14‑Day Tanzania & Zanzibar Safari with School Volunteering and Dolphin Swim

The price covers accommodation in mid‑range lodges, all ground transportation (road transfers, ferry between Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar, and safari vehicle), a professional English‑speaking guide, park entry fees for the two‑day Big Five safari, most meals (breakfast daily, selected lunches and dinners), the volunteer projects, the dolphin‑swim excursion, and the cultural activities listed in the itinerary. Personal expenses, optional add‑ons, and tips are not part of the price.

No. The €2,629 fee does not include any international airfare to or from Tanzania. Travelers must arrange and pay for their own flights to Dar es Salaam (or Kilimanjaro) and from Arusha back to their home country.

The core price includes the national‑park entry for the two‑day Big Five safari, but optional items such as the Mt. Kilimanjaro add‑on, personal souvenirs, extra meals outside the program, and gratuities for guides and staff are paid separately. Visa fees, travel insurance, and any private excursions not listed in the itinerary are also extra.

Yes. The operator typically accepts a 30 % deposit to secure the reservation, with the remaining balance payable in two equal installments: one 60 % payment 60 days before departure and the final 10 % no later than 30 days prior. Exact dates are confirmed at booking.

Cancellations made more than 30 days before the start date receive a full refund of all payments except a small administrative fee. Between 30 and 14 days, 50 % of the total price is refunded. Cancellations within 14 days of departure are non‑refundable, though a credit for a future tour may be offered at the operator’s discretion.

Travel insurance is not included in the €2,629 price but is strongly recommended. The operator requires proof of coverage that includes medical evacuation, trip interruption, and personal liability before the final payment is accepted.

Most meals are included. Breakfast is provided daily at the accommodation. Selected lunches and dinners are included during travel days and at locations where group meals are organized, such as the dolphin excursion and volunteer sites. Some evenings may feature local cuisine prepared by partner families, while occasional packed lunches are provided for field activities.

Each day generally begins at 7:30 am. The meeting point is the lobby of the hotel or lodge where the group is staying that night. The guide will gather the group, review the day’s plan, and distribute any necessary equipment before departure.

Yes. Private transfers are arranged from Dar es Salaam’s Julius Nyerere International Airport to the first hotel and from Arusha’s Kilimanjaro International Airport to the final drop‑off point at the end of the tour. Transfers are included in the overall price.

Travelers may bring two suitcases (maximum 23 kg each) and one personal carry‑on bag. For the safari days, a smaller daypack is recommended for water, snacks, and personal items, as luggage is stored in the vehicle’s boot during game drives.

Arriving one night before the start in Dar es Salaam is advisable to recover from travel and adjust to the time zone. After the final day in Arusha, many guests add a night or two to explore the city or visit nearby attractions such as the coffee farm, but this extension is not part of the standard itinerary.

The journey includes a scheduled ferry crossing from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar, road transfers in 4×4 safari vehicles for inland travel, and a short flight or road transfer from Zanzibar back to the mainland before proceeding to Arusha, depending on the operator’s schedule. All transfers are organized by the tour provider.

Most nationalities require a visa to enter Tanzania. An e‑visa can be obtained online before departure. The visa fee is not covered by the tour price and must be paid directly to the Tanzanian immigration authorities.

Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry into Tanzania. This requirement also applies to Zanzibar, which is part of Tanzania, and is enforced by immigration officials at both the mainland and island entry points.

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required only if you are arriving from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission. Travelers from other regions are not mandated to show the certificate, but the vaccination is recommended for overall health protection.

Yes. The tour is designed for groups of roughly a dozen participants, and solo travelers are placed in shared rooms and paired with fellow guests for activities. The guide provides extra support to ensure safety and social integration throughout the itinerary.

Moderate fitness is required. Participants should be comfortable walking on uneven terrain, climbing modest steps, and lifting light construction materials (up to 10 kg). Safari drives involve long periods seated in a vehicle, and the dolphin excursion requires basic swimming ability and the willingness to be in the water.

Children younger than 12 are not permitted to join the volunteer construction project or the Big Five safari due to safety regulations. They may, however, take part in age‑appropriate cultural activities on Zanzibar if the group leader approves.

The itinerary includes a two‑day safari in a Tanzanian national park that is known for Big Five sightings—lions, elephants, buffalo, rhinos, and leopards. The specific park name is not detailed in the provided information, but the program guarantees guided game drives focused on these species.

While on Zanzibar, participants engage in sailing to nearby desert islands, play soccer with local youth, receive Swahili language lessons, snorkel in coral reefs, paint with resident artists, and visit a community‑run women’s cooperative. A dolphin‑swim excursion to the island’s southern tip is also part of the cultural immersion.

For first‑time visitors who want a mix of wildlife, community volunteering, and cultural immersion, this tour offers a structured itinerary with an English‑speaking guide, organized transport, and pre‑arranged activities. It reduces the logistical challenges of arranging separate permits, local contacts, and transportation, making it a practical entry point for newcomers.

Travelers who are interested in wildlife photography, conservation, and hands‑on community work benefit most. The combination of a Big Five safari, school‑construction volunteering, and cultural exchanges appeals to socially conscious adventurers, students, and professionals seeking meaningful engagement beyond typical sightseeing.

Prepare lightweight, breathable clothing for warm weather, a sturdy pair of walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a reusable water bottle. Bring a swimsuit and towel for the dolphin excursion. Recommended vaccinations include hepatitis A, typhoid, and routine immunizations; a yellow‑fever shot may be needed depending on your travel history. Pack a small daypack for daily outings.

Booking the guided tour consolidates many expenses—park fees, permits, local guides, ferry tickets, and volunteer coordination—into a single price. Arranging these elements independently often incurs higher total costs due to separate bookings, potential language barriers, and the need for a private guide. The tour also adds value through pre‑screened volunteer projects and guaranteed wildlife sightings, which can be difficult to secure on your own.

The dolphin‑swim excursion is organized as a group activity within the tour schedule, and individual participation outside the group is not offered. Travelers who wish to swim with dolphins independently would need to arrange a separate local tour in Zanzibar, which is not covered by this itinerary.