Tanzania – School improvements and erosion control In this rural area of Tanzania, there is little funding to refurbish school buildings which are subject to damage from seasonal flooding and erosion. You’ll help by working on school improvement projects such as classroom refurbishment and laying clay sacks to control soil erosion. UN Sustainable Development Goals No poverty End poverty in all its forms everywhere Quality education Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all Gender equality Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls Decent work and economic growth Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all Reduce inequalities Reduce inequality within and among countries
Tanzania – School and housing improvement The traditional fishing community near camp suffers from high levels of unemployment and a lack of funding for local schools, forcing children to walk many miles each day just to get an education. You will help by building or renovating school buildings to create inspirational and stimulating learning environments, as well as building sustainable housing for needy families. UN Sustainable Development Goals No poverty End poverty in all its forms everywhere Quality education Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all Gender equality Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls Decent work and economic growth Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all Reduce inequalities Reduce inequality within and among countries
Tanzania – Conservation work Human-wildlife conflict is an ongoing and significant issue here, threatening the future for many important species such as elephants. You’ll get involved in initiatives to promote a peaceful co-existence between the community and the local wildlife, such as improving natural waterholes and constructing elephant deterrant fences to safeguard the future for these incredible animals. UN Sustainable Development Goals Climate action Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts Life on land Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss
How long has Camps International been running expeditions to Tanzania? Camps International was founded in 2002 and opened Camp Tanzania in 2007, making Tanzania one of our longest-established destinations. We have been delivering school expeditions there for nearly two decades, with permanently based in-country teams and trusted long-term community partnerships that give school groups confidence in our depth of commitment to the region.
What community project work is included on the Tanzania Trek Expedition? Students take part in community project work, which could include building classrooms, constructing and refurbishing community buildings and installing water storage systems, carried out hand in hand with local people. Project work may also focus on improving a local school through cement mixing, brick laying and digging. All projects are co-designed with local community leaders and our long-term Tanzanian partner organisations to address genuine locally identified needs and create sustainable lasting change.
What is the Mount Meru Trek and how challenging is it? The Mount Meru Trek is a five-day trek through tropical rainforest before the sand and rocks take students skywards towards the summit at 4,566 metres. Students take in stunning views across the dramatic volcanic ash crater, and on the final day wake in the early hours to attempt the summit and witness a spectacular sunrise. It is an extraordinary personal achievement. All routes are led by qualified local mountain guides and students will have spent time at altitude earlier in the expedition before the trek begins.
What environmental project work is included on the Tanzania Trek Expedition? Students take part in environmental project work tackling deforestation, climate change and habitat protection. Activities may include tree planting, digging water holes and making elephant dung paper. This gives students a direct hands-on understanding of the environmental pressures facing this part of Tanzania and the practical conservation work being done to address them.
What wildlife and cultural experiences are included in the Tanzania Trek Expedition? The expedition includes a Big Game Safari where students may spot the Big 5 including lions, elephants, birds, zebra and giraffe. Cultural immersion is woven throughout the programme, including Swahili phrases around the campfire and a traditional home-cooked dinner on arrival. Evenings across the project phases include football with local people and planned cultural activities, with a Kwaheri farewell to the Camp Tanzania crew at the end of the expedition.
How fit do students need to be for the Tanzania Trek Expedition? A good level of general fitness is important. The Mount Meru Trek is a five-day mountain challenge reaching 4,566 metres, with a pre-dawn summit attempt on the final day of the trek. Students should prepare physically before departure. The expedition also includes community project work phases involving physical activity in a warm climate. All trekking is led by qualified local mountain guides and our in-country team has been supporting mountain expeditions from Camp Tanzania since 2007.
Is the Tanzania Trek Expedition safe for school students? Yes. Camps International has operated in Tanzania since 2007 with experienced permanently based in-country teams. We own and operate our own camps in Tanzania, giving us direct oversight of safety, accommodation and welfare throughout. The Mount Meru Trek is led by qualified local mountain guides with appropriate safety equipment and procedures in place. 24/7 emergency support is maintained and we follow Smartraveller guidance (smartraveller.gov.au).
What is included and excluded in the Tanzania Trek Expedition cost? Included: international flights, accommodation at all camps including mountain huts during the Mount Meru Trek, all meals, in-country transport, project materials, Big Game Safari, Mount Meru Trek including guide and park fees, leadership and staff costs, travel insurance, orientation and Swahili language lessons and 24-hour emergency support. Not included: personal spending money, visas and vaccinations.
