A rare opportunity to join Build Naturally with Sigi Koko for natural building plus safari with Gennifer Reed in Africa!!
When Sigi first began learning about natural building methods in architecture school, she gained the most knowledge by studying African building techniques. It has been her dream ever since to see it in person. And now that dream comes true and more! With this opportunity to combine her passion for natural building with the people who still hold this traditional knowledge and in the place where it originated!!
Join Sigi for two natural building workshops in Karatu, Tanzania. The bonus: each workshop includes a wildlife safari, visiting several of Tanzania’s prized national parks.
Come with us to learn about blending the local ancient natural building wisdom born in Africa at the time of more nomadic shelters. Now the needs are for long-term durability with fine finishes. Work side-by-side with Tanzanian locals, while receiving personal guidance from Sigi Koko. We will create a beautiful, highly functional, composting toilet building at a local school which can replace the older facilities for an ecologically sound and healthy alternative.
You choose from 2 different options (or come for both):
Group #1 - learn how to build wattle & daub walls, sculpt niches, smooth with base clay plaster, and install a simple adobe floor PLUS 6 nights on Safari
Group #2 - 7 nights on Safari PLUS learn how to apply smooth, waxed finish clay plaster and the Moroccan art of tadelakt
What we are building
During the Group #1 workshop, we will construct a small building to house Humanure-style composting toilets for school students. We’ll install a rubble trench footer and weave wattling (sticks) to shape the bathroom walls. Then cover the weaving with “daub”, a mixture of clay soil and fiber. Finally we will install a compacted earthen floor. This package includes 6 nights on Safari.
During the Group #2 workshop, we will apply interior & exterior finishes to the composting toilet building. We’ll apply & wax a burnished clay plaster inside the building, and apply & burnish a lime plaster (tadelakt) on the outside. We will also seal an earthen floor with hardening oil. This package includes 7 nights on Safari.
ITINERARY & COST
Group #1 - Wattle & Daub, Adobe Floors + Safari
Day 1 – January 30th – *Arrival to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), evening transportation to African View Lodge
Day 2 – January 31st – Morning in Arusha National Park, drive to Eileen's Trees Inn in Karatu (where we will be building)
Day 3 – February 1st – Intros + Wattle Weaving
Day 4– February 2nd – Daubing
Day 5 – February 3rd – Finish Walls & Insert Bottles
Day 6 – February 4th – Smoothing Walls + Adobe Floor
Day 7 – February 5th – ½ Day Smooth Walls & Wrap Up
Day 8 – February 6th – Leave early morning for Ngorongoro Conservation Area/Ngorongoro Crater, Sero Tented Camp
Day 9 – February 7th – Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Sero Tented Camp
Day 10 – February 8th – Serengeti National Park, Thorn Tree Tented Camp
Day 11 – February 9th – Serengeti National Park, Thorn Tree Tented Camp
Day 12 – February 10th – Tarangire National Park, Tarangi Safari Lodge
Day 13 – February 11th – return to Kilimanjaro International Airport for evening flight out**
6 nights on Safari
Total Cost: $4,990 for the first ten booked, $5,490 until May 1st ($6,490 after May 1st)
Price includes ground transportation, lodging, and meals.
Group #2 - Safari + Tadelakt, Finish Clay Plaster
Day 1 – February 11th – *Arrival to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), evening transportation to African View Lodge
Day 2 – February 12th – ½ day in Arusha National Park + travel to Tarangire Safari Lodge
Day 3 – February 13th – game drive at Tarangire National Park & travel to Karatu (where we will be building) Eileen's Trees Inn
Day 4– February 14th – leave early for Ngorongoro Crater, Sero Tented Camp
Day 5 – February 15th – Ngorongoro Conservation Area & Ndutu Area, Sero Tented Camp
Day 6 – February 16th – Serengeti National Park, Thorn Tree Tented Camp
Day 7 – February 17th – Serengeti National Park, Thorn Tree Tented Camp
Day 8 – February 18th – return to Karatu (where we will be building) Eileen's Trees Inn
Day 9 – February 19th – Intros + Mix Clay Plaster & Apply Base Layer
Day 10 – February 20th – Apply Fine Clay Plaster
Day 11 – February 21st – Apply Tadelakt
Day 12 – February 22nd – Burnishing Tadelakt & oil adobe floor
Day 13 – February 23rd – return to Kilimanjaro International Airport for evening flight out**
7 nights on Safari
Total Cost: $5,990 for the first ten booked, $6,490 until May 1st ($7,490 after May 1st)
Price includes ground transportation, lodging, and meals
How to Register
Please contact Gennifer Reed, GenSafaris LLC by emailing GenSafaris@gmail.com with any questions on the safari and for registration details.
A Few Additional Details
Bonus Pricing: Register by May 1st to receive $1,000 off the total cost
You will receive additional details on flights, visas, travel insurance, what to bring, etc. when you register
Note that Sigi teaches in English
Price includes:
Ground transportation, lodging, 3 meals daily except arrival and departure days
Hands-on experience with one-on-one guidance from Sigi Koko
An African Safari with Sigi Koko, led by GenSafaris
Evening arrival pickup at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
Evening departure drop off at JRO
Price does not include:
International Flights & Entry Visa
Travel Insurance
Drinks at meals (except for coffee & tea usually available)
Tips for guides, lodging, cultural experiences
Laundry & Personal expenditures
*Earlier arrival pickup, and transport to lodging may be arranged at an additional cost
**Additional overnight lodging & tours may be booked at additional cost
These courses are for you if… you are a hands-on learner and want an immersive experience building side-by-side with Tanzanian locals. AND you would enjoy spending 2 weeks in an intimate setting with Sigi Koko - partly building naturally and partly on Safari in Africa!
Thank You!
Gennifer Reed