oyster

Volunteer in the Community
Serengeti Safari
Climb Kilimanjaro (optional)

The Experience

Week 1; On arrival our representative will show you around the town that you will be calling home over the summer. You can relax and spend the first evening socialising with your group. The next day you will begin your 4 day, 3 night safari in The Serengeti, Lake Manyara and The Ngorongoro Crater. These are some of the best national parks Africa has to offer where you can see the big 5 (Lion, Leopard, Rhino, Elephant and Cape Buffalo) as well as much, much more. At the end of your trip you will move into your placement accommodation ready to start your project.

Weeks 2-5; This 4 week project of your choice allows you to do something really valued whilst embarking on a personal adventure and learning all about a completely different culture.

We have a variety of projects that have evolved since our first volunteers arrived in 2000. There are two local orphanages where you can help provide a loving home for unwanted children. If you are interested in healthcare we have volunteer places on a local Aids awareness program as well as a local hospital. We have opportunities in nurseries and schools to assist with childcare and cultural exchanges. We also have community projects such as literacy classes, support for abused women and building work. Further, volunteers can now gain experience as a journalist on a local Arusha newspaper.

We also have an exciting new project for anyone with a passion for sports who is willing to help out as a sports coach in Arusha. One particular option would be the Tanzania Rugby Program for local schools.

Whatever your skills are they can be utilised in these projects; from teaching to manual labour there is a niche for you to make a difference to a struggling region of Africa. Additionally your passions such as sport, music, drama and singing will all be hugely appreciated and many of our Tanzanian volunteers have quoted these activities with local children as their personal highlights.

Optional 6th Week; If you have the option to stay for a further week at the end of your placement you can either make independent travel plans or come on an Oyster organised trip to climb Kilimanjaro. The climb takes 5 to 6 days and will leave you with stunning memories of Africa. At an extra 550 this trip is excellent value and includes food, compulsory porters and park fees.



Zebra

The Place

Tanzania has the very best of Africa – snow capped Kilimanjaro, tropical coastline and the world's finest game parks. You will be based in and around Arusha and its neighbouring villages. Arusha is a bustling town that lies on the foothills of the snow capped Mount Meru and is only one hour's drive away from Africa's highest mountain – Kilimanjaro. You will be living with other volunteers in basic, safe and comfortable accommodation close to the project or school that you will be working at. All volunteers are within easy reach of each other and meet in Arusha.

Oyster Support

You'll be met on arrival by our representative Madeline Oosterhuis
who has been responsible for almost 200 volunteers since the
program begun. She will meet you on arrival, settle you into your
placement and be a helpful friend to you throughout. Madeline
lives locally in Arusha with her young family.

Highlights

  • A sense of achievement that you've made a real contribution to Tanzanian life
  • Learning about a different culture and becoming immersed in it
  • Making great friends, from your group and from Arusha
  • Seeing elephants, lions and other animals in their natural home
  • Option to climb Kilimanjaro and stay on Zanzibar

Departures

Early July for 5 weeks. If you choose to do the Kilimanjaro climb you will be in Tanzania for 6 weeks.

Price

£1375 for 2009 (price valid for applications received by Jan 1st 2009) £1445 for 2009/10 (price valid for applications received by Jan 1st 2010)

What's included

  • 3 night 4 day safari to Lake Manyara, the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater with full board
  • All accommodation costs whilst at voluntary placement
  • Support from our UK team before Departure
  • Support from our representative whilst in country
  • UK Interview and briefing
  • Airport transfers to and from Arusha What's not included

What's not included

  • Flights (approx £700 to local airport). We can arrange your flight if you wish. With our links we can usually get a very good price.
  • Meals during your voluntary placement (usually £10 a week self catering)
  • Visa (approx £70)
  • Insurance (we recommend a policy)

For more information, call Roger on 01892 770771

Oyster is a member of The Year Out Group and seeks to promote the concept and benefits of a well structured year out. Oyster has agreed to abide by the Code of Practice.
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