EXPEDITION OVERVIEW

PLEASE NOTE THIS TOUR IS FULLY BOOKED. No more bookings can be taken.

Come and see orangutans the only way they should be seen; in the jungles of Sumatra. Make a personal difference by contributing to a unique organisation helping to save the great red ape from extinction.

On this 11-day Orangutan Veterinary Aid (OVAID) fundraising tour, beginning and ending in Medan (North Sumatra), you will visit pristine rainforests, trek into the jungles of Gunung Leuser National Park in North Sumatra, where wild and released orangutans wander freely in their natural surroundings. 

You will also have the unique opportunity to visit SOCP™s orangutan rescue and rehabilitation centre, where veterinarians are delivering life-saving medical treatment to the red ape and where orangutans are prepared for reintroduction back into the forests. This is where you will see the real difference being made by OVAID. 

There really is nothing like giving back and on this specially crafted expedition, you will visit the jungle habitat of the orangutan and help protect them for generations to come. If you are interested in adventure and giving back to the world at the same time, then you have got to be part of this expedition.

Join your hosts Nigel and Sara Hicks (OVAID co-founders) who will travel with you throughout the journey and share their expert views on orangutans and how their organisation is helping to save them and enable them to be released back into the jungle.

Introducing OVAID's co-founders
Vet, Dr Nigel Hicks and his wife Sara Fell Hicks, have been working with orangutans in Borneo and Sumatra since 2009. Together they have on-the-ground experience of rescuing, rehabilitating and releasing orangutans in both Malaysia and Indonesia. Spending approximately five of the last ten years living and working in these countries and being an active part of the veterinary teams in four different orangutan rescue centres, Nigel and Sara can share in-depth knowledge of this critically endangered species. Through their experiences, they recognised an urgent need for the provision of veterinary equipment, medicines and practical veterinary mentoring to orangutan rescue groups and rehabilitation centres in Indonesia and Malaysia. Initially, through friends, they raised funds to enable them to buy equipment which they personally took out to Indonesia but it soon became obvious that a more formal structure was needed and in early 2014 they established Orangutan Veterinary Aid (OVAID) as a registered charity. 

During this accompanied tour Nigel and Sara will share presentations on their work with orangutan over the last 15 years and there will be plenty of time for one to one conversations as well as group discussions.

THE LEUSER ECOSYSTEM - THE LAST PLACE ON EARTH
At around 2.63 million hectares, the Leuser Ecosystem really is a world unto itself; a rich expanse of original tropical lowland rainforests, cloud-covered mountains and swampy peatlands. It is among the most biodiverse ecosystems ever recorded by science, and it is the last place on earth where Sumatran orangutans, elephants, tigers and rhinos still freely roam.

However, the Leuser Ecosystem is now under threat. Despite being protected under Indonesian national law, massive industrial development is being planned for logging, palm oil, pulp and paper plantations and mining. This will threaten the entire ecosystem, as well as the continued wellbeing of the millions of Acehnese traditional landholders who depend on it for their food, water and livelihoods.

WHAT TO EXPECT
You are embarking on an adventure to places and amongst people whose lives are very different from your own. Many aspects of life in Indonesia will seem unusual. Remember that these are often the same aspects that make an area an exotic and attractive destination. While boat expeditions are considered easy, no trek is easy, even those rated "easy or moderate". In addition to the personal physical challenges you may face, travel conditions can present unexpected obstacles, such as rough and bumpy roads and changeable weather. To prepare for this "pack" a flexible and relaxed attitude. Bring a spirit of adventure and enquiry, a healthy sense of humour and a willingness to encounter the unexpected and you will find your trip to Indonesia the adventure of a lifetime!

ABOUT OVAID

An Introduction to OVAID

OVAID is a registered U.K. charity that provides essential medicines, equipment and professional help for vets working at the front line of orangutan rescue whether this is from illegal pet homes, human orangutan conflict or the illegal wildlife trade. These vets and their teams are often working in extremely difficult, demanding and dangerous conditions with minimal equipment and the support of OVAID is vital. In addition, the charity seeks to educate and inform the public about deforestation issues, habitat loss and the plight of the orangutan.

Since its inception in 2014 OVAID has provided nearly £500,000 in medicines, equipment and learning opportunities to orangutan vet teams. This has included funding a veterinary scholarship for young Indonesian orangutan vets from the rescue teams together with in-situ practical workshops. Currently the charity is developing a US$75,000 3 year on-line learning programme in veterinary dentistry and dental anaesthesia for Indonesian & Malaysian primate vets, leading to further workshops during 2025 / 2027. By participating in this tour you will be part of this amazing effort and will be positively impacting orangutan welfare.

HIGHLIGHTS

Our goal is to provide our guests with a unique experience, to observe wild and semi-wild orangutans in their natural habitat. We will provide you with a safe platform to observe the other wildlife Sumatra has to offer including Thomas Leaf monkeys, gibbons and more. We will also provide you with comprehensive information about the destination you are in so that you are fully informed of your surroundings.

