TROPICAL FOREST LANDSCAPE RESTORATION

SUMMER SCHOOL 2025

Join Verdanta in July of 2025 for an unforgettable summer school in Tanzania! Over 19 days, students will engage in various environmental projects, from forest ecology and habitat restoration to soil sampling and flora and fauna surveys. Coordinated by Verdanta, in collaboration with Sokoine University and local villages, this internship offers a unique opportunity to explore and contribute to the conservation of Tanzania’s diverse ecosystems. Participants will also get the opportunity to visit forestry and conservation sites across Tanzania, study different forest types. Most importantly, there’ll be the chance to roll up your sleeves and make a practical contribution to an active reforestation project in the Southern highlands, working on ground clearing, mapping, biomass surveys, soil surveys and enrichment planting. The adventure doesn’t end there – after the internship, there’s an optional safari and trip to Zanzibar for a perfect finish to this incredible journey.

Develop Your Skills with Verdanta 

Join Verdanta Earth Tanzania in July 2025 for a transformative 19-day environmental adventure that blends theory, practical knowledge, and hands-on skills. This Summer School offers students a comprehensive learning experience in the field of conservation, providing a unique opportunity to bridge classroom knowledge with real-world application.

By participating in these projects, you’ll gain a deep, multi-faceted understanding of forest ecosystems and the practical skills needed to protect them. This blend of theory, practical application, and hands-on experience will not only enrich your academic journey but also equip you with the competencies required for a meaningful career in environmental science and conservation. Additionally, you’ll receive certification to formally recognise your skill development and accomplishments during the program. 

  • Throughout the Summer School, you’ll deepen your understanding of key ecological principles and conservation strategies. Engaging in activities like soil, flora, and fauna surveys will allow you to apply theoretical concepts in environmental science, such as ecosystem dynamics, biodiversity, and sustainable land management. These activities will help solidify your academic knowledge, giving you a robust foundation in environmental theory.

  • The program emphasises practical skills that are crucial for a successful career in conservation and ecology. You’ll learn to conduct detailed mapping using Geographic Information Systems (GIS), perform biomass assessments to understand ecosystem productivity and analyse soil composition to assess ecosystem health. These skills are directly transferable to professional settings, making you well-prepared for future work in environmental planning, conservation, or research.

  • In addition to theoretical and practical learning, this program is designed to give you extensive hands-on experience. You’ll participate in ground clearing, tree nursery work, and enrichment planting, directly contributing to habitat restoration, reforestation efforts and reducing fragmentation. These activities will enhance your physical understanding of what it takes to manage and restore natural environments, giving you a well-rounded experience that goes beyond the classroom.

Days: 19+

Registration Free: £245

Balance Payment : £955

Skills: Tropical Ecology, Forestry & Conservation

Dates: Summer 2025

ITINERARY

  • Arrival in Dar es Salaam

    Meet and Greet upon arrival in Tanzania’s bustling capital.

    Included:

    • Guesthouse accommodation

  • Visit to Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA), Morogoro

    Vehicle transfer to Morogoro to explore the university’s nurseries and other conservation initiatives.

    Included

    • Breakfast, lunch and dinner

    • Guesthouse accommodation

    • Vehicle transfer

  • Conservation Project Visit in Iringa

    Vehicle transfer to Iringa to visit a local agro-foresty project to learn about ongoing efforts.

    Included:

    • Breakfast, lunch and dinner

    • Guesthouse accommodation

    • Vehicle transfer

  • Forest Reserve Exploration

    Bus to a local Forest Reserve where you will enjoy a guided forest walk and an informative talk on conservation and ecology.

    Included:

    • Breakfast, lunch and dinner

    • Guesthouse accommodation

    • Vehicle transfer

  • Madaba Forest Restoration Project

    Vehicle transfer to the Madaba forest restoration project, where you will receive a warm welcome from the local villagers.

    Included:

    • Breakfast, lunch and dinner

    • Campsite accommodation

    • Vehicle transfer

  • Orientation and Introduction

    Morning: Introductory lecture on the projects.

    Afternoon: Orientation hike around the project site

    Included:

    • Breakfast, lunch and dinner

    • Campsite accommodation

  • Project Work

    Engage in various conservation activities such as:

    • Soil sampling

    • Flora and fauna surveys

    • Social surveys

    • Mapping

    • Biomass surveys

    • Tree nursery work

    • Enrichment planting

    • Ground clearing

    Day 9: Special lecture on tropical ecology.

