Orangutans in the rainforest of Sumatra - Indonesia

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Tour Details

When

Oct. 2026 & 2027

2 departures in 2026 and 2027

Costs

EUR 1,400

per person in a double room

Group

Max. 4 people

+ German- and English-speaking guide from Moby Wildlife Tours + Local guide

2026

  • Saturday, October 10, 2026 – Tuesday, October 13, 2026

2027

  • Saturday, October 9, 2027 – Tuesday, October 12, 2027

Additional dates for private tours are available upon request

Where

Start

in Medan on October 10, 2026, at 8 a.m.

End

in Medan on October 13, 2026, around 4:00 p.m.

Price includes

What's included

Transportation, tours, accommodation, meals in the group, presentation about the Orangutans

What is not included

Personal expenses, insurance, arrival and departure to and from Medan

Physical requirements

We go on hikes of varying lengths in the tropical rainforest, some of which involve fairly steep climbs. A certain level of fitness is required.

Food preferences, intolerances and intolerances can be taken into consideration.

An orangutan in a tropical jungle clings to a tree trunk.
An orange orangutan clinging to a tree in the jungle and looking straight into the camera.

Ready for this journey?

Check availability for your desired date.

About the trip

There are not many places left in the world where you can still observe Orangutans, the giants of the rainforests of Southeast Asia.
The journey to the orangutans of Sumatra takes us from Medan, the largest city in Sumatra, 3-4 hours west to the edge of Leuser National Park. Over 4 days, we go in search of the orangutans. We also have the chance to see other different species of monkeys and birds that live in Southeast Asia's largest national park.

During our time in Leuser National Park, we are accommodated in a nice lodge, which serves as our starting point into the forest. If you are interested, there is also the option of spending the night in tents by a river in the rainforest.

An orangutan is sitting on a tree trunk in a green forest. It is holding one hand over its mouth and looking up.

The Animals

The aim of this trip is to meet the fascinating Orangutans. Being able to observe these animals in the dense greenery of their natural habitat is something very special and a dream come true for photography enthusiasts!
These endangered animals can no longer be observed in many places. Forest clearance for agriculture and livestock farming has driven them out of many regions.

To help preserve this species, animals were released into the wild in the area covered by our tour years ago and are still being fed. Some of these animals are still accustomed to humans today and come very close to the hiking trails. However, we also have the opportunity to observe orangutans in the deeper forest, though they tend to keep their distance from humans.
We often have the chance to witness mothers with their frequently very active offspring. Imposing male orangutans can also be encountered from time to time.

In addition, this rich ecosystem naturally offers us the chance to encounter other species. White-handed gibbons, crested langurs, Thomas’s langurs, Javanese macaques, and southern pig-tailed macaques are just a few of the species we frequently encounter. The birdlife here is also incredible, with majestic toucans as the main stars. We also regularly spot various reptiles, such as snakes.

Tigers, elephants, leopards and bears can normally only be found deep in the rainforest. A sighting is therefore possible, but would be like hitting the jackpot in the lottery!

An orangutan is sitting among tree trunks in the jungle, looking up.

Accommodation & Catering

During our time in Leuser National Park, we stay in a beautiful lodge right on the edge of the park. This lodge serves as a starting point for many visitors to the rainforest. The rooms are small but nice and also have balconies with a view of the passing river or the forest. However, do not expect 5-star accommodation! The lodge's restaurant serves mostly local dishes.

Depending on the group's interests, there is also the option of spending a night on a small river deeper in the rainforest. The conditions are very basic, with accommodation in tents and very limited sanitary facilities. However, the experience is amazing. The sounds of the forest in the dark are well worth the effort!

Daily Programme

After arriving at the lodge and having lunch, we set off on our first excursion into Leuser National Park. Smaller excursions take 2-3 hours and require a certain level of fitness.

On the other days, we either go on shorter hikes in the mornings and afternoons or on a longer excursion deeper into the Leuser ecosystem. Catering is always provided.

Equipment & Photography

The climate in these regions of Indonesia is humid and tropical. Although this makes it tempting to wear shorts, you should still wear long hiking clothes in the forest during the day. Leeches and mosquitoes are lurking!
In the evenings, however, it is much cooler here compared to the cities of Southeast Asia. Therefore the longer clothing is pleasant. Good hiking boots or sneakers are also an advantage, even if the local guides walk through the forest in flip-flops.

For photographers, we recommend medium to large lenses. The Orangutans are often very close or even on the paths, so you can get to them within a few meters. However, birds and other monkeys are often a little further away.

A backpack is ideal for carrying clothes or water.

Contact us

Are you convinced yet, or do you have any questions? Feel free to reach out to us via the contact form below, WhatsApp (+41765811893), or email (info@mobywildlifetours.com).