Tanzania – School improvements and erosion control In this rural area of Tanzania, there is little funding to refurbish school buildings which are subject to damage from seasonal flooding and erosion. You’ll help by working on school improvement projects such as classroom refurbishment and laying clay sacks to control soil erosion. UN Sustainable Development Goals No poverty End poverty in all its forms everywhere Quality education Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all Gender equality Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls Decent work and economic growth Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all Reduce inequalities Reduce inequality within and among countries
Tanzania – School and housing improvement The traditional fishing community near camp suffers from high levels of unemployment and a lack of funding for local schools, forcing children to walk many miles each day just to get an education. You will help by building or renovating school buildings to create inspirational and stimulating learning environments, as well as building sustainable housing for needy families. UN Sustainable Development Goals No poverty End poverty in all its forms everywhere Quality education Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all Gender equality Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls Decent work and economic growth Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all Reduce inequalities Reduce inequality within and among countries
Tanzania – Conservation work Human-wildlife conflict is an ongoing and significant issue here, threatening the future for many important species such as elephants. You’ll get involved in initiatives to promote a peaceful co-existence between the community and the local wildlife, such as improving natural waterholes and constructing elephant deterrent fences to safeguard the future for these incredible animals. UN Sustainable Development Goals Climate action Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts Life on land Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss
How long has Camps International been running expeditions to Tanzania? Camps International was founded in 2002 and opened Camp Tanzania in 2007, making Tanzania one of our longest-established destinations. We have been delivering school expeditions there for nearly two decades, supported by experienced in-country teams and trusted long-term community partnerships that give schools confidence in our depth of commitment to the region.
How challenging is the Tanzania Trek Expedition? The Tanzania Trek Expedition includes a five-day trek to the summit of Mount Meru, Tanzania’s second highest peak at 4,566 metres. It is a demanding physical challenge that requires a good level of fitness and mental resilience. Students trek through rainforest before ascending through sand and rock terrain to the summit crater, with a pre-dawn summit attempt to catch the sunrise. No technical mountaineering experience is required, but students should be prepared for sustained effort at altitude over multiple days.
What is Mount Meru and why is it included in the Tanzania Trek Expedition? Mount Meru is Tanzania’s second highest mountain at 4,566 metres and offers one of East Africa’s most rewarding and varied trekking experiences. Unlike the more frequently visited Kilimanjaro, Meru provides a less crowded and more intimate mountain experience, passing through diverse ecosystems from tropical rainforest to alpine desert before reaching the dramatic volcanic ash crater near the summit. It is a significant personal achievement and a defining part of the Tanzania Trek Expedition.
What kind of project work is included on the Tanzania Trek Expedition? Alongside the Mount Meru trek, students contribute to community development projects in rural Tanzanian villages. This can include building classrooms, constructing and refurbishing community buildings and installing water storage systems to improve sanitation. All projects are planned in collaboration with local community leaders and our long-term Tanzanian partner organisations to ensure they respond to genuine community needs and create sustainable lasting impact.
What cultural experiences are included in the Tanzania Trek Expedition? Students have the opportunity to meet and spend time with the Maasai people, one of East Africa’s most iconic and fascinating communities. Cultural immersion is woven throughout the expedition, including traditional cooking, Swahili language learning and evenings with local community members. These experiences sit alongside the project work and trekking challenge to create a genuinely rounded expedition.
Is the Tanzania Trek Expedition safe for school students? Yes. Camps International has operated in Tanzania since 2007 with experienced in-country teams. We own and operate our own camps in Tanzania, giving us direct oversight of safety, accommodation and welfare throughout. The Mount Meru trek is led by qualified local mountain guides with appropriate safety equipment and procedures in place. 24/7 emergency support is maintained and we follow UK FCDO travel advice at all times.
What’s included in the Tanzania Trek Expedition cost? The cost includes international flights, accommodation at our permanent camps, all meals, in-country transport, project materials, leadership and staff costs, travel insurance, orientation and language lessons, 24-hour emergency support and Mount Meru trek including guide and park fees. Personal spending money, visas, vaccinations, kit and travel to a UK airport are not included.
Where do students stay during the Tanzania Trek Expedition? Students are based at Camp Tanzania’s own permanent banda or tented facilities, located within or close to local communities to support genuine cultural immersion throughout the expedition. During the Mount Meru trek, students stay in mountain huts on the ascent and descent. Our permanent camp ownership means we maintain direct control of welfare standards, security and the overall student experience.
