SFS Study Abroad: Wildlife Management in Tanzania

SFS Study Abroad: Wildlife Management in Tanzania

Location
  • Tanzania
Term
Fall, Short Term, Spring, Summer
Subject Areas
African Studies Agriculture Animal Science Biology Botany Conflict Studies Conservation and Preservation Cultural Studies Earth Sciences Ecology Environmental Studies Field Studies Geography Global Studies Humanities Indigenous Cultures Life Sciences Natural Sciences Public Policy Social Sciences Statistics Sustainable Development Tourism Wildlife Sciences +14

Program Details

Program Type
Provider
Degree Level
Associates Bachelors
Housing
Dormitory

Pricing

Price Details
Program fees include tuition, housing, daily meals, field excursions, entrance fees, cultural activities, advising services, airport transfers, 24/7 mental health and well-being support, official transcript processing and more – check out our website. Need-based scholarships available.
What's Included
Accommodation Activities Airport Transfers Classes Meals Transportation Wifi
What's Included (Extra)

No Application Fee!

What's Not Included
Airfare Travel Insurance Visa
Nov 13, 2025
Dec 06, 2025
25 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Have you ever wanted to go on safari and observe African wildlife in their natural habitat, explore some of Africa’s most famous national parks, or learn about the centuries-old traditions of the Iraqw, Hadzabe, and Maasai peoples?

SFS programs in Tanzania take place in world-famous national parks, wildlife sanctuaries and protected areas, and Indigenous communities and small villages. Courses and fieldwork focus on key environmental issues faced here such as biodiversity conservation, wildlife management, human-wildlife conflict, tourism impacts, and climate change. Tanzania has made progress in protecting its large populations of charismatic wildlife, but this rich landscape faces many challenges. Our research concentrates on understanding the impacts of climate change, habitat fragmentation, and competition for resources and promotes successful coexistence between humans and the country’s incredible wildlife.

COMMUNITY REVIEWS SUMMARY

This program offers immersive wildlife fieldwork and cultural experiences in East Africa, fostering close community bonds and hands-on research. Academics can be challenging and differ from U.S.

Video and Photos

Program Highlights

  • Earn academic credit: 18 credits for semester programs and 4-8 credits for summer programs. Conduct a 4-credit research project during the semester program.
  • Develop core skills including GIS, biodiversity assessment, species ID, wildlife census techniques, animal behavior observation, radio telemetry, basic Swahili, research design and implementation, data collection & analysis.
  • Embark on a multi-day camping expedition in Serengeti National Park. Enjoy field lectures on topics like animal behavior and migratory patterns, and observe the diverse species found within the park.
  • Spend two weeks in Kenya with visits to Amboseli and Tsavo West national parks and the mountainous Chyulu Hills conservation area. Enjoy views of Mt. Kilimanjaro from campus. (Semester only)
  • Experience Iraqw traditions and modern lifestyles during a short home stay with a nearby family and visit a Maasai boma to learn how cultural tourism is shaping local culture and traditions

Popular Programs

elephant

In the Serengeti, students watch wildebeest herds surge across endless plains, shadowed by lions and cheetahs in pursuit. Across the Maasai Steppe, elephants press through narrowing corridors while lions prowl village edges, the very spaces where fieldwork begins. In Tarangire and Manyara, you'll set camera traps, map migration routes, and listen as elders recount shifting rains, placing data within the deeper story of landscape and livelihood.

thoughtful primate

In this summer fundamentals course, the complex human-dominated landscape of the Tarangire-Manyara ecosystem, with diverse and competing land use types, becomes your classroom. Through field-based excursions, interactions with local communities, and discussions with wildlife conservation and management experts, watch the critical issues surrounding wildlife management and conservation come to life before your eyes.

lioness

Tanzania is home to more than 35 species of carnivores, including the African lion, cheetah, leopard, spotted hyena, and wild dog – all of which are on the IUCN Red List. Study the behavioral ecology and conservation challenges facing these incredible creatures, while observing some of Africa’s largest remaining carnivore guilds up close.

