Tanzania

GLV Tanzania is based throughout a number of rural communities in and around the Great Rift Valley. A number of the communities we work in consist of all tribal groups found in Tanzania. The majority of the community work is in the agriculture and the tourism industry. The diversity of tribal groups in these communities gives rise to a fascinating mix of cultures, foods and customs. To get a taste of Tanzania, it’s country, customs and culture visit our page here.

Growth and development

Tanzania’s economy has been on the up for many years now but such high birth rates, putting 40% of the population at 15 years of age or younger, is a big contributor towards Tanzania’s poverty statistics. Schools are over populated and lack basic facilities. This is evident in all the communities in which we work. Often, they are lacking sanitation facilities, educational equipment and even benches and have little or no sports or recreational facilities. Through Project Build we hope to alleviate some of this insufficiency. We hope to further this by creating sustainable partnerships between Corporate, School and Club groups and grass roots N.G.O.’s, schools and community centres in Tanzania.

The Maasai

We also work in Maasai communities where their source of income and livelihood has not changed much since the beginning of their culture until recent times. The Maasai still live off the land and their cattle, occasionally trading their cattle for money or other resources. In more recent years, the role of the Maasai has changed and it is still changing quite dramatically. Being a source of attraction for tourism, a lot of revenue is being generated but, sadly, by the tour providers and not the Maasai communities themselves. The Maasai hold on to their traditions with great passion and this is why there has been little change in their practices and culture for hundreds of years. More and more children, especially girls, are starting to receive an education. More and more men but fewer numbers of women are starting to look for employment. The Maasai now face a pivotal time in their history and they must decide whether to restore a fascinating and wonderful culture or join the modern world with many positive and negative changes. But at what cost?

As a company working in these fragile communities, it is so important to do more listening than anything else and look at all angles of our impact. One thing I know is that all people have the right to health care, education and clean water. I also believe all children should have the right to play in a clean environment where we are protecting and conserving our natural wildlife. We feel working together in these areas can never have a negative effect and only a positive one, even in the most fragile, sensitive communities such as the Maasai. We make every effort to ensure that our projects, for example Project Plant and Project Build reflect this understanding. 

This decision is not for us to make but we can listen and respect their decisions.

It is clear that we have so much to learn from the Maasai: their resourcefulness, their sustainability and pure appreciation for the nature around them. But there is so much more to learn which you will find out for yourselves if you are lucky enough to join us here in the Maasai savannas.

Natural Beauty

All the communities we work in are blessed with natural beauty, breathtaking scenery, abundant wildlife with diverse and rare species of plant and animal life. This life is imperative, not only to support the communities’ well-being but also for the communities’ livelihood. Therefore, this is worth fighting for and we hope through our Ethical Travel and our projects: Project Wild, Project Plant and Project Plastic we are contributing, in a small way to this fight. 

Adventures and Safaris

The communities we work in are located in some of the most amazing locations on the planet. This means we are able to offer the best Adventures, Mountain climbs and Safaris. So don’t forget to check out what else we can offer you on your journey with us to make it that much more special.