Community Voluntary Work: 14 Days

Lake Manyara / Ngorongoro Crater / Tarangire

Day 1: Arrival – Moshi
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International airport. Meet Massawe Adventures at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to Massawe Adventure Lodge.
Overnight Massawe Adventure Lodge.

Day 2: Local Tour
After breakfast, you will be met by Massawe Adventures staff with a private vehicle and taken to the beautiful Materuni waterfalls. You will then explore the indigenous Chagga culture and village. Followed by a coffee production tour. Afterwards, you will be driven back to the Massawe Adventure Lodge.
Overnight Massawe Adventure Lodge.

Day 3: Voluntary Work 7 Days
After breakfast, you will be met by Massawe Adventures staff with a private vehicle and start your volunteering work.
The adventurers may choose between one of the following options or alternate between the options on a daily basis:

Teaching – One of the most common difficulties in Tanzania schools is the transition between Primary school and secondary school. Primary school children are taught in Swahili. But when reaching Secondary school the children are only taught in English. Therefore much assistance is required to help children build their English language skills. You will be able to assist the children in primary school by preparing them with basic knowledge in subjects such as reading, writing, maths and English.

Orphanages – There are many orphanages within Moshi and the surrounding areas. Many of the children have become orphans due to the high rates of HIV over the last few years. There are large numbers of orphans who benefit from the help offered by care centres. As a volunteer, you can work at these centres. When the children return from school to the orphanage the volunteers could assist in entertaining and giving extra lessons to some of the children.

Working with the Disabled – Volunteers wishing to work with children and young people with disabilities are always welcome, we always need support in support in the Moshi area. The volunteers will be working in a variety of help centres. Some of the centres focus on children who are physically disabled and other centres work primarily with young people with other difficulties such as autism and down syndrome. Volunteers are encouraged to play with the children, help with drawing and writing, feeding and other daily tasks and assist with simple exercises.

Environmental Projects – In the last few years there has been a greater awareness of environmental sustainability issues and as such more of a focus has been given to projects including; planting trees in local villages where deforestation has occurred.
Also helped plant and harvest fruit and vegetables at a local farm run by an orphanage. Assistance in these or similar projects is greatly appreciated.

Clinical Work – There are a number of small clinics and hospitals which volunteer that volunteers can help support if they have a medical background, such as medical students, doctors, nurses, laboratory technologists and midwives. Volunteering in this way provides a great opportunity to share skills and gain experience.

Day 10: Safari (3 days) Day 1 – Lake Manyara
Early morning departure for Lake Manyara National Park. After lunch, the safari of Lake Manyara National Park is described as one of the hidden gems of Tanzania. You will explore a wealth of habitats, from swamps and the tranquil lake to the mountainous escarpment of the Great Rift Valley. Lake Manyara is also famous for its tree-climbing lions and large herds of elephants. After the safari, retire for an overnight stay at the Karatu Simba Lodge.

Day 11: Safari Day 2 – Ngorongoro Crater
After breakfast, there is an awe-inspiring descent into the crater – a wonderful haven for wildlife and one of the seven natural wonders of the world. A huge bowl of concentrated wildlife containing an estimated 30,000 animals including lion, buffalo, zebra, elephant and rhino to name but a few.
Returning to an overnight stay at the Karatu Simba Lodge.

Day 12: Safari Day 3 – Tarangire
This morning you will commence your drive to Tarangire National Park. Tarangire is one of Tanzania’s largest national parks and sanctuary for an unusually large elephant population. Majestic baobab trees are an interesting feature of the park. Animals concentrate along the Tarangire River, which provides the only permanent water source in the area. There is a great diversity of wildlife including lions, leopards, cheetahs and giraffes.
Overnight Massawe Adventure Lodge – Moshi.

Day 13: Maasai Cultural Tour
Travel to West Kilimanjaro to explore a choice of experiences, suitable for a day excursion or a longer overnight stay in West Kilimanjaro.
Each cultural experience offers a different learning opportunity and each has its own unique flavour. The adventurers may choose between one of the following options:

Visit Osiligilai (traditional Maasai houses) to see how the traditional Maasai live.

Africa Amini experience the unique culture of Maasai and their local community.

Olpopongi (Maasai Cultural Village & Museum) opportunity to experience historical Maasai traditions.

Day 14: Departure – Moshi
Optional exploration of the town/souvenir shopping trip and other experiences are available depending on the client’s areas of interest.
Massawe Adventures will ensure the client is transported to Kilimanjaro International airport in time for departure.