Rainforest & Mountain School Expedition to Tanzania

Wake up in Dar es Salaam, or ‘Dar’ as most people call it. A melting pot of East African cultures, this is Tanzania’s busiest city. Dive into expedition life and contact the ground team to discuss your plans. You’ll be cooking on braais (bbqs) for most of the trip, so you’ll need to buy some food supplies, plus a SIM card for the team phone, so hit the markets and get to grips with the currency, Tanzanian shillings. Jobs done, it’s time to head to the highlands. Pile into the transfer vehicle and set off for the town of Morogoro, at the foot of the Uluguru Mountains.

Time to trek. Rising to 2,743m, the lush Ulugurus have some of the best rainforests in Tanzania. Gather the group together and take a look at your trail options. There are lots of trekking routes to choose from, so chat with your guides and decide which are best for the whole group’s ability. Each day, you’ll set off from base camp and enter the jungle, passing waterfalls, streams and villages. The plant life is incredible, and you’ll spot monkeys and birdlife as you clamber through the undergrowth.

Safari time! Thought this trip couldn’t get any better? It just did. You’re heading to Mikumi, one of the biggest national parks in Tanzania. Mikumi is home to large herds of elephants, giraffes and buffalo, plus lions, wildebeest, hippos and more. The park is also famous for the quality of its light, which makes for fantastic photos. The magic happens when you set out on game drives. The cool early mornings and evenings are a great time to watch the wildlife. Spotted an elephant? Grab your binoculars for a closer look!

Time for a whole new challenge... You’re about to spend the next few days living with a rural community and contributing to a locally-led initiative. Meet your hosts, explore the village and set up camp in the local school buildings. The community is working hard to improve their facilities for school children, creating positive spaces for learning. Lend a hand in the school garden and help to improve the play area. To make a positive contribution you’ll need to learn some new skills. This is a side of Tanzania that few tourists see. You’ll get immersed in rural life with Swahili language classes, drumming lessons and traditional cookery classes. Then wave goodbye and travel back to Dar.

Time to hit the glistening white sand beaches of the beautiful Swahili Coast! The area was once a major hub of East African slavery, and you’ll find reminders of this harrowing history wherever you go, so be proactive, ask questions and find out more. Your destination is Kipepeo Beach, an upmarket escape for boat rides and lazy days, bliss. Kick back on the sand and take stock of everything you’ve experienced. Notice how much your confidence has grown since the start of the trip, and just think of everything you’ve achieved.

After the best two weeks of your life, it’s time to travel home, so cram everything into your backpack and head to the airport. Check in, sit back and let it all sink in, you’ve just experienced something incredible. Tanzania has opened your eyes and challenged you more than you ever imagined. You’ve fast-tracked your life skills and connected with the locals; you’ve led your team and made new friends for life. These experiences will shape who you are and put you on the path to becoming a true global citizen. Prepare to return home forever changed!