Tanzania & Zanzibar Island: African Safari, School Construction & Education, and Swimming with Dolphins

My trip to Tanzania changed my outlook on life. For the longest time, I was yearning for an experience that would truly show me what I am meant to do in life and where my passions lie. The community of Cairo was so loving, hospitable, and kind. I felt more at home on this island than I do in my own house! I learned so much that still continues to build my character, and I am so thankful I went despite the stereotypes and misinformation I heard about the continent of Africa prior to my trip. If you are looking for an experience to change the way you look at the world, open your mind to a higher cultural understanding, and actually put money into something that benefits more than just yourself- go on a GIVE trip! Not only were the locals so amazing, but the other volunteers and GIVE staff will never fail to uplift you, support you, and validate your life goals even after your trip ends. Additional shout out to Green Paw Adventures- the phenomenal partner group that leads you on the most amazing safari and guides the Kili climbers to success!

If the cost is what worries you, keep in mind everything your money is going towards. Whether towards local businesses, the sustainable projects, or the fun excursions on your off days, all of the money you pay aside from your flights directly benefit the local communities. What a way to vote with your dollar!

Also, if you have the opportunity to hike Mt. Kilimanjaro...DO IT. I have learned so much about myself from this experience, and I came home with the most confidence- knowing I can do anything I put my mind to! I will forever be grateful for my first GIVE trip to Tanzania, I can't wait to join GIVE for more!

My experience while in Zanzibar was one I will forever remember and be grateful for. I was met by my new best friends with such fierce love and acceptance the moment I stepped into Zanzibar’s beautiful paradise. Throughout this trip I experienced so much…. pure joy, doubts, fulfillment, and felt my life/perspectives transform in ways I didn’t know possible. I am so grateful that I stepped out of my comfort zone and in turn got one of the most rewarding, educating, & incredible trips. Asante Sana Zanzibar!!!!

I loved this so much! I had so much fun, the people were amazing. I made friends for the rest of my life here. Before the trip, I was a little concerned that this was not real, but its very much real and one of the best decisions that I made was to trust my gut and book the trip. This trip is exactly as advertised. The people at give are so amazing, they answered all of my many questions quickly and honestly. The guides made my trip so amazing, they are so fun and help you navigate the culture and this amazing experience.

Before going on the trip I was most concerned about safety. I can honestly say when I was there, there was not a moment where I felt unsafe. You are always with the guides and the hostel you are staying at is safe with a person to keep watch as well as the places you go to in general are safe.

My trip to Tanzania was an incredible, life-changing experience. I had the pleasure of teaching English and working on construction projects to help build the local community a school. The locals were some of the most inspiring, hardworking, and intelligent people I have ever met and I absolutely fell in love with the culture and community. This trip opened my eyes, pushed me out of my comfort zone, and taught me a lot about myself and my capabilities. The staff was absolutely amazing too and always prioritized our safety and well-being.

I just got back from my trip and it was the most memorable, inspiring, and beautiful trip I have ever been on. Being able to learn the beautiful culture, teach english to students who are so eager to learn, and help the community by helping to build a school is something I will take with me forever. Everybody is beyond welcoming and it was the most heartwarming experience. I can’t wait to come back and do this trip again as well as other trips GIVE hosts! This is truly a trip of a lifetime!!!!!!

This experience went above and beyond what I could have ever imagined! The support I got from the team was outstanding. Every question big or small was answered within 24 hours before my trip. Whilst I was on the trip all the local guides made sure I was safe at all times without putting a damper on the fun. It was the perfect balance of work and play. If I wasn’t feeling confident in some of the teaching, the locals were there to help translate or support my ideas. Construction was hard work but fun. Water breaks consisted of fun games made by the locals, mangos, jackfruit and lots and lots of laughs and dancing. This trip has pushed me outside my comfort zone and changed me as a person. Every second of the day was packed with fun, culture and relaxation and most of all Hannah who what we needed and when. With nothing being forced on us!
This truly was a trip of my dreams and I can say Cairo and Zanzibar is my home. Not only do I say that but each and everyone of them have assured me I am always welcome back!!

Like in my title this was my first trip out of the United States. Many of my family and friends were worried that I chose such a remote and far away place to be my first international trip but I cannot stress enough how perfect this was for my first time out of the country!! I was constantly given reminders through give on keeping up with papers (passport, visa, vaccinations ect.) which helped me a lot to understand what I needed to do and in a timely manner. They also even have a travel agent as an option to help with flights which I loved to lessen my stress. Even when I did have a flight cancellation due to weather I was able to easily figure it out and had Give staff leader, Hannah, also helping me if I were to need any extra assistance. Once arrived I was a bit nervous not having any service but Give staff was there to pick me up and greet me! I also loved not having to worry about accommodations and food as that was all included! It really allows you to be able to relax and take in the beautiful place of stone town when not having to try and search around. When we arrived in Kairo I was so excited to see how close we were to the Indian Ocean!! It was paradise!

Our days of education and construction were always well planned out in advance and so it was easy to get in a bit of a groove. Those days were also very rewarding to see the progress in the students (including myself as I learned a lot from them too) and in the construction you will do at the school. Some days were very hard during construction but the energy with the staff and our group made every minute of it worth it! And to know that the kids at that school will be able to use the pathway we created for years to come.

Outside of education and construction there were so many activities planned that I had not known about so it was such a cool surprise to be able to learn Swahili, weave, cook and see how soap is made by the local women!

Adventure days were amazing! Coming from a land locked state it was so cool to be able to be at the beach, on an island or always having time to swim in the ocean! Even on these days you learn so much about Zanzibar and their culture as well. Always ask questions! Staff were always so sweet to answer my questions I had and they welcomed them all the time.

One of the coolest experiences I have now to date would be swimming with wild dolphins! I am such an animals lover and seeing how the locals have turned their attention to protecting the dolphins while also still being able to support their loved ones amazes me.

Overall I can’t express how amazing this trip was for me and how it has created such confidence in myself in my future travels and how they can align to my beliefs. They did an amazing job and I hope to be back again soon!

Book the trip!! You won’t regret it! :)

My GIVE trip to Tanzania was life-changing, challenging, and inspiring. The guides are knowledgeable and personable. The locals are kind, fun, and so eager to learn AND share. This program does an exceptional job of immersing you in the culture of your destination and teaching valuable lessons, while also incorporating some of the most thrilling adventures. I highly recommend this trip (or any GIVE trip) to anyone who is looking to travel responsibly, expand their horizons, and push themselves out of their comfort zone.