Responsible Tourism

Our philosophy

Our philosophy is to operate tourism based on eco & responsible tourism principles;

  1. to benefit and empower local people;
  2. to conserve and protect our environment;
  3. to enrich visitors experience;
  4. and to reduce and or mitigate tourism impacts.

We do this through our eco and responsible tours we offer, and due to these tours, jobs are created for local people in places we visit, and through our direct projects with local people, lives are saved through our empowerment programs; linking local people to tourism business and how to benefit from them thereby creating local entrepreneurships; linking visitors to local people to share insights and experiences thus enriching visitors experience beyond the usual nature experience but by a people, nature, and cultural experience and above all having in place codes of conduct to limit tourism impacts; and contributing back to conservation, environment and local people to enable us all to conserve for generations.

We take all this as our corporate responsibility and we make sure our visitors understand, feel and share our concern, and we believe together we keep this world a better place to live in now and for generations to come.

We work directly with conservation and park authorities, local authorities and local people and both actors and stakeholders in conservation and poverty reduction. Through this working relationship, we have been able to do a number of projects aiming at linking local people to conservation thereby reducing the community-wildlife conflicts and fighting to reduce poverty by increasing linkages and incentives for conservation. read more…

Offset your flight Carbon Emission

We have partnered with Rwanda Green Society, on their tree planting project to offset the carbon emitted by flights to Rwanda. You can buy your credits with us, who will be used to buy tree species and have them planted, or we can keep for you and plant upon arrival, and we will keep you informed about your tree/s in Rwanda. Why not own a tree in Rwanda.

Whereas planting trees is not a wholesome solution to global warming, it doe not only reduce soil erosion, but it also answers the much needed question of wood as a source of energy to communities and help in regeneration program where trees have been cut down and soil erosion rampant.

Not only does this benefit both people and environment, but also reduces threat to protected area wildlife resources in Rwanda. We believe local people’s participation in neutralising carbon emissions by friends visiting them and the gorillas through tree planting and environmental care will make your tip carbon free.

Offset here, buy credits with us and we will reach out to communities that will plant these trees and care about our environment.

Return Short Haul Flights $15
Return Long haul Flights $ 30

Hands on Rwanda : a humanitarian + volunteer work

We think you shouldn’t be paying a fortune to help people and make a difference in their lives, so join tours that make that difference. All these projects are run by the local people for the benefit of the local people.

We have a couple of humanitarian and volunteer projects around Rwanda , and we will be happy to link you to where your efforts and expertise is much needed. Mostly;

  • education for adults (teaching English)
  • cultural villages,
  • hope associations (genocide survivors)
  • ecotourism,
  • women basket weaving associations,
  • youth crafting and painting,
  • agriculture,
  • habitat for humanity,
  • community-conservation outreach programs,
  • energy and water projects
  • and many more...

We believe that it’s possible and worthwhile to make a positive difference to places we visit, in need and people we meet along the way, who will in turn become our friends and a part of our family.

Code of Conduct for Tourism practiced in communities

By following these simple guidelines, you can help preserve the unique environment and cultures of the Rwandan people.

Protect the Natural Environment

  • Limit deforestation - make no open fires and discourage others from doing so on your behalf. Where water is heated by scarce firewood, use as little as possible. When possible, choose accommodation that uses kerosene or fuel wood efficient stoves.
  • Remove litter by burning or burying paper and carryout all non-degradable litter.
  • Keep local water clean and avoid using pollutants such as detergents in streams and springs. If no toilets facilities are available, make sure you are at least 30 meters away from water sources and bury or cover wastes.
  • Plants should be left to flourish in their natural environment-taking cuttings, seeds and roots are illegal in this area.
  • Help your guides and porters to follow conservation measures.

The Rwandan people may change you, please do not change them by respecting local traditions, protecting cultures and maintaining local pride

  • When taking photographs, respect privacy, ask permission and use restraint.
  • Avoid giving to children water bottles known locally as "agacupa" encourages begging. A donation to a community project, health center or school is a more constructive way to help.
  • You will be accepted and welcomed if you follow local customs. Use only your right hand for eating and greeting. Do not share cutlery or cups, etc. it is polite to use both hands when giving and receiving gifts.
  • Respect for local etiquette earns respect. Lightweight clothes are preferable to revealing shorts, skimpy tops and tight fitting action wear. Kissing in public is disliked by local people.
  • Remember when you are shopping for local products that the bargain you buy may only be possible because of low income of others.
  • Visitors who value local traditions encourage local pride and maintain local cultures, please help local people gain a realistic view of life in western countries.
  • Buy locally made souvenirs where possible but avoid those made from wildlife.
  • Support locally owned and operated tourism initiatives.· Limit your drive to 40km per hour or less.
  • Stay in your vehicle except at designated areas.
  • Follow the guidelines given to you by your guide, and always ask your guide in case anything is not clear to you.

Be patient, friendly and sensitive. Remember you are a guest to our community.

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