Kilimanjaro Summer Venture

  Tanzania

Arusha,  Dar Es Salaam,  Moshi,  Serengeti,  Zanzibar

Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: Please enquire

Description: East Africa is all about the outdoors: from the challenge of summitting Mt. Kilimanjaro to the white sands and blue seas of Zanzibar. Get close to its amazing wildlife as the Maasai accompany you on a Rift Valley trek and learn about its culture and history from the Chagga people, as you work alongside them on a conservation project.

The African Black Wood Conservation Project, Tanzania:
(Weeks 1 & 2)

The foothills of Kilimanjaro are the setting for the two-week conservation project. Working with the Chagga people, we contribute to the primary school programme and introduce the "Roots & Shoots" ideals of caring for the environment. Allied to this is the ebony conservation project, conserving Africa's iron-hard black wood. Our Chagga hosts are keen to share their language and culture, and for those who wish, there is informal Swahili language tuition.

Expedition, Tanzania:
(Week 3)

Ngorongoro Crater, in the heart of Maasailand, is a huge natural amphitheatre, and by far the best place to see the Big Five. The steep sides of the caldera mean that the animals here don't migrate and form a stable population.

Leaving our jeeps at Ngorongoro we meet Maasai guides and load our equipment onto donkeys for the four-day trek across the floor of the Great Rift Valley to the sacred mountain Oldoinyo Lengai. This is a gentle trek that presents a unique opportunity to join a nomadic, pastoralist way of life: a lifestyle that still moves in exact harmony with nature.

The Mountains, Tanzania:
(Weeks 4 & 5)

Mount Meru (4,556m) is much over-looked: literally by its famous neighbour, Kilimanjaro, but also by most travellers. Its trails are little-used, which means most people never experience the thrill of trekking along a volcanic horseshoe-ridge to the summit. Once there, turn around and right behind you is the most spectacular view of Kilimanjaro imaginable.

Fully acclimatised and ready for the final trek: Kilimanjaro (5,896m). The going is tough but the preparation treks, route selection and acclimatisation will pay off when we reach the Roof of Africa!

Zanzibar:
(Week 5 cont.)

Zanzibar, the heart of Swahili culture, is full of surprises and the perfect place to end our Venture. You can explore the infamous slave pens in Stonetown, take a fascinating spice tour or take advantage of the fantastic offshore diving. Finish the Venture with a sundowner on a balcony overlooking the sea, as the sun slowly dips below the horizon.

Highlights:
* Summit Mt. Meru and Mt. Kilimanjaro
* Learn Swahili
* Work alongside the Chagga on the conservation project
* Come face-to-face with the "Big Five" in Ngorongoro Crater
* Trek through the Rift Valley with the Maasai
* Relax on the pristine beaches of Zanzibar and explore the labyrinthine streets of Stonetown

Qualifications: No qualifications are required.

Cost in US$: $4830 for 5 weeks.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Venturers are enthusiastic and motivated team-players, with lots of initiative and a desire to make a positive contribution to the communities they visit.

Age Range: Gap Year Ventures 17 - 21 years. Career Gap Ventures: 21 years and over.

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Tanzania Independently Or in Groups

Typically Participants Work in Groups of maximum of 16

Application Process Involves:

• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Exit DebriefingAbroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

VentureCo Worldwide's Mission Statement: To provide 3-phase travel experiences that are inovative, imaginative and enjoyable. Phase 1: Language school and cultural orientation. That leads to: Phase 2: the volunteer developement project That leads to: Phase 3: the expedition that explores the neighbouring lands and environments of the host region.

Year Founded: 1999