PEOPLE-TO-PEOPLE SAFARIS with Terrawatu

For over 100 years, an African safari has been associated with either photographic or hunting adventures into bush areas teaming with wildlife. The Swahili word "safari" actually means "journey" and can be used to explain adventures to and from the local market to being inside the wildebeest migration in the Serengeti.

While journeying into the famous national parks and wildlife conservation areas in Tanzania to witness firsthand some of the world's most amazing concentration of wildlife is one of life's most special moments, many visitors to Tanzania are equally as interested in getting to know the wonderful people of East Africa.

For more than 6 years, Terrawatu has guided visitors to Maasai, Warusha and Swahili villages to spend quality time in homesteads, local markets and schools. In getting to know the life circumstances of local villagers in Tanzania, visitors witness firsthand both the challenges frequently reported in the international press and programs in place that are doing things to change a small part of this world.

As part of Terrawatu's community wealth generation program and in response to the growing interest of tourists and social investors in participating in development projects, People-to-People Safaris (PPS) sponsored by Terrawatu was created.

The philosophy of PPS is rooted in the Maasai word Oloipung'o [o loy pun go] meaning "a person who travels outside of his or her home to explore a different part of the world and then turns back to share with his or her village".

Focusing on culture, the Tanzanian experience explores language, food, clothing, names, dances and songs, greetings, symbols, agriculture & wildlife, architecture, tools/technology, rituals (ceremonies, myths, religion), stories, system of governance, traditional medicine (healers, tools) education and values.

The mission of Terrawatu's People-to-People Safaris (PPS) is to offer a unique cross-cultural experience through conventional wildlife safaris combined with community visits. Terrawatu's PPS customize the safaris to include features and experiences that fit your own interests and needs.

The objectives of PPS are to:

• Provide opportunities for interaction and cultural exchange between Tanzanians and non-Tanzanians
• Introduce people to the rich and diverse culture, history, fauna, and flora of Tanzania
• Expose and educate social investors, policy-makers and tourists to the challenges and opportunities of development
• Provide income to local lodges, host-families and small businesses though the sharing of cultural safari proceeds
• Organize community service projects
• Generate income for Terrawatu's development programs

Depending on your schedule, you have options to participate in one of Terrawatu's People-to-People safaris:

1. Add a 1-2 day trip to your planned Tanzanian wildlife safari and/or Kilimanjaro climb by emailing us at info@terrawatu.org for options of communities and projects to visit and costs.
2. Customize a 2-3 week tour for yourself and your friends and family by emailing us at info@terrawatu.org

Testimonials:

The trip was amazing…well thought out and organized.  What I had anticipated doing and seeing turned out to be incredible.  Thank you.
Takoma Park, Maryland