“We will be more successful in all our endeavors if we can let go of the habit of running all the time, and take little pauses to relax and re-center ourselves. And we’ll also have a lot more joy in living.- Thich Nhat Hanh”
MAASAI CULTURE, KILI WATERFALLS, SAFARI and ZANZIBAR
We are so happy to see you are interested in our Tanzania trip! With its zebras, giraffes, lions, Maasai warriors, and the astounding Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania offers breathtaking landscapes and a raw beauty that is incomparable. Here at Gogi Abroad, we like to think we are training the next generation of travelers (and traveling with purpose with adults). We act not as tourists, but travelers who are able to move comfortably within a culture, make connections, and contribute.
We will be immersed a few nights in Longido, a Maasai village, three days on Safari, four days on Zanzibar island, and a few in between stops in the vibrant cities of Moshi and Arusha.
We start our trip by immediately going to the waterfalls near Mount Kilimanjaro and observing sustainable coffee farming practices in the area. We will adjust to the time difference by listening to how coffee is made, listening to the locals sing, dance, and roast the beans, then enjoying a cup of coffee before departing for Longido, a small Maasai village.
By the end of this adventure you will have seen the wild animals and unique Maasai tribe of Ngorongoro and the abundance of marine life from the ‘Ngorongoro of Zanzibar' and create new friendships that will last a lifetime.
On this trip, you will see firsthand how the Maasai are adapting to climate change and diversifying their livelihoods. We will learn about the water issues in this area and how the Maasai manage their resources during a drought. While living in the village, we will become aware of the challenges many Maasai face as they attempt to continue a pastoral way of life in an increasingly harsh and dry environment. We will participate in ceremonies, walk among the Maasai, bead, hike, cook and experience their jewelry and beadwork. The Maasai are known for their traditional way of living, preserving their own language, and we will have the opportunity to learn firsthand about their traditions and customs.
By working with others and fully engaging in a service learning project one day at the school, you will gain an understanding of the Maasai culture and language. Hearing the sounds of an unfamiliar language exposes us to another way of expression, opening up a new world. Cultural immersion is always a part of Gogi Abroad programs! We have found that this is the best way to feel fully connected to a place. On this trip, we will be working with the MELOC SCHOOL, which provides children with an education, bathrooms, clean water, and two meals each day.
The Tanzanian bush welcomes Gogi Abroad with safaris featuring beautiful zebras, giraffes, and lions! During a weekend excursion to Fred’s family boma, you will experience the raw beauty of Tanzania as we embark on a safari adventure to the Ngorongoro Crater and live with a tribe at their boma (dwelling). This is an evening off the beaten path, under a starry sky and immersed in the singing of the tribal women as we take in a whole new world.
After our time learning about the Maasai traditions and customs we will make our way to the lively city of Arusha. After a full day of sightseeing and shopping in the city we will eat delicious BBQ and prepare for our 45 min flight to the island of Zanzibar.
“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes”
You will step off the plane onto the Zanzibar Archipelago and we are certain that you will feel transported through time and place. This is one of the world's great cultural crossroads, where Africa meets Arabia meets the Indian Ocean.
The true meaning behind Zanzibar’s nickname of ‘Spice Island’ will become clear during our two night stay in Stone Town. As we tour the area and dig deep into the island’s culinary culture we will engage all our senses, taking in the heady aromas of cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, nutmeg, chilis, vanilla, saffron and curry. The island also cultivates pineapples, jackfruits, lemons, limes, oranges, pomelos, durians and coconuts. We will eat at the bustling open-air night market where our engagement with the island’s food and culture meet.
For the last three nights in Zanzibar we will head far north (two hours by car) to a beautiful town called Nwinge. This area’s beaches are idyllic, and in this sleepy village life still moves at its own pace, despite the hotels and guesthouses nearby. Of all the coastal destinations on Zanzibar Island, this area seems to have the most 'local' atmosphere. For tourists, this tranquil unhurried ambience means Nwingi is definitely a place where it's easy to switch off.
Here we will relax, and be immersed in the laid back and beautiful atmosphere. We will swim with sea turtles, and one day sail to Mnemba Island and snorkel. Mnemba Island and the conservation area that surrounds it are one of the most popular dive and snorkelling sites in the whole archipelago. Here you can see a wonderful variety of marine life, including tuna, barracuda, moray eels, reef sharks, turtles, dolphins, and shoals of batfish, trigger fish and humpback snappers. During the migration season, it's even possible to spot humpback whales. As Mnemba is so popular (it's been dubbed the 'Ngorongoro of Zanzibar'), in some areas the sheer number of boats and divers is causing damage to the reef. Experienced dive companies will be delighted to take you to quieter, less crowded sites.
We live and work with a modern Maasai family and with a traditional Maasai family. Living in the village is the best way to truly experience the life and culture. You will see and experience things that most travelers staying in a hotel will never have the opportunity to. Longido is about 2 hours 30 minutes from Kilimanjaro and 45 minutes to Arusha, which is around 45 minutes away. Arusha is a fertile area and is well suited to agricultural production. Our homebase allows for excursions to nearby wildlife parks, including the Serengeti Plains, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, and Tarangire. Waterfalls and banana and coffee plantations await!
What’s Included:
All in-country travel which includes, bus, taxi, safari, sailboats and airfare to Zanzibar
All accommodations, and a variety of activities. As a group we will be staying together in the town of Longido. Participants will be sharing a room and bathroom here. We can provide you with your own room in Moshi, Arusha and Zanzibar but this costs a little more than if you were to share.
One load of laundry in Longido
In Longido, three delicious meals each day are provided by Nancy Francis, the owner of La-Mamaa Cafe in Longido. We also provide all food beyond Longido. All food is safe and delicious.
All breakfasts and lunches are provided, and most dinners (except 4 dinners in Zanzibar)
A weekend of living at a boma (village) near the famous Ngorongoro Crater plus a weekend safari of exploring the 10-mile-wide Ngorongoro Crater is also included.
We will sail two times in Zanzibar (in the South and then again up North) and soak up the sun and culture of Stone Town while learning about the history, food and culture of the island. We have many engaging and relaxing activities planned in this unique and charming country.
Snorkeling
Tours of cities and towns
Not include:
Airfare (approx. $1,600 - $1,900) We can meet you in Kilimanjaro at the airport.
Visa ($100) - We can get a visa on arrival at the airport. Must have a clean new $100 bill
Mandatory international travel insurance and it must have “cancel for any reason” ($100 - $150)
Personal expenses and souvenirs
Tips for guides (Liz, Fred and boat guides in Zanzibar, and Safari driver)
Alcohol beverages, soda, and water when at restaurants. Gogi buys gallons of water for you to have any time, but at restaurants, you will need to purchase your own beverage.
There will be FOUR dinners that you are responsible for in Zanzibar. We will let you know which evenings this will be. This gives you time to explore on your own or we can eat in groups as well. Gogi will provide a place to eat and you can join or not but you will cover your costs, providing flexibility and choice for everyone. Dinners can range from $10-$50 depending on what you want in Zanzibar. All breakfasts and lunches are included.
Extra snacks throughout the day are not included
Laundry in Zanzibar can be done by the hotel (you will need to pay for this)
Trip Leader and coordinator, Liz Jackson
Only TWELVE spots are available for this adventure, so we expect it to sell out quickly.
Summary: We are looking ahead and planning to run our 2021 trips with new safety and sanitation guidelines. We are now codifying these Health and Safety guidelines and practices with all of our partners: bus companies, homestays, restaurants, schools, and outings that we do abroad.
