Pygmy Protection in Uganda

Here's an opportunity to take a vacation with a difference. Scott and Carol Kellerman are missionaries running a clinic serving the Batwa people - a displaced Pygmy tribe in Uganda. The Batwa lived in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest through their entire tribal history, until the Ugandan government declared it a national park in 1991 and relocated them. No longer able to follow their hunter/gatherer traditions, the pygmies are struggling to survive.

The Kellermans put volunteers to work at their weekly clinic held under a tree, providing hands-on medical training for the diagnosis and treatment of common illnesses and tropical diseases like malaria. Every volunteer who comes leaves knowing they have played a vital role in saving many lives. When not at the clinic, volunteers work on school and supply projects.

Visiting this region of Uganda offers other amazing opportunities, too: gorilla trekking in the Bwindi National Forest will cost about $275; only 12 visitors a day are allowed into the forest. There's also a waterfall hike locally, and in Kampala, the capitol, Nile rafting can be had for $120.

The Kellermans provide food and accomodation to their volunteers, and ask for a contribution of $25 a week in return. Travelers will be very comfortable on a budget of around $125 a week. Information about travel and visas can be found here.

Filed under: Activism