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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Volunteer to Help Conserve Peru’s Rainforests

Peru is a land of contrasts. The country is home to mountain systems, arid deserts, and coastal plains. The Amazon Rainforest covers almost two-thirds of Peru, about 60% of the nation's territory. The Peruvian Amazon is home to over 1,800 species of birds, 700 kinds of fish, 500 types of mammals, and over 300 reptile species. Ecotourism has become an essential industry in Peru; the nation has a higher percentage of protected land than any other country in South America. Specifically, there are fifty-three protected areas throughout the country. This includes national parks, reserves, sanctuaries, and reserved zones. Volunteers can help with a wide range of conservation activities that contribute to preserving Peru’s climate and animals. Participants will be based in the heart of the jungle, where they will receive a different kind of insight into Peru’s rich biodiversity. Tasks include (but are not limited to) reforestation, home-based maintenance, research projects, trail conservation, and animal inventories. Volunteers will immerse themselves in Peruvian culture and gain conservation and research experience, all while making a difference in the nation's ecosystem.

This is a minimum two-week and maximum 24-week trip that costs $905 for two weeks. This trip is 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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Explore the Beaches and Rainforests of Costa Rica

Costa Rica has long been recognized as one of the most stunning and essential destinations in Central America, and for good reason: its tropical beaches, lush rainforests and abundance of dazzling wildlife make for an unforgettable travel experience. On this trip travelers will be able to immerse themselves in both the culture and natural beauty of Costa Rica while journeying from Liberia to Tamarindo. The trip will begin in the city of Liberia, the largest city in the Guanacaste Province and known as a gateway to the pristine shores of the Pacific coast. Here, travelers will spend a day exploring the city before visiting Poza Los Coyotes, a natural park filled with turquoise pools and beautiful caves. After swimming, tubing and hiking through the park, travelers will spend the night in the beach town of Nosara before visiting Playa Guiones, one of the most scenic beaches in Costa Rica. With an average water temperature of around 82 degrees Fahrenheit, the beach is perfect for surfing, swimming and boogie boarding. The next day, travelers will stop at Guaitil, where they will learn about the small village’s unique Chorotega-style pottery. This form of pottery was devised by the Chorotega Indigenous tribes, and involves mixing clay and sand from iguana nests and paints made from minerals. The final day will be spent in Tamarindo, where travelers can participate in a surf lesson before venturing off to try a range of activities, including snorkeling, zip-lining, kayaking or relaxing on the local beaches and in the evening experience its vibrant nightlife, with an array of bars and restaurants.

This 6-day G Adventures Roamie trip costs $412. G Adventures partners with Hostelworld to organize Roamies, which are flexible small-group trips for travelers ages 18-35, who stay in hostels and receive an immersive travel experience. G Adventures is 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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Safari and Wildlife in Southern Africa

This trip explores three countries in Southern Africa: South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. South Africa is called the “Rainbow Nation” due to its diversity of cultures, races, languages and religions, It is home to ten UNESCO World Heritage sites, more than any other country on the African continent. It’s worth noting that South Africa houses 10% of the world’s plants, 15% of coastal marine species, and 7% of the world’s mammal, reptile and bird species. Botswana is home to the planet's largest population of elephants. The nation is home to the Okavango Delta, the 1000th UNESCO World Heritage Site. Around a third of Botswana’s landmass is protected as national parks, game reserves or wildlife management areas. Finally, there’s Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe is home to Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. On this trip, travelers start their journey in Johannesburg, where they can get acquainted and see the Emperor's Palace. Going into Botswana, everyone will have a chance to see the Khama Rhino Sanctuary, where they will set up camp. After stopping in Maun, everyone can visit the Okavango Delta. Travelers can engage in birdwatching on a traditional mokoro (dugout canoe). In Gweta, everyone can camp under the country’s iconic Baobab trees. Onward to Kasane, the group can choose to embark on a river cruise through Chobe National Park, home to the largest elephant population in Southern Africa. After arriving in Zimbabwe, the first destination is Victoria Falls. Everyone can take a helicopter ride over the iconic landmark while optionally bungee jumping. In Matobo National Park, people can see the iconic granite masses before returning to South Africa. At Kruger National Park, everyone can scan the savanna for lions, elephants and other animals. 

This is a 15-day trip that costs $2,137 and is a G Adventures’ 18-Thirtysomethings trip geared toward young, budget minded travelers. G Adventures is 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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Explore Ancient Ruins in Libya

Libya is a land of many wonders, with several highlights, some of which include strolling the vast expanse of Leptis Magna–one of the world’s most complete Roman cities for its triumphal arch, baths, amphitheater, basilica, and forum–which immerses the traveler in the grandeur of imperial architecture; wandering through Sabratha’s sea-coast Greek and Roman theater and mosaic-lined temples; delving into the heart of Ghadames the “Pearl of the Desert” where labyrinthine mud-brick alleys and Berber design illustrate Bedouin life in a UNESCO oasis; and venturing into the stunning Acacus “Tadrart Akakus” Mountains, a Saharan plateau studded with prehistoric rock-art galleries and bizarre sandstone arches dating back millennia. The trip is a pure adventure designed for travelers with a moderate fitness level–expect most days to involve several hours on foot to explore ancient ruins and desert villages, short hikes through limestone hills, and occasional dusty 4x4 drives. This trip blends archaeological marvels, indigenous cultural encounters, and epic desert landscapes in a compact, active week of exploration.

This 7-day trip costs $2,750. Untamed Borders is an adventure travel company specialized in some of the world’s most interesting and inaccessible places. They run cultural tours as well as adventure sports including skiing, trekking, marathons and more. Whenever possible, proceeds from the trip are directed back to the communities visited and the trips are always led by local guides.

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