Gap Year Expedition - Tanzania

Below you will find a sample itinerary of how you will be spending your twelve weeks in Tanzania. Please note that this is just a sample itinerary and although you will be experiencing the same activities, where possible, it will not necessarily be in the same order. This is due to factors such as the timetable of the voluntary projects. You will be given your full expedition itinerary, including details of your chosen voluntary project, during your first week in Tanzania.

Week 1: For your first week in Tanzania, you will be based at Bahari Beach on the Indian Ocean coastline of Tanzania. Just 8 miles from Dar Es Salaam, you will also be close to Zanzibar Island and some great game reserves. During this orientation week you will have a chance to really get to grips with your surrounding area and experience some of these amazing places.

The main purpose of this week is to have a comprehensive orientation into Africa and its culture, whilst also finding out more about your expedition. During this time, you will be provided with your full programme itinerary and become familiar with your expedition teammates. You will also spend some time learning basic phrases in the Swahili language to help you better experience the culture of Tanzania and communicate with those you will encounter later on in your trip.

Towards the end of the week, you will be split into two groups: One group will roughly follow the itinerary stated below, starting off in Dar Es Salaam, whilst the other group will do this in reverse, starting off in Arusha.

Weeks 2 – 3: You will begin your community volunteer work placement in either Arusha or Dar Es Salaam. You will also take part in a four-day safari trip to the stunning Ruaha National Park.

Weeks 4 – 6: You will continue with your voluntary work placement and have some free time to get out and about and explore your surrounding areas. You may also experience a trip to explore the markets of Dar Es Salaam and take part in a traditional Dhow boat trip.

Weeks 7 – 11: During these weeks, you will receive a trip to the historical town of Bagamayo. You will then be transferred up to northern Tanzania. In this region you will spend time in Arusha at our excellent community programme where you will start a new volunteer placement. You will also spend roughly a week at the Maasai lands where you will help out in the community, whilst learning about their fascinating way of life.

You will take part in a couple of excursions of the local area including the infamous N’gorongoro Crater Safari and forest trek, where pink flamingos, photographic opportunities and the Africa Big 5 are in abundance! You may also get to visit the Maasai plantations and learn about their natural medicinal remedies. During these weeks you will also enjoy an excursion to the Iragi Tribal Village giving you a chance to visit Lake Manyara. Then, on your final day, you will receive a farewell party.

Week 12: During your final week you will be back in Dar Es Salaam. You will take part in a three night tour of Zanzibar, have some final free time and a farewell party with your fellow volunteers before leaving to catch your return flight or continuing with your travel plans.