15-Day Volunteering and Safari Experience in Tanzania
SAFARI OVERVIEW:
This 15-day itinerary features a meaningful 8-day volunteer program at Fruitful Orphanage and Shine Primary School in Arusha, combined with a 5-day safari to some of Tanzania’s most iconic destinations. Participants will engage children through creative, educational, and outdoor activities, and even contribute to upgrading the school environment through classroom cleaning and painting. Afterward, embark on an unforgettable safari journey that includes a visit to Materuni Waterfall, a stop at Serval Wildlife Sanctuary, thrilling game drives in Tarangire and Ngorongoro, and a cultural tour with the Hadzabe and Datoga people at Lake Eyasi. Expect breathtaking landscapes, abundant wildlife, and deep cultural encounters.
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
Welcome to Tanzania! Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you’ll be met and transferred to Arusha (approx. 1-hour drive). Use this day to rest or explore the city at your own pace. Optional visits include a local market, cultural museum, or coffee tour. Overnight at Zondela House.
Day 2: Creative Expression, Team Fun & Mindfulness
Start the day with a marine-themed art project where kids learn about ocean life through colorful paintings and crafts. Afterward, energize everyone with a lively water balloon relay, encouraging teamwork and friendly competition. Later, the children will paint different climates, sparking creativity and awareness of the world’s weather patterns.
In the afternoon, host Olympic-style games to keep the fun and team spirit going. Finally, wind down with a peaceful guided outdoor meditation session, helping the children relax and reflect. End the day with a Gratitude Chain activity, where the kids share appreciation for their peers and teachers, fostering kindness and connection.
Overnight stay at Zondela House.
Day 3: Origami, Capture the Flag & Environmental Conservation
Start the day with an origami workshop where children fold paper into animals and shapes to spark creativity. Next, enjoy a fun and strategic game of Capture the Flag that promotes teamwork and friendly competition.
Later, focus on environmental conservation by cleaning and painting the school surroundings together. Teach the kids the benefits of caring for their environment through engaging, hands-on games that make learning about nature fun and meaningful.
Overnight stay at Zondela House.
Day 4: Cultural Exploration, Nature Art & Team Rally
The morning features traditional dances and multicultural arts & crafts. After lunch, take the children on a “Journey Around the World,” then create art from natural materials, and end the day with an energetic team rally. Overnight at Zondela House.
Day 5: School Beautification & Outdoor Games
Give back by helping clean and repaint classrooms at the school, leaving a brighter space for learning. In the afternoon, celebrate your efforts with music, movement, and games with the children. Overnight at Zondela House.
Day 6: Materuni Waterfall & Coffee Tour
Take a day trip to Materuni Village near Mt. Kilimanjaro. Hike to a beautiful waterfall, swim in its natural pool, enjoy a traditional Chagga lunch with local banana beer (Mbege), and experience the coffee-making process from bean to brew. Overnight at Zondela House.
Day 7: Serval Wildlife Sanctuary Visit
Visit the Serval Wildlife Sanctuary, where you’ll encounter rescued animals in a rehabilitative setting. Feed and photograph these majestic creatures up close. Return to Arusha in the afternoon. Overnight at Zondela House.
Day 8: Space Art, Geometry Games & Number Fishing
Children will express their imagination through space-themed artwork, explore geometric challenges with floor tape, and enjoy a hands-on math game by “fishing” for numbers. Overnight at Zondela House.
Day 9: Mandalas, Water Relays & Color Dance
Today features mindful mandala coloring, water relay races for team building, and an interactive Color Dance game that teaches English vocabulary through music and movement. Overnight at Zondela House.
Day 10: Mural Painting, Soccer & Meditation
Children will collaborate on a mural reflecting their favorite memories, engage in a friendly soccer match, and wind down with a guided stretching and meditation session. Overnight at Zondela House.
Day 11: Sculptures, Obstacle Course & Farewell Ceremony
Wrap up your volunteer journey with recycled-material sculpture building, a creative obstacle course, and a treasure hunt. The day ends with nature-inspired body painting and a heartfelt farewell celebration. Overnight at Zondela House.
Day 12: Tarangire National Park Safari
Begin your safari with a scenic drive to Tarangire National Park, known for its giant baobab trees and large elephant herds. Enjoy a game drive through this beautiful ecosystem rich in wildlife and birdlife. After the safari, head to Karatu for a rest. Overnight at Farm of Dreams Lodge, Karatu.
Day 13: Ngorongoro Crater Exploration
After breakfast, descend 600 meters into the Ngorongoro Crater for a spectacular game drive. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to the Big Five, flamingos, and diverse landscapes. Return to Karatu in the evening. Overnight at Farm of Dreams Lodge, Karatu.
Day 14: Lake Eyasi Cultural Tour & Return to Arusha
Head to Lake Eyasi at dawn to meet the Hadzabe bushmen. Join them on a traditional hunting walk and learn about their unique way of life. Later, visit the Datoga blacksmith village before returning to Arusha. Overnight at Zondela House.
Day 15: Departure Day
After breakfast, transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure flight. You leave Tanzania with deep connections, joyful memories, and the knowledge that your presence made a difference. Safe travels!
END OF OUR MEMORABLE TOUR
INCLUDED:
Pop-up roof safari vehicle 4×4 Land Cruiser.
Pick/Drop before and after the Safari.
Transfer JRO-Arusha and return.
Accommodation and Meals as per the itinerary.
Mineral water during the safari.
First aid kit.
Cultural tour to Hadzabe and Datoga.
Coffee tour to Materuni.
Serval Wildlife Entrance Fee.
Services of a Professional and Knowledgeable Driver Guide.
Tanzania Government Taxes/ VAT: All national park fees & concession fees.
NOT INCLUDED:
Tipping/gratitude.
International Airfare & Flights.
Expenditures of a Personal nature, e.g., Laundry, Soft Drinks, Alcoholic and other Beverages.
Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary.
Travel insurance.
Visa and Passport Fees.
Travel/Flying Doctors Rescue Services.
Contact us to book this unforgettable 15-Day Volunteering & Safari Experience in Tanzania!