Sign up for waitlist: Writing Safari in Tanzania with Joy Sullivan + Emily Scott (sold out)
As a courtesy, I offered this trip in advance to my writing community, Sustenance, and it sold out within hours (!) You can still sign up for the waitlist and be notified if a spot opens up. <3
Friends!
I was not expecting to send you an email that said the retreat had already sold out but indeed it has. I always give my writing community first dibs on all of my events and I was deeply moved that Sustenance members filled this trip as soon as it opened. Please sign up for the trip waitlist to be notified if a spot opens up. In the meantime, join Sustenance for ongoing community, craft workshops, guest author visits, Office Hours with me, and first dibs on all future retreats (including priority on the Tanzania Writing Safari waitlist).
Waitlist for Tanzania Writing Safari: Jan 26 - Feb 2, 2024
A week-long adventure in the Serengeti: Jan 26 - Feb 2, 2024
Join us for a week of writing and witnessing the most spectacular season in the Serengeti.
We’ve planned our retreat to coincide with the world-famous wildebeest migration and calving season. In these lush few months, thousands of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles are born, resulting in the most epic wildlife viewing the park has to offer.
We’re taking only five writers for an intimate and close-knit writing experience in the heart of Tanzania.
What’s included:
- Writing workshops w/ Joy + individual mentorship
- Six nights at Foresight Eco Lodge
- All meals and non-alcoholic drinks at Foresight
- One night hotel stay in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
- Private Land Cruiser and driver/guide for safaris + national park fees
- Pickup and drop off at Kilimanjaro International Airport
- Safari to Serengeti National Park
- Safari to Ngorongoro Crater (one of densest population of lions in the world).
- Waterfall hike in Ngorongoro Conservation area + day trip to Lake Eyasi
- Dinner hosted by a local Tanzanian family
Join waitlist
Accommodations:
Foresight lodge is perched on a hill overlooking Ngorongoro Conservation area and includes stunning views of forest and clear night skies. Foresight Lodge is locally owned and invest profits in community development.
Each guest will have their own individual bungalow that includes a private shower.
Hosts:
Joy Sullivan (writing instructor):
Joy is a poet, educator, and community leader. She holds a master's degree in poetry and served as the poet-in-residence for the Wexner Center for the Arts. She also leads transformative writing workshops for individuals who have experienced trauma and has guest-lectured in classrooms from Stanford to Florida State University. Her book Instructions for Traveling West debuts from Dial Press in 2024.
Emily Scott (trip leader):
Emily is a Registered Nurse and has spent nearly two years traveling and working in Africa over a dozen visits. She has lived in Tanzania and is incredibly excited to introduce guests to this beautiful country. She is available to help guests with travel health, visas, flight reservations, etc. You can find her on Instagram here.
Investment
$3,500
Guest price does NOT include: Airfare, visas, tips, meals outside of Foresight Eco Lodge, alcoholic drinks, extra activities on our free day
$1000 non-refundable deposit is required to hold your spot.
FAQs:
- What airport do I fly into?
Kilimanjaro International Airport (airport code JRO). Plan to arrive in Kilimanjaro on January 26. Once you arrive, Emily will meet you at the airport and take it from there! We will spend the night in Kilimanjaro and drive 4 hours to Foresight as a group the next morning. Emily can assist you with choosing flights if needed. Be sure to leave enough time to transport back to Kilimanjaro for your flight home.
- What are the COVID-19 travel requirements?
As we are traveling to a rural area and want to be safe and respectful to the community we’re visiting, we require that all guests wear masks during air travel to our destination. Travelers are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID (between us, according to the Tanzanian government vaccination is recommended rather than required - but I've heard of travelers who have been asked to show proof of vaccination upon arrival so we're just gonna cover all our bases).
- Will I need travel vaccinations?
No additional vaccinations are required to enter Tanzania. Taking prophylactic anti-malarial medication during the trip is optional but recommended. Foresight Eco Lodge is at a high enough elevation that we will not have mosquitoes at home base, but we may encounter them while out on day trips. I can provide more in-depth travel health recommendations for our guests.
(Side note just for us - You will need a yellow fever vaccine in order to get into Kenya.)
- Do I need a visa?
US citizens do need a visa to enter Tanzania. The application is submitted online and costs $50.
SAMPLE ITINERARY (subject to change)
January 26 - Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport. Overnight at Airport Planet Lodge.
January 27 - After breakfast, drive 4 hours to Foresight Eco Lodge, getting a taste of Tanzania along the way (and Mt Kilimanjaro views on a clear day). Settle into your private bungalow. Welcome dinner.
January 28 - After a leisurely breakfast, hike to Endoro Waterfall and Elephant Caves with a local guide and ranger. After returning to Foresight, we will be hosted for dinner at a local family's home followed by writing workshop.
January 29 - We'll get an early start to spend a day on safari in Serengeti National Park, where the world-famous wildebeest migration will be in full swing.
January 30 - In addition to the workshop, you can take a Swahili lesson, tour a local organic coffee farm, visit the nearby town of Karatu for souvenir shopping, or take additional safari to Lake Manyara or Tarangire National Park.
January 31 - Day trip to Lake Eyasi to visit the Bushmen and Datoga tribes.
February 1 - Safari to Ngorongoro Crater National Park. Closing dinner + open mic.
February 2 - Check out of Foresight and transport back to Kilimanjaro International Airport (or elsewhere if planning further travel in the area).
Wowza, this sounds like the trip of a lifetime with the best mentors to write alongside. I hope I find a spot in ❤️