Community Initiatives & Giving Back
RA Safaris is a locally-owned and operated tour company in Tanzania; LOCAL is at the core of everything we do!
Because of that, we make sure our safaris also have a positive impact on the communities we visit. These communities are close to our hearts, representing the areas our staff come from, and the destinations integral to maintaining the beauty of Tanzania’s nature.
We ensure that safaris have a long-term, positive impact on the communities where we offer tours.
Travelers have the opportunity to give back by participating in school and hospital visits that meet direct needs.
Climbers and safari-goers can participate in meaningful expressions of appreciation during their travels, or ethical giving that doesn’t just bring smiles – it has the power to transform lives.
Ways to Get Involved
Here are some ways to get involved:
- Local school visits and student support
- Tree planting in Arusha/Moshi/Kilimanjaro areas
- Women’s groups and cultural programs that respect and promote ethical traditions
1. Local School Visits
An opportunity for mutual learning: students may enjoy practicing English with guests, while visitors get to see a different side to Tanzania that many tourists never venture to experience.
Tanzania is a developing nation, and while the schools may lack some of the advanced technology available in the West, there is no limit to enthusiasm and creativity in the classroom.
During the tour, you will have a chance to ‘give back’ to the local schools in ways that actually make a difference; from planting fruit trees the science class will learn from and future students will enjoy eating the fruits of, or helping serving out a nutritional lunch that will strengthen and energize all the students, that very same day.
If you feel inspired to support a specific student in their education journey there will be an opportunity to do so in a direct system that can be monitored. There is no greater gift to give – or memory to leave with – than to help a child achieve their dreams.
We work with two local schools, Ngyani Primary School in West Kilimanjaro, and TingaTinga School in Arusha Region.
The needs of these schools include: ICT materials, desks and additional learning materials for the students. Children sometimes struggle to afford pens, pencils and notebooks. This can be a big hindrance for learning.
Tree Planting
Make a difference that grows!
Plant a fruit tree at a school compound and know that in years to come, children will enjoy a healthy snack and relaxing shade.
Or, after your Kilimanjaro climb, plant a row of native trees with your climbing group. This helps local villages maintain the unique ecosystem of the Kilimanjaro foothills and contributes to reforestation. It is a beautiful way to make a lasting memory – and a lasting difference – as part of your experience in Tanzania.
Women’s Groups and Cultural Programs
Some of the best ways to support the local community is to take part in our cultural programs; ones that respect and promote local traditions. This includes taking a cooking class, coffee tour or hiking in a community-run area.
These may not necessarily be NGO’s, but they are community-led, community-run and offer community support in positive ways, too. We want to see our communities grow and shine, apart from only charity work that is dependent on good-will donations.
You may also opt to visit women-run cooperatives, some that make unique crafts, share garden plots or provide educational initiatives. We make a point to offer these ‘stop-overs’ during drives to and from planned tours.
If you see a women’s program which you want to support, please buy their product or enjoy the delicious produce, because it goes directly back to these hard-working ladies and helps their businesses grow!
