Visit the Serengeti

Embrace a journey to the legendary Serengeti, one of the world’s most celebrated wildlife destinations. This adventure is designed for all fitness levels, as most exploration is done via guided safari drives and optional nature walks that require only light to moderate exertion. The Serengeti is a place of raw natural beauty and epic wildlife encounters. Witness the Great Migration, one of nature’s most awe-inspiring spectacles, as over a million wildebeest and zebras cross vast plains in search of fresh grazing. Along the way, expect thrilling sightings of Africa’s Big Five–lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros. One of the most iconic landmarks is the Seronera Valley, known for an abundant predator population and dramatic game viewing. Another highlight is Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, often included as a stop on the journey. This massive volcanic caldera shelters a rich variety of wildlife within its steep walls, offering a unique and breathtaking safari experience. With luxurious camps and knowledgeable guides, this trip ensures both comfort and immersion for the traveler. The trip is ideal for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone dreaming of connecting with the untamed rhythms of the world.

This 5-day trip costs $2,695 per person. The trip is led by Follow Alice–an adventure travel company known for its ethical, community-centered approach to tourism. Founded in 2014 after cofounder Reto climbed Kilimanjaro with local Tanzanian guide Chris, Follow Alice was born out of a shared passion for exploration and cultural connection. Today, all of their guides are local, and 70% of each trip’s cost remains within the local economy, supporting sustainable travel as well as empowering communities. 

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Conserve Oceans in Zanzibar

As an island off the coast of Tanzania, Zanzibar is known for its crystal blue waters and stunning beaches. As a crossroads of Arab, Indian, and African cultures, the island has a distinct culture shaped by rich cuisine, historic architecture, and centuries of trade and exchange. With a variety of marine life and reefs, Zanzibar is also home to numerous species, including endangered sea turtles. With the threats of ongoing urban growth and waste management problems, sea turtle populations on the island are under pressure. Volunteers will work alongside marine biologists in the town of Matemwe to help boost marine life populations and protect the local coastal environment. Working in hatcheries and releasing newly hatched turtles into the ocean, volunteers will learn about the species and sustainable ways to protect it. They will also engage with the community, providing environmental education classes, assisting in women empowerment projects, and attending cultural workshops. Additionally, volunteers can participate in dive activities, including learning to identify fish and dolphin behavior, participating in underwater clean-ups, and potentially earning a PADI diving certificate (depending on the duration of the trip). During their free time, volunteers can relax at the beach and take part in snorkeling activities across the island. They can also immerse themselves in cultural experiences, including cooking with local families or exploring historic Stone Town. As the central city of Zanzibar, Stone Town is home to a variety of museums and artisan workshops, including the home where Freddy Mercury, of Queen, was born. On the weekends, participants can explore mainland Tanzania, visiting the Serengeti National Park for game drives or hiking Mount Kilimanjaro. 

This is a minimum 1-week and maximum 12-week trip that costs $655 for one week, led by IVHQ, a volunteer travel company with 338 projects in 50 countries, rated #1 Volunteer Travel Company by Go Overseas 7 years in a row. It is a cost-effective option with some programs as low as $20 per day with accommodation and meals included. They are a Certified B Corporation, 100% carbon neutral and every project aligns with a UN Sustainable Development Goal.

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Climb Kilimanjaro’s Rongai Route

The Rongai Route is Kilimanjaro’s most tranquil trail, approaching from the remote northern side near the Kenyan border. It’s ideal for trekkers seeking solitude, gradual ascents, and a more personal connection with the mountain. The route passes through unspoiled forest, moorland, and alpine desert, offering a peaceful alternative to the busier southern routes. Mt. Kilimanjaro is the world’s tallest free-standing mountain, and the highest peak in Africa, rising from tropical lowlands to icy glaciers at Uhuru Peak (about 3.7 miles). A journey through this route to reach the mountain has the traveler passing through five unique climate zones: Cultivation, Forest, Moorland, Alpine Desert, and Arctic/Glacial Zone. No ropes or specific fitness level required, but strong legs and stamina are essential. Luggage needed includes a daypack between 11-15 lbs with items such as water, snacks, personal items, and a camera. The other required luggage carrier is a duffel bag, which the traveler does not carry; instead, porters carry this bag, which will have the traveler’s gear, such as sleeping mats and any extra clothing. Hiking time lasts between 4-6 hours daily.

