Right now, children in Uganda are waiting for life-saving surgery. This trek could change that.

Millions of children across the world’s poorest countries are left untreated—not because doctors lack skill, but because families can’t afford care.

The Global Surgery Crisis

• 1.75 billion children lack access to surgical care. (BMJ Paediatrics Open, 2023)
• Of the 310 million operations performed annually, just 6% occur in the world’s poorest countries—and even fewer are for children. (The Lancet, 2015)

Without access to surgery:

• Congenital anomalies go unrepaired.
• Treatable injuries result in lifelong disabilities.
• Children die from correctable surgical conditions, such as incarcerated hernias.

In Uganda, families face impossible choices:

Travel for days to reach the nearest hospital—spending everything they have just to get there.
Go without surgery, allowing conditions to worsen because treatment is unaffordable.
Take on crushing debt, pushing families further into poverty just to pay for care.

Many never get the help they need. But Humanity Direct is changing that.

Humanity Direct was founded in 2013 with a simple but revolutionary mission: to remove financial barriers to surgery for children in low-income countries. What started as a small initiative has grown into a charity that has funded over 1,000 operations, changing lives across Uganda and beyond.

Unlike many medical charities, 100% of donations go directly to patient care—no admin fees, no middlemen. This unique approach ensures that children receive the treatment they need immediately, rather than waiting months or years for funding.

Working closely with local hospitals and expert surgeons, Humanity Direct supports urgent and life-changing procedures—from hernia repairs to maxillofacial surgery—giving children back their futures.

How Humanity Direct Makes a Difference

• Every penny goes directly to patient care. No overheads, no middlemen.
• Immediate action. We underwrite every operation, ensuring no child is left waiting for funds before receiving treatment.
• Full support—from diagnosis to recovery.

Since launching in 2013, Humanity Direct has:

• Funded over 1,000 life-changing operations—from hernia repairs to neurosurgery.
• Provided 4,000+ children with glasses through the “Glasses for Classes” program.
• Partnered with top surgeons in Uganda to ensure the best possible care.

The only thing standing between a child and surgery is cost.

That’s where some of our charity trekkers come in.

This fully supported trek takes you into the heart of Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest—one of the last great wildernesses on Earth.

Over 10 days, you’ll trek jungle trails, cross mountain passes, and wade through lush valleys, surrounded by the sounds of exotic birds and primates. The journey leads to an incredible encounter with the Nkuringo Gorilla family, one of the world’s most endangered species.

Some participants will fundraise for Humanity Direct, funding life-changing surgery for children in Uganda. Others will take on the trek for a personal challenge, another cause, or simply for the experience.

Whatever your reason, this is a challenge that stays with you.

Trek Overview

• Departure Date: 26 February 2026
• Duration: 10 days
• Location: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
• Distance: 55km over 5 days
• Terrain: Jungle trails, mountain passes, lakeside crossings
• Difficulty: 4/5 – A tough but achievable challenge with training
• Wildlife Encounters: Track the Nkuringo Gorilla family with expert guides
• Community Impact: Visit local conservation and medical projects

There are two ways to join this challenge—whether you’re fundraising for Humanity Direct, supporting another cause, or taking on the trek for yourself.

1️ Fundraising Option

• Set a fundraising target for Humanity Direct or a charity of your choice.
• Raise funds by 14 weeks before departure, and your challenge costs are covered.

2️ Self-Funding Option

• Pay for your place on the trek yourself.
• Fundraise as much or as little as you like—or simply take on the challenge for the experience.

Both options include full support from the Dream Challenges team, expert guides, and an unforgettable journey through one of Africa’s most incredible landscapes.

A Journey That Changes Lives

Whether you’re trekking for charity, personal growth, or the experience of a lifetime, you’ll be part of something extraordinary.