga farmers and traders. Each of the 120 different tribes in Tanzania has their own distinct ways of life, but together they gracefully unite to form a beautiful peaceful Tanzania life. Simply put Tanzania is one of the greatest places you’ll ever visit in your life!
A Note about the Iraqw People
Like most Tanzanians, the Iraqw are a kind people. They have a deep respect for elders, show true compassion for the sick and exhibit thoughtful hospitality. Their kindness, contagious joy of life, peace-loving nature, eagerness to learn, and strong work ethic, even while living with true hardships, are the reasons why we’ve fallen in love with them and are so motivated to help them now. The medical clinic we will be working on is located in the heart of the Iraqw homeland, which they call Endallah. The Iraqw have a strong traditional and cultural background. They are primarily farmers and have lived in the stunningly beautiful area adjacent to Lake Manyara and the Ngorongoro for hundreds of years. They value family, community, nature and the seasons, and they express their joys, and sorrows, through unique songs and dances (which we’re sure you’ll get the pleasure of experiencing.)
We are going to make a huge difference for some very deserving people.
“We make a living by what we do, but we make a life by what we give.”
– Winston Churchill
NOTE: This is a sample itinerary for group tour leaders.
It is one of our “Tours of Compassion” itineraries for teachers, religious leaders, organization heads, authors, speakers and other leaders who are thinking about putting together a spiritual travel package and offering it to their group.
For more information about how to form a group and travel free, please visit: https://bodymindspiritjourneys.com/form-a-group-and-travel-free
Photo credits:
Elephants at Amboseli national park against Mount Kilimanjaro by Amoghavarsha JS amoghavarsha.com / CC BY-SA
