Camp Tanzania: Ndarakwai

I've recently returned from 4 weeks in Tanzania leading for Camps International.  Its been an amazing experience, and a fantastic adventure for all of us involved, including the group of students and their teachers who joined us on the expedition.  The majority of our time was spent living in camp communities and carrying out project work  in villages and on nature reserves. This is the first installment- from Camp Ndarakwai, a remote wildlife camp on a game reserve nestling on the plains between Mount Meru and Mount Kilimanjaro. The work here is aimed at improving the environment and habitat for the wildlife on the reserve and activities that support fundraising for anti-poaching measures.

Walking to the waterhole watched over by Kili. 

Zebra come to the waterhole to drink while we work. The project work here included digging out drainage ditches to ensure a continuous supply of water for the wildlife throughout the dry season. 

A (cheeky) vervet monkey drops in to camp hoping for some titbits.

Meeting one of the orphaned young elephants who live near to camp. 

Every evening at camp we were treated to the most incredible sunset....

Making elephant poo paper to help raise money for anti poaching measures. 

Masai girl at the nearby Boma. 

The Camp at Ndarakwai was my favourite of all the wonderful locations we stayed at.  Its a very wild place, with plenty of wildlife walking past camp all day and lots of strange noises at night.  The thorns ate my thermarest on the first night, and I'm still pulling spines out of my crocs. Creature comforts don't run beyond a bucket of hot water to wash in and a long drop toilet, but the amazing staff, stunning setting and natural wonders meant that every day felt like a once in a lifetime experience. A big highlight for me was a visit to the Masai Boma, and laughing, singing and dancing in the heat with the Masai women until I was ready to drop.