Discover the transformative power of sustainable travel with Nkuringo Safaris. Explore how purposeful journeys uplift local communities while offering unforgettable wildlife experiences. From eco-friendly accommodations to impactful initiatives, embark on a journey that leaves a positive impact on both nature and society.
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Current Scenario of Sustainable Travel
According to Forbes, deep and meaningful travel is expected to be a major trend this year. This type of travel involves connecting tourists with local communities, teaching them about local cultures, and providing authentic experiences.
Booking.com’s Sustainable Travel Report reveals that more than two-thirds of travellers want the money they spend on travel to support local communities.
But despite this growing popularity, two in five admitted they don’t know where or how to find activities and programs that support the local community. Additionally, travel experiences that claim to be regenerative harm local communities.
Eco-Conscious Travel: A Journey with Nkuringo Safaris
Lydia Eva Mpanga, founder of Nkuringo Safaris, points out that some travel opportunities inadvertently exploit indigenous cultures and prioritize tourist leisure over the well-being of local communities.
Consider settlements that attract large groups of wealthy visitors to poor rural areas just to enjoy sunset cocktails, while residents are forced to travel hundreds of kilometres in search of clean drinking water.
“Conversely, having worked in Uganda and Rwanda, we have experienced firsthand the transformative power of purposeful travel. Travel can be very fulfilling and have a positive impact on local communities. It all depends on doing research and choosing destinations that will help the local population.”
Nestled high above the jungle canopies of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Nkuringo Safaris has an incredible property owned by an original Ugandan family that offers the ideal relaxation experience for eco-conscious travellers.
Impactful Initiatives by Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge
Situated at an altitude of 7000 feet on the Nteko Ridge, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge is one of Uganda’s first carbon-neutrally certified properties. It offers stunning views of lush rainforest and a series of volcanoes that are home to the world’s only remaining mountain gorillas.
It provides a great starting point for anyone wanting to go out and monitor these mighty gorillas, with each individual paying a sum that helps maintain their protection.
Sustainable Design and Eco-Friendly Practices
Through its Nkuringo Junior Stars programme, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge supports local children in addition to its dedication to sustainability and wildlife.
The effort is particularly focused on helping girls stay in school, as data shows that only half (53%) of female students complete the first seven years of compulsory education, largely due to poverty. Daughters from low-income families are often expected to stay at home and assist with household chores or other sources of income.
Through its fair trade policy, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge supports local parents by providing them with guided training courses that equip them with the skills needed to create a stable income to raise their children without the need to leave school.
Through the sale of their exquisite works in its gift store, the lodge also supports the Nkuringo Crafts Project, which aims to provide youth with the skills necessary to create handmade items such as jewellery, paintings, baskets and sculptures.
Additionally, the property has implemented a Pack for Purpose program, which encourages guests to include a small gift in their luggage for low-income families living in nearby villages.
Unforgettable Experiences for Eco-Conscious Travelers
Located on the southern border of the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, travellers can find the Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge set amidst the trees, flowers and plants of the forest. Consisting of 2 two-bedroom family villas, 5 luxury forest suites, 6 garden cottages and 3 standard garden cottages, the accommodation comprises 18 rooms with full amenities in 16 residences.
Despite the lodge’s impressive commitment to sustainability and nature, the view from Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge speaks for itself. Each accommodation offers spectacular views of the vast Bwindi Forest and garden chalets rise above the Virunga mountain range, while rugged walking trails lead guests around the entire property.
Nkuringo Safaris: Customizing Authentic Wildlife Experiences
Built using locally sourced materials, the luxury cottages are completely eco-friendly.
The roof and wooden floors are made of volcanic rock and papyrus, and the rainwater collection system, which supplies most of the lodge’s water, is supported by sheets of corrugated iron. The excess water that is not required is later shared with the entire local community.
At Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, solar energy is used exclusively for heating and lighting. Additionally, the accommodation has an onsite vegetable garden that supplies the kitchen, and a tree planting program, which encourages each guest to “plant a tree” in their beautifully maintained gardens.
The cottages have large rooms, with plenty of natural light and local-style furniture. Additionally, they also include individual viewing decks with 360-degree views of the volcano and the forest canopy below.
Each of the family villas and luxurious forest suites available to guests offers complete privacy and overlooks the forest. Apart from gorilla trekking, tourists can visit local communities, hike through dense forests and canoe on the calm waters of Lake Mutanda.
Since 2015, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge has won the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards and the World Travel Awards seven times as Uganda’s Leading Safari Lodge.
Licensed tour operator Nkuringo Safaris offers memorable, safe, intimate and authentic wildlife experiences in Uganda and Rwanda. Travellers’ preferences are taken into account when the firm arranges gorilla trekking trips, honeymoon getaways, cultural exchanges and both individual and group activities.
Conclusion
Nkuringo Safaris exemplifies the essence of meaningful travel, combining environmentally conscious practices with authentic experiences.
By supporting the local community and prioritizing environmental stewardship, they pave the way for a more sustainable tourism industry. Join them in forging a path toward responsible exploration and sustainable impact.
