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

The GIVE Tanzania program was hands down the best experience of my life. From the moment we landed in Dar es Salaam, the entire GIVE staff was incredibly welcoming and made every volunteer feel at home half-way across the world. The program itself was extremely organized and provided the opportunity for volunteers to teach English and work on infrastructure on the amazing island of Zanzibar. It is very apparent GIVE has taken strides to build lasting connections in the village we stayed in. In addition, volunteers had the opportunity to swim with dolphins, sail in the Indian Ocean, embark on a two-day safari, and climb Mt. Kilimanjaro. I would recommend GIVE to anyone who is looking to expand their world view and make a lasting difference. Thank you to John and the rest of the GIVE staff!

When I first signed up for GIVE, I was excited knowing I'd be given the chance to see another culture and volunteer some of my time. Now, after returning home and reflecting on the trip, I can truly say that we all were fully welcomed and immersed in Zanzibar's and Arusha's culture and that the time we volunteered made an impact we could see. It was all so amazing and far exceeded what I had been hoping for. Working alongside the amazing locals in the classroom and in construction was inspiring and by far the highlight of my trip, even over the excursions we went on. Especially because you had a chance to not only work with them, but to hangout and talk with them after and developed a true friendship.
Further, all of the guides we had (local and non-local) were incredible. They were eager to make you feel comfortable with what you were doing and just plain fun to be around. The staff at the restaurant were very personable. They were happy to keep us feed with plenty of DELICIOUS food every single meal of every day. The staff at the accommodations in both Zanzibar and Arusha were also so great at making sure our rooms were kept up and we were happy. They were always smiling and very welcoming. The best part was that these people felt more like friends than staff to me by the end of the trip, so everything they did for us felt personal.
Lastly, the excursion days were absolutely incredible. They are moments that are a chance of a lifetime and wouldn't be possible, again, without the help of the locals and guides. I learned so much about their culture, the value of community, and even my life. I didn't know what to expect going there, and I was a little uneasy about it all. However, once I was there and allowed myself to be fully immersed in the trip and the culture around me, I never wanted to leave; honest word. I simply can't wait to go again with GIVE and I would tell anyone who has the means to go and make a difference on the world.

My trip to Tanzania with GIVE was nothing short of amazing. I cannot begin to describe the enormous impact this organization has provided me. From the moment I stepped off the plane in Tanzania, I began forming relationships with my fellow volunteers that I now consider family. This experience has changed my life for the better and I have seen growth not only in myself but in my new-found family. The itinerary was great, giving us "breaks" from our worksite with adventure days, such as swimming with dolphins (coolest thing EVER!), sailing and snorkeling, and safari days. The transportation was great. In the open GIVE trucks, the set up made conversations and jam sessions optimal!! Our accommodations in Kairo were so fun and clean. I felt comfortable the entire stay. Momma Christinas house was beautiful and just as clean and comfortable! The meals were FANTASTIC!!!! I grew up a fairly picky eater so initially I was scared but the food was to-die-for. Im still craving Zanzibar pizza and crepes with mango spread (and missing the amazing cooks immensely!). The community of Kairo is composed of the most amazing and inspiring people I have ever had the privilege of meeting. Working in the school and teaching the women was so empowering and amazing to see their progress and determination. Worksite was difficult but soooo damn rewarding. To see the villagers come together and help build the projects we were working on made all the concrete-stained legs, dripping sweat, heat, and brick-carrying worthwhile. In Arusha, we had the opportunity to meet some incredible people of Green Paw Adventures and I am still in contact with my new friends 8,000 miles away. MARIA IS AMAZING! All the staff and guides know how to make you feel at home and are always looking out for you. They know how to make this experience even more amazing and fun. I never felt homesick knowing they were with me. I will never forget this amazing experience and encourage anyone with the opportunity to take a trip with GIVE. My life has completely changed and I am forever grateful.