    Included:

    • Breakfast, lunch and dinner

    • Campsite accommodation

    • Support staff and Masters students from Sokoine

  • Rest Day

    Take a well-deserved break.

    Optional visit to Njombe for shopping etc.

    Included:

    • Breakfast, lunch and dinner

    • Campsite accommodation

  • Continued Project Work and Learning

    Continue with conservation activities at the project site.

    Day 13: Lecture on soil science.

    Day 15: Lecture on biodiversity.

    Included:

    • Breakfast, lunch and dinner

    • Campsite accommodation

  • Final Project Day

    Morning: Wrap up project work.

    Afternoon: Farewell dinner and traditional dance celebration with all the new friends you have made from the local staff and village.

    Included:

    • Breakfast, lunch and dinner

    • Campsite accommodation

  • Mikumi National Park Safari

    Vehicle transfer to Mikumi National Park.

    Where you will enjoy an evening game drive to observe wildlife and try and spot Africa's big five at dusk.

    Included:

    • Breakfast, lunch and dinner

    • Safari

    • Lodge accommodation

  • Morning Safari and Return to Dar es Salaam

    Morning game drives followed by lunch.

    Vehicle transfer back to Dar es Salaam.

    Included:

    • Breakfast, lunch and dinner

    • Safari

    • Guesthouse accommodation

    • Vehicle transfer

  • End of Tour

    Departure from Dar es Salaam.

    Optional Extension: 5-night Zanzibar Tour available for those who wish to continue their adventure.

    Included:

    • Breakfast

    • Zanzibar transfer

COSTS

Registration Fee

£245

Due: upon signing up

This fee allows us to start booking aspects of the internships such as food, transport, accommodation, meals and site visits.

Balance Payment

£955

Due: 10 weeks before arrival

This fee allows us to finalise the booking for your internship with Verndanta Earth and cover all inclusions.

Inclusions

  • All accommodation,  as detailed in the itinerary 

  • All vehicle transfers mentioned in the itinerary

  • Three meals a day during your time at camp

  • Purified drinking water during your time in camp

  • Tented Accommodation in project ‘bush camp’ for the duration of your project

  • Services of camp staff during your stay

  • Specialist Academic supervisor to support your fieldwork

  • Equipment required to carry out your fieldwork

  • Private Vehicle return transfer from camp to Dar Es Salaam at the end of the project

  • Safety Vehicle on standby at camp

  • Satellite phone for emergencies 

  • 24/7 emergency support from the UK Ops team with over 15 years of experience in organising similar trips.

  • Project certificate in recognition of your time with us

Minimum Contribution to the Projects

£300

Due: 5 weeks before arrival

Verdanta is a social enterprise committed to landscape restoration and reforestation projects across East Africa. Our work is only made possible through your donations, internships and collaboration with local communities and institutions. You can set up a Go-Fund me for this.

Exclusions

  • International Flights

  • Visas

  • Vaccinations

  • Travel Insurance 

  • Laundry and other items of a personal nature

  • Soft drinks/alcoholic drinks (may be purchased locally)

  • Weekend excursions

  • National Park fees for at Mikumi when on safari

  • Tips/Gratuities

Extension Opportunity

EXTEND YOUR TRIP: VISIT ZANZIBAR, BEACH PARADISE

Nights: 5      Registration Fee: £95    Cost: £450 (due 10 weeks before travel)
Included: Ferry from Dar Es Salaam to Stone Town, Beach Front accommodation, return vehicle transfers, meals as per itinerary (bed and breakfast) and English-speaking guides.

You’ve just completed your internship, so what's next? Opt to head out to the paradisiacal beaches of Zanzibar for 5 days of relaxation, white sand and crystal clear waters.

Free days to enjoy Zanzibar. Optional activities include snorkelling, sunset cruises, water sports and day tours to Stone Town and spice farms (you can book and pay for these activities when you arrive). Alternatively, you can spend your time relaxing on the beautiful white sand beaches and swimming in the Indian Ocean! Accommodation in multi-share bungalows. Breakfast is included each day.

Take a look at our Verdanta Earth brochure for further details or get in touch to add our trip extension to your package!

Still looking to find out more about Verdanta Earth?

or get in touch with the Verdanta team.