Plains, Peaks, Rides, Reefs & Mindfulness
UWCEA is committed to building on the legacy created by International School Moshi (ISM) and to continuing and developing ISM’s successful 50 year history of running Outdoor Pursuits (OP) opportunities for students.
Our mission is to inclusively offer outdoor education as an integral part of UWC East Africa’s educational model. We are working towards becoming a world reference in terms of outdoor education, bridging the gap between theoretical and practical knowledge, skills and inquiry through experiential learning.
The Outdoor Pursuits at UWC East Africa is a joint operation connecting the two campuses of the school. Students can sign up to trips of five different outdoor programmes: Peaks, Plains, Reefs, Rides and Mindfulness. Please consult the Programmes Catalogues to know more about each trip: locations, summaries, itineraries, fitness requirements, minimal outdoor experience requirements.
In total, there are between 25 and 30 trips per year and we can count an average of 30 students per trip.
Click here to view the calendar of the trips for this school year.
Plains
Purpose: To offer hikes in mostly flat terrain, the main focus being to learn about the ecology of the wildlife and landscapes, and about traditional lifestyles of certain local communities, like the Maasai people.
To introduce students to conservation methods and projects in different locations, with various organisations and communities.
The students carry only their water, snacks and personal effects during the hikes. Most of the equipment will be carried to the campsite.
Students are encouraged to bring cameras to work on their photography skills, binoculars to develop their eye, bird or wildlife books to learn to identify, notebooks, phones if they have ecology-related apps, or anything that can contribute to their experience and learning.
Everyone contributes to setting camp, cooking, washing dishes, and any camping-related chores
View the OP Plains Packing List
Peaks
Purpose: To reach the various summits of northern Tanzania, progressing through the categories for those students who intend to tackle bigger mountaineering challenges. While there is no technical climbing involved (e.g. using ropes), some hikes are steep and require appropriate preparation.
The students will learn to hike through hostile environments, managing their own equipment adequately under the supervision of experienced local guides and school staff. Mountains are microclimates: the trips will sometimes involve rain, hot sun, cold temperatures (even snow!), and altitude; some summits reach up to 3000 to 5,895 metres above sea level (MASL).
To complete a trip, students have to carry their bag and equipment to the summit. Since we hike in groups, the virtues of patience and teamwork are necessary. We stay together and hike together!
Everyone contributes to setting camp, cooking, washing dishes, and any camping-related chores.
View the OP Peaks Packing List
Rides
Purpose: Cross-country style bike excursions in remote areas. We are looking for locations populated by wildlife and offering outstanding views of the diverse Tanzanian landscapes. We avoid main roads as much as possible for safety reasons.
Students learn the fundamentals of group excursions in order to maximise safety and fun; signals, techniques, road safety, going uphill and downhill, etc. They will also learn the basics of mechanics in order to fix their own bikes when needed (flat tyres, brake cable breaking, gear adjustment, etc.).
The students carry only their water, snacks and personal effects during the excursion. Most of the equipment will be carried in a vehicle to the campsite.
Everyone contributes to setting camp, cooking, washing dishes, and any camping-related chores.
View the OP Rides Packing List
Reefs
Purpose: In this programme, there are three core areas: developing swimming/snorkeling/diving skills; contributing to coral regeneration; practising coral monitoring (maintenance and collection of data).
The students develop sufficient water-related skills to eventually contribute to the Coral Reefs Regeneration Project in Tanga, in collaboration with Fish Eagle Point.
Water is an additional factor to consider when going on Reefs trips. The students are required to demonstrate their swimming ability prior to the trip (see fitness requirements).
The Reefs trips are weather dependent, and the activities are tide dependent. Schedules are adjusted continuously, so students are encouraged to show adaptability.
In groups, students rotate between various activities like mangroves and coral reefs snorkeling excursions, beach clean-ups, kayaking and paddle boarding, recreational dives, service dives, and more.
Everyone contributes to setting camp, cooking, washing dishes, and any camping-related chores.
View the OP Reefs Packing List
MINDFULNESS
While we offer mostly Outdoor Pursuits, this one suggests an “Indoor” Pursuit. These trips involve no exertion of any kind.
Purpose: To intentionally disconnect to better (re)connect with our Self.
To promote holistic well-being through retreats in natural environments by engaging in or being introduced to simple contemplative practices, and tools that will be available to the participants even after the retreats.
The retreats include the following contemplative practices: fundamentals of breath work; guided relaxation and meditation; the state of yoga; mindful activities (walking, eating, etc.); creative artwork; journaling; practices of silence, stillness, solitude; and more…
Everyone contributes to setting camp, cooking, washing dishes, and any camping-related chores.
Our OP store has most items for hire for our expeditions. However students who are determined to progress well through the levels may wish to purchase their own equipment.
Please ensure that you read our OP Policies and frequently-asked questions here.
Meet the Team
Andy Ross – OP Supervisor, Moshi Campus
Meet Mr. Andy, a passionate Humanities teacher whose love for his subject is only rivalled by his adventurous spirit for the outdoors. A mountain enthusiast and ultra-marathon runner, he loves a challenge, whether it’s scaling peaks, exploring underwater while scuba diving, or on snowy trails whilst cross-country skiing. He aims to inspire students to explore the interconnectedness of humans to local landscapes whilst also encouraging them to step outside and be pushed out of their comfort zone. He is a true believer that being outdoors enriches students’ education but also fosters a deep appreciation for the great outdoors and world around them.
Bryan Davidson – OP Supervisor, Arusha Campus
Mr. Bryan is in charge of administration and logistics, ensuring seamless operations and coordination for all our activities. His enthusiasm for the outdoors drives his commitment to excellence, making him an energetic and dedicated leader. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for adventure, Mr. Bryan ensures that every aspect of our programs runs smoothly, allowing our team to focus on delivering exceptional outdoor experiences
Frank Ngowi – OP Coordinator, Arusha Campus
Mountain and safari guide for over a decade, Frank knows Tanzania like his back pocket. Overtime, he has collected valuable knowledge about ecosystems, wildlife, birds, conservation, wilderness first aid, and he is always eager to share what he learns to students on OP trips. With over 75 climbs of Kilimanjaro and countless ascents of Mount Meru, and even more trips on safari, Frank has an enthusiasm about adventure that is contagious: when we come back from a trip, it’s like we want to go again straight away!
Isaac Foya – OP Coordinator, Moshi Campus
Considered a pillar in outdoor education at UWC East Africa, joining the school over 20 years ago, Mr Isaac is a professional guide whose reputation precedes him. He is a leading member of our OP programmes, and he knows how to combine tradition and innovation. His knowledge of the remote areas of Tanzania is unique, but also has experience like no other. Mr Isaac has stopped counting his Mount Kilimanjaro climbs after the 100th time. No need to say that you are in good hands if you are on a Peaks trip with him!
Salimu Ismail – Assistant OP Coordinator, Moshi Campus
Composure, stability, strength… Mr Salimu has shown over the last 15 years how invaluable his presence is on OP trips. His joie-de-vivre is contagious, reassuring both students and staff even in the most challenging moments. Usually recognised as an experienced mountain guide, Salimu does not go unnoticed on Reefs trips where he does not hesitate to show off his best outdoor culinary skills. One can learn from him through character or in the camping kitchen!
