Student trips - community service and safari
grow. connect. discover
Imagine spending a week or more in Tanzania—building classrooms, making new friends, and exploring some of the most incredible wildlife on the planet. This isn’t your typical trip—it’s a blend of purpose and adventure, where you’ll roll up your sleeves to make a difference and then kick back while spotting lions on the Serengeti.
Designed especially for high school and college groups, this trip is an amazing way to learn beyond the classroom. You’ll gain hands-on experience in community service, develop leadership skills, and work as a team while making a lasting impact. Whether you’re painting classrooms, teaching English, or sharing stories with local students, every moment is a chance to grow, connect, and discover.
Beyond the service work, the adventure kicks into high gear with an epic safari. Picture yourself tracking elephants in Tarangire, witnessing the Great Migration in the Serengeti, and exploring the Ngorongoro Crater—one of the most breathtaking places on Earth. It’s the perfect mix of meaningful work and thrilling exploration.
Whether you’re looking to expand your world perspective, bond with your peers, or just experience something totally unforgettable, this journey has it all. So, pack your bags and your sense of adventure—Tanzania is calling, and it’s going to be epic
Why This Trip Is Perfect for High School Students
This program offers a life-changing opportunity for students to engage with Africa’s cultural and natural heritage. It is not just a safari; it’s a journey into the soul of Tanzania, fostering connections with the land, its people, and the urgent need for conservation. Ideal for students seeking adventure, education, and a meaningful global experience, this trip is as diverse and dynamic as Africa itself.
ITINERARY
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, students will be warmly welcomed by Eco Journeys Tanzania representatives. They will then transfer to their accommodation in Arusha, where they can settle in and freshen up after their long journey. In the afternoon, an orientation session will introduce them to the week ahead—highlighting the objectives of the community service project, cultural etiquette, safety guidelines, and the safari itinerary. Students will also have some free time to rest or take a short walk in Arusha to get their first impressions of Tanzania. In the evening, the group will gather for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant featuring traditional Tanzanian cuisine, offering a first taste of the rich culture they’re about to explore. Overnight stay in Arusha.
After breakfast, the group will travel to a nearby village primary school on the outskirts of Arusha. Upon arrival, they will be introduced to school staff, local leaders, and the students they’ll be working with. A guided tour of the school grounds and village will help students understand the community’s needs and context. In the afternoon, the group will begin preparing the project site—whether it’s clearing land, organizing materials, or starting on the foundation for a classroom or renovation project. Students will also engage in playful and meaningful interaction with the local children through games, songs, or informal language exchange. In the evening, they will return to Arusha for dinner and participate in a guided reflection session to process their experiences and observations from the day. Overnight stay in Arusha.
Over the next three days, students will immerse themselves in hands-on community service. Mornings will be dedicated to construction or renovation work, such as painting classrooms, repairing school infrastructure, or helping with landscaping to create a safer, more welcoming school environment. Afternoons will be a blend of service and connection—students may lead educational activities such as reading clubs, basic English lessons, or craft sessions with local children.
On the evening will include a cultural celebration hosted by the village, featuring traditional music, dance, and storytelling—an unforgettable introduction to local heritage.
On Day 4, students will join recreational games or sports with the school children, fostering joyful and memorable bonds. In the evening, the group will hold a structured feedback and reflection session, sharing insights and personal growth.
Day 5 marks the final day of community work. Students will complete the project or ensure a smooth handover. In the afternoon, a heartfelt farewell ceremony will be held with the school and village leaders, during which students will present a token of appreciation from Eco Journeys. After returning to Arusha, the group will enjoy a relaxing evening and prepare for the safari adventure ahead.
After an early breakfast, the adventure shifts from service to safari. The group will depart Arusha and drive approximately two hours to Tarangire National Park, renowned for its ancient baobab trees and large elephant herds. Upon arrival, they will embark on their first game drive, with chances to spot giraffes, zebras, lions, and more. A picnic lunch will be enjoyed inside the park, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the wild. The day will conclude with a scenic drive to a nearby lodge or tented camp, where students will enjoy a hearty dinner and share stories under the stars. Overnight stay near Tarangire.
