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

My recent GIVE trip to Zanzibar was nothing short of extraordinary—an experience that transcended mere travel and delved deep into cultural immersion and global citizenship. From the moment we set foot on this mesmerizing island, every aspect of our journey was meticulously crafted to blend learning, community impact, and personal growth.

Zanzibar welcomed us with open arms, offering a tapestry of cultures that enriched our understanding of diversity. Through interactions with locals, we not only embraced Swahili traditions but also shared our own cultural heritage. This exchange fostered mutual respect and appreciation, reminding us of the beauty in our differences.

Exploring the intersection of economic policies and tourism was eye-opening. We saw firsthand how sustainable tourism practices can uplift communities while preserving natural resources. Engaging with local entrepreneurs and learning about their challenges underscored the importance of responsible travel—a lesson that will resonate long after our journey.

What started as a group of 20 strangers quickly evolved into a tight-knit family. Together, we tackled challenges, celebrated victories, and forged bonds that transcended borders. Sharing meals, stories, and laughter created memories that will forever unite us as global citizens.

Our journey extended beyond personal growth to making a meaningful impact. Through community projects and volunteer work, we contributed to initiatives that empower locals and promote sustainable development. The warmth and hospitality of the Zanzibari people, who welcomed us into their homes and hearts, reinforced the transformative power of human connection.

Zanzibar taught us what it means to be a global citizen—to embrace cultural diversity, advocate for sustainable practices, and share knowledge with humility and respect. Each encounter, whether with a fellow traveler or a local artisan, reaffirmed our commitment to fostering positive change in the world.

My GIVE trip to Zanzibar was more than just a journey; it was a profound exploration of culture, community, and compassion. It highlighted the transformative impact of stepping outside our comfort zones and embracing new perspectives. As I return home, I carry with me not only memories of breathtaking landscapes and vibrant cultures but also a renewed sense of purpose—to continue learning, sharing, and advocating for a more interconnected world.

In essence, Zanzibar has left an indelible mark on my heart, reminding me of the power of travel to inspire, educate, and unite.

During my time a broad with Give Volunteers I was immersed into the culture of a village in Zanzibar called Kairo. During my time spent her I partook in two main volunteering sections, these included Contruction and teaching. During Contruction we made cement as a group, shoveled our newly made cement into wheelbarrows, where we then dumped the cement onto a surface to create a foundation that will soon be a new computer classroom for the locals. During school I taught one of the local tribes, this group of men we the Maasai. During teaching we were divided into separate levels and we taught them English. This experience was very eye opening as well as inspiring for my future. This program is incredible and very reliable. I cannot wait to hopefully continue my travels with Give!

I can say with full confidence that this trip was the best thing I have been a part of. I was not really sure what to expect when I signed up for this trip, but by the end of it I left with a feeling of fulfillment. I now have a greater understanding of other cultures and what really is important in life. Not a moment went by when I was not genuinely happy to be able to experience the things I did. The guides, volunteers, Maasai, and locals are all wonderful people who made my time even better. If I was able to I would 100% go back in an instant.

Such a life changing experience. The people and communities within Zanzibar and Kairo were absolutely amazing. I am so thankful I got to experience this trip with GIVE, and wouldn’t change it for the world. I would HIGHLY recommend this trip and this organization. There is so much to see and the culture that you are in is such an amazing experience that I feel like many don’t get to see. It was so cool to see new animals, scenery, people and meet so many new friends on this trip. I loved every minute of it and hope that other people can have the same experiences as I did. It was very special to me and so so amazing.

This is was my first volunteer trip with GIVE and I absolutely loved it. I just got back from my trip and it was fantastic. The guides were always there to answer our questions and if we had any issues with anything they were there to help us out. Never did I feel unsafe in the environment. my fellow volunteers were a constant encouragement during construction, education, and my additional trip to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro. The locals were always happy and excited to see us and they understood that me and my group were not tourist. We were there to make change in the small town of Kairo. One of the best highlights of the trip was just seeing how free and happy the locals were and how inviting they were to include us in their daily lives.

GIVE was excellent in response time before the trip even started and I had no flight troubles going and coming home. I honestly would do this trip again in the future because of how organized and safe it was.

One thing I would recommend to any going to Tanzania would be to bring electrolytes and all the cash that you plan on spending in USD so your not constantly looking for an ATM when you run out of money. (There’s only a few opportunities to get cash) if you choose to do this trip have fun and embrace everyday with an open mind, you won’t regret it.

This experience was truly once in a lifetime. The itinerary was packed with lots of work and play! I’ve never done such meaningful work, and had so much fun doing it! Our guides were very knowledgeable, kind, fun, nurturing, supportive people who made a lasting impact on me. The trip is extremely well planned and thought out. We definitely made the most of our time in Tanzania! I will always cherish my memories of empowering the locals through education, as well as swimming in the Indian Ocean and searching for animals on the safari!

Heading to the village of Kairo I wasn't sure what to expect , but the reality of it was well beyond any image that I had created in my mind. There was constant laughter, games, dance parties, and so much love. I fell asleep every single night with sore cheeks from laughing so much and with a full heart from the amount of love and support that is carried throughout this village.
Us volunteers helped construct a school for Kairo. Our local guides taught us to mix cement by hand and helped us load wheelbarrows of rubble to build the students a computer lab. On the construction site there was constant words of encouragement, laughter, and of course, dance parties. Although we were all working so hard our construction guides, Biggie, Smile, Baboi, and MC never failed to make it SO much fun. Each of them work so hard all day long, but still constantly have a smile on their face.
As well as doing construction , we got to tutor local students. I was fortunate enough to be put into a classroom with the Maasai tribe. These boys worked all night and still came to the classroom at 9 in the morning. Each one of them were so eager and determined to learn. They made the classroom so special and so much fun. The excitement and encouragement that they showed each other was extremely heartwarming. Although we did not speak the same language , I have never had so much fun or felt so connected in a classroom. A special thank you to Talha, Kao, Caroline, Aumor, and Sophi for their help in the classroom.
The village of Kairo is now 100% my favorite place on earth. Not only because of its beauty, but because of how pure, kind , postive , and fun the locals are despite the challenges in their village. I am not sure how to comprehend or explain how amazing my experience in the Kairo village was. I am overwhelmed by the amount of love I now have for each and every person I have met on this trip. To say I am heartbroken having to leave my new family is an understatement.

Words cannot describe how absolutely incredible this experience is! The people, community, fellow volunteers, guides, and students make this place feel home. The communication while planning your trip is outstanding and all my questions were answered very promptly, along with their in depth preparation package that is provided helping you pack and set expectations of the trip. After arriving everything is taken care of for you, transportations, accommodations, food, help with creating lesson plans, boat trips, safari you name it and GIVE has it covered! The guides did an incredible job with ensuring we knew what was to come in the upcoming days, and were always there to lend a hand. Whether it was sickness, needing a bandaid, a hug, advice, a shoulder to cry on, they were always there with open arms for whatever you needed. This is the most rewarding, fun, eye opening experience and Tanzania will always have a special place in my heart. This trip truly helps you grow as a person and gives you such a perspective on life, and who you are as a person. All I can say is BOOK THE DANG TRIP! There is not one bad thing I can say about this experience and the GIVE program!