A Tanzania Dream Comes to Fruition!

My first introduction to ConservationVIP^® came during the summer of 2015 when an acquaintance at REI Adventures suggested I check out their volunteer conservation trips. So, I did, and I liked what I saw regarding the mission and vision on the website, but I noticed there were no trips to countries within Africa. So, I sent in an inquiry as it is a continent I enjoy traveling to frequently for adventure activities in nature and cultural heritage.

Back then, no trips to Africa were in the plans, so that remained a dream for me. I wanted to find a great program that allowed me to travel with purpose, mitigate my impact by giving back, and become further immersed while visiting a destination in Africa.

In the meantime, through several conversations with Chris Braunlich, our CEO, and others on the ConservationVIP^® team, I came to join the organization and donate time in a volunteer capacity supporting marketing efforts, joining the Board of Directors, and becoming a Trip Leader. I continued to dream of opportunities to expand our work to include Africa someday, as I do this kind of work for my day job in tourism as a Program Developer and Manager.

Talk about synchronicity. . .

In June 2019, I attended a business conference representing ConservationVIP® to pitch our non-profit environmental volunteer trips to the press. At the conference, I met a Tanzanian tour operator, Erick Urassa, which was fun. You see, Tanzania has a special place in my heart, as I have visited it several times and have come to have friends and colleagues there. So, after our meetings and conversations, we decided to stay in touch because you never know when an opportunity to work together could arise.

And what do you know? Just a month after that conference, REI Adventures, who was our marketing partner at the time, reached out to ask us to develop a program for Tanzania. Then, I was given the opportunity to work on this project and became the Program Manager!

A Dream realized. . .

Developing our programs takes time, hard work, and patience, not to mention navigating the global pandemic and its impacts. We were excited to be able to support and work alongside our local tour partners, NGOs, and a government natural resource agency in Tanzania. Our newest reforestation and trail program in the Great Rift Valley near Lake Manyara National Park and the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro launched in November of 2023.

I look forward to returning to Tanzania to continue this work and to connect with the people and place.

9 Reasons You Should Join our Tanzania Volunteer Trip

1. Cultural Immersion: Immerse yourself in the welcoming Tanzanian culture as you work alongside local communities on reforestation and trail restoration initiatives. Build meaningful connections with the people and gain a deeper understanding of their traditions, customs, and way of life.

2. Preserving Breathtaking Landscapes: Explore Tanzania’s stunning natural beauty as you engage in volunteer reforestation efforts. Contribute to preserving the country’s unique landscapes around the foothills of the Great African Rift Valley Wall near Lake Manyara National Park and the Rau Forest Reserve near Mount Kilimanjaro.

3. Conservation of Flora and Fauna: Tanzania is home to diverse species of flora and fauna. Participate in reforestation projects that directly contribute to the protection of this wildlife by sustaining and restoring their natural habitats.

4. Climate Change Mitigation: Join the global effort to combat climate change by planting trees in Tanzania. Planting trees helps mitigate climate change, protects water sources, improves water quality, controls erosion, provides shelter for wildlife to sustain biodiversity, and provides space for the local community’s well-being.

5. Educational Opportunities and Community Development: Learn about indigenous flora and fauna species and ecosystems unique to northern Tanzania while contributing to the well-being of local communities by participating in reforestation projects that promote sustainable livelihoods. Help create a positive impact on both the environment and the lives of Tanzanian residents.

6. Personal Growth: Embark on a journey of personal growth and self-discovery as you step out of your comfort zone into a different culture and explore the challenges of reforestation and trail maintenance work. No experience is required. Gain a sense of accomplishment and make a lasting impact on the environment.

7. Adventure and Outdoor Activities: Combine your passion for environmental conservation with adventure. Enjoy our volunteer rest day on safari in Lake Manyara National Park and hike to Materuni Falls while visiting Materuni Village along the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro. Heck, lengthen your trip by arriving early or staying later! Northern Tanzania offers opportunities for exciting outdoor activities, such as hiking, wildlife safaris, and exploring the vibrant marine life along its coastline.

8. Contribute to Global Goals: Align your volunteer efforts with global sustainability goals. Tanzania’s reforestation projects are interconnected with international initiatives aimed at biodiversity conservation, sustainable development, and climate action.

9. Photography and Storytelling: Through video and photography, capture the beauty of Tanzania’s landscapes and the transformative impact of reforestation and trail restoration. Share your experiences and stories to inspire others to join the cause.