When we send our kids out into the world, especially to a place as far away and unfamiliar as Tanzania, it’s natural to feel a mix of emotions: awe, pride, excitement, and—let’s be honest—a little anxiety. But for my daughter Gabi, this trip with Green Edventures’ Student Travel Program wasn’t just another summer getaway. It was the culmination of years of dreaming, planning, and a passion for wildlife, ecology, and adventure.
In this journal, I’ll walk you through Gabi’s once-in-a-lifetime experience on the Tanzania student expedition, with a parent’s perspective from home: the prep, the panic, the pride, and all the incredible stories in between.
Tanzania?!
It’s not a (total) stretch to say this trip has been decades in the making. One of the chaperones is my good friend Kosha, who I’ve known since I was just a little younger than Gabi is now. She’s an incredible human being, and I’m excited for Gabi to get to know her better—plus, I’m so much more comfortable knowing she’s in good hands.
Kosha has been nudging me for years to have Gabi join what’s basically become an annual student adventure travel program to explore the world, and to experience other cultures and ecosystems. She missed past trips to Fiji and the Sea of Cortez, but this was the year—and Tanzania was the destination!
Pre-Trip Adventures: Visas, Bug Spray & Clothing Drama
Did you know that tsetse flies are attracted to black and blue clothing? We didn’t either—until we were told Gabi couldn’t pack anything in those colors. That was… tricky. Shopping for clothes that weren’t black or blue, and treating everything with bug spray, was less than fun.
Then there was the visa situation. We didn’t get it finalized until Tuesday before departure (huge thanks to Scott!). That waiting game nearly broke me—I don’t do well with things outside my control.
Lift-Off: Departure Day
With a long layover in Ethiopia, the group left early—5:30 AM to O’Hare. Spirits were high. Pete, true to form, played the perfect send-off tunes. By 6:45 AM, Gabi was with her group and the adventure had begun!
Their first flight to Addis Ababa was about 13 hours. The layover? 7.5 more. Gabi described the airport as quiet and under construction, but at least they had clean bathrooms and loungy chairs.
Welcome to Arusha
After a full 24 hours of travel, they landed at Kilimanjaro International Airport and headed to the Pazuri Inn Hotel in Arusha. This city, nestled at the base of Mt. Meru, is a major hub for travelers en route to the Serengeti or Mount Kilimanjaro.
Their first full day was spent exploring Arusha’s natural history museum, where a 160-year-old tortoise named Deborah stole the show. They also visited a local market, full of vibrant produce and local color—an immersive look into Tanzanian culture.
From Arusha to the Highlands
After leaving Pazuri Inn, the group headed to Karatu, near the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, staying at the picturesque Pamoja Farm Villas. Originally planning to visit a school, the group instead explored Mto Wa Mbu, or “River of Mosquitoes,” met local artisans, and hiked along the Great Rift Valley.
They befriended a dog (named Rafiki), got hit by monkey-thrown figs (Gabi included), and snapped pictures in front of towering baobab trees—some possibly 2,000+ years old!
Into the Wild: Ngorongoro Crater & the Serengeti
The group experienced a jaw-dropping day at the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a haven for wildlife and archaeological discoveries. By 7 AM, they’d already seen zebras and giraffes. Game drives and guided hikes brought them close to Tanzania’s incredible biodiversity.
From there, they traveled through the highlands to the Central Serengeti, staying at the Moyo Tented Camp—a glamorous camp experience with zippers for doors and lions heard just outside at night.
Over the next few days, they witnessed prides of lions, the Great Migration, and even had a Big Five safari experience: seeing lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos.
Cultural Immersion: Meeting the Maasai, Hadzabe, and Datoga
This journey wasn’t just about wildlife. It was about people, too.
The group met with the Maasai, experiencing their music, dance, and culture firsthand. They also spent time with the Hadzabe bushmen, who demonstrated their click language and hunting techniques, and the Datoga, known for their metalwork and warrior traditions.
The Final Stretch: Lake Eyasi and Tarangire National Park
After bouncing between breathtaking locations, the group’s final nights were spent at the Osupuko Tented Lodge. Gabi had a memorable bat encounter (don’t worry—they were removed quickly), and once again, lions prowled outside at night.
Their last full day was spent at Tarangire National Park, known for its large elephant population. This game drive was Gabi’s favorite—elephants were so close, they could hear them breathe. What a final memory!
Conclusion: A Life-Changing Student Tour in Tanzania
As a parent, watching this adventure unfold from afar was emotional, inspiring, and sometimes nerve-wracking. But more than anything, it was joyful. I saw my daughter grow in confidence, connection, and curiosity—falling in love with Africa, wildlife, and new cultures.
Green Edventures’ Tanzania Student Travel Tour gave Gabi and her group something they will never forget: a deeper appreciation for our planet, a respect for different ways of life, and memories that will shape them forever.
And while I stayed home this time, I may just have to sneak into a future student adventure tour myself.
To learn more about student tours, contact us by emailing info@greenedventures.com
Our Educational Student Tours go all over! Check out a sample itinerary here: https://greenedventures.wetravel.com/trips/2025-galapagos-sample-student-itinerary-green-edventures-ecotours-expeditions-quito-84950907%20%20%20