Category: Responsible Tourism

The responsibility highlighted in the term “responsible tourism” is a powerful concept. It invites you to continuously think about your actions, consider their immediate and far-reaching implications. In our interpretation we follow the 2022 Responsible Tourism Charter that defines it as:

(1) Recognises global environmental issues that require local action
(2) Sets goals, measures and reports efforts to minimise negative economic, environmental, and social impacts
(3) Generates greater economic benefits for local people and enhances the well-being of host communities
(4) Involves local people in decisions that affect their communities
(5) Makes positive contributions to the conservation of natural and cultural heritage
(6) Addresses biodiversity loss and is nature-positive
(7) Provides inclusive employment irrespective of ability, ethnicity, gender and sexual orientation
(8) Provides more enjoyable experiences for all through more meaningful connections with locals and a greater understanding of context/issues
(9) Offers culturally sensitive experiences engendering respect between tourists and hosts, and building local pride and confidence
To these we add:
(10) Promotes animal welfare

Our Stories:

  • This Book is for Every Non-African in Africa

    This Book is for Every Non-African in Africa

    It is 23 January 2021 in the morning, I have to be at the airport in 2 hours. My luggage already weighs 25 kilograms, two more than the 23 that is allowed, but I am still standing there with five books in my arms that I really want to take with me. I love reading,…

  • Not so Close Encounters, Please

    Not so Close Encounters, Please

    Your first hike through the lush forest, entrance to a clearing, and face to face encounter a family of Mountain Gorillas in the wild, should be life experience enough for anyone. But in these days of social media, it may not be — we need selfies as well. It may be such selfies of friends…

  • Why Gorilla Numbers Keep Growing

    Why Gorilla Numbers Keep Growing

    Great news: the three Covid-infected gorillas at the San Diego Zoo have fully recovered. They showed only light symptoms — cough and lack of energy — during sickness but with this naughty virus you really never know… Last week we updated you on how gorilla tracking has been made safe for the animals in the…

  • How to Support Kigali’s “Historically Marginalised People”

    How to Support Kigali’s “Historically Marginalised People”

    At first sight, the nursery beds and tiny cactuses in painted pots by the roadside look unremarkable. As in any other East African city, the residents of Kigali can conveniently buy decorative plants and earthenware straight from their cars. But the gentlemen who run the neatly arranged gardens that extend towards a swamp rich in…

  • Why Do We Always Need Muzungu Help?

    Why Do We Always Need Muzungu Help?

    The Guardian, one of the leading global news sources, published a photo gallery about our home this week. It shows British rowers Richard and Peter Chambers, winners of an Olympic medal in 2012, carrying 20 litre jerrycans up the slopes of Lake Bunyonyi hills. Minus a rather unneccessary and vague mention that girls collecting water…

  • “Responsible Tourism” – Right Term, Right Way

    “Responsible Tourism” – Right Term, Right Way

    There is nobody with a tourism degree on the Gorilla Highlands team, nor has anybody worked in the tourism industry beforehand. Our decision to enter this business was purely pragmatic. We noticed negative long-term effects of charity and looked for something smarter. We were enchanted with our region’s natural and cultural beauty. We felt that the best way…

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