Program Reviews

4.94 Rating
based on 16 reviews
  • 5 rating 93.75%
  • 4 rating 6.25%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Academics 3.9
  • Support 4.95
  • Fun 4.85
  • Housing 4.5
  • Safety 5
Showing 1 - 8 of 16 reviews
Perpetua
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

SUMMER TO REMEMBER

Unforgettable summer in Tanzania. As a Wildlife Management student, I gained hands-on experience and invaluable insights into conservation practices, learning about Wildlife Management and Techniques, and delving into the fascinating animal behavior of Carnivores, Herbivores and Primstes found in Serengeti National Park, Tarangire National Park without forgetting Lake Manyara National Park Immersed in the breathtaking landscapes and rich culture Visited the Maasai Community and Hadzabe the only community that hunts and live bushlife found in Tanzania, I returned home inspired and equipped with practical skills from experienced Lectures in Conservation. Don't miss this life-changing opportunity to study abroad in Tanzania

What was your funniest moment?
Tried throwing an arrow with the Hadzabe tribe, I missed the target, hit the laugh button it was very funny learning something new
Pros
  • Stunning landscape and wildlife sighting
  • Ideal time for hiking and adventures
  • Visiting local market to learn their culture
Cons
  • Hot weather
  • Some areas can be inaccessible due to rain
  • Rough roads in National Park
56 people found this review helpful.
Ava
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Tanzania Summer 2025

This was hands down the best experience of my life! It was so incredible studying wildlife management with a group of like minded people from a variety of backgrounds. We saw so many different animals during our safaris. I was not expecting to see as many animals as we did, which was so amazing. We were also able to interact with the locals during our stay. By playing soccer, volleyball, and cards with the locals, we were able to bond with them and become immersed in the culture. The slow paced, sustainable lifestyle in Tanzania has changed the way I live and consume back home.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
My advice to future travelers on this program would be to practice some Swahili before getting to Tanzania! I would also encourage people to embrace every moment and enjoy every experience.
Pros
  • Lots of wildlife sighting
  • Super friendly staff
  • Meet people from all over the US and Tanzania
Cons
  • Some lectures felt repetitive
  • Limited plant based protein options (but still manageable)
  • Hand washing clothes were harder to get clean and took a while to dry
58 people found this review helpful.
Alexa
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Incredible experience! Would recommend to any wildlife lover

Absolutely amazing experience, especially for anyone who has studied wildlife, ecology, and management from afar but never been able to experience it up close. Great field work, great support staff, and great community. The highlight was definitely doing safaris and going to Serengeti National Park, but all of it - social activities, weekend travel/excursions, local town - was beautiful and so rich in culture. Everyone at Moyo Hill Camp was welcoming, kind, and dedicated. I'd recommend to anyone!

Pros
  • Incredible travel opportunity
  • New language experience / practice
  • Great staff / lecturers
Cons
  • Isolated location
  • Could be overwhelming with limited international travel experience
197 people found this review helpful.
Hannah
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing experience!!!

I absolutely loved SFS Tanzania. The staff and faculty are all amazing, and you are able to have so many unique experiences that you can't get anywhere else! Also, you really feel like you are able to make a difference in conservation, because the community really takes into account what your DR research shows at the end of the semester. I would absolutely reccommend this program to any and all who are interested in wildlife, conservation, or both!

244 people found this review helpful.
Kaitlyn
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Life-Changing Adventure

This summer, I had the opportunity to join approx. 20 other students from different states around the USA on a study abroad program in East Africa. The School for Field Studies was an absolutely fantastic program that left me with many unforgettable memories and friendships. It helped foster my passion for wildlife research even more and I look forward to a future with SFS support from this adventure. I would highly recommend The School for Field Studies study abroad for any curious, young scientist who wants a taste of what it's like to conduct research on the other side of the world. I knew after leaving this program, with my heart still pumping on the plane ride home, that this is the field I am destined to be in.