• Travel with OVAID co-founders Nigel and Sara Hicks and see first-hand how their work is helping save wildlife.
• See wild orangutans in their natural rainforest habitat
• Spend time searching for other amazing wildlife
• Meet the Orangutan Information Centre team (OIC) 
• Trek through the forest of Gunung Leuser National Park and camp out overnight by a river.
• Sunrise climb of Mt. Sibayak volcano (optional)
• Exclusive visit the SOCP's rescue centre at Batu Mbelin (closed to the public) 
• Exclusive guided tour of SOCP's new Orangutan Haven project
• Join for the presentation of OVAID donated veterinary supplies to SOCP & OIC 
• Visit the Batak people of Lake Toba, learn about their unique culture and experience their way of life
• Help save the orangutan

ITINERARY - 11 DAYS

1st to 11th November 2025
*Subject to change without notice due to local conditions

Day 1 - 1 Nov: Arrive in Medan.
Today you will arrive in Medan, North Sumatra where you will be met and picked up from the airport by an Orangutan Odysseys representative and transferred to your hotel in Medan city. Tonight over dinner we will meet our team and discuss the rest of the trip along with meeting your local guide. Overnight in a Medan hotel. Meals: Nil

Day 2 “ 2 Nov: Orangutan Information Centre (OIC) - Orangutan Haven
This morning we will visit the Orangutan Information Centre (OIC) offices in Medan to meet the team and to hand over donations to the vets. We hope to have a short presentation from the team on their work in Leuser. Following this we travel on to Sibolangit to the Orangutan Haven centre, which acts as a home for unreleasable orangutans. Here we will have lunch and a tour of the site to view the orangutan islands. We will also have the opportunity to make enrichment items for the orangutans at the SOCP rescue centre to deliver to the centre tomorrow. Overnight Medan. Meals: B,L,D

Day 3 - 3 Nov: Medan - Orangutan Haven - SOCP Batu Mbelin - Berastagi
Today we travel to Batu Mbelin to SOCP™s rescue & rehabilitation centre to see the incredible work being done, meet the vet team and personally hand over donations and deliver the enrichment items. Late afternoon we head to the mountain town of Berastagi for an overnight stay at our hotel. Meals B.L
Please note: The centre suffered a devastating landslide in November 2024 and is under reconstruction. A visit to the centre will hopefully be possible but the extent of our access will be dependent on the situation at the time. For more information, see SOCP DISASTER UPDATE below:

Day 4 - 4 Nov: Berastagi -  Ketambe Lodge
An optional very early, 4.00 am wake up will see you hiking up Mt Sibayak for sunrise, an active volcano with panoramic views across the valleys. Then we board our bus to start the long drive (approx 7 hours) through to our jungle base camp in Ketambe (Aceh). Along the way, we will stop for lunch at a local warung (small restaurant) and we will pass through the scenic mountain areas and also see volcanoes and other places of interest. Late afternoon we will arrive in Ketambe and set up base camp at our jungle lodge. If time allows we can have a swim in the nearby river. Here we will also meet with our local guiding team and discuss our plans for jungle trekking tomorrow. Overnight in the lodge.
Meals: B,L,D

Day 5 - 5 Nov: Ketambe - Start 2-day Jungle Trekking
Today after an early breakfast we start our 2-day adventure and head into the jungle looking for orangutans and other wildlife. This amazing Leuser ecosystem will provide us opportunities to view not only wild orangutans but also Thomas Leaf monkeys, gibbons, macaques, hornbills and more. We will have lunch in the jungle and later we arrive at our campsite by a crystal clear river and enjoy a refreshing swim and clean up before dinner. We will camp in tents overnight in the National Park - all camping equipment including tent, mattress, pillow and blanket are carried in by our support team.
Meals: B,L,D

Day 6 - 6 Nov: Ketambe Trekking - Lodge
This morning we wake to the sounds of the jungle at our riverside camp and head out again into the jungle looking for wildlife and more. After lunch along the way, we will trek to the hot springs area for a relaxing œriver spa before making our way back out of the jungle and returning to the lodge overnight.
Meals: B,L,D

Day 7 - 7 Nov: Research Station - Reforestation and Trekking  - Ketambe Lodge
This morning we travel to meet with The Forum for the Conservation of Leuser (FKL), where we will be introduced to their important work. We will trek through the jungle in the morning and in the afternoon look for orangutans and other wildlife. Along the way, we will learn more about the vital work being done by FKL and return to the lodge for the night. Lunch at the centre and hand over any donations.
Meals: B,L,D
Some activities this day may include:
- Trekking, Phenology (plant and tree identification) and bird watching
- Orangutan and Wildlife Observation
- FKL Presentation
- Informal discussions with the FKL Ketambe team

