Visit Rift Valley, Maasai Villages, and Longido Mountain with a Gap Year in Tanzania
Tanzania, the land of the Serengeti’s vast plans, majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, and the Massai people, offers a high school gap year experience like no other. Beyond awe-inspiring wildlife encounters, Tanzania offers an opportunity for conservation, cultural immersion, and personal growth amidst an incredible backdrop of beauty.
Contribute to Conservation Efforts
Participate in vital conservation efforts alongside experienced professionals. Track endangered animals, contribute to anti-poaching patrols, and learn about the importance of protecting Tanzania’s delicate ecosystems. Gap programs include hands-on experiences that make a tangible difference in the future of the country’s wildlife.
Help secure the well-being of local communities by working with reforestation initiatives, sustainable agriculture projects, or educational programs. You can get your hands dirty by gathering water and milking goats or helping build a new playground at a village school. These experiences allow you to give back while gaining insights into communities’ local challenges and fostering a sense of global responsibility.
Beyond Safari
Experience the warmth and hospitality of Tanzanian culture by staying in a boma (traditional Maasai village home) with a host Maasai family. Learn about the traditional crafts, cultural ceremonies, and more. This experience goes beyond typical tourist interactions, where students forge genuine connections and friendships with their host families.
Tanzania has a diverse linguistic landscape. Many programs incorporate Swahili language classes so you can communicate with the local people. You may even have an opportunity to learn basic phrases in other local languages like Bantu, Chaga, or Makonde.
A gap year in Tanzania is so much more than a safari. Although you’ll have plenty of chances to see the wildlife, with a visit to Ngorongoro Crater and the waterfalls near Mt. Kilimanjaro, you’ll also see (and perhaps help with) sustainable farming practices or perhaps help teach young students at local schools. Learn more about the adventure awaiting you with a gap year in Tanzania.
Explore other options in our latest Gap Year Guide. Check out our other publications, too: Your Future in STEM, Your Future in the Arts, Your Future in Healthcare, and Guide to Career Exploration.
