Michael Schmertzler
Embark on a transformative three-week journey through the heart of Tanzania, where adventure, cultural immersion, and community service come together in a powerful, hands-on experience. The Tanzania Cultural and Service Expedition offers a unique opportunity to explore the country’s breathtaking natural landscapes— from the Ngorongoro Crater to the Serengeti plains—while making a meaningful impact through service projects.
Throughout this course, you'll hike alongside Maasai warriors, learn Kiswahili, engage with indigenous communities like the Maasai, Bushmen, and Datoga, and deepen your leadership skills. As you work on service projects that directly benefit local communities, you’ll gain insights into global citizenship, develop problem-solving skills, and foster deep cross-cultural connections. Whether you’re on a safari, learning local customs, or participating in a homestay, this expedition is designed to challenge and inspire you, leaving you with lasting personal and leadership growth.
Photo credit: James Kagambi
Why the Tanzania Cultural and Service Expedition Will Expand Your Horizons
This expedition goes far beyond traditional travel— it’s an immersive learning experience that blends culture, adventure, and service to ignite personal and professional transformation. As you navigate Tanzania's stunning landscapes— from the iconic Ngorongoro Crater to the vast Serengeti—you’ll develop critical skills in leadership, teamwork, and cultural competence, all while making tangible contributions to local communities.
In addition to exploring one of the world’s most renowned wildlife areas on safari, you’ll engage in meaningful service work, from building infrastructure to supporting local education initiatives. By integrating cultural immersion with hands-on learning, this course prepares you to navigate complexity, adapt to new environments, and lead with confidence—skills that will stay with you long after the course ends.
A Journey Through Tanzania’s Rich Culture and Wild Landscapes
Tanzania offers an unparalleled environment where adventure and cultural discovery meet. You’ll journey through diverse ecosystems, from dense forests to sweeping savannas, witnessing incredible wildlife up close, including zebras, giraffes, wildebeests, and ostriches. In the Ngorongoro Crater, one of the richest wildlife areas on Earth, you’ll have the chance to see the Big Five in their natural habitat.
Along with wildlife encounters, this expedition offers opportunities to connect with indigenous groups such as the Maasai, Bushmen, Datoga, and Chaga, learning firsthand about their traditions and ways of life. Through a homestay, you’ll experience life in a rural Tanzanian village, enhancing your cultural understanding while practicing Kiswahili with your hosts. This unique combination of service work, adventure, and cultural exchange will challenge you to think critically, adapt, and grow in an environment few have the privilege to experience.
The Tanzania Cultural and Service Expedition equips you with a variety of practical and interpersonal skills that will have lasting value. You’ll gain:
Leadership Development: Learn to lead in diverse and challenging environments, balancing responsibility, empathy, and decision-making.
Cultural Competence: Living alongside indigenous groups and participating in cultural exchanges will deepen your understanding of local customs and cultures.
Kiswahili Language Skills: Develop basic communication skills in Kiswahili, which will improve your ability to connect with locals and enhance your travel experience.
Community Service: Work on impactful, hands-on service projects that support local communities, such as infrastructure development and educational initiatives.
Outdoor and Wilderness Skills: Strengthen your outdoor skills through hiking, camping, and navigating Tanzania’s natural landscapes.
Photo credit: NOLS Archive
Days 1–3: Arrival in Tanzania and orientation at the NOLS base, where you’ll meet your instructors and fellow participants. Begin learning Kiswahili and preparing for the journey ahead.
Days 4–7: Travel to the Ngorongoro Crater for safari and cultural immersion activities with local Maasai communities. Begin your community service project.
Days 8–14: Continue service work, engage in leadership development exercises, and deepen your cultural understanding through direct interaction with the Maasai, Bushmen, and Datoga tribes.
Days 15–23: Complete the service project, reflect on your journey, and engage in group discussions about leadership, personal growth, and the impact of your service. End the course with a final debrief and celebration of your accomplishments.
While this expedition is filled with exciting opportunities, it also presents challenges that will test your endurance, adaptability, and problem-solving abilities:
Cultural Adaptation: Living and working in close quarters with local communities will require you to be flexible and open to new ways of thinking.
Service Work Demands: Whether you’re building infrastructure or assisting in educational initiatives, the service component will push you to work collaboratively and take initiative.
Physical Endurance: Long hikes and days in the field will push you physically, requiring perseverance and teamwork.
Weather and Terrain: Tanzania’s diverse landscapes bring varied weather conditions and challenging terrain. Adapting to these environmental factors will build resilience and decision-making skills.
Overcoming these challenges will empower you to grow in confidence, develop a deeper understanding of global citizenship, and become a more effective leader and communicator.
Photo credit: Kellsie Forbes
This course is designed for adventurous individuals who want to immerse themselves in a new culture, gain valuable leadership skills, and contribute meaningfully to a community. Whether you are an aspiring outdoor professional, international relations student, or someone looking to make a difference through service work, this course offers the opportunity to push your boundaries and grow in ways you never imagined. While no specific experience is required, participants should be willing to learn, engage, and work collaboratively in diverse environments.
By completing the Tanzania Cultural and Service Expedition, you’ll join the NOLS global alumni network— a community of adventurers, leaders, and change-makers committed to making a positive impact in the world. The connections you’ll form, the skills you’ll acquire, and the challenges you’ll overcome will shape your personal and professional journey for years to come.
Ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime? Apply today to participate in a transformative experience that will expand your worldview, enhance your leadership capabilities, and leave you with memories that last a lifetime.
