Into the Wild With Twende Porini
Last week a group of 16 students from Olchanimelok Primary School left behind their classrooms in the Ngorongoro Highlands, Tanzania, to experience the wild in a way few in their community ever have. From March 19 to 22, 2025, the Twende Porini program brought them to Asilia’s Oliver’s Camp in Tarangire National Park to give them an insight into the world of nature tourism.
Twende Porini, which means "Let’s go to the bush" in Swahili, is a chance for young people to see the landscapes and animals that make Tanzania famous, not as distant figures on a postcard, but as part of a living, breathing ecosystem. The program is built on the idea that conservation begins with understanding. By bringing students from communities near protected areas into the heart of the wilderness, it opens doors to conversations about the future of wildlife, tourism, and the people who share the land with both.
The days were busy and immersive. Each morning, the students climbed into safari vehicles for game drives led by Asilia’s expert guides, many of whom come from Maasai communities like their own. They spotted elephants moving in silent procession, watched giraffes stretch their necks to reach the highest leaves, and saw lions resting in the shade. The thrill of these encounters was matched by the curiosity they sparked. Guides answered an endless stream of questions, explaining the delicate balance that keeps the ecosystem alive.
Back at camp, the learning continued. The students played interactive games, listened to talks from park authorities, and gathered around to hear about conservation projects. A session led by the Maasai Steppe Carnivore Conservation Trust focused on the challenges of living alongside lions. For many, the topic was personal. Their families keep livestock, and the presence of predators is a daily reality. Hearing about efforts to protect both people and wildlife gave them a fresh perspective on an old challenge.
In the evenings, as the sky filled with stars, the students sat together and reflected on what they had seen. The Twende Porini programme underlines the importance of engaging with people when talking about conservation. With the opportunity to see their natural heritage up close, the students experience not only broadens their understanding of wildlife and conservation but plants the seeds whereby they can imagine a future where they are part of the story.