This once in a lifetime travel adventure is without a doubt yLead’s most powerful catalyst for personal growth. Through community engagement, cultural immersion and personal challenge we are proud to offer young and young-at-heart adventurers the opportunity to become immersed in a fascinating country and culture, whilst learning extraordinary things about themselves.

When we first visited the township of Moshi at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro in 1999, we knew we had found something special. Over the years we have strengthened our relationships with the community, allowing us to deliver an authentic immersion experience that cannot be replicated by a travel agent.

Highlights

• Climb Mt. Kilimanjaro – the highest free standing mountain in the world

• Experience an overnight wildlife safari and visit a Masaai Kindergarten project

• Teach and coach children at local primary schools

• Spend a night in a local teacher’s home

• Meet inspirational Aussie, Gemma Sisia, and see her amazing work at The School of St Jude

• Relax and reflect on the Island of Zanzibar

Day 1 – 2: The adventure begins

Depart Brisbane International Airport stopping over in Dubai and Dar Es Salaam before finally arriving at Kilimanjaro International Airport.

On arrival our hosts at ZARA adventures will pick us up and deliver us to Springlands Hotel where supper, a hot shower and a comfortable bed awaits.

Day 3: Kilimanjaro awaits

Today is all about physically and mentally preparing for the mighty mountain. If you are up early, take a walk out the front of the hotel to get a sense of what lies ahead. Today we will be answering questions and ensuring everyone has the correct gear. We will arrange storage for things you don’t need on the mountain and you will receive a detailed briefing from our expert Kilimanjaro guides to ensure you have the best chance of standing on the ‘roof of Africa’. An early night is essential!

Day 4 – 9: Trek to the roof of Africa

After a hearty breakfast, we board the bus and drive out to the Marangu park gates at the base of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Here we sign in and go through the orientation process before starting our trek. The next six days are likely to be some of the most challenging and rewarding you have ever experienced – ascending through forest, moorland and alpine desert before reaching Kibo Hut – where we prepare our overnight attempt to reach the snow capped Uhuru Peak – 5895m AMSL. Our ZARA mountain guides are some of the most qualified and experienced on the mountain. They will make sure everyone is safe and comfortable, and give you the best chance of reaching the top. What a way to celebrate the new year!

Day 10: A day of rest

Wash some clothes, relax by the pool, get a massage or take a stroll into town. Share stories of the extraordinary challenge we have just returned from. Today is all about reflection, rest and relaxation.

Day 11: Wildlife safari – Lake Manyara

Today we begin our African wildlife safari. After an early breakfast we will jump in our safari style 4WDs and enjoy a few hours drive out to Lake Manyara National park. Lake Manyara is a lovely scenic park just off the road from Arusha to the Ngorongoro Crater. The lake itself takes up much of the park leaving a strip of land running down its shores where game concentrates. Famous for its tree climbing lions, impressively tusked elephants and baboon troops, Manyara is a great way to begin our wildlife safari.

Day 12: Wildlife safari – Ngorongoro Crater

The Ngorongoro Crater and surrounding highlands are one of Africa’s most beautiful regions. Volcanic craters form stunning backdrops to some of the richest grazing grounds in Africa. The Ngorongoro Crater is the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera; home to the highest density of big game in Africa. With 600m high walls and a rich volcanic floor that plays host to the big five, the Ngorongoro is one of the continent’s most famous safari destinations.

Today, you will also visit a traditional Masaai village and get a fascinating insight into one of the world’s longest surviving tribes and cultures.

Day 13: Local primary school teaching project

It’s time to go back to school! We begin with a quick Swahili lesson from the Principals of the local primary schools before you have the opportunity to teach your very own class. Singing, dancing, games and arts and crafts are amongst the many options that the Tanzanian kids love.

Day 14: The school athletics carnival

Today is all about preparing your students to compete in our annual school athletics carnival. This event has become one of the hottest on the local school calendars and is fiercely contested. Work with your teams and help them find the edge that will ensure they lift the trophy this year!

Day 15: Day of service and home-stay

It’s time to give something back to these wonderful schools. Today we will give the classrooms a fresh coat of paint and find any other ways we can lend a hand. After our day of service, in small groups, you will be welcomed into the home of a local teacher for an unforgettable, authentic home-stay experience. Share stories, learn each others’ way of life and form a bond with a family on the other side of the world.

