On the Northeastern tip of Tanzania stands a colossal symbol of Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro, 19,335 ft., an equatorial snow-capped mountain, and the largest peak in Africa. This extinct volcano has its own National Park, and from 8850 ft. upwards the area is protected, including all three peaks, Kibo (19,340 ft.), Mawenzi (16,896 ft.) and Shira (13,000 ft.).
The warm dry plains at the base of the mountain give way to cooler wet tropical forests, and finally to a summit permanently covered in ice and snow, giving living conditions varying from equatorial to arctic.
The mountain towers over the Great Rift Valley and the Olduvai Gorge, the possible birthplace of mankind, and it is easy to imagine Kilimanjaro as a massive volcano, overlooking those ancient people. This magnificent sight is already an iconic image of the African wilds, and from the summit provides breath-taking views across not only Tanzania, but Kenya too- truly the roof of Africa.
'Kilema Kyaro', 'that which cannot be conquered' was the local name for the mountain, however, since the nineteenth century, Kilimanjaro has increasingly been known as the 'Everyman's Everest', and 1000 people gathered on the summit to see the sun rise on a new Millennium. The Mountain is climbable all year round, and tourists can easily pick up guides to take them as far as they feel able.
Get involved with successful projects that aim to give children and families the means to sustain themselves. You can help provide food, shelter, clean water, training and health care – and most valuable of all, emotional support.
Learn about the ways of the African wilds and the culture of the Massai by volunteering on this incredible project. You can help to gather vital data about wildlife activities, immerse yourself in the nomadic culture, and explore the stunning landscapes of Kenya.
Make a small but meaningful difference to people in Nairobi. Work in a hospital or orphanage, reaching out to people who live in poverty. You can teach and care for the children, help repair infrastructure and learn Swahili too.
Teach English and computer skills in the morning and organise sports sessions in the afternoons. The lessons will greatly improve the children’s prospects, while sport will keep them fit and give them a chance to enjoy themselves.
Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa. Join this trip and feel a real sense of achievement as you reach the peak and witness spectacular views over Tanzania and Kenya.
Immerse yourself in Kenyan life and become part of a project to improve life in a rural village. Live and work with the community, helping with tasks such as construction, teaching, landscaping and painting.
Family Friendly! A rewarding two-week experience for families looking to give something back to underprivileged African communities. Plus, you’ll experience the beauty of Kenya through a varied activities programme. Minimum age 6 years.
Janet Horsley had an incredible time on her tailor-made gap year, blazing a trail through Africa, Asia, Australia and Latin America, read her story here.
Gap Year for Grown Ups have many Career Break Voluntary Projects in Africa for grown up gappers. Because Gap Year for Grown Ups is the leading authority and only specialist source of ideas and options for grown up gap years, it has the widest range of volunteering programmes in Africa. These include animal/wildlife conservation, teaching English in Africa, community volunteering in Africa and Voluntary work with children in Africa.
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