The group will rise early for a long but rewarding journey to Serengeti National Park, passing through the scenic Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Along the way, they will witness dramatic shifts in landscape, from lush highlands to endless savannahs. By early afternoon, they’ll enter the world-famous Serengeti—a place teeming with wildlife and raw natural beauty. After a picnic lunch, students will enjoy a game drive through the park, keeping an eye out for big cats and other iconic African species. The evening will be spent at a lodge or tented camp in the Serengeti, surrounded by the magic of the African wilderness. Dinner and overnight stay in Serengeti.
This day is dedicated to fully exploring the Serengeti. After breakfast, students will head out for a full-day game drive, with opportunities to witness the Great Migration (depending on the season), observe predator-prey interactions, and track the Big Five. The group will enjoy a packed lunch in the park and continue discovering new corners of the reserve in the afternoon. In the evening, they will return to the lodge or camp, gather around the fire, and reflect on the awe-inspiring scenes of the day. Overnight stay in Serengeti
After an early morning breakfast, the group will drive to Ngorongoro Crater, one of the most unique wildlife areas in Africa. Descending into the massive volcanic caldera, they’ll explore its rich ecosystem, home to black rhinos, lions, buffalo, hippos, flamingos, and more. A picnic lunch will be served near a scenic hippo pool. In the afternoon, the group continues their exploration before ascending to the crater rim. The evening will be spent at a cozy lodge nearby, with dinner and rest after a day full of wildlife and wonder. Overnight stay near Ngorongoro Crater.
On the final day, students will drive to Lake Manyara National Park, known for its lush forests, soda lake, and tree-climbing lions. They will enjoy a morning game drive with views of flamingos, baboons, elephants, and many species of birds. After a final picnic lunch in the park, the group will head back to Arusha. In the evening, they’ll gather for a farewell dinner—celebrating friendships made, challenges overcome, and memories created. Depending on flight schedules, students will either spend one final night in Arusha or transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for their departure home.
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, students will be warmly welcomed by representatives from Eco Journeys Tanzania and transferred to their accommodation in Arusha. After settling in, the group will attend an orientation session introducing them to the exciting three weeks ahead. The session will cover the goals and structure of the community service project, expectations for the safari, and a glimpse into the Kilimanjaro sightseeing experience. Students will also receive cultural guidelines and safety tips to help them navigate Tanzanian life with respect and confidence. The afternoon offers time to relax or take a gentle walk through Arusha’s colorful streets and local shops. In the evening, the group will come together for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant, sampling delicious Tanzanian cuisine and bonding as a team. Overnight stay in Arusha.
Each morning from Day 2 to Day 6, the group will travel to a nearby village primary school on the outskirts of Arusha. Students will be introduced to the school staff, local children, and the construction crew they’ll be working alongside. The service project begins with foundational tasks such as clearing the site, laying bricks, mixing cement, and establishing the base structure of a new classroom that will serve generations to come.
In the afternoons, the group will balance hands-on work with enriching student engagement. Through games, songs, storytelling, and basic English lessons, they’ll connect deeply with the children they’re helping. Evenings will include return trips to Arusha, where students will participate in group discussions and reflective activities designed to process the impact of the day’s efforts and foster personal growth.
On Day 7, the construction work continues with walls being raised and structural elements installed. In the afternoon, students will take part in cultural exchange experiences with village elders and community members—learning traditional dances, local customs, and perhaps a few Swahili or tribal phrases. The evening concludes with free time or a fun group activity. Overnight stays continue in Arusha throughout the week.
The second week of service will focus on bringing the classroom to completion. Mornings will be devoted to more advanced construction activities such as installing the roof, plastering walls, and painting interiors. Students will take pride in watching their work come together day by day.
Afternoons remain a blend of service and interaction, with continued time spent in recreational and educational activities with the children. These might include soccer matches, art sessions, or collaborative reading circles. Evenings will provide time for rest, as well as team reflections to celebrate progress and plan for the next day.
By Day 13, the classroom will have reached lintel level, ready for its final touches. This day marks the culmination of the service project. In the afternoon, the community will host a celebration to inaugurate the new classroom, complete with singing, speeches, and gratitude from school leaders. Students will present a token of appreciation from Eco Journeys Tanzania as a symbol of partnership and shared success. The day concludes with a heartfelt farewell dinner with the village community before returning to Arusha for the night.
