3-Week Community Service & Adventure Itinerary in Arusha

Highlights

• Day 1: Arrival in Arusha - Your journey begins with your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where you’ll be warmly greeted by Eco Journeys Tanzania representatives. Transfer to your accommodation in Arusha for an orientation session, which includes an overview of the three-week program, the community service project, and the upcoming safari and Kilimanjaro sightseeing. Enjoy some free time to rest or explore Arusha before gathering for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight stay in Arusha.
• Week 1: Community Service – Building a Classroom
• Days 2-6: Each morning, travel to a village primary school in Arusha to begin the classroom construction project. Meet the school staff, students, and local construction workers, and start with site preparation, foundation laying, and initial construction work. In the afternoons, continue construction activities and engage with students through educational activities and games. Evenings are spent returning to your accommodation in Arusha for group discussions and reflections on the day’s work.
• Day 7: Continue construction work in the morning, focusing on building walls and installing structures. In the afternoon, participate in cultural exchange activities with the village community, learning about their traditions and way of life. Return to your accommodation in the evening for a group bonding activity or free time. Overnight stay in Arusha.
• Week 2: Community Service – Completing the Classroom
• Days 8-12: Spend the mornings continuing construction work, including roofing, plastering, and painting the classroom. In the afternoons, engage in educational and recreational activities with the students, fostering connections and creating a positive impact. Evenings are reserved for group reflections and planning for the following day.
• Day 13: With the help of the local construction crew, the building will reach lintel level. In the afternoon, celebrate your hard work with the village during a community celebration and classroom inauguration ceremony. Present a token of appreciation from Eco Journeys Tanzania and enjoy a farewell dinner with the village community. Overnight stay in Arusha.
• Day 14: Enjoy a free morning to relax or explore Arusha. In the afternoon, prepare for the upcoming safari adventure. Gather for a group dinner in the evening and reflect on the impact of your community service work. Overnight stay in Arusha.
• Week 3: Safari and Kilimanjaro Foothills
• Days 15-18: Safari Adventure
• Day 15: Tarangire National Park - Depart from Arusha to Tarangire National Park, a 2-hour drive. Enjoy a game drive upon arrival, spotting elephants, lions, and a variety of bird species. Have a picnic lunch in the park and continue exploring its diverse landscapes. In the evening, transfer to your lodge or tented camp for dinner and an overnight stay near Tarangire National Park.
• Day 16: Serengeti National Park - After an early breakfast, drive to Serengeti National Park, passing through the scenic Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Enjoy a game drive in the Serengeti, famous for its vast plains and incredible wildlife. Have a picnic lunch in the park and continue exploring. Transfer to your lodge or tented camp in the evening for dinner and an overnight stay.
• Day 17: Full Day in Serengeti National Park - Spend the entire day on a game drive in the Serengeti, tracking the Big Five and witnessing the Great Migration (seasonal). Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park and explore different regions of the park. Return to your lodge or tented camp in the evening for dinner and an overnight stay.
• Day 18: Ngorongoro Crater - After an early breakfast, descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a game drive, spotting diverse wildlife including rhinos, lions, and flamingos. Have a picnic lunch by the hippo pool and continue exploring the crater floor. In the evening, ascend from the crater and transfer to your lodge on the crater rim for dinner and an overnight stay.
• Days 19-20: Kilimanjaro Foothills Sightseeing
• Day 19: Explore the Foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro - Drive to the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro and visit Marangu village, known as the "gateway to Kilimanjaro." Tour the Marangu Waterfalls and Chagga caves, learning about the local Chagga culture. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and take a short hike in the Kilimanjaro rainforest, spotting wildlife and enjoying the lush scenery. Return to your accommodation near Kilimanjaro for dinner and an overnight stay.
• Day 20: Relaxation and Cultural Immersion - Visit a local coffee plantation for a tour and tasting experience, learning about the coffee-making process from bean to cup. In the afternoon, visit a local market or craft center to purchase souvenirs and support local artisans. Relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings before gathering for a farewell dinner with the group. Overnight stay near Kilimanjaro.
• Day 21: Departure - Enjoy a free morning to relax, pack, or make a last-minute visit to a local attraction. In the afternoon, transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure, taking with you unforgettable memories, new friendships, and the pride of having made a meaningful difference in Tanzania.