Year 6 Residential Trip

Adventure on the Shores of Lake Tanganyika

Last week, our Year 6 students embarked on an unforgettable residential trip to Kigoma and Lake Tanganyika, enjoying a week packed with discovery, adventure and learning. The trip provided a fitting celebration of their final year in Primary School, and the students embraced every opportunity with enthusiasm, curiosity and impressive independence.

One of the group's first experiences was visiting the local fishing and produce markets, where students gained a valuable insight into the livelihoods of people living in Kigoma. These visits sparked important discussions about the local economy, the significance of Lake Tanganyika, and the need for sustainable fishing practices to help protect this vital natural resource for future generations.

The trip also offered opportunities to explore Kigoma’s rich history. Visits to the Livingstone Museum and the Old Slave Market gave students a deeper understanding of the region’s colonial past and historical significance. Throughout these visits, students demonstrated maturity and thoughtfulness as they reflected on the stories and events that have shaped the area.

Learning continued through visits to the train station and port, where students explored the importance of transport and logistics in the region. A particular highlight was meeting the station master, who invited the group onto the platform to help send off a cargo train. At the port, students enjoyed a special opportunity to board the historic MV Liemba, the World War I vessel currently undergoing refurbishment, and learn more about its remarkable history.

For many students, the standout moment of the week was the visit to Gombe Stream National Park. After trekking through the rainforest, they were rewarded with the extraordinary experience of observing chimpanzees in their natural habitat. Students also met researchers and laboratory scientists, gaining a fascinating insight into the work being done to study and protect the park’s wildlife.

Alongside these educational experiences, students developed valuable life skills throughout the trip. Managing a daily dinner budget encouraged thoughtful decision-making and financial responsibility, while afternoons spent swimming as the sun set over Lake Tanganyika provided memorable moments to relax and reflect on the day’s adventures.

The residential was a truly enriching experience from start to finish, helping students develop independence, broaden their perspectives and create lasting memories with their classmates. We are incredibly proud of the maturity, resilience and positive attitude shown by the entire year group throughout the week.