This safari has everything: trekking through the lush jungles of North Sumatra on elephant back, river tubing down the Buluh and Batang Rivers, exploring the famous Bat Cave, enjoying the hospitality of the Karonese people, and experiencing up-close-and-personal encounters with the endangered orang-utans. This fun-filled, amazing tour is sure to satisfy your adventurous spirit.

Your 12-day jungle safari begins with a drive to Tangkahan, famous for its community-based ecotourism. On the way, you stop off at Batang Sarangan to explore the local markets and experience the colour and richness of the Karonese culture.

Throughout the tour, you will be staying in comfortable eco lodges, jungle caves, and a campsite at Bukit Lawang, which is the home of several species of primates, including the Thomas Leaf Monkey and the orang-utan.

See yourself hand-feeding and bathing baby elephants, river tubing to secluded waterfalls for picnics and swims, dining at sumptuous Karonese banquets, spending nights under a 30-foot waterfall, and trekking on elephant back through lush jungles on the lookout for fauna and flora. Your up-close-and-personal encounter with the Man of the Forest, the orang-utan, is certain to be an emotional and uplifting experience.

There is so much on this jungle safari to experience and learn, as you attune your senses to the wonderful sights and sounds of the stunning Sumatran landscape.

For more on the CRU Tangkahan conservation model implemented by Fauna and Flora International (FFI) click here!

You will:

• help bathe and hand-feed elephants
• immerse yourself in village life
• enjoy the gracious hospitality of the gentle Karonese people
• get up close and personal with orang-utans.
• taste delicious traditional foods and enjoy Karonese banquets
• sleep in comfortable eco lodges, waterfall caves, and a campsite
• river tube from village to village
• trek on elephant back through jungles to secluded waterfall caves, including the Bat Cave
• observe a multitude of wildlife, including gibbons, monkeys, elephants, birds and orang-utans

2013 Tour Calendar

Date: June 22nd - 5th July
Leader: Dane Graham

Availability: 3 positions left

Best time of year to travel

During the dry season, from May to September.

Fitness and suitability level

Level 2: - Medium – Explore! If you are in good health and your level of fitness is average, you can have a great time on this trip. The usual trekking distance is 3 to 5 kilometres at a time. Some terrains are steep; however, if you feel that you are unable to participate, we provide optional activities for you to enjoy. Camping and other outdoor activities are also included that are not physically strenuous.