Day 16: Explore Moshi and celebration dinner

Today, you are in control. After spending the morning with your home-stay hosts, you have your final opportunity to explore Moshi town before heading back to the hotel for an afternoon by the pool. Tonight we have arranged a special dinner with the locals who we have shared this experience with. It will be a night to remember!

Day 17 – 18: The School of St Jude “Fighting poverty through education”

This morning we will be picked up by the St Jude’s school bus and be transferred to school. As visitors to the school, you will be given an intimate insight into the extraordinary work that Gemma has done, creating a school that provides over 1800 of Tanzania’s poorest and brightest young people with a first class education. The highlights are undoubtedly the home visits and the tour of yLead House. These two days will inspire you, enlighten you and make you realise the capacity one person has to change the world around them.

Day 19 – 21: Zanzibar

This morning we catch a short flight from Kilimanjaro to Zanzibar. Here we meet our friends from Sun Tours who will transfer us to the beautiful Tembo Hotel – right on the waterfront in bustling Stone Town. The next few days will include plenty of free time to enjoy in the sun, on the beach or picking up souvenirs in the local markets. Also included is a historical Stone Town tour, a trip to the fruit and spice farms and a beautiful sunset dinner at one of the best restaurants on the island. A magical way to end our journey together.

Day 22 – 23: The journey home

This morning we have our final breakfast in Zanzibar before heading to the airport for a quick 20 minute flight to Dar Es Salaam. After a short wait, we will check in to our return flight to Dubai. Only a short stopover here before the final leg home. When we arrive in Brisbane in the early hours of the morning, those traveling interstate can opt to take an early flight home, or have a few hours rest in an airport hotel. The journey may be over, but the memories and friendships will last a lifetime! 

At yLead, we believe in making our experiences as inclusive as possible, and being completely upfront with any costs associated. Your $7,900 fee includes:

• International  return flights (ex. Brisbane)

• Tanzanian domestic flights (Dar Es Salaam > Kilimanjaro > Zanzibar > Dar Es Salaam)

• Road transfers

• All accommodation (twin / triple or quad share)

• Kilimanjaro Trek with ZARA Adventures

• Lodge Safari with ZARA Adventures

• Government School program, including overnight homestay with local family

• School of St Jude experience

• Zanzibar  – accommodation and Spice Tour. Optional tours and activities available.  All Breakfasts and Final Celebration Dinner included.

• Most Meals

• Comprehensive Covermore travel insurance

We recommend bringing an additional $700USD as spending money for any little extras you’d like to purchase such as snacks, drinks and souvenirs. You will also need to purchase your Tanzanian entry visa ($95AUD) and a few extra meals as listed above.

How do I book my trip? 

If you’ve already decided you want to join us on one of our travel adventures simply complete the registration form and you will receive an information and instructions about how to pay your deposit. You can always contact our team if you need any assistance with this process.

Who will be looking after me while I’m there?

Our tour leadership team provide the greatest guarantee of participant safety and well-being. Our carefully selected Australian leaders have vast experience with both travel and working with young people.

Who else will be travelling with me?

Tanzanian Immersion is for the young and young-at-heart. Most participants range from 16/17 to late 20’s but frequently includes parents and young at heart adults. We believe the quality of people that share this adventure is perhaps its greatest strength. You are welcome to invite friends and family to share this extraordinary adventure with you!

How fit do I need to be for Kilimanjaro?

Fitness is only one component of the Kilimanjaro challenge but it certainly makes the trek more comfortable. It is important that you prepare for 6 days of walking. Squats, lunges and walking up hills carrying weight are all good practice. You will have porters to carry your big bag and food to each hut, meaning you will only carry an 8kg day-pack with lunch, camera, water and rain gear.

Can I extend my stay?

Yes, of course you can. Please liaise with the yLead team to arrange alternative flights. Please note that this may change the expedition fee.

What if I can’t meet the payment schedule deadlines?

We absolutely believe in the value of these trips and would hate for money to be a barrier for you joining us. In the circumstance that you are unable to meet the payment deadlines, please contact us. We can arrange a payment plan that suits your monetary requirements and ours. We will do what we can to help make it possible for you!

Can I talk to people who have done it?

Yes. Just contact us and we will connect you with some of our previous travellers who love to share their experience.

If you have any other questions, simply complete the enquiry form and we will email you an information kit.