Happy Days

Ernest Hemmingway said; " I never knew of a morning in Africa when I woke up and was not happy."

He wasn't in Bwindi, nor even Uganda, but the statement still applies. I spent an incredible few weeks on the Big Beyond project here, having arrived not knowing what to expect of the rainforest - all my Africa experiences had been desert and bush. I ended up staying for an extra week, enjoying one of the happiest and most meaningful Christmas's of my life, and am soon to return for a second visit.

This is probably the most rewarding volunteer project I have ever undertaken, being not only fun, educational and inspirational, it is also sustainable; giving a real purpose to the lives of the local people, and a sense of worthwhile achievement to the volunteers. I came away with the feeling that I had seen a very rare and beautiful part of Africa, carried out important work where it was needed, made some lifelong friends, and left a good impression behind me.

I would list this experience amongst the best things I have ever done.