An Experience You Will Remember Forever

Described by lonely planet as "Africa condensed", Uganda has an enormous amount to offer. Breath taking Safaris, unrivalled gorilla and chimpanzee tracking, Bungee jumping and world class white water rafting on the River Nile are all things Volunteers can expect to enjoy when not in the classroom. The significant logistical capacity we need for our volunteering program means we are able to take volunteers on Big Game Safari, Mountain Gorilla and Chimpanzee tracking excursions at a fraction of the price charged by commercial tour companies. The result is a programme that combines high-impact volunteering with invaluable experience and unforgettable adventures that can’t be found elsewhere.

White Water Rafting

On arriving in Uganda, volunteers will have the opportunity to experience the thrills of white water rafting. With rapids from grade 1-5, the "Mighty White Nile" has made Uganda a Mecca for white water rafting and kayaking enthusiasts. For adrenaline junkies, white water rafting is therefore an absolute must. Whilst this thrilling experience is optional, we have found that it rafting is a fantastic way for new volunteers to get to know each other. After a fantastic day on the water, volunteers can relax and enjoy a well-deserved buffet, followed by drinks and a night at the spectacular rafters lodge which overlooks the longest river in the world, the Nile. Rafting is run by a South African company called "Nile River Explorers"(NRE). NRE are highly professional and have an Exemplary safety record. Each boat has two guides and support boats go ahead to help the boats regroup after each rapid.

Safari

Uganda's national parks are world famous for their rich abundance of wildlife, as well as their spectacular landscapes. The best big game safari Uganda has to offer is in Queen Elizabeth National Park which is just 35km north of the VU lodge. We are therefore able to offer a fantastic three day safari, during which volunteers will experience the best Africa has to offer in terms of wildlife viewing. Below is a rough itinerary of what to expect:

• Day 1: Early morning game drive in Ishasha Sector famous for its "tree-climbing lions". This is the only place in the world where in the heat of the day the lions climb giant fig trees and sprawl across their branches. Ishasha sector also has lots of bird life, leopards, hyenas, elephants, and hippos as well as catalogue of deer species, warthogs, giant bush pigs, and baboons.
• Night 1: We stay in the park next to river Ishasha within earshot of Hippos.
• Day 2: On the second day we travel to Mweya for a Savanna safari and a boat trip on Lake Edward which offers great viewing of crocodiles, Hippos and their Harems and elephants coming to drink.
• Night 2: Volunteers go for a slap up meal at Mweya Safari Lodge and then stay on Mweya peninsula.
• Day 3: Wake up for sunrise by Lake Edward for an early morning game drive around the impact formed "crater lakes". Our vehicles set off for the southern regions of the park with plenty opportunities for seeing large mammals and birds. That afternoon some volunteers will go chimpanzee tracking in forests of Khambura Gorge in southern region of Q.E. National park.
• Night 3: Return to lodge and compare photos, regale stories around the camp fire.

The safari is included in the Safari package and optional in the Adventure package

Mountain Gorilla Tracking

This optional expedition is perhaps the most amazing local opportunity. Mountain Gorillas are one of the most endangered species on the planet with numbers in 2006 very low at six hundred. Half of these gorillas live in Bwindi. It was in these Forests where the talismanic documentary "Gorillas in the Mist" was filmed and where David Attenborough famously snuggled with a family of gorillas. These gentle giants are the largest living primates and can weigh up to 220 kilos. Uganda and Rwanda are the only two places in the world where a very limited number of tourists have the opportunity to visit them. Permits in both Uganda and Rwanda cost around L400. This money is vital insuring the protection of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and their endangered inhabitants. The habituated families of the Mountain Gorillas that are tracked each have one silverback (Alpha male). Usually groups will spend an hour in very close proximity of the apes (a few meters) but their curious nature means that the younger gorillas will often playfully approach tracking groups. It is not dangerous as they are very peaceful creatures. While tracking gorillas is not inexpensive it and truly is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Chimp Tracking

Uganda is famous for its chimpanzees. Kyambura Gorge, about an hour north of the VU lodge is home to several habituated families of chimps. It?s one of the only places in the world where our closest relatives can be observed in the wild. The probability of successfully finding a family of Chimps approximately 85%, and once located, you can get as close as five meters to them. Many volunteers pick this out as a real highlight. Chimp Tracking is an optional excursion.

Bungee Jump

After a day of white water rafting, volunteers will also be given the opportunity to brave Uganda's only bungee jump, directly over the River Nile! It makes for a great way to bond after a day of rafting and provides even more excitement in the first days in country. Whether you shriek like a sissy or yell "Cowabunga", if you have the nerve to jump then hats off to you! NB: Fear not, the company from New Zealand who run the bungee platform naturally hold jumping safety as a priority.