Dates
February 19 – March 1, 2025
Duration
11 days
Rates
€870
Explore the heart of Africa through a meaningful journey of connection and support!
THE JOURNEY AT A GLANCE
In February, we invite you to engage in a life-changing volunteer experience in Zanzibar at the Seeds of Light school, in collaboration with the CR Hope Foundation. This experience focuses on supporting the local school and community, through activities that empower children and women, primarily via education.
This is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and connect with the people. We engage, share, and interact with teachers and children, offering support to both the school and the community.
This experience is transformative for us as participants, while also leaving a positive impact on the lives of the children and the community. With the children, we explore creativity, improvisation, connection, and play.
We engage in various activities, such as:
- Assisting teachers in the classroom
- Sharing knowledge and providing support to the teachers
- Leading craft, music, painting, and theater classes
- Teaching English and mathematics
- Organizing sports activities
- Supervising children during school breaks
- Instructing hygiene practices
- Participating in environmental initiatives, such as tree planting
- Managing the school’s library
- Facilitating small workshops with the women of the village
Before our departure, we schedule some online meetings to get to know each other better and organize our action plan for the trip. Each participant contributes their knowledge and experience.
Our “travel bags” should embody flexibility, adaptability, and a spark of imagination!
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
- 11 days in the enchanting Zanzibar
- 7 impactful days of activities at the local school
- Meaningful interactions with the community, where we share stories, experiences, and emotions
- Authentic insights into the culture and daily life of the island’s people
- Wandering through the charming narrow streets of Stone Town
- Tour of an organic spice farm with a local traditional meal
- Blue safari – an exciting marine adventure to a sandbank in the Indian Ocean, snorkeling, swimming, barbecue on the beach
- Exploration of Jozani Forest, home to the endemic Red Colobus monkeys
- Visit to the famous The Rock Restaurant, perched above the sea
- Sunset boat sailing on traditional wooden dhows, creating magical memories
- Party on a secluded island in the heart of the Indian Ocean
- Enjoying an evening barbecue on the beach under the stars
TRIP INFORMATION
DAY 1 - NOV 12: ARRIVAL
Arrival in Zanzibar. Transfer to Kizimkazi village, where the school we will be staying at for the next few days is located. Upon arrival, we will check into our rooms and then meet with the team from the CR Hope Foundation for a guided tour and introductions. (Please inform us of your arrival time so that we can arrange your transfer)
In the evening, we will enjoy a barbecue on the beach under the stars.
Karibu Zanzibar! 🙂
DAY 2-3: PARTICIPATION IN SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
Morning: Participate in school activities.
Afternoons: Dedicated to exploring local culture, engaging in activities with the locals, and relaxation.
DAY 4: BLUE SAFARI
Today, we embark on a wonderful marine adventure, heading to a sandbank in the middle of the Indian Ocean, where time fades away with the tide.
We board a traditional fishing boat and set sail. As we glide across the water, we might spot dolphins playfully dancing around us, gracefully slicing through the waves beside our boat. The Safari Blue is known as the best boat excursion in Zanzibar!
We go snorkeling, enjoying the magnificent underwater world as we observe countless colorful fish and vibrant reefs. At noon, we grill fresh seafood on the beach, savoring a delightful meal. Return and enjoy a leisurely afternoon.
DAY 5: EXPLORE JOZANI FOREST, VISIT THE ROCK RESTAURANT, SUNSET SAILING, BEACH PARTY
Exploring Jozani Forest: We walk through Jozani Forest, following the rare Red Colobus monkeys. We observe their feeding habits, grooming behaviors, and how they leap from branch to branch. We also learn about the animals and various plants that inhabit this forest. The landscape is a mosaic of mangrove trees, tropical and coral forests, as well as underground waters and saline swamps.
Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park is the only national park in Zanzibar, covering an area of 50 square kilometers. The forest is home to the Red Colobus monkeys, a species endemic to Zanzibar. Today, they are classified as endangered due to a declining population and are under protection.
After our tour of Jozani Forest, we head to Pingue to visit the Rock Restaurant, a famous restaurant situated on a rock in the sea! Depending on the tide, you can either walk to it or reach it by boat. Free time for lunch or relaxing on the beach.