Day 8 - 8 Nov: Ketambe - Lake Toba
After an early breakfast we will start our long day™s journey (9 to 10 hours) south all the way through to Lake Toba. Here you will spend the next 3 nights for some well-earned rest and relaxation along with opportunites to explore this unique location. Lake Toba is a very amazing natural wonder. With an area of 1,145 square kilometers and a depth of 450 meters, Lake Toba is actually more like an ocean than a lake. This lake is thought to have been formed from the violent eruption of a volcano, Mount Toba, which occurred about 74.000 years ago. Overnight in the wonderful Tabo Cottages.
Meals: B,L

Days 9 & 10 - 9 & 10 Nov: Lake Toba
After some early starts, long journeys and strenuous jungle trekking, we have two days of leisure at wonderful Tabo Cottages nestled by the shore of Lake Toba. These can be spent as you choose beside the picturesque lake but we can also arrange an optional day exploring the island to visit a local Batak tribe village, the Tomb of the Sidabutar Kings, King Siallagan™s Chair and see local weavers at work. If there™s time left over, we could also consider a trek up Holbung Hill with spectacular views over Samosar and Lake Toba. Meals:B x 2, L x 1
Please note: We have included for one 1/2 day tour with lunch provided. Other local tours and activities will be subject to extra costs.

Day 11 - 11 Nov: Lake Toba -  Airport - Tour ends
This morning we transfer to Medan Airport (option to Lake Toba airport) where your tour ends or you can continue with your onward travels. Meals: B

INCLUSIONS / EXCLUSIONS

INCLUSIONS

• Accommodations throughout (twin-share basis)
• Meals as outlined in Itinerary. (B,L,D)
• All National park and entry fees 
• All transfers in private AC vehicles (cars and bus)
• Experienced English-speaking local guides 
• Orangutan Odysseys t-shirt
• OVAID "goodies" pack
• Ranger and local guide fees plus porters
• Tent and camping equipment

EXCLUSIONS

• International and Domestic airfares and any expenses due to flight delay or cancellations
• Travel Insurance (mandatory)
• Personal expenses; alcohol, laundry, phone calls
• Tipping (optional)

DONATIONS, FEES AND COST

The purpose of this trip is to create awareness of the threat of extinction facing orangutans because of the destruction of their rainforest habitat and to raise funds to help orangutans. The trip hosts, Nigel and Sara are generously donating their time and expertise to help make this a most unique trip and a special experience for all our guests. Each participant of the trip has agreed to fundraise a minimum of GB£850 in donations specifically for OVAID. Your participation in this event WILL make a difference to help save orangutans lives.
 
How will your fundraising be spent? All of the money raised will be completely utilised by OVAID to supply much-needed equipment to the SOCP orangutan vet team in Sumatra, medicines and equipment for the Batu Mbelin rescue centre and its remote release stations and the Orangutan Haven, OIC & FKL veterinary teams and to support the further training of Indonesian vets. Nigel and Sara have advised that the following equipment supplies will be provided:-

SOCP disaster update - a vital need for our donations of equipment and medicines!
You may have seen that the SOCP rescue and rehabilitation site which we plan to visit on day 3 of the tour, suffered four devastating landslides at the end of 2024. These completely destroyed the veterinary clinic and several isolation cages and severely damaged the infant house. Luckily there was no loss of human life but 2 orangutan sadly perished.

Currently, at the start of the 2025, whilst access to the site has been re-established and recovery work has started, large areas of the site need to be cleared, surveys conducted and rebuilding planned and started. We anticipate that we will still be able to visit the site, meet the vet team and hand over donations during the tour in November but our access will be dependent on the situation at the time. Whatever the situation we will still meet up with the vet team and personally hand over donations.

In December 2024, an OVAID team made an urgent visit to the site to deliver £36,000 of emergency supplies to the vet team and the charity has committed to repair or replace further veterinary equipment for the vet team over the coming months. It is anticipated that the cost for this will be in excess of £55,000 in total.This makes your fund-raising efforts even more important as the vet team will need more equipment as the new clinic takes shape and we will definitely be taking many items with us when we visit in November.

SOCP Clinic prior to landslides               Baby House prior to landslides

Clinic remains Jan 2025      The SOCP team surveys damage

HOW ELSE YOU CAN HELP

Please note OVAID have extensive supplies of consumables needing to be taken out to the centres and which you can help carry in your luggage to help enormously.

Some of our guests feel that in addition to their fundraising effort for OVAID, they would like to make a small personal contribution/presentation to the vet teams e.g. stethoscope or other veterinary item. This is completely optional but if this is the case please contact Nigel at info@ovaid.org prior to acquisition to identify the most suitable item(s) to take.

TRIP EXTENSIONS

Why not think about seeing more amazing locations in Indonesia after your orangutan expedition? For more details about some of the exciting trip extensions on offer to other parts of Indonesia click here.