Simply awesome

I spent 6 weeks with Big Beyond in Uganda, and I can safely say that it was the best 6 weeks of my life to date. The location is unbelievably beautiful, unlike anywhere I have seen before in terms of landscape and natural beauty. It is very remote, but this was expected, and in fact it really adds to the overall experience. As a geography student interested in sustainable development and conservation, it was amazing for me to see some of the things I have studied/am studying played out in 'in the field', but also to get involved and apply some of the knowledge I've acquired throughout my studies, to help to try and maintain/improve this wonderful area, and to make sure that tourism doesn't have an undesirable effect on the both the local people and the landscape. The staff are amazing, both the local coordinators and the foreign staff, they really make the experience what it is, and make you feel at home. Some of my highlights would be collecting indigenous tree seedlings and restoring them to the local community, teaching a class on how to use organic waste for compost and the benefits of doing so, and helping to build the first public bin in the village. Amongst amazing weekend trips to the stunning lakes, hiking and of course tracking and spending time with the endangered mountain gorillas. The great thing about Big Beyond is that you get to meet volunteers from all walks of life and make friends, no matter what their age or background. i can't recommend Big Beyond enough for anyone wanting to see new places but also do something worthwhile.