Next, we’ll set sail on a traditional wooden dhow to watch the sunset over the Indian Ocean. We’ll bask in the goldenred hues of the sunset, fully immersing ourselves in this magical moment. The sound of the sea awakens our senses while bringing tranquility and peace.
DAY 6-9: PARTICIPATION IN SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
Morning: Participate in school activities.
Afternoons: Dedicated to exploring local culture, engaging in activities with the locals, and relaxation.
9th Day: We bid farewell to the village and the local community with a celebration.
DAY 10: SPICE TOUR, STONE TOWN
Zanzibar was once one of the world’s leading producers of spices such as cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Today, we will visit an organic farm with a rich variety of plants. We touch, smell, and taste different spices and herbs used in cooking, cosmetic creation, and traditional medicine. We’ll enjoy a lunch featuring local flavors and sample a wide range of tropical fruits.
Arriving in Stone Town, you have the rest of the afternoon to wander and discover as you wish.
DAY 11: DEPARTURE
870€ per person
INCLUDED:
- Accommodation (10 nights)
- Daily breakfast
- 10 meals
- Transfers as outlined in the itinerary
- Activities, excursions, and transfers as mentioned in the itinerary
- Program Facilitator
- Tour Leader
- Local guide
- Mandatory Local Travel Insurance (ZIC)
- Public liability insurance
- Informational materials
- VAT
NOT INCLUDED:
- Tickets (You can contact our office if you would like us to book your tickets at [email protected] or call +30 6944 782329).
- Visa: $50 (You can apply for it online at https://visa.immigration.go.tz).
- Travel/health insurance (required)
- Personal expenses and what is not explicitly mentioned
- Drinks & meals not specified
- Οptional activities / transfers
- Tips
Duration: 11 Days / 10 Nights
Dates: February 19 – March 1, 2025
Fitness Level: Suitable for everyone
Minimum number of participants for the trip to take place: 10 people
- For 9 out of the 10 days of the trip, we will stay at the school, in the rooms designated for volunteers. Breakfast and lunch are included in the price.
- Tickets: You can contact our office if you would like us to book your tickets at [email protected] or call +30 6944 782329.
- Passports must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into the country.
- For visa issuance, at least ten (10) days are required. (You can apply for it online at https://visa.immigration.go.tz).
- Vaccination Information: While there are no mandatory vaccinations required for entry into Tanzania, travelers are advised to check the vaccination requirements based on their country of origin. It is always a good practice to consult with a healthcare provider before traveling.
- Since September 2021, Tanzania has implemented measures to combat the issue of pollution from plastic bags by banning them to reduce the environmental impacts of plastic waste, particularly in natural areas and wildlife habitats. The Tanzanian government enforces penalties for the production, importation, sale, and use of plastic bags. Various alternative options have been promoted in the country, such as reusable bags, paper bags, and bags made from biodegradable materials.
* The order of excursions may change without omitting any excursions.
At the CR Hope Foundation, our mission is rooted in the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Our primary goal is to create a lasting, positive impact on the lives of young people by offering children in underprivileged communities access to quality education.
As a crucial component of our mission, we established the Seeds of Light school in Kizimkazi, Zanzibar. This beacon of hope now provides education to 115 children between the ages of 3 and 10 years old. By laying the groundwork for their individual success, we are also paving the way for the future prosperity of their generation and the entire nation.
The CR HOPE Foundation is a charity, not-for-profit organization launched in 2017 with the sole objective of providing quality education to children and youth in Zanzibar, Tanzania, thus fighting against poverty in the region.
Our vision is to inspire children to strengthen their local communities through quality education and lifelong learning.
CR HOPE currently provides 115 school-aged children with quality education, helping them to develop literacy and numeracy skills, and spur their interest in sports, community development, and leadership.
Our values are the main driving force behind all our activities. We believe that good intentions are not enough for making a difference, which is why we evaluate the impact made by our programs and take responsibility for their results.
CONTACT FORM
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Photos Copyright © Eleni Angelidou