Volunteer Abroad Uganda - Julie and Craig

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Name: Craig and Julie

Age: 59 and 57

Project: Itohya Forest Conservation & Chimpanzee Protection

Destination: Uganda

Duration: 28 days

Review Julie and Craig – Volunteer Abroad Uganda

1. Would you like to give us a brief overview of your tasks in the project?

Our tasks included: a daily morning walk in the forest to look for the chimps. We were accompanied by 2 guides and never went into the forest alone. We would spend 2-3 hours locating and observing the chimps. After breakfast, there was a variety of tasks. We chopped bamboo and used it to build tree protectors.

We planted trees and did some weeding. We helped rebuild the roof of the outdoor kitchen. We built a bee's nest. We built handrails for the forest bridges. All of these tasks we did with the team of workers. We had rest periods after breakfast and after lunch. We concluded work at around 4:00 for tea and a discussion about the day with the staff.

2. What was the biggest challenge for you during the project?

The biggest challenge was navigating the forest when we went off trail. The forest has many vines with big thorns. Good hiking clothes were essential.

Thick gloves, good waterproof hiking shoes, long sleeved shirts and long pants could keep you safe from the thorns, the red ants and any allergic reaction to the plants.

3. Was there anything you particularly liked? Or something that you remember particularly negatively?

We enjoyed observing the wildlife the most. The chimps, the birds, the baboons, the butterflies, the colobus and other monkeys. The sounds of the forest and the clean, fresh air made our morning walks magical. The staff was outstanding! They were experienced guides with an excellent attitude.

We have nothing negative to say. We enjoyed falling asleep to the sounds of the forest, but someone else might need earplugs. Although there were very few mosquitoes, repellent is a good idea.

4. Did you have certain expectations before you travelled to the project?

Before the trip, we were slightly worried about safety. From the moment we landed until we left, there was nothing to worry about. We felt perfectly safe the entire trip. The interactions with wildlife exceeded expectations. As did the friendliness of the staff and the meals and accommodations.

5. Did you do anything in your free time that you could recommend to future participants?

For two of the weekends that we had off, we took trips arranged by James. One weekend safari and boat ride at Murchinson National Park and one weekend of gorilla trekking at Bwindi National Forest. Both trips were epic!

One weekend, we stayed at the compound and cleaned and did laundry.

6. What tips would you give other participants?

I recommend bringing a few boxes of granola bars or other snacks.

Although there was plenty of food at meal times, they came in handy. Adhere to the packing list! Contact James if you have questions. He was very helpful.

We brought a camping clothesline and small packets of liquid detergent to wash socks and underwear. We wish we had brought a pack of coffee filters and two towels each.

7. Can you estimate how many additional costs you had on site?

For a month's stay, additional expenses were for extra water or soda/beer. Also, laundry is charged by the piece. We tipped our drivers, the forest guides, the cook, and the safari/trekkiing guides generously. We also wanted to donate to the surrounding community, so we bought school supplies and soccer balls for the local school. We bought some souvenirs.

All of these things were relatively inexpensive. When James takes you to the ATM, I would take out the maximum amount allowed of the local currency per couple...More if you intend to do weekend trips.

8. There is still room here for other questions/suggestions/ideas/reports or stories from you:

This was an incredible experience. We would like to go back and spend another month in the coming years. I would caution volunteers that each day we walked between 5 and 10 kilometres on uneven ground.

I hope this was helpful. I hope the reports of Ebola don't hurt the project too much.

Be well,
Julie and Craig.