After two weeks of hard work and meaningful connections, students will enjoy a well-deserved day of rest and exploration. The morning is free for relaxing, journaling, or souvenir shopping. In the afternoon, the group will gather for a safari briefing and pack for the next adventure. That evening, they’ll share dinner together in Arusha, preparing for their journey into Tanzania’s world-renowned national parks.
Multi-Day Trek with Maasai Herders – Embark on a 3-day walking journey with Maasai herders, following their seasonal migration routes. Learn navigation techniques using natural landmarks and stars, and participate in daily tasks such as cattle herding and gathering water. Practice traditional survival skills, including starting fires and making simple tools, while engaging in discussions about the challenges of pastoralism in modern times. Each evening, sleep in bush camps under the stars, enjoying communal meals and storytelling sessions around the campfire. This immersive experience offers a rare glimpse into the nomadic lifestyle of the Maasai.
- Day Activities:
- Embark on a 3-day walking journey with Maasai herders, following their seasonal migration routes.
- Learn navigation techniques using natural landmarks and stars.
- Participate in daily tasks, including cattle herding and gathering water.
- Practice traditional survival skills, such as starting fires and making simple tools.
- Engage in discussions about the challenges of pastoralism in modern times.
- Evening Activities:
- Sleep in bush camps under the stars.
- Enjoy communal meals and storytelling sessions around the campfire.
- Accommodation: Temporary Bush Camps.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.
Highlights: Living nomadically with the Maasai, survival skill-building
The safari adventure begins with a drive to Tarangire National Park, approximately two hours from Arusha. Famous for its majestic baobab trees and massive elephant herds, Tarangire offers a stunning introduction to the African wild. Students will embark on a thrilling game drive, spotting lions, zebras, giraffes, and vibrant birdlife. After a picnic lunch in the park, the afternoon continues with more exploration before heading to a lodge or tented camp for a restful evening surrounded by nature.
An early breakfast sets the stage for a long and scenic journey to Serengeti National Park. Along the way, the group will drive through the breathtaking Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Upon arrival in the Serengeti, the group will enjoy their first game drive through the endless plains, keeping an eye out for predators like cheetahs and leopards. After a picnic lunch, they’ll settle into a remote lodge or tented camp for dinner and an overnight stay, listening to the sounds of the wild under a starlit sky.
This day offers a full immersion into the magic of the Serengeti. With a packed breakfast and lunch, students will spend the entire day on safari, seeking out the Big Five and, depending on the season, witnessing parts of the Great Migration. They’ll explore different regions of the park, learning about ecosystems, conservation efforts, and animal behavior from their expert guides. Dinner and overnight stay will be at the same camp or lodge.
The group will leave the Serengeti and travel to the Ngorongoro Crater, one of the most unique and biodiverse areas in Africa. After descending into the crater, students will enjoy a game drive on the floor of this ancient caldera, home to rare black rhinos, flamingos, and countless other species. Lunch will be served near a serene hippo pool. In the evening, they’ll ascend from the crater and transfer to a lodge perched on the rim for dinner and a peaceful overnight stay.
After breakfast, the group will travel to the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro. They’ll visit Marangu village, often called the “gateway to Kilimanjaro,” where they’ll tour the impressive Marangu Waterfalls and the ancient Chagga caves, learning about the local tribe’s history and resistance during the colonial period. After lunch at a local restaurant, students will enjoy a short rainforest hike, spotting monkeys, birds, and lush vegetation before returning to their nearby lodge for dinner and rest.
The final full day is focused on winding down and reflecting. In the morning, students will visit a nearby coffee plantation for a hands-on tour—harvesting beans, roasting over fire, and tasting fresh local coffee. The afternoon includes a visit to a local craft center or market, where students can shop for handmade souvenirs while supporting local artisans. The trip concludes with a farewell dinner, where the group can reminisce about their transformative three-week journey. Overnight stay near Kilimanjaro.
On the final morning, students will have time to pack, rest, or visit a local attraction for any last-minute experiences. In the afternoon, they will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for their departure flight, leaving Tanzania with unforgettable memories, new friendships, and a deeper understanding of service, culture, and conservation.
