How Can I Help Needy Children While On Safari In Tanzania?

There is a simple, easy, and free way you can help needy children on your next safari to Tanzania.

There is an orphanage in Tanzania about 45 minutes outside of the town of Karatu called the Rift Valley Children's Fund. I have visited this orphanage myself and have seen the good work that the director, India Howell, is doing there. I saw an orphanage consisting of about 10 buildings and about a half dozen more under construction. India lives and works on the site. I have met her myself and my Tanzanian ground operator has known her for years. I can tell you she is a dedicated and passionate advocate for these orphans and for the people in the surrounding rural community.

The orphanage is in short supply of basic necessities. Things like clothes, shoes, batteries, school supplies, etc are always needed. The funny thing is that many Americans have already donated many of these things to the orphanage but the items have not yet made it to Tanzania. Why? Because they are still sitting in suitcases here in the U.S. waiting for someone to take them to Tanzania.

That's right, there are a dozen or so luggage bags filled with donations here in the U.S. that are awaiting delivery to the Rift Valley Children's Fund orphanage in Tanzania. The prohibitive high cost of overseas post to Tanzania prevents the bags from being shipped.

If you are planning a safari through WestsideSafari.com you can volunteer to forgo one of your carry on suitcases and bring one of these donation bags instead. That's all you have to do. We will have the luggage mailed to you a week before your departure and you simply bring it with you. Your guide will take it from you upon your arrival and make sure it is delivered to the orphanage in a timely manner.

Some travelers do not need their second checked suitcase. If you are one of them, why not bring one for the Rift Valley Childrens Fund and help out 70 needy orphans in Tanzania?

If you are uncomfortable taking a bag with you that is not yours, or you are already taking 2 bags, why not consider bringing a few items from Rift Valley Children's Fund Wish List. We'll make sure it gets to the kids that need them.

Please consider making a donation while on safari. It's easy to do and costs little to nothing. Doing so will make your safari that much more meaningful and unforgettable.

Geoff


UPDATE: April 21, 2008

Since this post was written, about a month ago, gas prices have risen even higher than what would have seemed astronomical even a year ago. The airlines, trying to find ways to increase revenue, have finally resorted to charging for extra baggage. You can find recent new articles from here and here describing recent developments.

This is relevant to Westside Safari because just a short month ago I asked any would be safari traveler to forgo their extra luggage and instead bring a pre-packed bag full of donations for the Rift Valley Children's Fund orphanage. "It's free" I said, so why not?

Now that bringing a second bag is no longer free it's harder to make this request. So, Westside Safari is changing their offer. We will pay any extra fees that the airlines decide to impose on a second checked bag if you decide to bring a donation bag for the orphans as your second piece of checked luggage.

For example, it looks like Northwest is going to charge an extra $25 for a second checked bag. If you fly Northwest, Westside Safari will deduct that 25 dollars from your safari price. It's that simple. Write me if you have any questions at Geoff@WestsideSafari.com.

Geoff