Green fingers? Community farming volunteer projects in beautiful Uganda

Green, lush, mountainous and remote, Bwindi is a truly stunning place but behind this the local farmers need to improve their agricultural methods and production. We welcome people with green fingers to share their passion, knowledge and skills around farming and horticultural and we need you ASAP!

What will I be doing?

You'll work across a range of practical and strategic tasks working side by side with local community groups to try and figure out improved ways to grow more sustainable crops whilst ensuring their unique natural environment is well considered and protected for the future.

Depending on your background and when you'd like to join us, there are opportunities to support and drive enterprise, health and nutrition initiatives. One thing's for sure you'll be getting your hands dirty - digging, planting and harvesting on the local village demonstration farm known there as 'itambala'. This is the hub for sharing best practice farming methods and skills, and is absolutely vital to this rural community.

Where will I live?

We want to make your trip as comfortable as possible and give you a nice home to live in whilst you generously share your time to help the rural communities bordering Bwindi. You'll live in the Big Beyond house which is shared with other volunteers and the rest of the team. It's situated within a quiet little village and there are fantastic sweeping views of the pocket forest right from the garden. It's remote and there's no electricity or piped water here so we run on solar power and harvest bathing water. It's a truly eco experience with a bit of a luxury edge!

Is it for me?

The range of roles we'd like to fill is diverse and we need lots of enthusiastic individuals with a range of skills and interests to make a difference. You don't need a degree in conservation to join us…. the only thing we ask is that you're over 18 and have the right attitude to volunteering and living in rural Africa, a strong work ethic and team spirit.

When can I go and how long can I stay?

There's two monthly intake dates throughout the year...just tell us when you'd like to go and we'll match you up with the nearest date with availability. You can stay from just two weeks up to 12 months - although the longer the better to really get stuck in.

What's the cost?

There is a program fee to join our team in Uganda. Costs from $1595 for 2 weeks but this includes everything to ensure you have a seamless and unforgettable experience and make big impacts on the ground. We look after all of your accommodation, food and drinking water, local transport, in-country transfers, personal placement design, orientation and excellent project management and support before, during and after your expedition. You just need to budget for your international flights, visa and very minimal spending money once you're out there.

Free time & travel:

There are loads of activities to suit different interests right on our doorstep. In your free time, you might enjoy a pretty challenging hike or perhaps a more chilled out walk amongst the gorgeous hills whilst you marvel at sweeping views of great the lakes, volcanoes and Bwindi forest. You can go on a trek through the rainforest to a breathtakingly beautiful waterfall or just simply bask in the garden with a good book.

Gorilla tracking is of course a hugely popular activity when travelling to Bwindi, a truly exhilarating and an unforgettable experience. The tracking gates are literally 10 minutes from your house and in easy reach. Your passion may be to spot incredible and colourful species of birds, or see some of the ancient indigenous trees. Maybe the history and culture surrounding the Batwa Pygmy tribe will completely engross you and you just want to spend some time with the people, learning about their fascinating way of life. It's a really sociable place to live so you'll probably spend loads of time making new friends and just living like a local.

For those that feel a travel urge, just a small journey away (possible on your weekends) you'll find yourself in hot African savannah where tree climbing lions live, and buffalo, elephant and antelopes wander. Or perhaps you'd prefer to visit the huge snowcapped mountains of the Rwenzori's for a really challenging hike and exploring forests in search of chimpanzees on the way… it's a country of incredible contrast, diversity and a true blend of Africa.