What would you improve about this program?
The Tanzania program was run very well with many encouraging and caring staff. Given the societal and cultural aspects of the area, the Moyo Hill Camp was comparative to a five-star hotel.
211 people found this review helpful.
Read my full story
Emily
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

SFS Wildlife Management Program

Choosing this study abroad program was hands down the best decision I made during my college career. It was such a unique experience and one that I felt perfectly encompassed what studying abroad is all about. While traveling and living in Tanzania undoubtedly pushed me out of my comfort zone, I could not speak more highly of the students, staff, and locals I had the pleasure of spending those 3.5 months with. The many relationships I developed with those people really made camp a home away from home and have continued even after the program. I was completely engrossed by the Tanzanian culture and way of life-- something I'm quite sure is just as unique as the country itself. Having the opportunity to learn Swahili and get exposure to a variety of cultures was truly an immersive experience that speaks to the many positives of this program.

Now of course, the wildlife this country had to offer was one of the main draws for me. The safari drives and overnight expeditions in and near the national parks were always something I looked forward to and will surely never forget. Each drive was a new experience, whether it was seeing new animals or scenery, or simply being with a different driver or group of students. There was also a great connection between class and lecture material with activities we did in the field (habitat assessment, species ID and behavioral observations, wildlife census techniques, etc.). And the best part was that fieldwork never felt like actual work--I mean how often do you get to ride around in open-top Jeeps collecting data on Tanzanian wildlife?!

I could go on and on about how absolutely amazing this program was. I can't say that I have one favorite memory or moment, because the program in its entirety was more than I ever expected it to be. I've missed the tiny village of Rhotia every day and know this country and its people forever have a special place in my heart.

264 people found this review helpful.
Benjamin
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Time in Tanzania Well Spent!

Definitely the trip of a lifetime, and would absolutely do it all over again. The feeling going to the first national park, Lake Manyara National Park, felt like going into Jurassic Park but without the danger or drama. The first animal we saw was my favorite; elephants. During the day I thought to myself that if everything had to end, I'd be content because of the joy that I felt. I loved learning the language, the culture, the challenges, and meeting wonderful people in a world far away and far different than I one I left back home.

What would you improve about this program?
There are only a few things that could be changed about the program. The student housing was good but could have been better, I did share a room and bathroom with 3 other men. The local culture and history was fascinating, would have enjoyed more time learning about it.
236 people found this review helpful.
Cate
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Unique and Incredible Experience

I very nearly did not go on this program - first I suffered an injury and had to withdraw from a semester, and then the Kenya portion of the trip was cancelled due to civil unrest - but going was probably the best decision I've ever made. For the first time in my college career, I feel as though I've actually gotten my money's worth. The professors were (mostly) accessible and incredibly knowledgeable in their fields and the staff were welcoming and inclusive. Lectures were punctuated with all day field exercises that ranged from walking distance to camp to a three hour drive, allowing us to view a broad range of communities, and guest lectures from local experts and citizens. The school went out of their way to provide the proper tools for directed research projects, including arranging last minute camping, guides and rangers, and talks with experts in our field of research. The expeditions to national parks were the highlights, of course, and no one ever suffered a bad day where they didn't get to see something incredible. The campus itself is small, but the accommodations are much better than I expected, with (usually) hot water, running toilets, and a full-stocked kitchen to raid for bread. The only real drawback to any of this was the inability to go out into the community alone or past 6 pm due to safety reasons, which is understandable, if a little frustrating.

If you are looking to work hard, play hard, and see East African wildlife in their native habitat, this program is for you. Come in with an open mind, prepare to be adaptable to all situations, and enjoy the people you're spending your time with, and you will have one of the greatest experiences of your life.

What would you improve about this program?
Some of the academics could use a little more focus - sometimes it was hard to tell exactly what we were supposed to be doing, and sometimes things fell through. I also would have appreciated more day trips to areas farther from camp so that I got to see more of northern Tanzania. However, I do think that they did the best with what they had, and that's what is really important here.
245 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers