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

This was my 2nd trip with GIVE. My experience in Tanzania was incredible. ALL the guides, Hannah, Faith, Baboi, Fani, Bighead, Talha, MC, and the rest of the Kairo crew welcomed us with open arms, lots of smiles, and constant safety. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to teach the Massai men English, always be immersed in Kairo, support local businesses, and learn about Zanzibar’s history. On top of this, Green Paw adventures (a local company) made the safari and Kilimanjaro an incredible experience.

This trip to Tanzania was really my first big trip outside the country and from the start I felt safe and prepared; we were given a full flight itinerary, packing lists and able to contact our guides and group members weeks before the trip even started. If you have any questions do not hesitate to call GIVE(I called so many times and never felt I was asking too many questions, and I always got an answer!)
The volunteering was life changing, building relationships with all the guides, locals in the village, and other volunteers was so amazing. I wish I had the words to describe how much of an impact and how much I learned from the village of Kairo. I will forever be grateful for this experience and couldn’t have imagined doing it with any other organization. The volunteer days were well balanced out with adventure days where we would get to explore Zanzibar and support the communities in sustainable and uplifting ways.
We then ventured to the mainland for Safari and climbing Kili which was the biggest most amazing adventure imaginable, the Green Paw staff are just the coolest people who are so kind! I can’t say thank you enough and would recommend this trip to anyone and everyone!

GIVE is an organization 100 percent focused on sustainability. If there is one organization to go through if you are looking to do the greatest amount of good, it is this one. Even on the days we didn't volunteer, the activities we did supported local families and were done in a way that looked out for the diverse environment we were in. Outside of doing good, this trip was incredibly fun! GIVE does a great job of balancing work and play so you feel proud and accomplished while also doing all the "must-see's" in the location you're in. The food, people, and scenery is out of this world and I pinched myself every day.

Give Tanzania was one of, if not the best experience that I have ever had in my life. The people were the most welcoming people I have ever met in my life and my life is all the better because of them. I learned more than I could have ever thought on this trip. We taught the people of Kiaro village English and worked on building some new additions to the give school. Everyone that I taught had the best spirit and was more than eager to learn. You can see the happiness that the give program provided in the village and to everyone involved.

Coming into this trip I was incredibly nervous, it was my first time traveling alone, and the farthest I have ever gone. However, the moment I arrived at the airport and was picked up by our amazing guides, I immediately knew that this was going to be unforgettable. Something that I wish I knew going into this trip, was how much I would want to stay. The people, whether that be the Cairo community or the guides and volunteers themselves, was what made this trip fantastic. There was never a dull moment and I always felt safe, understood, listened to, and accepted with every single one of these people. Doing something new is scary, doing it alone is even scarier, but as I arrived I realized that I was never to going to feel alone on this trip. I sincerely hope that who ever is reading this considers joining one of the trips offered by GIVE. They are truly magical, eye opening, and simply irrepressible experiences.

GIVE Tanzania is an unique experience anyone would struggle to find with any other organization.

From the start to finish, you truly are a part of the local community, learning the history and culture of Zanzibar. We got to learn about slave trade in Stone Town and visit a local spice farm. There’s also safari at the end of trip. Also, add on Kilimanjaro if you’re up to more adventure. I highly recommend!

But, the highlight was living in Kairo for about two weeks. Here, you’ll meet locals like Khamis, Tala, MC, Smile, and so many more. This program is special in that the local construction and education projects are all led by locals themselves with only one international guide. One of the lead guides from each trip are from Tanzania themselves!

A moment that stood out to me was test day in the classroom with Masai students. As soon as I entered, the students cheered, excited for the test. One student, Rafael aced the exam. His smile made all of the work in school and construction more than worth it!

GIVE is an organization that will push your comfort zone and change your life. I experienced it myself through traveling to Thailand and Laos on previous trips and now, Tanzania. If you’re questioning signing up, then sign up, and figure out everything else later. Nothing can compare to the memorable experience a GIVE trip provides!

My story with GIVE Volunteers is quite unique. I was walking around my school's campus when I found a bright, green slip of paper on the floor of the library that talked about a GIVE information session. Skeptical at first, I decided to go because why not. There I met one of the Tanzania guides, Hannah, who convinced me that GIVE is not a scam. I went back home and immediately put down my deposit and committed to the trip. This was definitely one of the best decisions I have ever done.

GIVE was so amazing in helping me plan for and complete the trip. GIVE is an organization that strives to inspire people to become global citizens and effect sustainable change wherever they go. Through the adoption of a “asset-based community development model” or ABCD, GIVE strengthens communities and promotes hands-on experiences that foster deeper connections between volunteers and the local people. The best part about GIVE is that the proceeds earned go right back into the local communities, further assisting their entrepreneurial efforts and bettering the lives of future generations.

They would send me reminders consistently of what to pack, where to go in the airport if bags were lost, when to sign up for a visa, etc. I ended up booking my tickets through Student Universe (GIVE's booking partner) which was so helpful. It's crazy enough being a college student, but it is harder to be a college student who is planning to travel across the world by himself for the first time. Student Universe helped me when my departure was too early, and they found me the best rates for tickets.

The trip was incredible and something truly memorable. From the moment I arrived, I felt safe and at home. Our guides Sophi and Khamis were awesome and stood with us the whole entire trip from the moment we landed to the moment we left. Something that struck me about Tanzania was how welcoming everyone is. It is not like the United States where nobody knows each other or even says hello to each other.

The village of Kairo was the most enjoyable moment for me. Getting to meet Talha, MC, Baboi, Fani, Amour, Big Head, Smile, Hannah, and Faith was an amazing experience. Everyone was so welcoming and encouraging the whole trip. From educating Maasai men to constructing a primary school, there was never a dull moment, and I ended up learning more about myself from the locals than I knew about myself beforehand. The additional activities like Swahili lessons, weaving with the local women, Culture Day, Adventure Day, and the safari helped me feel as though I was a part of the community and helped me understand the differences in livelihoods between people in the United States and Tanzania.

One takeaway that I will keep with me was the phrase that our guide Sophi would say which is "inspired people inspire people." I could not think of a truer statement. It was so great getting to see the positive impact we had on the community and learn all about the locals. I will never forget my experience in Tanzania. This trip took me way outside of my comfort zone in ways that I could not have imagined. I would not have completed this trip if it wasn’t for the support I had from everyone I met. I am truly inspired to continue the efforts of GIVE and change the world for the better.

This trip was absolutely amazing and so much more than I expected. I was very hesitant to spend the money and travel all the way around the world but I am glad I made the jump and went outside my comfort zone. While in Tanzania you live along side locals and become truly immersed in your surroundings and the culture. Volunteering with GIVE has allowed me to become a more informed and aware of myself and my role as a global citizen, while also teaching me so many valuable life lessons like not taking anything for granted and appreciate everything I have.