Mammals
Birds
Amphibians
Reptiles
March 22 – April 2 2025
Durrell supporters embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure in India!
The Founder’s Trek celebrates 100 years since the birth of our visionary founder, Gerald Durrell. 20 daring and dedicated individuals will walk 60km from Gerry’s birthplace in West Bengal to the tall grasslands of Assam, home of the Pygmy Hog Conservation Programme.
This expedition includes hiking and camping within sight of the world's third highest mountain, Kanchenjunga, with a unique behind-the-scenes insight into Durrell's vital wildlife conservation work. Trekkers have the exclusive opportunity to meet the world’s smallest pig, the Endangered pygmy hog, and the passionate team saving it from extinction.
Dates: 22 March – 2 April 2025
Cost: £2,935 per person
Fundraising challenge: £2,500 per person
There’s still time to join us on the Founder’s Trek! Get in touch with Julia at julia.voce@durrell.org or Tribal Tracks to find out more.
Meet some of our trekkers
Hear from some of the incredible supporters taking on the challenge of walking 60km through India to celebrate Gerry’s centenary year and raise money for Durrell.
George Machon
Where are you from? Jersey
Why have you taken on this challenge? Why have you taken on this challenge? I was looking for a new challenge and something positive to take on, and when I saw the opportunity to do the Founder’s Trek, which combines both an incredible challenge and raising funds for Durrell and their amazing conservation work, I just had to do it. I’ve always loved walking, and I’m fortunate that there are some great walks in Jersey, but I’ve never done a trek like this.
What are you most excited to experience on the trek? I’m looking forward to the whole experience of a challenging Himalayan trek, and can’t wait to see the views, especially when we summit Dzongri Top, 4,200m above sea level. I’m also excited to meet the team working on the Pygmy Hog Conservation Project and hopefully seeing some pygmy hogs!
John Boyce
Where are you from? Tervuren, a town in Flanders (Belgium) to the east of Brussels.
Why have you taken on this challenge? I've been a supporter of Durrell for several years, including through a small charity my family set up in memory of our youngest son (The ROB Trust). We're passionate about nature and rewilding. Now that I've retired, I have more time to learn about the work people are doing on various projects. The Founder's Trek gives me the chance to see first-hand the work Durrell is doing to save the pygmy hog and the grasslands of Assam and to spread the word as I try to raise funds.
What are you most excited to experience on the trek? More than 40 years ago (while a student), I went trekking in the Western Himalayas, including reaching an altitude of 4,700 metres at Camp 1 of Nanga Parbat (9th highest mountain in the world). I'm hoping that walking in the Eastern Himalayas in the foothills of Kanchenjunga (3rd highest, after Everest and K2) will allow me to relive the daunting and humbling experience of walking in the wild and natural surroundings at such high altitudes while looking up to the imposing mountain ranges above. Of course, I'm also looking forward to meeting the pygmy hogs!
Sarah O'Garra
Where are you from? Jersey
Why have you taken on this challenge? Celebrating Gerald Durrell’s 100th year while exploring a stunning country and pushing myself physically felt like an opportunity that was just too good to miss. Most of all, I want to show my children there’s a whole world of adventures out there, just waiting for them to explore.
What are you most excited to experience on the trek? Getting to the top of Dzongri La will be breathtaking, but I’m most excited about visiting the Durrell field site. Meeting the pygmy hogs and the team protecting them and their grassland habitat is going to be an unforgettable highlight.