Anniversary trip
A unique tour celebrating 30 years of conservation: Travel with the travel agency SteppesTravel, in exclusive co-operation with the Orangutan Foundation and the Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Programme to gain insight into their programmes in Sumatra and Borneo, protecting all three species of orangutan.
The trip to Indonesia:
19th – 29th November 2022
Explore the abundant wildlife of Indonesia in areas rarely seen by outsiders, in search of the ‘Person of the Forest’ the elusive orangutan. Begin in Sumatra and travel on to the wilds of the Sumatran jungle, into the world of the Sumatran and in 2017 discovered Tapanuli orangutan – the world’s rarest great ape. From here, travel on to Borneo and into Tanjung Puting National Park, by boat passing through lush tropical rainforest, looking for wild orangutans and proboscis monkeys amongst other wildlife.
This is a one-off tour, celebrating 30 years of conservation for the Orangutan Foundation with the Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Programme. Travel with Orangutan Foundation founder, Ashley Leiman, OBE and learn first-hand about her continued efforts to protect the critically endangered Bornean orangutans. The group will also be accompanied by Regina Frey, the founder of our foundation, who set up the first orangutan rehabilitation centre for Sumatran orangutans in Bukit Lawang in the Gunung Leuser National Park. Dr Ian Singleton, Senior Advisor of the Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Programme, will also accompany the group throughout and share his experience of two decades in Sumatra and expertise in conservation of the Tapanuli orangutan. It is through their unique insight; this group allows a real behind the scenes view into the magnificent conservation efforts of these two charities towards all three species of orangutan.
Detailed information
Orangutan Foundation and Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Programme
The 11 day trip will take place from 19th – 29th November 2022. The cost is £6,995 per person. It includes a £2,000 per person contribution to both the Orangutan Foundation and the Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Programme, for them to continue their critical conservation work.
Highlights
- Join experts from the Orangutan Foundation and Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Programme
- Gain an insight into conservation projects in Borneo and Sumatra
- Take river journeys through dense jungle, spotting proboscis monkeys and monitor lizards
Itinerary
Day 1: Medan
Arrive in Medan and meet with Ashley, Regina and Ian at a welcome dinner for the group.
Day 2: Medan
Visit the SOCP Rescue and Rehabilitation Station and the Orangutan Haven.
Day 3: Medan – Bukit Lawang
Drive to Bukit Lawang and stay at an Ecolodge. Visit the village and the Ecofarm. Enjoy a presentation from Regina.
Day 4: Bukit Lawang
Trek through the protected rainforest and listen to an evening presentation from Ian.
Day 5: Bukit Lawang – Jakarta
Drive back to Medan and fly to Jakarta.
Day 6: Jakarta – Tanjung Puting National Park
Fly to Pangkalan Bun and travel by boat along the Sekonyer River to the Tanjung Puting National Park. Visit orangutan feeding sites and attend a presentation by Ashley.
Day 7: Tanjung Puting National Park
Spend your day on a boat and explore various orangutan feeding sites. Visit the research site Camp Leakey and encounter ex-captive and rehabilitated orangutans.
Day 8: Tanjung Puting National Park – Pangkalan Bun
Travel by boat via Kumai along the Arut River to the Lamandau Wildlife Reserve.
Day 9: Pangkalan Bun
Travel by speedboat along the Arut River to the Lamandau Wildlife Reserve and Camp Gemini. This is a release site for reintroduced orangutans.
Day 10: Pangkalan Bun – Jakarta
Meet Yayorin, a local NGO working in protecting orangutans alongside local communities. Fly to Jakarta.
Day 11: Jakarta
Transfer to the airport for your onwards flight.