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More volunteers are heading for Africa
Kate Plummer, Marketing Manager at Acacia Adventure Holidays comments: ?We?ve seen a 20% increase over 2007 towards the charitable or volunteering aspects of our tours. We feel that the high profile campaigns for example, ?Live 8?, have had a real impact on the choices people make where holidays are concerned, and people readily identify with their musical icons who are highlighting issues relevant to Africa.
Ethical travellers
There?s a fairly even split between both sexes in terms of ethical
trips and this relates to singles, couples or groups of friends ? the
common denominator being that they want to give something back to the
host community they are visiting.?
?We?ve also coined the term for a new phenomenon in the market, that of
the ?mini-gap? ? where people want an alternative to the gap year that
offers a similar experience. Volunteering is sound option for this
group and while these adventurers might have been considering the
longer gap year option, knowing that we can package something similar,
on a value for money basis and in a shorter time frame often makes
sense whether the traveller is between studies or taking a break from
their career.?
Adventurers on the 8-day Tanzanian Trail itinerary now have the option
to participate in a further 6-day volunteering holiday. Travellers
will gain an insight into the Amani Project in Moshi ? a charity that
aims to help the growing number of street children and kids affected
with HIV/Aids. Day to day activities might involve helping the kids in
their lessons, assisting with odd jobs, labouring or working in the
home?s kitchens, but afternoons are free to explore the local area.
Participants can enjoy various
activities including, horse riding around the lower slopes of Mount
Kilimanjaro and swimming in the Kikuletwa Hot Springs (a location
which also doubles as a great picnic spot) or alternatively volunteers
can simply chill-out and take in the scenery from the NEW Coffee Tree
Hotel ? (no doubt taking it?s name from the fantastic locally produced
coffee) which offers first rate views of the mountain. Volunteers are
also free to spend their afternoons having an energetic kick about on
the makeshift football field with the kids, leaving the evening free to
check out the local bars and Moshi?s live entertainment. (?795pp +
local payment from ?304pp with year round weekly departures). The
price includes all tour highlights as listed on the website, transport,
road tolls and taxes, camping and cooking equipment, most meals,
services of tour leader and driver, transfers to and from the project
site and shared accommodation at the Amani project (based on two people
sharing). Excludes return international flight, visas, departure taxes,
transfers, and flexible local payment excursions.
Highlights on the 8-day Tanzanian Trail include, Lake Victoria, the Serengeti, the Olduvai Gorge and the Ngorongoro Crater.
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