Early in the trek, the traveler passes through Chagga farming communities such as Nalemoru, where life follows traditional rhythms amid terraced banana and coffee farms. Though the climbers do not stay in the villages, the cultural backdrop adds depth to the experience. The final ascent begins just before midnight on summit night, when climbers set out under the stars to reach the peak by sunrise—a demanding but unforgettable push through lighter air and colder temperatures.

This trip is led by Follow Alice–an adventure travel company known for its ethical, community-centered approach to tourism. Founded in 2014 after cofounder Reto climbed Kilimanjaro with local Tanzanian guide Chris, Follow Alice was born out of a shared passion for exploration and cultural connection. Today, all of their guides are local, and 70% of each trip’s cost remains within the local economy, supporting sustainable travel as well as empowering communities. This 7-day trip is priced at $2,300 per person.

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Climb Kilimanjaro's Lemosho Route

On this trip, travelers will summit  Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak, the tallest free-standing mountain on Earth, and one of the Seven Summits. Kilimanjaro’s Lemosho route is ideal for travelers seeking a slow acclimatisation process and the opportunity to enjoy spectacular scenery across rainforests, alpine deserts, and volcanic plateaus. While the Lemosho route takes longer than other popular routes (7-8 days instead of the average 5-6 days), it offers a steadier pace up the mountain and the highest success rate among travelers summiting. Unlike the Machame and Marangu routes, this route is less crowded and offers more tranquil scenery before meeting up with the other trails. During the hike, travelers will explore pristine rainforests at the base of the mountain, before beginning the trek through volcanic plateaus, moorlands, and alpine deserts. Highlights of this trip include the Barranca Wall, a steep climb reportedly easier than it seems, the Kibo Crater, one of the 3 craters that make up the mountain, and the Lava Tower, a 300-foot lava pillar. Travelers should be in good physical condition and prepared to hike from morning until evening each day, including at high altitudes and in changing weather. While reaching the Uhuru summit is a daunting and exciting goal, the Lemosho route offers a scenic, less-traveled path and a gradual, well-paced ascent. 

This is a 7 to 8-day trip that costs from $3,050 to $3,350 led by Follow Alice, a sustainable travel company offering adventurous small group tours that offer hiking, safari and cultural exploration across Africa, South America, Asia and Europe. The company was founded when cofounder Reno and his lead guide Chris climbed Kilimanjaro and made their dream a reality. All trips are led by local guides and 70% of all trip costs go back to the local community. They were rated one of CATALYST PLANET’s  8 Best Sustainable Travel Companies.

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Venture Through the Serengeti

Tanzania is a country in Africa known for its wildlife and culture. Thirty percent of the country is made up of national parks, with the city of Arusha being its safari capital On this trip, travelers will experience the Serengeti National Park, famed for its wildlife spotting and safaris, explore the Ngorongoro Crater, and visit Zanzibar, an island off the coast of the country known for its pristine water and cultural traditions. This trip is for travelers interested in experiencing Tanzania's wildlife, outdoor activities, and coastal areas. While visiting the Serengeti National Park, travelers will partake in a three-day wildlife safari in which they will visit Ngorongoro Crater, a conservation area that is known for having Africa’s best wildlife viewing. In Serengeti National Park, travelers will experience multiple game drives, where they can spot iconic wildlife across the savannah. Travelers will also have the chance to  descend to the crater floor, where they will experience a separate ecosystem created in the crater that contains grasslands, swamps, forests, and Lake Makat. Travelers will then pass by Mount Kilimanjaro on the way to Dar es Salaam before spending the last few days of the trip in Zanzibar. The island is a crossroads of African, Arabian, and Indian cultures with pristine beaches, crystal-blue water, and diverse cuisine. During their time in Zanzibar, travelers can join a sailing trip, relax at the beach, or go snorkelling. In Stone Town, Zanzibar’s cultural and historical hub, travelers can explore the winding alleyways, visit antique shops, and purchase artisan works such as tinga-tinga paintings, cloths, and copper trinkets. 

This is a 9-day trip that costs $2,399. It is an 18-Thirtysomethings trip catering to travelers ages 18-39. The trip is led by G Adventures, a sustainable, small group tour company that has been leading travelers for 35+ years. They have been pioneers in community tourism and their trips directly benefit the local communities they visit. They have a responsible travel effort called G For Good and partner with the nonprofit Planeterra, dedicated to ensuring communities touched by tourism benefit from it. They were rated one of CATALYST PLANET’s  8 Best Sustainable Travel Companies.

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