At a glance
- Experience Maasai culture and immerse yourself in Tanzanian traditions through cultural workshops and a day-in-the-life with the tribe.
- Contribute to hyena conservation efforts in the Lake Eyasi region, support the education of children in rural areas, and perform basic building tasks.
- Share your adventure with teens from around the world, navigating Tanzania’s culture and creating new lifelong friendships and memories.
- Download a sample itinerary for this project
Is Culture and Adventure in Tanzania for Teens right for me?
This Culture and Adventure Project in Tanzania is your chance to engage with and learn from Tanzanian culture, especially from those within the Maasai community. You’ll participate in traditional activities that are rooted in the local culture, support community initiatives, and develop your personal skills.
The aim of this project is for you to fully understand and involve yourself in Maasai culture while supporting their community goals. You will get the chance to live like a local, compare it to life back home, and gain a fresh perspective on daily activities. You’ll learn their language, customs, and traditions through safe and ethical travel.
You’ll also get to see all the best sights the country has to offer. You’ll hike to the Materuni Waterfalls, work on the shores of Lake Eyasi, and experience incredible safari adventures through the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire National Park.
True learning is often found outside the classroom, exploring the world and engaging directly with diverse cultures and personal life experiences. This cultural immersion is a powerful way to boost your confidence, hone your communication (particularly across language barriers), and foster greater independence.
Our High School Specials run over fixed dates during school holidays. This means you’ll also travel with a group of people your age from all over the world, sharing your experience and forging lifelong friendships.
What will I be doing during this project in Tanzania?
As a culture and adventure participant in Tanzania, you’ll take the driving seat in your own education. You’ll get an amazing international experience with cultural immersion at its heart, providing a fantastic opportunity to grow your personal skills, enhance your global perspective, and step boldly beyond your comfort zone.
Here’s how:
- Thrilling excursions - Travel to stunning areas of natural beauty in the African savannah. Hike the majestic Materuni Waterfalls with a visit to the local hot springs and coffee plantation and enjoy two thrilling safari rides through Ngorongoro and Tarangire national parks.
- Cultural immersion - Surround yourself with Maasai culture, experiencing life in Tanzania as part of the local community. Live with a host family, enjoy traditional Tanzanian cuisine, and experience a full day-in-the-life of a Maasai tribe member.
- Traditional workshops - Engage with fascinating cultural workshops to fully immerse in local living, including Swahili lessons, cooking classes, and learning the art of batik hand dyeing. Join in with traditional drumming and dancing lessons to celebrate the night away.
- Community initiatives - Support community initiatives, including conducting educational activities at our dedicated Maasai school or building traditional bomas (huts). In your second week, head to Lake Eyasi to support vital Hyena conservation work.
Our culture and adventure projects allow you to live and learn in a totally new environment. You’ll meet amazing people, try incredible food, and learn to see the world differently.
In Tanzania, you’ll develop your social skills, global perspective, and independence while in a safe, supportive, and fully-supervised environment. You’ll also learn directly from Tanzanian people.
Enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime cultural experience and find out for yourself why travel can be so transformative.
What are the aims and impact of this project?
The aim of this culture and adventure project is to provide you with an incredible international experience where you can immerse in and learn from a new culture. This means living with and learning directly from people in that culture.
Your experience will help you build key personal skills that are crucial throughout all stages of life, especially for university and job opportunities. You’ll build your confidence, adaptability, and independence during this experience, which comes as part of navigating life in a new environment and embracing different ways of thinking.
Also crucial to your experience is developing a global perspective, cultural awareness, and intercultural communication. You’ll see the world in new ways, developing your empathy and enhancing your critical thinking skills.
You’ll also learn basic Swahili, discover the history, religion, and culture of this fascinating nation, and enjoy traditional crafts and ceremonies.
Read more: Understanding Culture Shock When Traveling Abroad
Join us on this project to learn about life in Tanzania, pick up new and transferable skills that will help you throughout your life, and meet like-minded teens from around the world.
Where in Tanzania will I be working?
Arusha
Arusha, in northern Tanzania, serves as a gateway to Africa’s most renowned safari destinations. The region is home to 2.4 million people, with 600,000 living in Arusha city at the foot of Mount Meru. It enjoys a pleasant highland climate with warm days and cool nights.
It has a mix of cultures and a growing tourism industry thanks to the fascinating handcrafted souvenirs of the Maasai markets, interesting cultural sites, and thrilling safari trips to nearby national parks.
Lake Eyasi
Lake Eyasi, a seasonal lake in northern Tanzania, offers a change of pace to the regular safari circuit. It is a cultural crossroads, home to three distinct tribes. The Datoga, Iraqw, and the Hadzabe, one of Africa's last true hunter-gatherer tribes who maintain their ancient way of life.
The mild climate and vast array of wildlife on display makes it a unique location for experiencing Tanzania's human and environmental history. During your stay, you will work to protect local hyena populations.
Food & Accommodation
To get fully immersed in the culture of Tanzania, you will stay with a carefully vetted host family and in a tented camp near Lake Eyasi. These will have all the amenities you need including three meals a day, drinking water, and a comfortable bed.
All our accommodation options are carefully selected for cleanliness and safety. We always try to ensure that you share a room with at least one other Projects Abroad participant of the same gender and similar age.
Try traditional meals like ugali, grilled meats, and spicy rice dishes as you enjoy life with the savannah on your doorstep.
Safety & Support
Your safety and peace of mind is our absolute priority. We've meticulously crafted a comprehensive network of support systems and procedures to ensure your journey is not only unforgettable but also completely secure.
Our dedicated Projects Abroad team is your constant companion, available 24/7 to provide assistance and guidance. From the moment you arrive, we'll be there to help you settle into your accommodation and placement, ensuring a smooth and comfortable transition.
And should any challenges arise, our team will be readily available to provide support and solutions, allowing you to focus on what truly matters: your incredible adventure.
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