The opportunity to volunteer and travel with GIVE was the best experience of my life. A little over two weeks ago, I got on a plane to go to Tanzania. I knew this experience was one I wanted to have, but I had no idea the impact it would have on my entire life and mindset. My trip was nothing short of incredible, breathtaking, and eye-opening. Although part of the experience includes working with the locals to help teach them English, they taught me so many more meaningful lessons. Overall, my favorite part was connecting with these locals. My conversations with them allowed me to grow and open up to new perspectives. Two things I learned from them that really stuck with me include the phrase "Hakuna Matata," and the idea of living the most simplistic yet happiest life. Everywhere we travelled, the locals would always say to us "Hakuna Matata." They try to live life with no worries, brushing off the little things that are no use to be fussed over. The people we formed connections with were the most happy and welcoming people, and they radiated joy at all times. You begin your trip in Zanzibar in a village full of these beautiful people I just described. The staff and local boys are amazing, and everyone makes you feel safe and at home. You end your trip in Arusha, volunteering with a women's co-operative, going on a coffee tour, and the coolest 2 day safari full of elephants, giraffes, zebras, baboons, and infinitely more! The people you volunteer with, as well as all of the staff, will become your family- and there is nothing more special than the bonds formed within the GIVE family. By going on this trip, you become one of the roots of change and realize you can make a difference in the world. There is no better feeling than working with a community, and growing alongside of them. The meals are delicious, the transportation is smooth and safe, and the accommodations are perfect! I could go on forever about how much I recommend this trip and how much I learned and grew from it. I wish I could re-do this trip over and over again!!!

GIVE has an absolutely amazing message that is conveyed through and through in their Tanzanian adventure. There aren’t the right words to describe the experience I had in Tanzania but here’s to trying. The people on Zanzibar, from the staff, the locals in Kairo, to the people in Arusha and on the safaris, they all had such beautiful souls that were so passionate about being the root of change. Every person I encountered on this trip saw humans as humans, nothing more. Every human is privileged to have the life they do and I took that for granted before I met all those beautiful people. A souvenir shop worker knocked over all the figurines after I got worried for knocking one over because they truly live by the saying “Hakuna Matata” and are enjoying life for what it is and that’s what I plan to do from here on out. I am a better person because of GIVE and the experience I was honored enough to go on. Everyone would be impacted by going on a trip or this sorts, even in just a small way but one small action of change can make the world of a difference for one person and create a ripple of change. You truly have everything when you have happiness and that is so evident in all of the people I met on my trip. The people working in, with, and out or GIVE have everything because they are happy, even if they have so little. Be the root of change, even if it’s just little, it matters.

My trip to Tanzania in May 2018 was hands down the best thing I have ever done in my life. Not only did I get to travel to Africa, which had always been a dream of mine, but I got to experience what the world has to offer. Zanzibar Island is a very special, unique, and beautiful place that I was not aware of before I found out about GIVE Volunteers. Coming into a new culture can be uncomfortable at first, and a volunteer trip like this may make some nervous; however, I had never felt more at home when I first arrived in Zanzibar. GIVE allows the volunteers to immerse themselves completely in the local culture which lets the volunteers expand their mind and become open to new experiences. Also, the local community is beyond welcoming and enjoys getting to know each and every volunteer. GIVE Volunteers is not only a way to help another community become more sustainable, it is an opportunity to change your life, impact the lives of those around you, and most important of all, become a global citizen. After my trip to Tanzania, my love for Africa and GIVE Volunteers has continued to grow and I continue to try to make a positive impact in my own community everyday.

Where do I even begin? GIVE Volunteers' program in Tanzania is unmatched. I honestly cannot recommend it enough. You enter the village of Kairo a stranger, but leave feeling like a true member of the community. From teaching English to the locals, to mixing cement in the heat with your new best friends, to jumping in the Indian Ocean to swim with dolphins, this program truly has it all. The staff, locals, and your fellow volunteers are so full of life, and truly love what they are doing which makes the trip that much more enjoyable. The impact that this trip will have on you will last a lifetime. You will return home with a new GIVE family, more knowledge about the world then you left with, and a forever "home away from home" in Kairo, Zanzibar. So what are you waiting for? APPLY NOW!

GIVE is one of the best orgs I have had the privilege of stumbling on. My first trip with them was to Tanzania and Zanzibar Island. Being my first time ever out of the states I was so nervous about who I would meet and how the 2 weeks was going to go! Let me tell you what though, once I set foot in Tanzania the beautiful souls of GIVE guides immidelty made me feel so comfortable and just they gave off good vibes. The entire two weeks I made the best of friends and worked among some of the amazing locals who I miss everyday. Working and living with the other volunteers was great. And I am grateful for the experience that GIVE gave me. Not only are you making an impact on the community, they impact you and will change you forever... it is beyond worth it to go on a GIVE trip. 100/10 RECCOMEND!!!!!! DO IT!!!